(As amended and adopted at the league board meeting 7/19/07)
By participating in the Alameda Contra Costa Soccer League as a coach, team administrator, player, parent or other team supporter/spectator, certain expectations are to be met regarding conduct at games and team events.
1 - Coaches and all team officials are responsible for controlling their own behavior, the behavior of their players, and the conduct of spectators on their sidelines. A coach may be required to immediately leave the vicinity of the field based on the conduct of the sidelines regardless of whether the coach or other team official participated in or encouraged the conduct.
2 - Coaching from the touchline, i.e., giving directions to one's own team on points of strategy and position, is permitted provided:
a Person is a registered team official;
b No physical or mechanical devices are used;
c The tone of voice is informative and not abusive.
No coaching by anyone may take place anywhere but at his/her own bench area during the match, (exception u8 play, one registered team official is allowed behind the goal to help coach the goalie). A team's bench area shall be that area 1 yard away from the touchline and extending 10 yards in each direction from the halfway line. If both teams locate their bench area on the same side of the field due to existing adverse conditions, then each bench area shall be limited to that area 1 yard from the touchline and extending 20 yards in one direction from the halfway line, in different directions for each team.
Coaches should take appropriate steps to minimize scoring in runaway games. Recreational teams must adhere to ACCYSL 4 Goal Rule.
Coaches and other team officials are expected to be an example of good behavior, in actions and words, to game officials, to all players, parents of players and the team’s other supporters.
3 - Respect the game officials at all times, including referees, field hosts/marshals and league officers. Only registered team officials may talk to referees. Refrain from questioning their decisions or challenging their authority. Never address referees in a loud, disrespectful, or abusive manner.
REMEMBER - referees are under NO obligation to discuss calls. NEVER approach a youth referee who is not accompanied by an adult referee. NEVER try to continue discussions with a referee who does not wish to talk to you.
ACCYSL has adopted a ZERO tolerance response toward any coach, player, parent or spectator abusing or assaulting a referee before, during or after a game.
The proper way to protest a referee’s actions on the field is for a team official to contact the ACCYSL Referee Coordinator (Jack Wagoner, 510-527-6956, soccer@bluewave.ws) and register your comments regarding an individual Official.
4 – All cheering must be in a positive manner, refraining at all times from making negative or abusive remarks about the opposing team. Maintain control of your emotions and avoid actions, language, and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile or humiliating.
5 - Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team and display positive sporting behavior at the conclusion of a game, and be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat. Promote the concept to all players that soccer is a game and that players and coaches associated with other teams are also part of the game.
6 - The use or consumption of any alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs before, during or after the playing of a match by any player, coach, other team official or spectator is expressly prohibited. The use of tobacco will not be allowed on any soccer field or within 25 yards of any ACCYSL affiliated activity involving youth players. Teams will be responsible for picking up all trash on their sidelines following the game.
Consequences for violating the Behavior Policy, depending on the severity can range from giving the league assurance that there will be no repeat of any given offense, to the team, coach, player or parent being banned from participation in the league.
