Purpose: This code of ethics has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of soccer within the Washington Youth Soccer (WYS).

WYS Coaches' Code of Ethics

Responsibilities to Players

• The coach shall never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
• Coaches shall instruct players to play within the laws of the game and within the spirit of the game at all times.
• Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.
• Coaches should not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.
• Demands on players' time should never be so extensive as to interfere with academic goals or progress.
• Coaches should direct players to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician's instructions regarding treatment and recovery.
• Any problems that cannot be resolved between coaches should be referred to the WSSC Board of Directors.

Responsibilities to the Laws of the Game

• Coaches should be thoroughly acquainted with and demonstrate a working knowledge of the rules for their age group.
• Coaches are responsible to assure their players understand the intent as well as the application of those rules.
• Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the Laws of the Game.
• Coaches are responsible for their players' actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with intent of causing injury to opposing players.
• The coach must constantly strive to teach good sporting behavior.

Responsibility to Officials

• Officials must have the support of coaches, players and spectators. Coaches must always refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players or spectators.
• Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of the game.
• Comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the appropriate organization assigning the official (for WSSC, the reffing site is TRIAS).

Responsibilities regarding Recruiting

• All WYS rules pertaining to recruiting shall be strictly observed by coach, manager or any team representative.
• It is inappropriate to recruit player(s) actively playing for another team.
• When discussing the advantages of his/her organization, the coach has an obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams and organizations.

Responsibility of Public Relations

• Coaches have a responsibility to promote the game of soccer to the public. Comments and critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches, players, parents or media should be positive and constructive.
• Coaches have the responsibility to assist their players in conducting themselves properly when in public when representing their team, member association and WYS.

Other Responsibilities

• A coach's behavior must be such as to bring credit to himself, his organization and the sport of soccer.
• While the concept of rivalry is wholly embraced, it cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct.
• The attitude and conduct of the coach towards officials, players, spectators and coaches should be controlled and undemonstrative.
• It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an opposing coach or bench before, during or after the game.
• Coaches must use their influence on his/her spectators that demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior towards officials, player(s) and opposing team members.