Mankato United Soccer Club

Competitive Teams:

Coaches Code of Conduct During Training and Games

*Please see the form under "forms" in your Play Metrics account.

Coaches commit to fostering a positive, respectful, and professional environment for players and the club and agree to:

1. Coaching Standards During Training

Prepare organized, engaging, and age-appropriate training sessions.

Teach skills, tactics, and sportsmanship in alignment with the club's philosophy.

Encourage participation, effort, and improvement over focusing solely on results.

Adhere to the seasonal planning guidelines established by the Club's Director of Coaching (DOC).

Share the yearly, monthly, or training plans with the DOC for review and alignment.

Treat every player with respect, regardless of their skill level.

2. Leadership During Games

Promote fair play and encourage players to respect referees, opponents, and teammates.

Make decisions with the team’s development and success as the priority.

Manage substitutions and playing time to align with the club’s goals (e.g., equal play for recreational players, and merit-based for competitive players).

Avoid negative or aggressive behavior toward referees, opponents, or spectators.

3. Professionalism and Responsibility

Arrive before starting time, fully prepared, and dressed appropriately for all games and practices.

Communicate expectations, schedules, and feedback clearly with players and parents.

Handle conflicts or concerns calmly, addressing them privately and professionally.

Model positive behavior and be a role model for players and parents.

Prepare the end-of-season evaluation and submit it to the Director of Coaching (DOC).

4. Fostering a Positive Environment

Create a safe and inclusive atmosphere where all players feel valued.

Celebrate effort, improvement, and teamwork alongside success.

Encourage players to take risks, learn from mistakes, and develop resilience.

Provide constructive feedback that motivates and empowers players to improve.

Player Code of Conduct During Training and Games

As a player representing the club, I agree to uphold the following standards both on and off the field:

1. Commitment and Participation

Attend all training sessions, games, and events unless excused by the coach.

Arrive on time and prepare for practices and matches.

Notify the coach promptly if you are unable to attend a session or game via the PlayMetrics app.

2. Respect and Sportsmanship

Show respect toward teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and spectators.

Avoid any form of abusive, foul, or disrespectful language or behavior.

Shake hands with opponents and officials after every game, regardless of the result.

3. Teamwork and Leadership

Support and encourage teammates, prioritizing the success of the team over individual goals.

Demonstrate positive leadership, both in actions and words, on and off the field.

4. Discipline and Responsibility

Abide by the rules of the game, respecting referees’ decisions without protest.

Accept constructive feedback and work on improving areas of weakness.

Wear the appropriate club kit and maintain its condition.

5. Conduct Off the Field

Represent the club positively in public, including on social media platforms.

Refrain from any behavior that could harm the reputation of the club, teammates, or yourself.

6. Commitment to Learning

Listen to the coach's instructions and apply them during training and matches.

Continuously improve your technical, tactical, physical, and mental abilities.

7. Consequences for Misconduct

Understand that failure to comply with the code of conduct may result in a disciplinary action will take a place by the club. including warnings, suspension, or removal from the team.

Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct During Training and Games

As a parent, I understand my role in supporting my child, the team, and the club. I agree to:

1. Supportive Behavior During Training

Allow the coach to coach by refraining from giving instructions to players during training.

Encourage my child to focus, learn, and enjoy the training session.

Respect the training environment by staying outside the designated practice area unless invited.

Avoid interrupting or distracting the coach or players during the session.

2. Positive Encouragement During Games

Cheer respectfully for all players, celebrating effort, improvement, and teamwork over results.

Avoid criticizing players, referees, or coaches, regardless of the outcome.

Use positive language and focus on encouraging rather than instructing from the sidelines.

Refrain from engaging in negative discussions with referees, coaches, or other spectators.

3. Respect for the Team and Club

Follow all club policies regarding behavior and communication.

Model sportsmanship by respecting the opposing team, referees, and fans.

Discuss concerns about the team or coaching privately with the coach or club leadership at an appropriate time.

4. Creating a Positive Environment

Focus on fostering my child's love for the game rather than pressuring performance.

Remind my child that winning is not the only measure of success; effort, growth, and enjoyment matter more.

Support the entire team, not just my child, and encourage unity among parents.

5. Playing time

Respect the coach’s decisions regarding playing time, understanding that it is based on the club’s policies (e.g., equal time for recreational players, performance-based for premier players).

Focus on my child’s effort, improvement, and enjoyment of the game, rather than the minutes played.

6. Post-Game communication

Refrain from approaching the coach immediately after the game to discuss playing time or performance. Allow a 24-hour cooling-off period.

Address concerns respectfully through appropriate communication channels (e.g., email or scheduled meetings).

Encourage my child to advocate for themselves by discussing concerns with the coach directly.

Grievance and Feedback Procedures For Parents and Players:

Address concerns directly with the coach first.

If unresolved, contact the Director of Coaching.

If unresolved, contact club leadership via email at staff@mankatounited.org or speak to a grievance committee member directly. (Grievance committee members include Mohamed Alsadig, Rob Pipal, Alysha Smook and Ann Thompson).

Grievance and Feedback Procedures Coaches:

Address concerns directly with players and parents/guardians first.