PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The Greater Cleveland Soccer Association is committed to providing a positive experience for
our players, parents and family members, opponents, coaches, referees, and soccer fans from
the community.
1. PLAYER ENCOURAGEMENT – All positive spectator comments are encouraged for your
player, their teammates and opponents. Examples of acceptable comments are: “Nice pass”,
“Good Save”, “Great effort”, and “Go Blue team”. Under no circumstances should you yell at
your player or any other player during a game. Additionally, spectators will not “coach” from the
sideline. Spectator “coaching” can cause confusion for a player who is learning the drill, play,
and/or game directed by their coach. Player encouragement also includes sportsmanship in
accepting the game results of both a win and a loss.
2. RESPECT THE REFEREES – The referee is a symbol of fair play. The referee will make a
mistake. However, coaches, parents, and/or visitors must support the referee and/or game
official. Do NOT yell and/or address a referee during or after a game. Disrespect to a referee
could lead to a coach, parent, and/or visitor removal from the game area and possibly the
soccer complex as determined by the referee, referee assignor, GRCSA board member, or the
GRCSA designated representative.
3. SUPPORT THE COACH - Coaches invest time into each player and their team. Respect their
decisions. If you have questions about playtime, position, etc., arrange for a meeting with the
coach after a game.
4. RESPECT THE OPPONENT- Treat every opposing team's player, their families, and
spectators with respect. Spectators who become threatening toward the opponent, their families
or guests could be removed from the play area and possibly the soccer complex as determined
by the referee, referee assignor, GRCSA board member, or the GRCSA designated
representative.
5. PLAYER SAFETY- If a player is injured on or off the field please evaluate their playing ability
appropriately. If cardiac or concussion symptoms are present please follow the protocols and
directions from trainers, physicians, and or licensed representative. Also, a player needs to be
fever free for 24 hours before they return to play. Player safety also includes zero tolerance for
misconduct in the form of bullying, harassment (physical and non-physical offenses) and hazing.
Notify the coach of any health related issues.
6. ABUSE AWARENESS- GRCSA has zero tolerance for physical, mental, sexual, or verbal
abuse from a coach, parent, league representative, volunteer or peer toward another GRCSA
player. If a coach, parent, volunteer, league representative, or any other person witnesses, or is
made aware of a situation that jeopardizes a player’s welfare who is, or could be adversely
affected by abuse, neglect, or harassment SHALL immediately report to the local law
enforcement agency, the Department of Children and Families, the GRCSA Risk Manager,
GRCSA President and/or other GRCSA board member. Furthermore, there will be zero
tolerance for any retaliation against any person(s) who are reporting the abuse.