This code of ethics has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical and moral behavior from that which the SVSC believes in and follows.
Membership and coaching is a privilege offered and granted to those who perform and act responsibly not only during SVSC sanctioned activities, but also in the general running of the club itself. It carries with it an obligation for each individual within the club to uphold and promote its stated goals and objectives. Any conduct considered unethical or a conflict of interest shall be subject to discipline by the SVSC and sanctions may include, but are not limited to, suspension and expulsion from the club, at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Members have the right to participate in an environment free of alcohol and or controlled substances. SVSC members are not to possess, distribute or be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances including, but not limited to, narcotics, inhalants, marijuana or other dangerous drugs. Consumption of alcoholic beverages, and any use of tobacco products are strictly prohibited at all league practices and game sites.
Article I - Responsibility to Players
The member association shall never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written 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.
Member associations must never encourage players, coaches or parents to violate SVSC recruitment, eligibility or player rules and policies.
Coaches should direct players to see proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician’s instructions regarding treatment and recovery.
Article II - Responsibilities to SVSC and other Member Organizations
Adherence to all SVSC and member association rules and policies, especially those regarding eligibility and team formation and member association rules and policies regarding recruiting are mandatory and should never be violated. It is the responsibility of each member associations and coach to know and understand these rules.
Any problems that cannot be resolved between coaches should be referred to the appropriate SVSC or member association officer or committee.
Article III - Responsibilities to the Laws of the Game
Coaches should be thoroughly acquainted with and demonstrate a working knowledge of the Laws of the Game.
Coaches are responsible to assure their players understand the intent as well as the application of the laws.
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 those to perform with intent of causing injury to opposing players.
The coach must constantly strive to teach good sporting behavior.
Article IV - Responsibility to Officials
Officials must have the support of member association coaches, players and spectators.
Coaches must always refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players or spectators.
Professional respect, before, during and after the game should be mutual. There should be no demeaning dialogue or gestures between official, coach or players.
Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of the games.
Comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the appropriate organization assigning the official.
Article V - Responsibilities Regarding Scouting & Recruiting
It is inappropriate to recruit player(s) actively playing for another team.
It is unethical for a player to be recruited or enticed from the Olympic Development Program (ODP) setting, either by his ODP coach or any other coach, manager, player, parent or team representative.
When discussing the advantages of his/her association, the member association and coaches have an obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams and associations.
It is unethical for an member association or coach to make a statement to s prospective athlete that cannot be fulfilled.
It is illegal to promise any kind of compensation or inducement for play and immoral to deliver it.
Article VI - Responsibility of Public Relations
Member associations and coaches have a responsibility to promote the game of soccer to the public. Comments, critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches, players and parents 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 SVSC.
Coaches must not attempt to influence member association or SVSC in politics; financial dealing outside the framework of their own rules and by-laws.
Article VII - Other Responsibilities
While the concept of rivalry is wholly embraces, it cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct.
The attitude and conduct of the member association and their coaches towards officials, players, spectators and other 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 spectators that demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior towards officials, player(s) and opposing team member(s).
