Player's Responsibilities

Players are expected to come to practices and games and participate in all drills and activities as instructed by the coach. Players are to be respectful of coaches, officials, opponents and teammates. A player’s direct defiance of an official or coach, use of abusive language, or intentional striking of an official, coach, or another player is not allowed. Striking an official or coach will lead to an automatic suspension from the team, probable loss of Mustang membership and possible criminal charges.

Excessive talking and other disruptive behavior during instruction is not acceptable. A coach has the right to remove a player from a practice session or game if behavior problems become serious. The coach should then contact the parents and try to work out a solution.

If a player’s behavior problems continue to where the team functioning is seriously disrupted, the coach should discuss the problem with the Head of Coaches and may request a hearing to have the player removed from the team.

Mustang Soccer League expects two things from each of its players: a positive attitude and a commitment to the game. Although the level of involvement varies among the Division 1, Division 3 & Division 4 teams, the level of commitment should not. Every Mustang player is expected to attend all practices and games as specified for the Division in which he or she plays. Both Division 3 and Division 4 teams have struggled with a diminishing commitment from players in the past few years. To this end, the League has adopted the following policy regarding attendance: 

PLAYER ATTENDANCE POLICY

• Attendance and participation at all games and practices is expected by all players. Excluding Division 1, every coach is required to play each child at least one half of every game. See separate guidelines specific to Division 1 on the Mustang website under “Division 1.” 
• Unexcused absences from practices may result in a reduction of playing time at games. The following guidelines apply: 
• Every player in Division 3 with 100% attendance at practices (2 practices) during the week prior to a game is to play at least 50% of that game. Every Player with 50% attendance at practices (1 unexcused absence) during the week prior to a game is to play at least 25% of that game. Any Division 3 Player with 2 unexcused absences from practice, during the week prior to a game, is not guaranteed playing time during that game. 
• Every player in Division 4 with 50% attendance at practices (1 practice) during the week prior to a game is to play at least 50% of that game. Players with less than 50% attendance during the week prior to a game may have their playing time limited to less than 50% of the game, but only in extreme circumstances. Every attempt should be made to give a minimum of 50% playing time to that player. This is recreational soccer, and each player should be instilled with the love of the game and not discouraged for events that are typically out of their control! 
• Absences at games and practices will be excused for the following reasons: Player injury, illness, family emergency, or conflict with religious activity. All other absences are considered unexcused. 
• Coaches are to notify parents and the player of reduced playing time prior to game day. Try to allow all players to play at least ½ of the game, unless a persistent pattern of unexcused absences develops. Player missing practices as an exception should not be overly penalized. All players should always play in a game they attend. 
• Continued unexcused absences from practices and games may be cause for a review of the player’s commitment to soccer by the Division Directors, with the coach, player, and parents.

Player's Code

• Play soccer for the fun of it. 
• Play by the Rules. 
• Never argue with or complain about the referees calls or decisions and never question their honesty. 
• Control your temper and most of all; resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged. 
• Concentrate on playing soccer and on affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself. 
• Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your teams or your opponent’s. 
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. 
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good. Don’t be a showoff and a ball-hog. 

Remember to conduct yourself in a manner befitting someone representing themselves, their family, and the Mustang Soccer League.

See the Player's Responsibilities

See the Parent's Code

See the Coach's Code

Coach's Responsibilities

First and Foremost,  BE A DOUBLE GOAL COACH! 

• MODEL GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
• MODEL APPROPRIATE CONDUCT TOWARDS REFEREES 
• MANAGE PARENTS & SPECTATORS
• MAKE SURE THAT NO ONE EVER HARASSES THE REFEREE
• PROMOTE “POSITIVE” BEHAVIOR FOR COACHES & PARENTS
• DISCOURAGE “NEGATIVE” BEHAVIOR OF COACHES & PARENTS
• SHOW ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ABUSE

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP is a must for all Mustang Soccer participants. Mustang Soccer monitors and recognizes good sportsmanship. Disciplinary action may be brought against coaches whose teams consistently rate poor in sportsmanship.

MODEL APPROPRIATE CONDUCT TOWARDS REFEREES

Providing a core of well-trained, certified referees for over 160 (U10 through U19) Division 1, Division 3, and Division 4 teams is a tremendous task. The referee organization in Mustang represents over 400 dedicated youths and adults who are on the field during games to provide safety and fairness for our teams. Referee coordinators work diligently all season long to provide coverage for the high volume of games that are played.

We parents and coaches need to keep in mind how difficult it is to be a referee, especially if you are young. We continue to lose many referees every year because of the harassment they receive from coaches and parents.

The role of referee must be recognized and respected by the coach, the team and the parents. Youth referees must be given the same respect as the adult referees. New referees must LEARN positioning, signals, timing of calls, flow of the game, command of the sidelines, and administrative issues. If you are patient and positive, that referee will become experienced and confident. That referee could be YOUR child! The referee in a soccer match has complete authority over players and coaches from the moment the referee enters the grounds to the time the referee leaves.

Coaches, players, parents, and spectators shall never argue or dispute the decision of the referee or parent official, make negative or derogatory remarks or gestures towards a referee or parent official, or otherwise behave irresponsibly, or bring the game into disrepute.

If the above should occur, the referee or parent official may do the following:

• Report the incident to the League for further action. 
• Dismiss the coach from the game. 
• Terminate the match and leave. 

In addition to the action by the referee or parent official, the League may take further action including:

• Warning or probation. 
• Suspension from one or more games. 
• Suspension for one or more seasons. 

Like all of us, referees will make mistakes. You are entitled to be disappointed when you think the referee is doing a poor job, but don’t express these feelings at the game. It is the coach’s responsibility to contact the Director of Referees if he or she feels a referee needs to improve on skills.

MANAGE PARENTS & SPECTATORS

Coaches are responsible for the behavior of your parents, players, and other spectators at the games. MAKE SURE THAT NO ONE EVER HARASSES THE REFEREE, or walks onto the field during a game. All spectators should remain on the sidelines (about five (5) feet back) in the designated spectator area (between the 18 yard lines), and never behind the goal lines or nets. The game is supposed to be for the players. When the parents put pressure on the players and/or the referees, it takes the fun of the game away from the kids. For further information, see the Parents Handbook at www.mustangsoccer.com under Parents Corner.

Parents, coaches, and players are entitled to a difference of opinion; but they are not permitted to display their dissent through word or action. Additionally, coaches are expected to be role a model and teacher of proper behavior to both the players and parents.

PROMOTE “POSITIVE” BEHAVIOR FOR COACHES & PARENTS

The stated goals for coaches are many, and NONE include arguing with the referees. Every one of these goals deals with the coach’s responsibility to teach players about soccer using skill, reason, fitness, and logic. Some specific goals request coaches to:

• Inspire a love for the game and the desire to compete fairly. 
• Realize that you are a teacher (and role model) and that the soccer field is a classroom. 
• Develop respect for the opponents, opposing coaches, and of the officials. 

DISCOURAGE “NEGATIVE” BEHAVIOR OF COACHES & PARENTS

As a role model and teacher, it is expected that all coaches, as well as the parents, will not exhibit any negative behavior by shouting and arguing with the officials on their games. The CYSA Rules of Play (3:08:03) specifically prohibit this behavior and a coach sent off can be awarded a minimum of a three game suspension and a three game probation by the proper authorities. Since the coach is responsible for the behavior of the parents, it will be the coach who is sent off when it is a parent who has violated the rule.

It appears that many verbal confrontations revolve around coaches and the official’s difference in opinions. Referees are trained to make calls based on FIFA Instruction of the Application of the Laws of the Game. FIFA and CYSA specifically recognize the decisions of the Referee regarding facts connected with play are final.

SHOW ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ABUSE

Many parents and coaches believe that commenting negatively, yelling at, or arguing with the decisions of the game officials, whether they are parents or licensed referees, is proper behavior and a normal part of youth sports. This is absolutely not true and is in violation of the CYSA Codes of Conduct. Everyone should realize that just like the players, the referees are a part of the game. A negative comment during a game to a referee reduces the pleasure and heightens the tension for officials, players, spectators, and other coaches. These comments accomplish nothing except to diminish the Good of the Game.

Mustang Soccer has adopted a ZERO TOLERANCE response toward any coach or parent verbally abusing a referee before, during, or after a game. Specifically, all of our referees have been instructed to take the following action:

• If possible, first warn the coach. 
• Next caution the coach & record on the game card. 
• Dismiss the coach from the game. Coaches will be disciplined per CYSA guidelines as mentioned above. 
• If the problem is larger than one or two people, especially if the problem involves both teams, then the referee is to terminate the match and leave. 

It is vital that all coaches understand that they are the focal point for their team and their actions, positive and negative, greatly influence the enjoyment of the youth players and parents

It must also be noted that a coach’s abusive language on the sidelines, spills onto the playing field and increases the chance of youth players being Cautioned or Sent Off for Dissent or worse – use of foul and abusive language. Section 4:08:02, of the CYSA Team Manual, assigns a minimum for a send off of one game for dissent or two games for the use of foul and abusive language. Help your players stay in the game by setting the appropriate example.

Coach's Code

Coaches are expected to be role models who project the spirit of the sport on and off the field. They are responsible for fairly applying the League’s policies.

No coach shall use profanity or make derogatory remarks or gestures to a referee, parent official, player, parent, or spectator. A coach may never strike, shake, push, or otherwise physically assault a player. A coach has the responsibility to ensure that all players receive at least their minimum earned playing time during games.


Follow the Coaches Code:

• Enthusiastically support and practice “everyone plays” and positive coaching philosophies.
• Be reasonable in your demands on the young players’ time, energy, enthusiasm and their performance on the soccer field.
• Impress on your players that they must abide by the rules of the game at all times.
• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, and for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches.
• Ensure that your players’ soccer experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for any reason.
• Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach they can respect.
• Do not publicly question referees judgment and never their honesty.
• Keep in formed about “sound principles of coaching”; and “growth and development” principles relating to children.
• Enlist the support of your team’s parents in your efforts to instill the proper attitudes and values in the players. MUSTANG SOCCER coaches are responsible for the conduct of their sideline.
• Check equipment that you use. It should meet safety standards and be appropriate for the age and ability of your players. Bring all safety issues concerning facilities to the attention of the appropriate authority.
• Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.
• Abide by the rules of all leagues and tournaments in which your team participates.  
• Be a positive role-model whenever you are around any players. If you feel a situation is getting out of control find a field marshal or other official to observe or assess the game/situation.  Do not “take it into your own hands”.  Defuse, rather than inflate problems.

On the same day of any occurrence where a non-Mustang coach, player, or parent breaks the rules or acts in an unsportsmanlike manner which needs corrective action, the complainant should contact by email the appropriate Mustang AGC and the appropriate Mustang Head of House.

See the Coach's Responsibilities

See the Player's Code

See the Parent's Code

Parent's Responsibilities

It is the parent’s responsibility to monitor their child’s soccer experience. Parents who feel their child is not being treated fairly or in a positive manner by a coach should first make an effort to discuss the problem with the coach as soon as possible. This should be done by telephone or perhaps after a practice but never before or during a game. If the problem is not resolved after discussion with the coach, then the parent may call the appropriate Age Group Coordinator for further assistance. The Age Group Coordinator will work with the Head of Coaches to resolve the more serious problems.

CONDUCT TOWARD REFEREES

Providing a core of well-trained, certified referees for over 160 (U10 through U19) Division 1, Division 3, and Division 4 teams is a tremendous task. The referee organization in Mustang represents over 400 dedicated youths and adults who are on the field during games to provide safety and fairness for our teams. Referee coordinators work diligently all season long to provide coverage for the high volume of games that are played.

We parents and coaches need to keep in mind how difficult it is to be a referee, especially if you are young. We continue to lose many referees every year because of the harassment they receive from coaches and parents.

The role of referee must be recognized and respected by the coach, the team and the parents. Youth referees must be given the same respect as the adult referees. New referees must LEARN positioning, signals, timing of calls, flow of the game, command of the sidelines, and administrative issues. If you are patient and positive, that referee will become experienced and confident. That referee could be YOUR child! The referee in a soccer match has complete authority over players and coaches from the moment the referee enters the grounds to the time the referee leaves.

Coaches, players, parents, and spectators shall never argue or dispute the decision of the referee or parent official, make negative or derogatory remarks or gestures towards a referee or parent official, or otherwise behave irresponsibly, or bring the game into disrepute.

If the above should occur, the referee or parent official may do the following:

1. Report the incident to the League for further action.
2. Dismiss the coach from the game.
3. Terminate the match and leave.

In addition to the action by the referee or parent official, the League may take further action including:

1. Warning or probation.
2. Suspension from one or more games.
3. Suspension for one or more seasons.

Like all of us, referees will make mistakes. You are entitled to be disappointed when you think the referee is doing a poor job, but don’t express these feelings at the game. It is the coach’s responsibility to contact the Director of Referees if he or she feels a referee needs to improve on skills.

Parent's Code

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in soccer.
• Remember children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Teach your child to play by the rules.
• Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory.
• Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game.  Your child will then be a winner, even in defeat.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.
• Set a good example.  Children learn best by example.  Do not yell at, ridicule or criticize your child or any other participant.
• Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
• Do not publicly question referees judgment and never their honesty.
• Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees and officials and give them their due respect; without them, there would by no Mustang Soccer Club.
• Be a positive role-model whenever you are around any players. 
• Leave conflict resolution to the field marshals or officials. 

Parents who are unable to abide by the code of conduct will be subject to review by the player committee and the Mustang BOD.  Actions of said committees can be the suspension of parents from attendance at youth games if such action is deemed necessary.

See the Parent's Responsibilities

See the Player's Code

See the Coach's Code

2011 Coaches Meeting

If you like, here's a copy of the presentation shown at the 

2011 Coaches Meetings