The following information outlines the philosophy of youth soccer and provides guidelines for players and parents.

Player's Code

1. Play the game for the game's sake.
2. Be generous when you win.
3. Be graceful when you lose.
4. Be fair always, no matter the cost.
5. Obey the laws of the game.
6. Work of the good of your team.
7. Accept the decisions of the officials with good grace.
8. Believe in the honesty of your opponents.
9. Conduct yourself with honor and dignity.

Player's Rights

1. The right to decide when to participate in soccer.
2. The right to play in every game. At younger ages, every child will play at least 50% of every game.
3. The right to participate at a level that corresponds to each child's maturity and ability.
4. The right to be taught the fundamentals of soccer.
5. The right to participate in a safe and healthy environment.
6. The right to play as a child and enjoy participation in the sport.

Player Development

1. Develop the child's appreciation of the game.
2. Keep winning and losing in proper perspective.
3. Be sensitive to each child's developmental needs.
4. Educate the player in the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game for their level..
5. Implement rules and equipment modifications according to the player's age group.
6. Allow players to experience all positions.
7. Players need to have fun and receive positive feedback.
8. Practice should be conducted in the spirit of enjoyment and learning.
9. Provide the appropriate number of training sessions and games according to the player's state of development.
10. Strive to help each player reach their full potential and be prepared to move to the next stage of development.

Ethics

1. Strive to maintain integrity within our sport.
2. Known and follow all rules and policies set forth by clubs, leagues, state and national associations.
3. Work in the spirit of cooperation with officials, administrators, coaches, and spectators to provide the participants with the maximum opportunity to develop.
4. Be a positive role model.
5. Set the standard for sportsmanship with opponents, referees, administrators and spectators.
6. Keep sport in proper perspective with education.
7. Encourage moral and social responsibility.
8. Just say no to drugs and alcohol.
9. Coaches should continue their own education in the sport.

Safety

1. My first responsibility is the health and safety of all participants.
2. It is recommended that coaches become certified in basic first aid and are aware of their club, league or state requirements in this area.
3. Be prepared to handle first aid situations a swell as medical emergencies at all practices and games, both home and away: have and know how to use a properly supplied first aid kit/ice 911 emergency procedures/telephone locations location of nearest emergency medical facility always carry emergency medical release forms and team safety and information cards.a follow up all injuries with parents/guardians.
4. Know and understand the Laws of the Game.
5. Inspect player's equipment and field condition for safety reasons.
6. Utilize proper teaching and instructing of players regarding safe techniques and methods of play.
7. Implement appropriate training programs to make sure players are fit for practice and competition.
8. Supervise and control your players so as to avoid injury situations.

Parent's Role

1. Provide transportation to and from all practices and games ensuring that the player is prompt not only in arriving but also in departing.
2. Stay and watch practices as well as games and lend the young players your support in a positive manner.
3. If unable to attend the practice or game, encourage your child not to talk with or leave practices or games with strangers.
4. Ensure that your child brings equipment to and from all soccer games and practices when appropriate.
5. Be available to kick the ball around with your child when you are invited to do so.
6. Avoid material rewards. Build an attitude of "the rewards lie in the fun of being able to play"
7. Be a good listener. Make them feel important and let them know that they are contributing to a team effort.
8. Be positive. Never criticize.
9. Allow your child to be a child.

Guidelines for Parents

1. If your team wins, be graceful. If your team loses, don't be negative.
2. Too much competition too early can delay a child's skill development.
3. Make fun and technique development your first priority.
4. Support your child's coach. Offer help any time you can.
5. Disagreements with coaches or officials should be discussed in an adult manner. Such discussion should never be in the presence of the players.
6. The overall purpose is for you and your child to enjoy the game.

This material was taken from various documents prepared and distributed by US Youth Soccer. For additional information, please Click on Youth Soccer.