Urbana Soccer - Game Conduct Adopted: August 15, 2000  Amended: July 17, 2003 This memo serves as a guide to how Urbana Soccer Association coaches, players and parents should act during games. Coaches: 1.      All players shall play 1/2 of the game. This applies regardless of the Division in which the team plays. Because of the rules limiting times when substitutions can be made, this can not always be done. However, coaches should do their best to follow this rule. A coach may limit a player's playing time if that player has missed practice without a reasonable excuse, or if that player behaves in an unsporting manner (either during the game or during practice). A coach may also limit a player's playing time if that player has violated the team's rules of conduct. 2.      The coach shall introduce himself to both the opposing coach and the referee before the start of the game. 3.      During the game, coaches shall refrain from arguing in any manner with the referee or assistant referees. Disagreements about calls or rules are to be discussed with the referee following the game. 4.      The coach shall ensure that the parents of his/her players behave in a sporting manner and refrain from arguing with the referee. If parents are not behaving in a manner that reflects positively on the Urbana Soccer Association, the coach shall send one of his/her assistant coaches to the other side of the field to encourage better behavior from the parents. 5.      The coach shall ensure that his/her players play the game in a fair and sporting manner. Obvious displays of unsporting behavior, cheating, and intentional infringement on the Laws of the Game should result in the removal of that player from the game. The coach shall instruct that player on the proper behavior and will only let the player re-enter the game when the coach is sure the player will behave properly. 6.      The coach shall take appropriate actions to avoid lopsided scores ("blowouts"). The coach shall abide by the policy specified by the Urbana Soccer Association (in a separate document) on this matter. 7.      Immediately after the game, the coach shall shake hands with the opposing team and coaches. Players: 1.      Players shall always play in a fair and sporting manner and do their best to uphold the Laws of the Game. 2.      Immediately after the conclusion of the game, players shall shake hands with the referee and thank him/her for refereeing their game. 3.      After thanking the referee, players will line up to shake hands with the opposing team and coaches. As you shake hands, simply say "Good game" to the opponent. 4.      Players shall do their best to uphold the four pillars of the Urbana Soccer Association - fun, team, hustle and sportsmanship. 5.      By FCYSL rules, no jewelry of any kind can be worn during a game. This includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets and watches. Covering up earrings with a headband is not allowed.   Parents: 1.      During the game, parents will refrain from arguing in any manner with the referee or assistant referees. This type of behavior is not only distracting to the referee, but also to the players. 2.      Parents shall, under no circumstances, engage the referee or assistant referees in a negative conversation before, during or after the game. Parents who are unhappy with the referee or assistant referees should take this matter up with the coach. 3.      Parents should encourage players but should refrain from coaching them. Players can become confused when they get contradictory instructions from their coach and the parents on the sideline. 4.      By FCYSL rule, players can wear NO jewelry of any kind during a game. This includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets and watches. Covering up earrings with a headband is not allowed. Everyone: 1.      Everyone shall always act in a manner that reflects positively on the image of the Urbana Soccer Association. 2.      Enjoy the game. Soccer is a wonderful sport, but, at the end of the day, it is still just a game. Have fun!