Legends Soccer League (LSL)- Code of Conduct

LRSL FIELD RULES

1. There will be a Legends staff person located at all facilities during games. If a patron has a problem that arises, he/she should ask the staff person for assistance.

2. No one is allowed on the Team bench or on the Team side of the field

3. Parents and spectators must stay off of the playing field.

Zero Tolerance

(a) Legends Soccer League maintains a zero tolerance regarding abuse. 

(b) The Legends Soccer League Zero Tolerance for abuse extends to all representatives, members and participants in any and all US Youth Soccer sanctioned programs, events, activities and competitions. 

(c) Legends Soccer League requires every representative, coach and volunteer to assist in creating a safe environment for participants at and during any and all sanctioned US Youth Soccer programs, events, activities and competitions. 

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Legends staff will determine all disciplinary actions.

 Such conduct may include but is not limited to the following: pose a threat to others or themselves, demonstrate threatening or vulgar behavior, act in a manner that puts others in harms way, uses foul or threatening language, etc.

Be A Good Sport:

LRSL has always encouraged good sportsmanship in its programs. In fact, "Good Sportsmanship" is one of the six philosophies listed in the LRSL Bylaws. LRSL strongly recommends that its individual Regions promote good sportsmanship through dynamic programs. 

Elements of these programs may vary from Region to Region, but all define the conduct of players, coaches, referees and even parents. They explain the fundamentals of good behavior-which is simply showing courtesy and respect for all involved in the game. 

We figure that if players, volunteers and parents understand what is expected of them when it comes to good sportsmanship, that's probably how they will act. LRSL is proud of its many good sports, but understands that good sportsmanship doesn't just happen. It needs to be taught, encouraged and demonstrated. 

Player's Code:

  • Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.

  • Play by the Laws of the Game.

  • Never argue with or complain about referees' calls or decisions.

  • Control your temper. Most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.

  • Concentrate on playing soccer with your best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.

  • Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your team's 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 or a ball hog.

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Any player ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct must sit out the next scheduled game that is played. Legends, in its sole discretion may implement further disciplinary action if the unsportsmanlike conduct is deemed to be of a violent or threatening nature.

  • Players are not permitted to use tobacco, alcohol, and profanity at Silverlakes.

  • All players must be in team uniform.

  • Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and the referees.

  • Any players ejected from a game for fighting may be suspended/ejected indefinitely from league play.

    SPECTATOR CONDUCT

    All spectators are expected to adhere to all park rules and the same rules of sportsmanship as players, parents, and coaches. Any spectator who engages in unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended from the playing facility. The length of the suspension will depend on the severity of the violation or inappropriate conduct.

    As a parent, you have a special role in contributing to the needs and development of these youngsters. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure the effectiveness of the LSL program. 

Support Your Child:

Support your child by giving encouragement and showing an interest in his or her team. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory. Your child will be a winner, even in defeat. 

Always Be Positive:

Parents are not participants on their child's team. However, they do contribute to the success experienced by their child and the team. Parents serve as role models for their children. Applaud good plays by your child's team and by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.

Be Enthusiastic and Supportive:

Let children set their own goals and play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards and goals on your child. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72 percent of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winner.

Reinforce Positive Behavior:

The best way to help a child to achieve goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake. If your child does make one, remember that he or she is still learning. Encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished. 

Let Coaches Coach and Referees Ref:

Coaches and referees are usually parents. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support, too. What coaches and referees don't need is your help in coaching from the sidelines. So please refrain from coaching during games and practices. Referees are not the "bad guys." They are volunteers, too, and need your support and encouragement. Treat them and their calls fairly and respectfully.

Coaches Code:

  • Enthusiastically support and practice the "Everyone Plays," "Good Sportsmanship," "Positive Coaching" and "Player Development" philosophies of LRSL. 

  • Be reasonable in your demands on a young player's time, energy, enthusiasm and performance on the soccer field. 

  • Impress on your players that they must abide by the Laws 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 making mistakes or losing a game.  

  • Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach they can respect.  

  • Keep informed of sound principles of coaching, growth and child development.  

  • All coaches must sign a “Coaches Code of Ethics” prior to each sporting season.

  • COACHES WILL SHOW SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT AT ALL TIMES. Each coach shall adhere to all points of emphasis as outlined in the “Coaches Code of Ethics” at all times. Failure to adhere to the “Coaches Code of Conduct” and/or to follow Silverlakes park and league rules may result in removal as a volunteer coach with suspension from coaching for a specified period of time, and/or suspension from coaching indefinitely. The length of time of the suspension will be dependent on the severity of the violation or inappropriate conduct. Coaches suspended for the remainder of the season must meet with Legends management before being considered for future coaching opportunities.

  • Any coach ejected from a game will not be allowed to coach the next scheduled game played.

  • Any coach ejected from two games will be suspended for the remainder of the season.

  • Any coach ejected from a game or suspended for the season will not be allowed to coach

  • Coaches will be responsible for player and parent conduct.

  • Check your equipment and playing facilities. They should meet safety standards and be appropriate for the age and ability of your players. 

  • Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.

Section 1. -Introduction, Purpose, and Applicability 

(a) The Code of Conduct Policy of Legends Soccer League establishes the ethical standards for governance and committee volunteers and staff of Legends Soccer League (collectively referred to as “Representatives”) in addition to all members and participants within any and all sanctioned programs, events, activities and competitions. 

(b) The Code of Conduct Policy applies to all staff, volunteers, members and participants who are involved or engaged with any sanctioned Legends Soccer League program, event, activity or competition. 

(c) The purposes of the Code of Conduct Policy is to provide evidence of Legends Soccer League’s commitment to the lawful and ethical conduct of its Representatives, members and participants and to protect those who report violations of the Code of Conduct Policy consistent with US Youth Soccer’s Whistleblower Policy. 

(d) The Code of Conduct Policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state or federal laws governing behavior. 

(e) Representatives, members and participants must respect and comply with Legends Soccer League rules and regulations, observe high standards of conduct, and participate in establishing and maintaining such high standards. 

Section 2. -Zero Tolerance

(a) Legends Soccer League maintains a zero tolerance regarding abuse. 

(b) The Legends Soccer League Zero Tolerance for abuse extends to all representatives, members and participants in any and all US Youth Soccer sanctioned programs, events, activities and competitions. 

(c) Legends Soccer League requires every representative, coach and volunteer to assist in creating a safe environment for participants at and during any and all sanctioned US Youth Soccer programs, events, activities and competitions. 

Section 3.- Mandatory Reporting 

(a)  Legends Soccer League requires all representatives, members and participants to immediately report any violations or suspected violations of the  Legends Soccer League Code of Conduct Policy during any sanctioned programs, events, activities and competitions to a team official, sanctioned program, event, activity or competition official or US Youth Soccer representative. 

(b)  Legends Soccer League takes any and all reports of inappropriate behavior or suspicions of abuse seriously. 

(c)  Legends Soccer League complies with all laws requiring a person to make a report to appropriate law enforcement agencies and requires all representatives, members and participants to either notify an official as indicated in a. or report directly to law enforcement authorities. 

(d) Retaliation against individuals making good faith reports of misconduct is expressly prohibited.