policies & Guidelines

NVU will NOT tolerate behavior that brings the club, team, or game into disrepute. The club believes that the attitude shown by parents toward the coaches, the referees, and the opposing players is of paramount importance. Inappropriate comments or actions by adults undermine the essence of competition and introduce stresses for players:

I will set a good example for my child by adhering to the following policies:

• I will not openly criticize the referees before, during, or after games.

• I will not openly criticize our opponents or argue with their parents or officials during or after games.

• I will only give positive feedback to players on both teams.

• I will cheer at all games within the spirit of fair play.

• I will be mindful of our opponents' feelings when cheering for our team in lop-sided games.

• I will do my best to teach my player to become a student of the game and do likewise. 

• I will show the quality of our sportsmanship during and after every match and encourage my child to congratulate opponents and match officials after every game.

• I understand that improper behavior at a match, practice, or other NVU event may result in a parent being asked to leave the field or the event by a referee, coach, or team manager.

• Upon review of improper behavior by members of the Board of Directors, I understand that a parent can, if necessary, be suspended from watching their child play should such behavior be considered rude or otherwise offensive.

• I will leave the coaching to the coach and refrain from giving my child or teammate any instructions during training or games.

• I will endeavor to give timely notice (more than 24 hours) to my coach should my player be unable to attend a team event.

• Should I have a soccer-related concern regarding my player, I agree to reflect for at least 24 hours before raising the issue with the coach.

As a player for NVU, I promise to uphold the following:

• I promise to maintain a positive attitude during NVU events, training sessions, and matches.

• I promise to be punctual and ready at the time I am required to be present for all training sessions and matches.

• I promise to make every effort to contact the coach/trainer 24 hours in advance of any training/practice absence and 48 hours in advance of any game day absence.

• I promise to be a team player and always encourage my fellow teammates.

• I promise to follow the directions of my coaches and trainers.

• I promise to respect my teammates, coaches, and trainers.

• I promise to respect and not criticize opposing players, coaches, or teams.

• I promise to respect and not criticize or raise my voice to officials.

• I promise not to use foul or degrading language while playing for the Club.

• I promise I will not engage in any fighting or flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct during any practice, training session, game, or event.

• I will respect the game of soccer and its laws.

• I will respect all equipment and playing facilities and not hang onto the goals and nets.

• I will clean up after myself, my team, and others at our home and away facilities/fields.

• I will accept victory AND defeat with dignity.

• I understand that playing time is not guaranteed. I recognize that certain games are more competitive than others and that some players will earn more playing time based on effort, ability, or attitude at practices and games.

The NVU coaching staff adheres to the policies below, as detailed in the VYSA Coaches Code of Conduct.

Coaches are crucial to establishing and upholding ethics in the sport of soccer because players model the behavior of their coaches and peers. Even though winning is a fundamental goal for all competitors, the NVU Coaching Code of Conduct calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a win-at-all-costs attitude and prioritize the health, safety, welfare, and moral education of our young people.

• Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport, regardless of gender place of origin, color, sexual orientation, political belief, or economic status.

• Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations.

• Coaches must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of the players.

• Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.

• Coaches must direct comments or criticism at performance rather than the athlete.

• Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

• Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.

• Coaches must ensure that the activities they institute are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience, and ability of the players.

• Coaches must abstain from the use of tobacco or vaping products and alcohol while in the presence of athletes.

• Coaches must cooperate fully with other specialists (e.g., other coaches, officials, doctors, and trainers) in the best interests of the player.

• Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g., fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behavior contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.

• Coaches must consistently display high standards of behavior and appearance.

• Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

• Coaches must regularly seek ways of increasing professional development and continuing coaching education.