Rohnert Park Soccer League

Sportsmanship Rules for Coaches, Players and Parents

Coaching Philosophy: Effort and Desire are more important than Performance.

Soccer should be fun for the players -winning is not the yardstick by which success is measured.

Coaches/Assistant Coaches:

Are responsible for their behavior and the behavior of the people on their sidelines (assistants, parents, friends, etc.). Coaches that cannot - or will not - control their sidelines can be ejected by the Referee.
Cannot go past 10 yards on either side of the Mid-line (when coaching).
Are responsible for making sure nobody goes behind the goal. If a parent is asked to leave and they refuse, then the Coordinators should be contacted immediately.

No one:

Can go past the midline into the opponent’s end of the field, if both teams are on the same side line (common sense).
Is allowed behind the goals, for any reason. Picture taking is not an excuse.
Is allowed on the field during a game without prior permission from the Referee. An injured player is not an excuse.
Should pick a ball up and hand it to a player in a throw-in situation. Let the kids play the game - this is part of it.
Should question a Referee's call during a game. Coaches can appeal calls or request a Referee evaluation by initiating the Protest & Appeals process through their Age Group Coordinator.
Should yell at or give direction to the players, except the Coach.

Everyone:

Should applaud excellent play and sportsmanship - even when it's the other team.
Should keep the game positive. Cheering and positive comments make a great game excellent!

There is absolutely NO slide tackling allowed in the U10 and younger age groups. Some kids (especially boys) love to slide tackle; this can be seen in school yards every day at lunch time. It can be difficult to break the kids of this habit; however, one way to make an impact would be to take that player off of the field. Having less playing time can be an effective learning tool.

The Rohnert Park Soccer League has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the harassment of it's Referees.

NO YELLING AT REFEREES, OR QUESTIONING THEIR CALLS, WILL BE TOLERATED AT ANY TIME.

Do not yell at the Referee's. The League will send representatives to observe the specific activity of coaches, assistant coaches and parents when needed.

Harassment of a Referee may result in the termination - and forfeiture - of the game being played, suspension, and other administrative discipline. Harassing coaches will not be permitted to coach in future seasons.

In extreme cases, the police will be called, and restraining orders sought.