PAYSL Code of Ethics
Parent's Code
Preamble
As a parent I play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of children.
Through my encouragement and good example, I can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship, and self-discipline. In soccer young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat — all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.
Support Your Child
Support your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.
Help my child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach my child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory—that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!
Always Be Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities
Remember That Your Child Wants to Have Fun
Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals—to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.
Children play for the fun of playing.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieves their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
Don't Be a Sideline Coach or Ref
Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there's usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!
Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout
Overuse is one of the most common etiologic factors that lead to injuries in the pediatric and adolescent athlete. As more children are becoming involved in organized and recreational athletics, the incidence of overuse injuries is increasing. Over training can lead to burnout, which may have a detrimental effect on the child participating in sports as a lifelong healthy activity. One contributing factor to over training may be parental pressure to compete and succeed.
Players' Code
I will play soccer for the enjoyment of the game!
I will show respect to all involved in the game which includes the following:
Referees
Coaches
Parents and spectators
Most of all, to the players. Both on my team and the opposing team, for without the other players, the game would not be played.
I will conduct myself with dignity and obey the laws of the game