LUBBOCK SOCCER ASSOCIATION

BY-LAWS

and

GENERAL RULES

September, 1987

REVISED: August, 2006

LUBBOCK SOCCER ASSOCIATION

BY-LAWS and GENERAL RULES  

Chapter 9: By-Laws of the Lubbock Soccer Association

Lubbock Soccer Association

General Rules

9. Chapter 9: Codes of Ethics / Conduct

 9.1. CODE OF ETHICS FOR COACHES
    This code of ethics has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and 
    accepted professional, ethical, and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the
    development of the sport of soccer.

        9.1.1. ARTICLE I: Responsibilities to Players

            9.1.1.1. The coach must never place the value of winning over the safety and
                        welfare of players. Winning should be the result of preparation and
                        discipline with emphasis placed on the highest ideals and character
                        traits.

            9.1.1.2. Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the
                        game and within the spirit of the game at all times.

            9.1.1.3. Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate
                        unsportsmanlike behavior to players.

            9.1.1.4. Coaches should not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players
                        regardless of the situation.

            9.1.1.5. Demands on players’ time should never be so extensive as to interfere
                        with academic goals and progress. Motivation for excellence should
                        include academics as well as athletics.

            9.1.1.6. Coaches must never encourage players to violate recruitment, eligibility,
                        or guest player rules and policies.

            9.1.1.7. Under no circumstances should coaches authorize or encourage the use
                        of medicinal or performance enhancing drugs. Players should be directed
                        to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician’s
                        instructions regarding treatment and recovery. At no time should a player
                        be put at risk by returning from injury prematurely or by being forced to
                        play while injured.

        9.1.2. ARTICLE II: Responsibility to Association

            9.1.2.1. Adherence to all Association and North Texas Soccer rules and policies,
                        especially those regarding eligibility, team formation, recruiting, and
                        guest players is mandatory and should never be violated. It is the
                        responsibility of every coach to know and understand these rules.

            9.1.2.2. Player development and the growth of the player through participation is
                        essential to the growth of the sport. Additionally, the coach must behave
                        in such a manner that the principles, integrity, and dignity of the sport
                        are maintained.

            9.1.2.3. Any problems that cannot be resolved between coaches should be
                        referred to the appropriate Commissioner or committee immediately.

        9.1.3. ARTICLE III: Responsibility to the LAWS of the GAME

            9.1.3.1. Coaches should be thoroughly acquainted with and demonstrate a
                        working knowledge of the laws of the game of soccer. Coaches are also
                        responsible to ensure that their players understand the intent as well as
                        the application of the laws.

            9.1.3.2. Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the laws of the game.
                        Those coaches who circumvent the rules to gain advantage have no
                        place in soccer.

            9.1.3.3. Coaches are responsible for their players’ actions on the field and must
                        not permit them to perform with the intent of causing injury to opposing
                        players.

            9.1.3.4. If coaches permit, encourage, or condone performance which is not in
                        the letter or spirit of the laws, they are derelict in their responsibility to
                        players, the Association, North Texas Soccer and the sport worldwide.
                        The coach must strive constantly to teach good sporting behavior.

        9.1.4. ARTICLE IV: Responsibility to Officials

            9.1.4.1. Officials must have the support of coaches, players, and spectators.
                        Criticism of officials undermines their purpose in the game. Coaches
                        must always refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players.

            9.1.4.2. Coaches should strive to develop a line of communication with officials,
                        giving each an opportunity to better understand the problems relating to
                        their specific area. This section shall not be taken as an encouragement
                        to debate referee decisions during the match.

            9.1.4.3. On game day, officials should be treated with respect before, during, and
                        after the game. Officials should be addressed as ‘Referee’ or ‘Mr./Ms.
                        Referee’ and not by name. Professional respect should be mutual and
                        there should be no demeaning dialogue or gesture between official,
                        coach, or player. Coaches must not incite players or spectators or
                        attempt to disrupt the flow of play.

            9.1.4.4. Comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the
                        appropriate organization assigning the official.

        9.1.5. ARTICLE V: Responsibilities Regarding Scouting and Recruiting

            9.1.5.1. It is unethical to scout any team, by any means whatsoever, except in
                        regularly scheduled games.

            9.1.5.2. The use of video tape or motion picture equipment to scout an
                        opponent’s regularly scheduled games for the purpose of recruiting is
                        unethical.

            9.1.5.3. All Association and North Texas Soccer rules pertaining to recruiting
                        shall be strictly observed by the coach, manager, or any team
                        representative.

            9.1.5.4. It is unethical to recruit player(s) actively playing for another team.

            9.1.5.5. 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, parent or team representative.

            9.1.5.6. When discussing the advantages of his/her organization, the coach has
                        an ethical obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory
                        remarks regarding other coaches, teams, and organizations.

            9.1.5.7. It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective
                        athlete which cannot be fulfilled; illegal to promise any kind of
                        compensation or inducement for play; and immoral to deliver same.

            9.1.5.8. Allegations of illegal or unethical recruiting are very serious and should
                        be based on concrete facts rather than hear-say and innuendo. While   
                        documentation of recruiting violations is essential, the use of video tape
                        and other electronic equipment is discouraged.

        9.1.6. ARTICLE VI: Responsibility of Public Relations

            9.1.6.1. Coaches have a responsibility to promote the game of soccer to the
                        public. Comments and critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches,
                        players, parents, or the media should be positive and constructive, never
                        prejudicial or inflammatory.

            9.1.6.2. When asked to give a recommendation concerning team, camp, coach,
                        or organization, it is in the best interest of all concerned if no less than
                        three referrals are given in order to provide a professional unbiased
                        source of information.

            9.1.6.3. Coaches have the responsibility to assist their players in conducting
                        themselves properly when in public while representing their team,
                        Lubbock Soccer Association, and North Texas Soccer.

            9.1.6.4. Publicly predicting a win is folly and serves no useful place in a coach’s
                        public image.

            9.1.6.5. Comments stressing injuries, team, personnel conflicts, or disciplinary
                        problems as an excuse for a loss or unsuccessful endeavor are
                        detrimental and should be avoided.

            9.1.6.6. It is unethical for a coach to solicit alumni, parents, booster club, or
                        managers to pressure organizations, Lubbock Soccer Association, or
                        North Texas Soccer to alter established rules. The coach must not
                        attempt to influence these organizations in political or financial dealings
                        outside the framework of their own rules and bylaws.

            9.1.6.7. The media should be allowed access to the players for comment.
                        Players should be instructed in how to conduct themselves during an
                        interview.

        9.1.7. ARTICLE VII: Game Day and Other Responsibilities

            9.1.7.1. A coach’s behavior must be such as to bring credit to himself, his
                        organization, and the sport of soccer. This is never more evident than on
                        the day of the contest.

            9.1.7.2. Rival coaches should meet prior to the game and exchange friendly or
                        professional greetings. While the concept of rivalry is wholly embraced, it
                        cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct.

            9.1.7.3. During play, coaches have a responsibility to be as inconspicuous as
                        possible. Coaches shall exhibit a respectful attitude towards players.
                        The coach must confine himself to the coaching area. The attitude of the
                        coach towards officials, spectators, opposing players and coaches
                        should be controlled and undemonstrative.

            9.1.7.4. It shall be unethical for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an
                        opposing coach or bench during the game. Hostile physical contact with
                        a player is considered highly unethical.

            9.1.7.5. The coach’s foremost post game responsibility is his team.

            9.1.7.6. Coaches should use their influence on unfriendly spectators that
                        demonstrate intimidating behavior towards officials and opposing teams.