Our organization is committed to the principles of Positive Coaching and against a“win-at-all-cost” mentality. A win-at-all-cost coach has only one goal – to win. Our coaching philosophy is one that shares the goal (wants to win) but has a second goal that is even more important – to use this sports experience to help young people learn “life lessons” and positive character traits that will help them be successful throughout their lives. 

We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved. A football game 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: 1.      Before, during and after the game, is an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit. 2.      Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee. 3.      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. 4.      During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting. 5.      Explain to the parents that they are to respect the decisions of the referees and the play of both teams in a sportsmanlike manner. 6.      Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. 7.      Discourage them from yelling at players and the referee. 8.      Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. 9.      During the game, only address the referee in a calm and respectful manner. 10.  If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to your League. Your concerns will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally. 11.  After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same. 12.  There shall be no use of foul and abusive language. 13.  Be familiar with all rules of the contest. 14.  There shall be no use of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs.  This includes games and practice sessions. 15.  There shall be no recruitment of players from other teams or clubs.                        16. Win with character, lose with dignity.

We stress two points:

1. Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. 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.  
2. 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 and uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in your County and will grow for the enjoyment of all.

Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.