Portsmouth Youth Soccer Association - PYSA

Codes of Conduct for Spectators / Parents

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in soccer. Encourage your child to play by the rules.

• The game is to be enjoyed by supporters, as well as players. Show your sportsmanship and enthusiasm!

• Turn defeat into victory by helping your child improve skills and develop good sportsmanship. Do not ridicule or yell at your child for making mistakes or losing. Spend time kicking the ball with your child at home or in the park.

• Children learn by example. Learn your child’s teammates names, cheer them on. Applaud good play by your team and opponents. Cheer the team not the individual player! Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory. Help them to see loss as opportunity to improve, without undue disappointment.

• Do not publicly question the officials’ judgment, integrity or calls. Referees will make technical mistakes. They will miss (not see) calls. They will allow play to continue if blowing the whistle and stopping play would give the offending team an advantage. They will interpret play differently. Remember, they are just kids learning also.

• Please refrain from "coaching/instructing" your child from the sidelines during games. He/she has enough to think about already. It is important for the child to learn to make their own decisions on the field. If you still have strong urges, become a volunteer yourself! You may have what it takes to be a Head Coach next season!

• Take your "Duty Parent-Coach" responsibilities seriously. P.Y.S.A Coaches are parents who volunteered. It is your responsibility to lighten their load. "Duty Parent-Coach" will not interfere with the Head Coach in any way. Show your appreciation and support.

• Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. Do not interfere with the way your child’s coach is coaching at the field during the scheduled time slot. He/she volunteered their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child. If you have any concerns, discuss with the coach after the game, in private, or contact the Division Director, Director of Coaches, President or any other P.Y.S.A. board member. If you want the authority, take on the responsibility and volunteer yourself as a Head Coach next year.

• Head Coaches may choose any assistant coach(s) he/she desires. The Head Coach is not obligated or required to have an assistant coach. Any assistant coach(s) selected by the Head Coach serve(s) at the pleasure of the Head Coach.

• Please do not allow children to climb stone walls, goal posts or trees in our recreational areas

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