All participants in Richmond FC programming must follow our codes of conduct, disciplinary guidelines, and coaching rules. All coaches and administrators undergo background checks and are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and support for the children in our program.

CODES OF CONDUCT:

COACHES CODE:

Regardless of the aims and goals of a coach, the primary goal is to facilitate a learning environment that is fun, challenging, educational and develops a love for the game which enables the sport to retain as many players as possible.

Coaches will be reasonable in their demands on the young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have additional interests and commitments.

Coaches will teach players to play fairly, to respect the rules, the officials and their opponents for without them, there would be no game of soccer.

Coaches will ensure that all players get equal instruction and will play half of each game.

Coaches will not ridicule, shout, use profane language or gestures at players, opponents or officials for making mistakes or for performing poorly. Coaches will remember that players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.

Coaches will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players’ age and abilities.

Coaches will need to communicate with parents in the management of player injuries and will need to consider the player’s well-being for the future when making decisions on a player’s ability to play or practice.

Coaches need to remember that players need a coach they can respect.

Coaches will be generous with praise when it is deserved, and set a good example; as players often learn more from what they observe rather than what they are told.

Coaches need to make a personal commitment to be informed on sound coaching principles along with the principles of growth and development of players.

PLAYERS CODE:

As a player I participate fully in the sport of soccer because I want to.

As a player I will play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.

As a player I agree to respect the officials’ decisions and to remember that they’re there to help and assist in making the games of soccer fair and enjoyable.

As a player I will endeavor to be a good team player and recognize that the goal of the game is to have fun, improve my skills and to develop lifelong friends from my teammates and opponents.

As a player I agree to cooperate with coaches, officials, teammates and opponents, for without them there is no game of soccer.

PARENTS AND SPECTATORS CODE:

As a parent I will not force my child to participate in sports if he/she doesn’t wish to be involved.

I will remember that the player is involved for his/her enjoyment and not mine.

I will encourage the player to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

I will never ridicule or shout at a player for making a mistake or performing poorly.

I will respect the principle that doing one’s best is as important as winning, thereby reinforcing the principle that to participate is as important as the result of the game.

I will condemn the use of violence in any sport.

I will not use profane language or gestures towards players, opponents, officials or coaches.

I recognize and will remember the value and importance of volunteer coaches and officials. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your son/daughter.

I agree to respect the officials’ decisions and to remember that they’re there to help and assist in making the games of soccer fair and enjoyable.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Richmond FC recognizes that social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, SnapChat, Vine and Flickr have become important and influential communication channels for our community and our club. To assist in posting content and managing these sites, Richmond FC follows the guidelines in the BC Soccer Social Media Policy. The Policy and guidelines apply to Richmond FC Board of Directors, staff, coaches, managers, assistants and membership (parents).