Trumbull United Soccer Club (“TUSC”) has established a Code of Conduct for all Coaches, which must be reviewed and accepted prior to participation in any TUSC related activities. These rules will help ensure all members of the Club contribute to providing the best, safest and most effective environment for our players.

ARTICLE I - RESPONSIBILITIES TO PLAYERS

1. Coaches must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players. Winning should be the result of preparation and discipline with emphasis placed on the highest ideals and character traits.

2. Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the spirit of the game at all times.

3. Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.

4. Coaches should not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.

5. Coaches must never encourage players to violate player rules and policies.

6. Players should be directed to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow a physician’s instructions regarding treatment and recovery. At no time should a player be put at risk by returning from injury prematurely or by being forced to play while injured.

7.  Coaches shall arrive on time to practices, games and tournaments.

8.  During the matches and practices, Coaches are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible, or overly aggressive, take the player out of the match or practice until they calm down.

9. Never coach a match or conduct a practice under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

10. Never use profanity or make obscene gestures, or engage in any inappropriate behavior or conduct, at any time.

11. Be a positive role model for their players and maintain their personal integrity and dignity at all times. Remember that players are involved for fun and enjoyment and you should strive to create a positive soccer environment that reflects why they play.

12. Create a safe, fun and inclusive  environment that provides opportunities for all of your players the capacity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem.

13.  Abide by the rules of the TUSC and its policies, which may include playing time policy and player rotation system. I will also to adhere to the rules set by CJSA and EDP.

14. Follow all applicable local, state, federal and international laws while performing my duties and obligations as a coach.

15. While serving as a coach, Coach has an ongoing responsibility to disclose to TUSC any conviction of a crime of violence or a crime against a person, or a felony involving the welfare of a child.

1. Coaches should be thoroughly acquainted with and demonstrate a working knowledge of the laws of the game of soccer. Coaches are also responsible to ensure that their players understand the intent as well as the application of the laws.

2. Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the laws of the game.

3. Coaches are responsible for their players’ actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with the intent of causing injury to opposing players.

4. Coaches must strive constantly to teach good sporting behavior.

5. Refrain from having any verbal altercation with an opposing coach or bench before, during or after the game.

6. Coaches must use their influence to control spectators that demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior toward officials, player(s), and opposing team members.

7. TUSC prohibits the use and possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco for any and all coaches, players and participants at any and all sanctioned programs, events, activities and competitions.

1. Officials must have the support of coaches, players and spectators. Criticism of officials undermines their purpose in the game. Coaches must always refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players.

2. Coaches should strive to develop a line of communication with officials, giving each an opportunity to better understand the problems relating to their specific area. This section shall not be taken as an encouragement to debate referee decisions during the match.

3. On game day, officials should be treated with respect before, during, and after the game. Officials should be addressed as “Referee” and not by name. Professional respect should be mutual and there should be no demeaning dialogue or gesture between official, coach, or player.

4. Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of play.

1.  Coaches are not permitted to communicate privately via electronic communications with any player(s) or the entire team.

2.  Coaches are not allowed to “private message,” “instant message,” “direct message”, or send photos via text, email, Facebook, Snapchat, Tik Tok, Instagram, gaming consoles or any other electronic platform to a player privately.

3. Coaches are not permitted to maintain social media connections with minor players and are not permitted to accept new personal page requests on social media platforms from players who are minors.  Existing electronic, gaming or social media connections with players who are minors shall be discontinued.

4.  All electronic communications from Coach shall be sent through the team manager or sent directly to the player’s parents.

4.  If a player who is a minor communicates to the Coach privately first, then the Coach shall not respond or communicate with the minor player and shall contact the team manager or minor’s legal guardian immediately.

I agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, disciplinary action could include, but is not limited to, the following:

1.          Verbal warning by TUSC official/board

2.          Written warning

3.          Game suspension(s)

4.          Season suspension(s)

5.          Removal of coach from all club activities in the future.