CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SOCCER SPECTATORS
1. As spectators we will refrain from booing or yelling at officials at any time during a match because we are aware of the following:
a. Such behavior on our part sets a poor example of sportsmanship.
b. Such behavior reflects negatively on our community, our team, our players and us.
c. Many youth soccer officials have had limited experience and formal training and do the best job they can, given these limitations.
d. Most soccer officials make correct calls even though we sometimes see the incident otherwise.
e. If officials do make incorrect calls during a match, the following circumstances usually apply:
i. The number of poor calls usually balances out for both teams.
ii. No one is perfect.
iii. The officials don’t have the same observation point afforded the spectators sitting in the bleachers.
iv. An occasional incorrect call seldom affects the outcome of a match.
v. There are more effective channels for correcting poor officiating than verbal abuse during the match.
vi. We don’t really know how difficult it is to officiate a soccer match until we’ve run on the ‘pitch’ in the official’s ‘boots.’
2. During a match we will refrain from yelling at players on either team because we are aware of the following:
a. They are children, not soccer professionals, who, due to limited playing experience and great enthusiasm, may make mistakes.
b. Encouragement and praise should be made in public; constructive criticism is best made in private.
c. The coach is the best equipped to analyze and correct deficiencies in soccer skills. Our attempts to be helpful in this respect may only confuse the players.
d. The golden rule applies. Treat other players with the courtesy, respect and consideration, which we want other supporters to show our own players.
3. At soccer matches we will refrain from being argumentive or using abusive language towards supporters of the players on the opposing team because we are aware of the following:
a. Others judge us on our actions and words. We will always strive to insure that the results of this judgment are a verdict of SPORTSMANSHIP.
b. We will conduct ourselves in such a courteous and restrained manner that if called upon to do so, we could line up in front of the bleachers after the match and shake hands with each supporter of the opposing team in the same way players are expected to do after each match.
4. If our team loses, we will demonstrate our ability to cope with the loss in both deed and word, because we are aware of the following:
a. In soccer, as in other aspects of life, it is not always possible to win no matter how supreme the effort.
b. When victory eludes us, we must learn to accept it as graciously as we do our triumphs.
c. It may be just possible that a loss is due to the fact that the opposing team played the match better than our team.
d. Our players should learn from our reactions to a loss that: i. We feel they played their best; which just wasn’t good enough on this particular day.
ii. They should hold their heads up high; there is no shame attached to honest effort – win or lose.
iii. There is always something to learn from a loss.
iv. There is nothing gained from brooding; players should be encouraged to put the match behind them and look forward to the next opportunity to play.
v. Seeking scapegoats, such as ‘biased officials’, ‘poor turf’, or ‘poor performance by one or two teammates’ is not a mature or healthy reaction to the loss. Such a crutch prevents acceptance of reality.
5. Whether away from or at the field, our words and actions should convey a philosophy of soccer which includes:
a. The real purpose of soccer competition is to have FUN, to be able to participate to improve skills, to learn sportsmanship, to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, to develop a group loyalty and comradeship, to learn to compete within established rules, to accept decisions of authorized officials, to seek interpretation or change through proper channels and to develop sound minds and bodies.