Policies & Guidelines
Zero Tolerance Policy
To help prevent physical assault and verbal abuse during sanctioned events the Babylon Soccer Club along with Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), has adopted a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. This policy applies to all coaches, players, parents, spectators and other supporters and referees effective immediately for ALL of it’s Intramural & Travel (LIJSL) games on ALL fields were games and practices are held.
Abusive and obscene language, violent play/conduct, fighting and other behavior (including, but not limited to sarcasm, taunting, etc.) deemed detrimental to the game will not be tolerated. The ultimate responsibility for the actions of coaches, players and spectators resides with the each member of the Babylon Soccer Club. It is the responsibility of the coaches to provide referee support and spectator control.
This policy applies before, during and after all events at the soccer field and its immediate surrounding areas. Remember; the referee does not have to show a yellow card before showing a red card. No parent or spectator shall address the referee or assistant referees at any time.
Parents & Spectators
- Parents and spectators shall not dispute calls during or after the game.
- Parents and spectators shall not make remarks to the referee(s) or advise the referee(s) to watch certain players or attend to rough play.
- Parents and spectators shall never yell at the referee(s), including criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation or feedback of any kind before, during or after the game.
- Additionally, parents and spectators shall not make derogatory comments to players, spectators or coaches of either team.
- Any club member visiting a Babylon Soccer Club (BSC) field will be subject to a hearing by the BSC Board of Directors for behavior which is in direct conflict with the ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY.
Penalties (Parents & Spectators)
In the opinion of the referee, depending on the severity of the offense, the referee may take any of the following actions:
The referee may issue a verbal warning to the coach of offending party’s team.
The referee may stop the game and instruct the coaches to direct the parent /spectator to leave the field.
The referee may abandon the game if the parent/spectator does not leave the field which will result in the offending team forfeiting the game and being assessed the appropriate fees and/or fines
Coaches, Assistant Coaches & Trainers
It is the responsibility of all coaches to maintain the highest standards of conduct for themselves, their players and supporters in all matches. Failure to do so undermines the referee’s authority and the integrity of the game resulting in a hostile environment for players, the referee(s), coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and parents/spectators.
As role models for all of the participants and spectators, coaches participating in a BSC event are expected to be supportive of, and to acknowledge the effort, good play and sportsmanship on the part of ALL players from either team in a game. By example, coaches, assistant coaches and trainers are expected to show that although they are competing in a game, they have respect for their opponent, referees and spectators at all times.
BSC will not tolerate negative behavior exhibited either by demonstrative actions and gestures, or by ill-intentioned remarks, including those addressed toward the referees or members of an opposing team. Coaches exhibiting hostile, negative, sarcastic or otherwise ill-intended behavior toward referees, opposing players or coaches will be subject to disciplinary action by BSC Board of Directors.
***Portions from Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Zero Tolerance Policy.***
Please also refer to the LIJSL Policy for additional rules and regulations.
Coaches Code of Conduct
- Soccer is the players’ game. The paramount concern of coaches is the holistic development, welfare, enjoyment and safety of their players.
- Coaches bear responsibility for teaching their players to strive for success while playing fairly, observing the Laws of the Game and the highest levels of sportsmanship.
- Coaches shall treat officials with respect and dignity, and shall teach their players to do the same.
- Our opponents are worthy of being treated with respect. Coaches will model such respect for opponents and expect their players to do likewise.
- In both victory and defeat, the behavior of a coach shall model grace, dignity and composure.
- Coaches shall adhere to the highest standards and the regulations of the institutions they represent: clubs, schools, sponsoring organizations and sports governing bodies.
- Coaches have a responsibility to promote the interests of soccer, including treating media with courtesy, honesty and respect.
- Coaches shall model inclusive behavior, actively supporting cultural diversity while opposing all types of discrimination, including, but not limited to, racism and sexism, at all levels of soccer.
- Coaches shall refrain from all manner of personal abuse and harassment of others, whether verbal, physical, emotional or sexual, and shall oppose such abuse and harassment at all levels of soccer.
- Coaches shall respect the declared affiliations of all players, and shall adhere to all guidelines and regulations on recruiting established by the governing bodies having oversight of their teams and leagues.
- Coaches shall seek to honor those who uphold the highest standards and principles of soccer and shall use appropriate protocol to oppose and eliminate all behavior that brings disrepute to the sport – violence, abuse, dishonesty, disrespect and violations of the Laws of the Game and rules governing competition.
(1) Code of Ethics and Conduct as written by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)
Parent Code of Conduct
- Be positive, this is a VOLUNTEER activity for your child.
- Remember – these are CHILDREN playing a GAME.
- Please SUPPORT your child and their team, despite the outcome.
- Refrain from instructing any players during the course of a game.
- Set a GOOD EXAMPLE for your child and his/her teammates.
- Refrain from commenting on the shortcomings of ANY player.
- Support the coaching staff in their efforts to have a POSITIVE and ENJOYABLE experience for all.
- Do not question or comment on any calls made by an OFFICIAL.
- Discuss any concerns with your child’s coach privately, away from the game.
- CHEER for good plays made by EITHER team.
- I understand that abusive, unruly or other inappropriate behavior may result in my being asked to leave the field and upon further review may result in my membership being revoked.
- I understand that misconduct/inappropriate behavior by the sidelines can result in my child’s coach being cautioned (yellow card) or removed (red card) by the referee which could result in substantial fines assessed to the coach/ club and/or the game in question being forfeited.
(1) Code of Conduct as written by the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL).
Player & Parent Expectations
Player Expectations
- Do your best.
- Have fun.
- Understand and follow the rules of soccer.
- Be part of a Team.
- Respect your teammates.
- Listen to the Coach.
- You will make mistakes – learn from your mistakes
- Will play various positions – defense and offense.
- Ask questions when you don’t understand something.
- Want to get better and not worry about winning or losing.
Parent Expectations
- The goal is to develop the child’s skill set. The child will be trained to play “well” and this will lead to wins.
- A successful season will be based on whether the team played well, not based on the number of wins.
- Focus on skill development and effort and not winning or losing.
- Coaching is a process and may take time to see results.
- Commitment from the child. Child needs to attend training sessions. Training sessions will focus on skill development.
- Make sure your child comes ready to train/play – with proper equipment and attitude.
- Let the Coach coach. Don’t undermine, second guess or criticize a coach in public.
- Support the referees.