NSFC CODE OF CONDUCT

• I will conduct myself in the best interests of the NSFC, putting NSFC ‘s and players’ interests ahead of any personal or team interests. I will ensure I support the NSFC and its activities.
• I will set clear expectations for players, parents and team officials prior to the start of the season.
• I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
• I will follow the NSFC policies; in the event a policy is unclear, I will contact the Vice President of Girls and Boys or the Head Coach of the NSFC to clarify the issue. I will do my utmost to learn the NSFC policies.
• I will be reasonable in my demands on the players’ time. I will be aware that they have other interests and obligations, including school, and will conduct and organize training sessions in a manner that ensures academic success.
• I will never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
• I will teach my players that the rules of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
• I will never engage in harassment or physical abuse of team members, game officials, or opposition, and support all efforts to remove such abuse from sporting actives. (Harassment takes many forms but can generally be defined as behaviour, including comments or conduct which is insulting, ridiculing, intimidating, humiliating, creates fear, is malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual, or group of individuals, or which creates an uncomfortable environment).
• I will develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches and players.
• I will remember that athletes need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise, lead by example, and provide all feedback in a constructive, positive manner.

• I will remember that players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
• I will conduct a reasonable inspection of the playing field and of the equipment before each game or practice.
• I will not knowingly let an injured player take part in a game or practice session without being advised that the player’s parent has approved that player’s participation.
• In age-appropriate circumstances, following practices or games, I will release players only to parents, adult family members, or other responsible persons.
• I will at no time become intimately or sexually involved with any player registered on a NSFC team. This includes requests for sexual favours or threat of reprisals for the rejection of such requests made to players or their parents.
• I will not engage in personal communications with a player on non-soccer related issues in written, verbal, or electronic manner.

• I will follow the Fair Play Philosophy as stated in the NSFC coaches handout regarding fair playing time.
• I will not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, or sexual preference. I further understand that I not only represent my players and team, but also the NSFC in games and tournaments, and will conduct myself accordingly. I understand that I will be held accountable to the executive of the NSFC for my actions and behaviours throughout the season. I further understand that the NSFC will monitor my behaviour and will take appropriate action to uphold this Code of Conduct. I understand that violating this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action on the part of the NSFC. I also understand that I may also be subject to the disciplinary rules of BC Soccer.

Breach of conduct may result in various disciplinary actions that may include suspension or being terminated from the NSFC coaching staff. Level of disciplinary is determined by the executive board.