CODE OF CONDUCT:
The mission of the Highlands Area Soccer Club (HASC) was formed to promote the development of soccer as a means of healthy recreation and physical fitness for youth within and around the Highlands School District. Our focus is on developing good life skills through the sport of soccer.
HASC is a member club of PAWest Soccer Association and as such, must abide by the Youth Division Playing Rules of the governing body. All HASC Directors, Coaches, Players, and Spectators must also abide by the Youth Division Playing Rules, and are subject to disciplinary action by PAWest Soccer Association in addition to disciplinary action taken by HASC pursuant to this Code of Conduct.
HASC will not tolerate verbal or physical abuse of its volunteer coaches, referees, or players from any Parent, Player, or Spectator. Spectators, as well as the players and coaches, are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct described herein at all HASC events (practices, games, tournaments, or travel to and/or from). While most of the adults and children in the program will abide by this code without being instructed, it is being published to protect the children, the integrity of our program, and emphasize the values of HASC. This Code of Conduct as set forth below, is not intended to limit the scope or application of any laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Allegheny County Parks, or Harrison Township, to the extent such laws, rules or ordinances are applicable.
HASC relies upon the support of volunteers and in particular, volunteer coaches. Any negative behavior against coaches or other unpaid volunteers will result in immediate action. If a parent has any issues with a coach, volunteer or HSC board member, please make the time to see that individual personally before resorting to e-mails or phone calls to express your dissatisfaction. If you cannot resolve your issue, please take it up with the HASC board for resolution.
Parents/Spectators Code of Conduct
Soccer can be a valuable, memorable, and rewarding experience for all participants. The experience can serve as a foundation for youth and adolescent development. At any HASC event, practice, or competition, any adult who verbally abuses, attempts to intimidate, is flagrantly rude to, or does not control their language or actions with a Player, Referee, Coach, Spectator, or HASC Board Member will be asked to immediately leave the event. In addition, he or she may receive written warning regarding their behavior from the HASC Board of Directors. If the adult fails to leave upon request, law enforcement authorities may be called to remove the spectator. Any adult that commits a second similar offense will be banned from HASC events for the remainder of that season. Any adult who physically assaults a Player, Referee, Coach, or HASC Board Member will be banned from HASC for one year from the date of the offense. After one year, the parent may apply for re-instatement. If the adult commits a second offense, he or she will be permanently banned from all HASC events. The term physical assault includes, but is not limited to; hitting, slapping, pushing, spitting, kicking or striking in any way with any part of the body or any physical implement.
As a parent or spectator, I will:
1. Support the Players, Referees, and Coaches and help teach the value of commitment to the team,sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.
2. Support my child’s team and help my child and HASC make athletic contests a positive educationexperience by always exhibiting exemplary sportsmanship.
3. Direct constructive criticism of my child’s team program to the Coach and/or HASC BoardMembers at an appropriate time.
4. If a situation occurs during a game or practice which you believe requires a discussion with theCoach or board member; HASC requires that you wait 24 hours before doing so, unless the situation involves the health or safety of a child.
5. Accept decisions of the game Referees and Coaches on the field as fair and called to the bestability of the said officials. The Referees are in charge of all games, and their decisions are final.
6. Abstain from being under the influence of, or in possession, of alcoholic beverages, and any illegalsubstance, on game and practice fields. Smoking will be limited to the parking lot.
7. Remain behind the designated Spectator Sideline during a game. Spectators are not allowed on theTeam Sidelines or on the Field during a game, except with Coaches approval (i.e.-child injury).
8. Strive to make every soccer activity serve as a training ground for life, and a basis for good mentaland physical health by being present to support the children.
As a parent or spectator, I will not:
1. Interfere or interrupt the Coaches during games or practices to include “coaching” from thesideline.
2. Criticize Referees or Coaches, direct abuse or profane language toward them, or otherwise subverttheir authority.
3. Criticize an opposing team, its Players, Coaches, or Spectators by word of mouth, by gesture,social media, or by deliberately inciting unsportsmanlike behavior. 4. Undermine, in work or deed, the authority of the Coach or HASC.
5. Express complaints about Coaches/players/board members in stands, or to Coaches in the presence of Players (i.e. right after a game or practice) or on social media outlets.
Players Code (Please review with your player)
I will:
1. Be a good sport (win or lose), be honest and fair – have fun!
2. Learn the value of commitment to the team; sportsmanship, ethical conducts, and fair play.
3. Show courtesy and respect to teammates, opponents, coaches and officials.
4. Know that athletic contests are educational experiences.
5. Give complete attention to the instructions of my coaches and league officials.
I will not:
1. Use profanity, talk “trash”, or taunt others before, during or after any game.
2. Display any unsportsmanlike behavior.
3. Strike, bully, or harass any teammate or opposing player.
4. Criticize my teammates or players from other teams.
5. Act in any way that may incite spectators.
Consequences of Behavior
Anyone who fails to conform their conduct to the preceding Code of Conduct while attending, coaching, officiating, or participating in a HASC event will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following, in any order or combination.
1. Verbal warning issued by HASC.
2. Written warning issued by HASC.
3. Suspension or immediate ejection from a HASC event issued by authorized officials of PAWest or
HASC.
4. Suspension from multiple HASC events issued by authorized officials of PAWest or HASC.
5. Season suspension or multiple season suspensions issued by HASC.
Parent/Guardian: Date:
(Signature)
Parent/Guardian: Date:
(Printed)
Player: (printed)