Players Code of Conduct

Parents, players, coaches, and spectators represent NOW FC. The actions of each individual affect the
image of everyone and the Club. NOW FC expects each player and parent to abide by a positive code of
conduct. This Code of Conduct demands good sportsmanship, which means treating opponents, coaches,
and referees with respect regardless of the situation. Acting in a disrespectful manner or any behavior
that is disruptive to the team will result in the player being penalized. Parents must set an example for
the players by exemplifying the highest standards of sportsmanship. Regardless of whether the infraction
is by the player or parent/spectator, one warning will be given. Any additional infractions will result in loss
of practice and/or playing time.

It is expected that the players for NOW FC will conduct themselves like young professionals both on and
off the playing field. The Board of Directors and Coaching staff will not tolerate any unsportsmanlike or
derogatory conduct or behavior during training, practice sessions, games, tournaments or any other Club
function or event.
Players and Parents of NOW FC, are expected to uphold the following Code of Conduct:

Parents

1. At all games, parents and spectators are to sit/stand back at least 6 feet from the sideline. This allows the players to play the sidelines and everyone to see the game. No parent or spectator may sit/stand behind either goal line. Parents and spectators should be on the opposite side of the field from the coaches and players (except where there is only one side available).

2. Parents coaching from the sidelines is unacceptable conduct. It is counterproductive and distracts the players from their decision making on the field and their enjoyment of the game. While
cheering and positive encouragement is a natural part of soccer, parents must not coach their child from the sidelines during matches and training.

3. Parents and spectators may not criticize their own players and coaches nor the opposing players, coaches, and parents. Only positive comments are permitted. Cheer in a way to reward the good play of both teams and promote fair play. Applaud good plays by your team AND by members of the opposing team.

4. Parents should show respect for the coach and assistants. Parents should never criticize a coach or trainer in a public manner. If a parent has an issue with their child’s coach or trainer, the 24-hour rule should be followed and a request for a meeting or phone call should be made.
5. Parents are expected to respect the authority of the referee and assistants. Parents should not harass, abuse, or berate the referee during or after the match. Parents not should openly criticize
the referee. This applies even if the referee makes a mistake. Be tolerant of the referee’s calls, whether you agree with them or not. Parents should never enter the field of play without the center referee’s permission. See additional Zero Tolerance Policy on Referee Abuse below.

6. Do not make negative comments about the game, the coaches, the referees, or teammates in your child’s presence. This has a negative effect on your player and the team.

7. Redefine what it means to be a “Winner” in conversations with your child. A Winner is someone who exerts maximum effort, continues to learn and improve, and does not let mistakes or fear of making mistakes stop them. Mistakes are an inevitable part of any game. Children learn from their mistakes. The success of your player and the team goes far beyond just wins and losses.

8. The enjoyment of children playing the sport they love is much more important than the outcome of the game. Encourage your child to play hard, to play fair, to respect the referees and other officials and to congratulate their opponent at every game.

9. Parents should learn the rules of the game and appreciate the spirit of the game. Soccer is the world’s #1 sport!
Disciplinary Sanctions for Referee Abuse
The NOW FC Director of Coaching may, at their discretion, impose disciplinary sanctions on any spectator
it finds to have violated this policy.
Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, warnings, game suspensions and, in egregious cases,
suspension for the remainder of the season, suspension for multiple seasons, and a permanent ban from
NOW FC activities.
Although abuse of any referee will not be tolerated, abuse of a youth referee will be treated as a more
serious violation of this policy.

Applicability of the Policy
This policy applies to spectators. Player conduct shall be addressed by the Director of Coaching, the
player’s coach and rules regarding player discipline. NOW FC families are expected to make spectators
accompanying them to NOW FC games aware of this policy.

©Copyright 2022, NOW Futbol Club L.L.C

NOW FC players shall be subject to the following PENALTIES for not adhering to the above code of conduct:
1. Two unexcused absences from training and or practice sessions will result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the coach.
2. Disrespect to the coach/trainer or displaying disruptive behavior during training or practice sessions = sit out the remainder of practice and depending on severity, will sit out the next scheduled game.
3. Striking a teammate during training and/or practice sessions = sit out the next scheduled game.
4. Disrespect towards the referee or assistant referees = substituted immediately, playing time reduced.
5. Disrespect towards the referee or assistant referees resulting in a yellow card = sit out the remainder of the game.
6. Disrespect towards the referee or assistant referees resulting in a red card = automatic suspension for the rest of the current game, plus 1 game.
7. Disrespect to Home or Opposing coaching staff = immediate substitution / playing time reduced.
8. Unsportsmanlike conduct on or off the field = Up to one game suspension, depending on the

severity of the infraction for the first offense to be determined by Director of Coaching.
9. Inappropriate or unprofessional “Off the field” activities: The Director of Coaching, in

consultation with the guardian and team coach, will decide on the action to be taken
depending on the seriousness of the incident.
Deviation from aforementioned penalties may occur if Director of Coaching deems appropriate.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY ON REFEREE ABUSE
This policy has been developed to address the growing (and unfortunate) trend of referee abuse in youth sports. Our policy, as set forth below, is simple: Any physical or verbal abuse of referees is unacceptable.
Our Policy
Spectators shall not address any member of the referee crew in a negative manner – physically, verbally or with gestures – during or after a game. While complimentary comments to referees are certainly fine, a good rule of thumb for spectators is simply not to engage with the referees in any way during or after a game.
This policy is not intended to suggest that referees are always correct. Clearly referees will make mistakes.
When mistakes are made, there are procedures for NOW FC coaches to report concerns about the quality
of the officiating. These issues will be handled and reported appropriately by NOW FC Staff. It is never
acceptable for a spectator to abuse or criticize a game official, verbally or otherwise, in any situation.
A plea of ignorance to this policy shall not excuse behavior that violates this policy. It should be obvious
to all those involved with youth sports that referee abuse of any type is not acceptable. Reporting Violations of this Policy
Anyone may report violations of this policy by sending an e-mail to admin@nowfutbolclub.com. If a report
contains sufficient information, NOW FC will investigate the occurrence and, if appropriate, impose disciplinary sanctions on any persons who are found to have violated this policy. NOW FC will not reveal the identity of any person reporting a violation of this policy. Sufficient information includes the date of the game, age group/team playing, location/field information, identification of person(s) violating the policy.
Disciplinary Sanctions for Referee Abuse
The NOW FC Director of Coaching may, at their discretion, impose disciplinary sanctions on any spectator it finds to have violated this policy.
Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, warnings, game suspensions and, in egregious cases,
suspension for the remainder of the season, suspension for multiple seasons, and a permanent ban from NOW FC activities.
Although abuse of any referee will not be tolerated, abuse of a youth referee will be treated as a more serious violation of this policy.
Applicability of the Policy
This policy applies to spectators. Player conduct shall be addressed by the Director of Coaching, the
player’s coach and rules regarding player discipline. NOW FC families are expected to make spectators
accompanying them to NOW FC games aware of this policy.
©Copyright 2022, NOW Futbol Club L.L.C