As outlined by our Sportsmanship Committee, athletic competition in the NGS and BAYS programs is guided by the following ideals:
NGS is very proud of the behavior and sportsmanship displayed by its players, coaches and parents. We value spirited and fair play as well as spirited and positive support for our players and teams. In order to ensure that our expected level of behavior and decorum continues with each season and at each game, we ask the members of the NGS community coaches, parents, and players to continue their commitment to abide by the ideals of our league.
Youth sports are played for the enjoyment and growth of the players, coaches and spectators. All of our competitions are learning experiences for all of us and must be positive in nature at all times. Everyone on the field will make mistakes of judgement or execution: players, coaches, referees and spectators. If we all learn in positive setting, we must accept these mistakes and take them in stride. NGS expects that everyone at the field should promote the goal of fair competition by being respectful and constructive in their approach to the game.
Players shall at all times represent themselves, their teams and NGS with honor, proper conduct and good sportsmanship. They shall understand that competitive rivalries are encouraged but that disrespect for opponents or referees is unsportsmanlike and lessens the value of competitive rivalries. They shall confine the competitiveness of the game to the field and behave properly on the field and sidelines before, during and after the game.
Players shall fully comply with the rulings of the referees. In no way by voice, action, or gesture, shall they demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the decisions made.
Coaches need to remember that players will follow their example and must remember to exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship at all times.
Players must never forget that they represent their team and NGS.
NGS will not tolerate any spectator, either parent or friend, whose behavior is disrespectful toward players, referees, coaches, or other spectators. Nor will NGS permit any type of spectator behavior that either distracts from the conduct of the game or disparages a player or a team.
Coaching is the responsibility of the coach and not the responsibility of a parent or spectator. It is the responsibility of the coach to control all players, parents, and spectators rooting for his or her team.
Some of these potential problems can be alleviated with specific instructions included in your "Welcome Letter" to players and parents prior to the start of the season.
The Referee is the "absolute authority" and is in charge when she or he arrives at the field, until she or he exits the playing area. The Referee's prime concerns are, in order of importance, the safety of the participants and the conduct of a fair competition according to the FIFA laws of soccer. The FIFA laws of soccer purposely leave the Referee with considerable latitude in deciding when to call fouls, more latitude than in the American spectator sports. Furthermore, there are many players on the field but only one (1) Referee. Referees are instructed only to call infractions and restarts as they see them; "Referees Have Only One Pair Of Eyes". If a Referee is blocked from seeing a foul that is very obvious from the sideline, the foul will not be called. Refereeing a soccer game is highly subjective. Sometimes the viewer or player will see things differently from the Referee. Nonetheless, every player, coach and spectator must respect the Referee's authority and not disagree in word or action with the calls on the field.
e. Good Sportsmanlike Behavior
- 1. Coaches are expected to set a positive example and reinforcement of players respect for opposing team and accepting referees calls even if they disagree with the call.
- 2. Appropriate cheer for the opposing team and handshakes at the end of the game, no matter who won the game.
f. Unsportsmanlike Behavior
- 1. Booing or heckling a referee's decisions, criticizing referees in any way, or any display of anger with a referee's calls.
- 2. Use of profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game.
- 3. Trashtalk or yells that antagonize opponents.
- 4. Verbal abuse or intimidation tactics.
- 5. Disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs, gestures, signs, posters or banners.
These guidelines apply equally to all players, coaches, parents and spectators. NGS expects Referees to apply these guidelines strictly, especially with regard to coaches, parents and players.
The NGS Sportsmanship Committee is responsible for promoting, monitoring and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. If you see behavior or events that warrant their consideration, give them a call. They are there to help.
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