ODFC Codes of Conduct

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 club leadership.
• 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.
• Understand and accept that "playtime" is not guaranteed at the competitive (travel) level. The Head Coach has the final say on play time and player positions/roles within the team. NOTE: Recreational/Academy programs require %50 playtime for all participants.
• Be supportive of all the players on your son and daughter's 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.
• Schedule parent/coach conversations directly with coach. Conversations are NOT to be conducted before or after training sessions or games.

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. 
• Parents are to never send unsolicited emails to other team parents and/or players in form of a "poll" or "team survey" on any topic.
• 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