Coaches are held to the highest standards of sportsmanship and behavior. Abiding by these standards will allow all parties involved to enjoy the sport of soccer at every age level and will help all participants develop a better love, understanding, and appreciation for the sport. These standards, concerning the behavioral standards for coaches, are herein identified and noted.

Each coach is responsible to become familiar with and abide by this Code of Conduct. Any infraction to this code or these policies may result in direct disciplinary action by Northern Utah United. What follows is not exhaustive and may include other items beyond what is explicitly stated.

Coach Responsibility to the Players of the Team

• Coaches shall treat the players of their team with respect and dignity.
• Coaches shall encourage the players on the team to practice good judgment, sportsmanship, and character towards coaches, referees, and other players of any team.
• Coaches are responsible for the sportsmanship of their players. If one of their players is disrespectful, irresponsible, or overly aggressive, the coach will take action to de-escalate immediately.
• Coaches should acknowledge good sportsmanship when it’s displayed.
• Coaches shall never coach a match or conduct a practice under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Coaches shall never use profanity, make obscene gestures, or engage in any inappropriate behavior or conduct, at any time.
• Coaches shall not place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
• Coaches shall instruct players to play within the Laws of the Game and within the spirit of the game at all times.
• Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching unsporting behavior to players.
• Coaches shall not encourage players to violate any Law of the Game or any rule of competition established by UYSA.
• Coaches shall not encourage, condone, or permit any player to violate any bylaw, rule, or policy of UYSA or the applicable Member Organization.
• Coaches shall not discourage, deter, or deny players the right of advancement to participate in training or competition at a higher level within the club.
• Coaches shall direct players to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow instructions received from health care professionals regarding treatment and rehabilitation.

Coach Responsibility to Opponents

• Coaches shall not verbally or physically assault any member, player, or coach of any opposing team.
• Coaches shall not use racial slurs or profane language in any way towards anyone including players of the opposing team. This includes any encouragement of unsportsmanlike conduct.
• At matches, coaches should encourage all parents/guardians/spectators from both teams to applaud and cheer for good plays by both teams and discourage them from yelling at players and the referee/official – be as forceful and direct as necessary.
• At all times (matches and practices), coaches are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players and other spectators rooting for your team. It is the responsibility of the coach to explain to them acceptable player and parent/spectator behavior in a preseason meeting. Refer to our Parents/Guardians/Spectators and Players’ Codes of Conduct.
• Coaches shall afford to opponents the respect expected by the Law of Game and the spirit of UYSA competition.
• Coaches shall not encourage, condone, or permit any player to engage in conduct with the intent of causing injury to an opponent.
• Coaches shall not engage in any physical or verbal confrontation with any opposing player, coach, or supporter.
• Coaches shall not scout an opponent except where allowed by UYSA rules.

Coach Responsibility to Officials

• Coach shall respect the physical space and avoid physical conduct with any member of an officiating team.
• Coaches shall report complaints to the League rather than getting into confrontations with officials at the field. Coach’s observations will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively, factually, and formally.
• After the match, coaches are encouraged to thank the referee/official(s) and ask their players to do the same.
• Coaches shall extend respect and courtesy to match and competition officials.
• Coaches shall not incite players, team officials, or spectators into conduct towards officials that is contrary to the Laws of the Game.
• Coaches shall not make demeaning or derogatory comments or gestures directed towards any official.
• Coaches shall use their influence and authority to deter inappropriate conduct by supporters towards officials and opponents.
• Coaches shall employ only methods authorized by the Laws of the Game, the rules of the competition, or the policies of UYSA to pursue review of decisions by match or competition officials.

Coach Responsibility to Spectators and Fans

• Coaches shall not engage in any way, verbally or physically, with any spectator of the opposing side.
• Coaches are responsible for their sideline. Coach shall make sure the spectators are seated in the appropriate area and understand where the team area is and where the spectator section is.

Coach Responsibility to Northern Utah United

• Coaches shall engage in a positive and constructive relationship with the Club, which is essential to the Club’s objectives, mission, and operations.
• Coaches shall refrain from uncooperative, unreasonable, or unsupportive conduct towards the Club, its coaches, staff, board, rules, regulations, policies, and standards.
• Coaches shall follow Club policy and go through the proper due process for any complaints or disciplinary actions.
• Coaches shall become aware of and comply with the rules, policies, and procedures established by UYSA and the applicable Member Organization including, but not limited to player and team eligibility, team formation, and recruiting.
• Coaches shall refer disputes, appeals, and disciplinary reports to proper authorities as designed by UYSA and the applicable Member Organization.
• Coaches shall not encourage, condone, or permit any player, team official, or surrogate to violate any bylaw, rule, or policy of UYSA or its Member Organizations.

Coach Compliance

I have read, understand, and agree to follow and adhere to the Northern Utah United Coach Code of Conduct. I understand that if my actions and personal conduct breach the expectations set for me above in any way, I may be subject to disciplinary action. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Verbal/written warning.
• Face to face meeting with NUU to further discuss the coach’s responsibility regarding the Code of Conduct.
• Suspension from future games
• Removal of the coach from the team.

Electronically signed at registration.