The Board of Directors of the Fountain Hills Soccer Club wants to ensure soccer is positive and enjoyable experience for all of the children and adults involved. Soccer should be friendly and unifying – a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.

To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this Code of Conduct (download it here):

• You are to be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit before, during and after the game.
• Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
• Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team before, during, and after the game.
• During the game, you 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 game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of your players, their parents and spectators rooting for your team. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting. Teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat.
• Coaches should know the Laws of the Game, their intent, interpretation and correct application. Know the official rules of soccer, and the rules of our league, and abide by them.
• During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have an issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently at the quarter, half or after the game.
• After the game coaches and their players are to shake hands in a respectful manner with the opposing team, coaches and referees.
• If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to the Director of Referees. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.
• Coach should contact the Director of Coaches to resolve conflicts with another coach.
• Teach and practice good sportsmanship and fair play by personally demonstrating commitment to these virtues.
• Promote the concept that soccer is merely a game, and that players and coaches on other teams are opponents, not enemies.
• Referees are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop.
• Our league is the training ground for our young and inexperienced referees. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments. On the other hand, you could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting – or even accepting – your own players’ overly aggressive behavior.
• Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players’ enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you’re overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice.
• Think about what you’re doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in Fountain Hills and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.
• If a coach fails to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, they will be subject to disciplinary actions that could include, but is not limited to the following:
• A written warning for the Board of Directors of the FHSC, with documentation kept on file.
• Observation and counseling by an appointed member of the FHSC Board of Directors.
• Removal from coaching positions.