Coach Code of Conduct

Any individual coaching a team or teams on behalf of Eagle FC must adhere to the following COACH CODE OF CONDUCT.  As a coach of Eagle FC, I agree with the following statements:

GENERAL STANDARDS & EXPECTATIONS

• I will ensure my conduct sets the proper example for officials, parent(s)/legal guardian(s), players, and spectators.
• I will maintain control of emotions and refrain from using abusive language or profanity, humiliating remarks, and gestures of ill-will, or physical assault upon a coach, player, official, parent, or spectator.
• I will remember that players participate for pleasure, and winning is only part of the fun.
• I will never ridicule or yell at players for making a mistake or not winning.
• I will be reasonable concerning the demands on a player’s time, energy, and enthusiasm.
• I will operate within the rules and spirit of the game and teach players to do the same.
• I will ensure that the time players spend with me is a positive experience; all players are deserving of equal attention and opportunity.
• I will ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age, maturity, and ability level of the players/team.
• I will display control, respect, and professionalism to all involved, including, but not limited to, officials, coaches, players, spectators, opponents, and administrators.  Players should be encouraged to act similarly.
• I will show concern and caution towards sick and injured players and follow a physician’s advice when determining whether an injured player is ready to practice or play.
• I will keep up-to-date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of young players’ growth and development.
• I will follow Eagle FC’s philosophy of player development and curriculum.
• I understand that any physical contact with a player should be appropriate for soccer situations and necessary for the player’s development.
• I will respect every young person’s rights, dignity, and worth regardless of their gender, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, and ability.
• I believe my role is to contribute to each player’s overall success and physical/athletic growth through participation in soccer.
• I will work tirelessly to be an excellent instructor and a positive role model for my assistant coaches/players.
• I will remember that my behavior reflects upon myself, Eagle FC, and the sport of soccer.
• I will show respect for officials; coaches are to refrain from questioning official decisions, especially in a disrespectful or abusive manner.
• I understand that my attitude can influence the officials, coaches, parents/legal guardians, players, and spectators.
• I will demand a sporting environment free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all Eagle FC events.
• I will not have email, social media/networking, instant messaging, text communications, or phone calls with players of a personal nature (e.g., email blasts relating to practice times and locations, game times and places, or other team-related events are permitted).  Should a player send me communication in violation of this policy, I will immediately notify the player’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and the current executive director or director of coaching of said communication.
• I will not make social media/networking contacts (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, etc.) with any player until they legally reach the age of 18-years.
• I will not encourage Eagle FC players to move to a competing organization even if I switch jobs to coach for that competing organization.  I understand if I do this, I can be suspended from CPYSL, EPYSA, APL, EDP, or National League, etc., and prevented from coaching any players at the new organization that I coached at Eagle FC
• I will follow all Rules and Code of Ethics/Standards instituted by EFC, CPYSL, EPYSA, APL, EDP, or National League, etc.
• I will not wear Bluetooth headsets, talk on cell phones, send emails or text messages while coaching at practices/games, or evaluate players at tryouts.
• I will wear Adidas gear at all Eagle FC events and wear Eagle FC logoed gear at all games, tournaments, tryouts, and meetings.
• I will arrive not less than 45-minutes before the designated kick-off time for any game.
• I will arrive not less than 15-minutes before the scheduled start of any training session.
• I may not leave any team function until all players are picked up.
• I will use the designated software program as directed by Eagle FC to manage communications with teams.
• I will respond to all written and verbal communications from the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and players within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving said communication.
• I will respond to all written and verbal communications from the current executive director and/or director of coaching within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving said communication.
• If I receive a written or verbal communication from an Eagle FC Board member, who does not have a child playing for me, I will forward that communication to the current executive director and/or director of coaching and will not respond directly to said Board member.
• I will communicate timely and frequently with parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and players.
• I will not drive or transport players unless I am the parent or unless an emergency medical need exists.  I will immediately notify the player’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s), current executive director, and/or director of coaching as to the emergency.  In no event will I drive a van with one or more Eagle FC players to any event, including, but not limited to, practices, games, camps, clinics, and tournaments.
• I will not rely on players’ families for transport to and from practices, games, tournaments, or other related events.
• I will not train, coach teams, or provide coaching services (e.g., technical, psycho-motor/biomechanical, or speed and agility training) for other soccer clubs without the prior written permission from the current executive director and/or director of coaching.  Coaching ODP, college, or high school teams are not affected by this provision.
• I will assist in providing bi-annual evaluations (e.g., at minimum, one being a verbal exchange with the player and parent(s)/legal guardian(s), and the other in writing) to each player and will try to utilize online software available to provide said assessments.