Zero Tolerance

Youth development is the central focus of the AYSO program. This includes development of youth whether they are soccer players or soccer referees. All the AYSO guidelines and policies on providing a "Safe, Fair and Fun" environment for players also apply to youth referees. Only "Positive, Instructive, and Encouraging" comments are allowed to be directed at youth players or youth referees. The purpose of this policy is to make clear that verbal abuse or negative criticism of ANY referees is as unacceptable as verbal abuse or negative criticism of youth players and to adopt basic standard sanctions for improper conduct.

Too often many of us forget the reasons for being out on the field: encouraging and supporting our children, promoting fair play and good sportsmanship, teaching the kids how to have fun while competing and learning that there is more to winning and losing than just the final score.

Our referees are unpaid adult and youth volunteers who are doing their best to ensure our children's safety while upholding the spirit of the laws of soccer. The referees cannot and will not tolerate any abusive behavior. In addition to setting a poor example for the children, derogatory comments or constant complaining about the referee’s calls or non-calls jeopardizes our ability to attract and retain volunteers, without whom we cannot play. In instances where parents or coaches cannot control their comments or behavior, they will be asked to leave the game area and in extreme situations could be banned from watching further games.

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FONTANA AYSO has adopted and modified the following rules:

No one, except the players, is to speak to the referee during or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.
Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game, no remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. NO YELLING at the referee, EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.
Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action by the Fontana AYSO Disciplinary Board.

If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the Referee Administrator or board member at the referee tent on the game day.

Disciplinary Sanctions for Youth Referee Abuse

Any board member, upon receipt of any reported abuse of a youth referee shall report the incident to the Disciplinary Board which shall consist of the appropriate Divisional Coordinator, the Regional Commissioner, and the Regional Coach and Referee Administrators, who shall implement appropriate discipline, immediately or before the next game if possible.

At a minimum, sanctions include the suspension of one game. They will be increased in the event of serious verbal abuse, confronting the youth referee and/or threatening the youth referee.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters.

Through your encouragement and good example, you can help all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In AYSO, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.

Support Your Child
Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.

Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!

Always Be Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children. Be aware of this fact and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports.

Remember: Your Child Wants To Have Fun
Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.

Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team.

Children play for the fun of playing.

Reinforce Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and overcome their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.

Don't Be A Sideline Coach Or Referee
AYSO coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's soccer experience a positive one. They need your support, too.

That means refrain from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. In a volunteer organization like AYSO there's always an opportunity to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!

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Fontana AYSO Region 136

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PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

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Fontana AYSO Region 136