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