CODES OF CONDUCT

An icon of a star
An icon of a star

Player Code of Conduct


Objective

Great Falls Reston Soccer Club (“GFR”) is committed to promoting excellence in youth soccer within an environment that emphasizes respect, sportsmanship, and positive development. This Players’ Code of Conduct establishes clear behavioral expectations for all players participating in GFR programs.


Applicability

This policy applies to all players participating in GFR programs, including practices, games, tournaments, team events, travel, and club-related activities.


Player Expectations

  1. Show respect to teammates, coaches, opponents, referees, and spectators at all times.
  2. Demonstrate good sportsmanship, including appropriate behavior during and after games, regardless of the outcome.
  3. Respect referees and officials, including their decisions, and refrain from arguing or showing dissent.
  4. Learn and abide by the Laws of the Game and the rules of the league or competition in which they are participating.
  5. Use appropriate language and behavior, and must not use foul, abusive, or threatening language or gestures toward teammates, coaches, opponents, referees, or spectators.
  6. Follow team and club rules, including directions from coaches and club officials.
  7. Prioritize safety, including avoiding dangerous play and respecting the physical well-being of others.


Prohibited Conduct

The following behavior is strictly prohibited and considered unsportsmanlike:

  • Foul or abusive language or gestures
  • Disrespectful behavior toward referees, opponents, or teammates
  • Taunting, bullying, or harassment of any kind
  • Repeated or deliberate violations of the Laws of the Game
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct

Enforcement

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, which may include:

  • Verbal or written warning
  • Removal from practice or game
  • Suspension from participation in practices or games
  • Expulsion from GFR programs


Serious or repeated violations may result in a hearing before the Rules and Disciplinary Committee.


Parent Code of Conduct


Objective

Great Falls Reston Soccer Club (“GFR”) recognizes that parents and guardians play a vital role in creating a positive youth soccer experience. This policy establishes expectations for conduct and provides a clear, respectful process for raising and resolving concerns.


Applicability

This policy applies to all parents, guardians, and spectators affiliated with GFR players during practices, games, tournaments, travel, and all club-related activities.


Parent Expectations

Parents and guardians must:

  • Be respectful and encouraging toward their child, teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and other spectators.
  • Support their player’s participation by providing proper equipment, ensuring timely arrival to practices and games, and encouraging effort and development.
  • Demonstrate respect for referees, including refraining from criticism, harassment, or dissent, and avoiding foul or abusive language.
  • Model good sportsmanship, recognizing that players model adult behavior.
  • Allow coaches to coach, refraining from sideline coaching or undermining coaching decisions.
  • Use the established escalation process when raising concerns or complaints.


Concern Escalation Process

GFR is committed to addressing parent concerns respectfully, efficiently, and at the appropriate level. Parents and guardians must follow the escalation process below when seeking resolution of concerns related to their child’s participation.


  1. Coach (First Point of Contact)
  2. Parents should first communicate concerns directly with their child’s coach, at an appropriate time and in a respectful manner.
  3. Age Group Director (Second Level)
  4. If the concern is not resolved, parents may escalate the issue to the Age Group Director (AGD).
  5. Program Director (Third Level)
  6. If additional support is needed:
  7. Travel Teams: Contact the Technical Director
  8. Recreation Teams: Contact the Recreation Director
  9. Executive Director (Fourth Level)
  10. If the concern remains unresolved, parents may escalate the matter to the Executive Director.
  11. Board of Directors (Final Level)
  12. Parents may contact the Board of Directors only if:
  13. The concern has not been resolved through the steps above; or
  14. The concern directly involves the Executive Director.


Concerns should be raised in good faith and with the intent of resolution. Skipping steps in the escalation process is discouraged except where safety, legality, or conflicts of interest require otherwise.


Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct will not be tolerated:

  • Foul, abusive, or threatening language or gestures
  • Harassment of referees, players, coaches, or spectators
  • Disruptive or intimidating behavior
  • Public confrontations or sideline disputes with coaches or officials


Enforcement

Violations of this Code of Conduct or failure to follow the escalation process may result in disciplinary action, including:

  • Verbal or written warning
  • Removal from the sideline or event
  • Suspension of spectator privileges
  • Expulsion from GFR activities


Serious or repeated violations may result in a hearing before the Rules and Disciplinary Committee.


Relationship to Other Policies

These policies operate in conjunction with:

General Code of Conduct

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

Whistleblower Protection Policy




“Soccer – It’s Just A Game”

An icon of a star

BEHAVIOR MATTERS

PLEASE REMEMBER


  1. These are KIDS.
  2. This is a GAME.
  3. Coaches are VOLUNTEERS.
  4. Referees are HUMAN.
  5. Your child is NOT being scouted by the pros today.