Parent Code of Conduct
For the health and safety of our kids, weapons, smoking, chewing tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or pets (including dogs of any size) are NOT allowed on the GCAA Complex or on the West View Elementary fields. If you are seen with any of these things, you will be asked to leave the campus.
GCAA's PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT
1. I understand that the Greater Cleveland Athletic Association is organized to promote youth athletics and good sportsmanship.
2. I understand that my conduct as a parent will have a definite impact on youth for whom it is intended, the program, and myself.
3. I pledge to support, cooperate, and work in every way to promote youth athletics in the best interest of the programs and youths involved.
4. I pledge to be respectful to all officials, even in an expression of disagreement.
5. I do agree to adhere to the principles of good sportsmanship and to the rules and regulations defined by GCAA and any organizations affiliated with GCAA.
6. I understand that if I display poor sportsmanship, whether during or following a game, I will be subject to partial or permanent program suspension. Unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as, but not limited to the following:
- Harassment of participants, coaches, or officials
- Use of profane language and/or gestures
- Public threats or physical violence
7. Regulations regarding adult's ejection or suspension will follow the guidelines listed below:
- I understand that if I am asked to leave a game, I will be suspended from attending the next game to be played by my son's/daughter's team.
- I understand that if I am asked to leave a second game during any one season. I will not be allowed to attend all the remaining regular season games and the end of season tournament.
- I understand that the GCAA board will review all adult ejections or suspension and may extend any suspension beyond what is stated above as deemed appropriate for the offense.
8. I understand that any suspension may be appealed by using the following process:
The suspended individual should submit in writing a detailed account of the incident to the president of the association within 48 hours of the suspension. The statement should give names of any witnesses that observed the incident.
9. This Code of Conduct does not exclude discipline by NCYSA. In the case of an ejection, the parent must leave the facility (out of sight and sound) in which the field is located and cannot return until 1 hour after their team's next match. If the parent does return before this time, an additional 2 game suspension will be incurred. Typical GCAA disciplinary actions for offenses are shown below:
- Disrespect to an opposing player = 1 game suspension
- Ejection from a game (first offense) = 1 game suspension
- Ejection from a game (second offense) = 1 season suspension
- Ejection from a game (third offense) = life suspension from participating in GCAA sanctioned events
- Verbal assault/hostile challenge of a referee/coach/player = 1 year suspension from attending games
- Physical assault/hostile challenge of a referee/coach/player = life suspension from participating in GCAA sanctioned events
Know the Rules
While soccer may be the most popular game in the world and has become increasingly poplular in the United States, for many parents it still seems like a very foreign game with strange rules. In truth, the game is very simple. There are only 17 "laws of the game" (rules).
The first 7 rules essentially describe the field of play, the size of the ball, the number of players on the field, the equipment players, the duties of the referee and the assitant referee, and the time of play.
The other 10 laws govern the play of the game. Most of these rules are very simple while a couple of them can be difficult to fully understand. One thing you must know is that while players, coaches, and even parents may not always see the play the same, in soccer "the referee is ALWAYS right". And some rules in soccer are left up to the opinion of the ref. For example, just because a player's hand and ball come into contact does not mean that a handball will be called. The ref must decide if the ball touches the hand or if the hand touches the ball (meaning the player moved their hand toward the ball) and even then may not call it if the other team gained an advantage from the observed handball.
It is never acceptable to challenge a ref's call and depending on the circumstances can lead to a player, coach, or even parent ejection from the game (especially in youth soccer). GCAA (and many other local clubs) have a very strict ZERO TOLERANCE policy for behavior. This is ultimately for the saftety of all of our kids and their enjoyment of THEIR game.
Most often it seems that a parent's frustration at a game really stems from not understanding the laws of the game. So take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the rules. And then understand that while at your child's soccer game, you job is very simple... you SHOULD cheer for all the great things that ALL the kids do on the field. Do NOT coach... do NOT criticize... do NOT embarass yourself or your kids by showing poor sportsmanship.
You should review these two documents to help you become a better soccer parent:
Sideline Guidelines for Youth Soccer (Do's and Don'ts of Youth Soccer)
10 Simple Soccer Rules for Baffled Parents