RLYS Code of Conduct

Player Code of Conduct

RLYS encourages all players to play soccer to the best of their abilities, to strive to develop strong individual and team playing skills, to encourage and model good sportsmanship during practice and when playing or watching a game, to show courtesy and respect to coaches, teammates, competitors, parents and referees, and to abide by the Laws of the Game.

Players must arrive at each practice and game prepared to play with proper attire and equipment and maintain a positive cooperative attitude. For game play, players must wear their issued uniform jersey (tucked in), shorts, socks (pulled up), shin guards covered by socks, and soccer cleats. Player uniforms should be worn only for regularly scheduled games. Players may not wear anything that is dangerous to another player or to themselves—this includes, but is not limited to splints, casts, jewelry of any sort, wristwatches. Long hair must be tied back and eyeglasses should be secured—sunglasses are not permitted.

Parent Code of Conduct

RLYS encourages parents to assist in creating a playing environment that is safe, fair and fun. Parents are expected to support their children and all players in a positive and encouraging manner. Parents are asked to model good sportsmanship and respectful behavior for all participants’ involved in a competitive game setting. Parents are to refrain from any sideline coaching, negative comments directed towards coaches, players or referees.

Parents are responsible for having their players prepared for practice and games by providing appropriate clothing for all weather conditions, nutritional snacks and adequate water, access to team game and field schedules and timely arrivals and departures from both practices and games. Parents are to refrain from any use of tobacco or alcohol during practice or game times.

Coach Code of Conduct

RLYS believes that coaches are the foundation of the team and are expected to be role models for the players and their parents. Coaches are encouraged to strive to increase player’s appreciation and knowledge of the game of soccer and to create a positive environment to develop individual skills and team play. Coaches are to model integrity of character and civility and to honor all Laws of the Game.

Coaches are responsible for the team’s practice schedule and for being timely and reliable for both practices and games. Coaches are responsible at games and practices for the behavior and actions of their players and the parents of those players. They are to respect the referee’s authority on the field and may not challenge a referee call during game play. After game play, coaches may respectfully ask the referee to explain a particular call to clarify the coach’s understanding of the event. Any issues or concerns with another coach, player, parent or the RLYS Board are to be dealt with by direct communication guided by the grievance policy and to respect confidentiality for coach, players and parents. Any use of alcohol, tobacco, foul language or threatening behavior at any time that a coach is functioning in that capacity is strictly prohibited.

Team Roster Formation Policy

Spring teams may be participating in any of the available Montana Leagues, including but not limited to: Premiere, Select, Classic, Micro, YSA or other Recreation-Plus leagues. Team age groups, team gender and league play will be determined annually depending upon the pool of participants. The RLYS Board will approve all coaches and assistant coaches for each team. The coaches will host a registration roundup or tryouts as needed. Coaches will make final determination of team rosters for each age level. Specific player and parent requests for team placement will be considered and accommodated, when possible.

Grievance Policy

Any issue, concern, grievance, complaint or misunderstanding should first be respectfully addressed directly with the coach- be it with a parent, player, another coach or player from another team. The coach shall then mediate and work through the issue, concern, grievance, complaint or misunderstanding with all parties involved. This issue, concern, complaint or grievance should not be discussed publicly or with any other players, parents, coaches. If the particular issue remains unresolved, or if one would like to have it documented and addressed by the Board, then the coach will contact the Coach Representative to address the Board. Once the RLYS Board President is contacted by the Coach Representative, a special meeting will be scheduled. A unified plan of action and of resolution will be formed, enacted and revisited.

Expectations for U14 Level (13 to 19 years old; 7th– 12th grades):

The U14 level of play may be in a competitive league and tryouts may be held for these teams. Players will be evaluated on their cooperative attitude, skills and commitment to soccer. Players will be evaluated at tryouts by a minimum of 3 independent evaluators and the final team will be chosen by the coach. The Coach will determine player positions and the amount of time each player plays each game. All players will be expected to attend all practices and games except for pre-excused absences. Good sportsmanship, a strong understanding of the Laws of the Game and a high level of competitive play are expected from all players.

Expectations for U12 Level (11 and 12 years old; 5th & 6th grades):

The U12 level of play is a developmental league intended to offer all committed players the opportunity to work towards competitive play. There will be no tryouts held for this level. U12 coaches are expected to mentor good sportsmanship, develop individual technique and intermediate level team play strategy.

Coaches should continue to develop basic individual skills and work towards higher level of team strategy. Coaches should further the understanding of the Laws of the Game, including off-sides, and continue to help players navigate interactions with other players, coaches and referees.

Expectations for U10 Level (9-10 years old; 3rd & 4th Grades):

The U10 level of play is a developmental league intended to offer all committed players the opportunity to work towards competitive play. There will be no tryouts held at this level. U10 coaches are expected to develop good sportsmanship, develop individual skills and introduce team play strategy. Coaches should encourage players to learn all field positions, to teach skills specific to each position and to have players rotate through all positions. Coaches should teach appropriate Laws of the Game such as throw ins, corner kicks, goal kicks, penalty kicks, field parameters, referee interactions, proper attire and equipment and good sportsmanship. They are to substitute players equally throughout games and each player must play at least 50% of the game.