OLD DOMINION FOOTBALL CLUB

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The following standards of conduct outline a philosophy that is paramount to the game of soccer.  Soccer is a sport that belongs to the players.  While soccer games are exciting for parents and spectators, excitement and enthusiasm must be both positive and controlled. Players must be allowed to “play” and coaches allowed to perform their duties.

As it pertains to Players and Coaches:

• Be your player’s best fan and support them unconditionally.

• Be supportive after each training session and game. Always focus on the positive aspects of his/her game.  Encouragement is paramount and plays a fundamental role in player development.

• Develop personal responsibility in your child to pack their own uniforms, clean their boots, and take a water bottle to training and games. 

• Respect the facilities at all locations but especially our home fields. 

 • Do not criticize ANY club coach to your child or other parents.  If you are not happy with a particular coach or trainer, you should raise the issue with the club Technical Director.

• Encourage your child to speak with the coach.  If your child is having difficulties in training or games, or cannot attend training, etc., encourage them to speak directly with the coaches. This “personal responsibility” is important in the player’s maturation process, both “on” and “off” the field.

• Help your player focus on performance and not the result.  Remember that winning is not as important as overall performance.  There may always be more talented opponents, which your player has no control over.  What they do have is control over their own performance.

• Be supportive of all the players on your son/daughters team.  Do not criticize anyone regardless of mistakes made.

• Never ever criticize players on any team but especially our club players. We have no tolerance for this behavior at ODFC.   

• Alcohol, tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco), illegal drugs, pets and firearms are not permitted at any ODFC game, home or away.

• Never engage in discussions with other parents/players about "moving" players and "teams" to other clubs/organizations.  

As it pertains to other Parents or Officials:

• Never audibly dispute a referee’s decision.  As a “rule”, referees will make mistakes! Verbal or physical abuse of referees will NOT be tolerated. ANY complaints of referee abuse will bring on sanctions not just to parents but to team coaches.   

• Never criticize the opponents, their parents, or the officials.

• Parents must not coach from the touchline during training or games.  Leave this to the coaches or you may cause confusion and impact your player’s confidence. 

• Parents must NEVER enter the field of play.

Violation of ANY articles of the ODFC Code of Conduct may result in the following:

• Be required to meet with club technical staff and directors
• Be suspended from attending training sessions/matches
• Be required to leave the club

OLD DOMINION FOOTBALL CLUB

COACH CODE OF CONDUCT

“On” and “Off” the field I will:

• Show respect to others involved in the game including club directors, club officials, opposing players, coaches, and spectators.
• Show unconditional respect to fellow ODFC Club Coaches and volunteers and ensure my coaching staff adheres to the same.
• Know and adhere to the laws and spirit of the game as well as the policies set forth by the club, state and national associations.
• Show up to my sessions on-time and prepared; including lesson plan and training gear.
• Continue to expand my knowledge base and education.
• Promote Fair Play and high standards of behavior.
• Always respect the referee’s decisions. 
• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission.
• Never engage in public criticism of the referees.
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behavior.  
• Never engage parents or players in disparaging conversations about the club, team or other players.
• Never steal club/team monies, property  or club intellectual property
• Never engage in discussions, coercion, negotiations, or intentions to "recruit" players from other clubs to come to ODFC nor engage in the above behaviors to move players or teams from ODFC to other clubs.
• Take responsibility for not only my own behavior but also the behavior of my players, assistant coaches, team administrators, parents, and spectators.

 When working with players, I will:

• Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning.  I understand that children play sports to have fun, get better at the sport, and spend time with friends.
• Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me. 
• Ensure I arrive to my training sessions and league games with plenty of time for setup and greeting our players.
• Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying.
• Never engage opposing coaches/assistant coaches in loud and heated discussions at ANYTIME.
• Say no to drugs and alcohol. 
• Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem. 
• Encourage the players to play by the rules, model Fair Play ideals, and respect referees, opponents, and spectators.
• Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.
• Ensure all activities I organize are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age, and maturity.

 As an  ODFC Coach, I understand that any breach of this Code of Conduct will result in actions from the club that may include one (or all) of the following:

 Coach may:

• Be required to meet with club technical staff and directors
• Be suspended from attending matches
• Be required to leave the club