Code of Conduct

SCSA is a recreational league built on the belief that soccer should be fun, fair, and safe for everyone involved. That means players, coaches, and spectators all have a role to play. We ask everyone associated with our program to read and honor these expectations.

Players

  • Play hard, play fair. Give your best effort every game, and respect the rules — even when it's difficult.

  • Respect your opponents. The other team is not your enemy; they're what makes the game possible. They are your neighbors and friends from school. Win and lose with grace and sportsmanship.

  • Respect the referees. Refs make mistakes — that's part of the game. Arguing calls, questioning decisions, or showing frustration toward officials is not acceptable.

  • Be a good teammate. Encourage your teammates, especially when things aren't going well. How you treat people when you're losing says more about your character than how you act when you're winning.

  • Take care of the fields. Pick up after yourself, treat equipment with care, and leave the field the way you found it.

Coaches

  • Model the behavior you want to see. Your players are watching how you handle pressure, disagreement, and disappointment. Set the standard.

  • Respect the referees. Coaches may not argue calls or criticize officials during or after games. If you have a genuine concern about officiating, contact us after the game — include the date, field, and time so we can follow up.

  • Keep it positive on the sideline. Instruction is welcome; criticism of individual players — yours or the other team's — is not.

  • Make sure every player participates. In all divisions, equal playing time is the goal. Every player should feel like a valued member of the team and must play at least 50% of the game.

  • Prioritize development over winning. This is recreational soccer. The goal is for kids to improve, have fun, and come back next season.

Spectators & Parents

  • Cheer for everyone. It's easy to celebrate your own kid's great play. Try to appreciate good play from the other team too — that kind of competition is what pushes your son to improve.

  • Stay positive. Negative comments directed at players, coaches, or referees — from either team — are not acceptable. This includes sideline coaching that contradicts what the coach is teaching.

  • Let the referees do their job. Even experienced referees miss calls sometimes. Heckling or arguing with officials makes the game worse for everyone, and it's particularly tough on the many young referees who are still learning.

  • Remember what this is. These are kids playing a game. The score matters a lot less than whether your son feels good about the experience when he gets in the car.

Enforcement

Repeated or serious violations of this Code of Conduct may result in a warning, removal from the sideline, or suspension from the program. If you witness behavior that concerns you, please CONTACT US with the date, time, and location of the game.

We're all here for the same reason — to give kids a great experience. Thanks for doing your part!