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SPECTATORS CODE OF ETHICS:

The goal of our games is to present an opportunity for our children to compete in the TEAM sport of soccer, learning team play and good sportsmanship.  As parents are aware, children observe our behavior and then emulate it.  During some games in the last few years some parents have set a poor example for our young players.  Both coaches and parents have said offensive things to referees, causing many to resign from their referee positions.  We currently have a shortage of referees available to cover games.  While a game is being played, the referee is in charge of that game.  No matter how much you may disagree with a referee’s call, you must take your complaints to your coach, who can file a formal complaint with the Reading Berks Junior Soccer League.  We should be setting good examples for our children by following the principles of good sportsmanship.  We all like to win, but win or loose we must act with dignity and respect for one another.   Please follow the below guideline while enjoying your child soccer game:

  • Spectators must remain on the designated side of the field. 
  • Spectators may not stand behind the goals or on the team side.
  • Spectators must stay five (5) feet from the sideline to leave room for the line runner and ball throw-ins.
  • Spectators are not coaches and are not allowed to coach or yell instructions to the players.
  • Spectators may supportively cheer for their team and players.  They should not criticize any players or teams.  If you do not have something good to say then say nothing.  Criticism should be offered constructively to your coach or your child AFTER the game or practice.
  • Spectators should not speak to the referee unless they desire to give him/her positive encouragement AFTER the game is over.
  • Smoking and alcohol is NOT permitted at soccer fields including Governor Mifflin School and Alvernia Sovereign Park Fields.

Failure to follow these guidelines could result in expulsion from the sidelines.  Poor sportsmanship could jeopardize the entire club’s participation in League activities.  It is the coach’s responsibility to ask any spectator to leave the field for violation of these guidelines.

Coaches volunteer a lot of their time to train and lead your children.  Please remember that the coach is the leader of the team.  The GMSC is a 100% volunteer organization.  Coaches, board members, field and concession crews all donate their time to make soccer a positive experience for our children.

If you have an issue that you cannot resolve with your coach, you may contact the GMSC parent representative.  Please refer to our website www.GMSCONLINE.com often for updates and board member addresses. 

REGISTRATION REFUNDS:

  • Registration refunds – If player attends evaluation, no refund is granted unless player is moving out of the district.  If player did not attend evaluations, full refund prior to first practice, full refund less $10.00 after first practice, no refund after first game.

What is my role as a parent for my child's soccer team? 

  • Parents are critical to the success of the team and club! Parents volunteer for the roles of coach, officer, photographer, manager, food preparation, field marshal, linesman, committee member... There are many things a parent can do to make the soccer experience a pleasant one for both their child and themselves.
  • Many times, we need to find a coach for a particular age group. Parents are asked to step in and coach a team. Experienced coaches are happy to help new coaches get started. Coaching courses and training are available throughout the year with any fees reimbursed by the club.
  • Please be prompt in delivery and pickup of your child to practice and games. Please stay and watch practices and games. It means a lot to your child to show an interest in what they do.
  • Please check in with your child's coach periodically to see if there is any information that you need. If you will be missing a practice or a game, please let your coach know as soon as possible. All of our coaches are more than happy to address your concerns or questions. After practice is an ideal time to do this.
  • Be available to kick the ball around with your child at home. The more touches a child has on the soccer ball, the better his/her skills will become. Have them teach you what they learn in practice. Avoid material rewards such as paying for goals or treats for a good job on the field. Try to instill an attitude that reflects the importance of team play and the joy of the game as the reward.
  • Be a good listener for your child.
  • Avoid coaching from the sidelines. Players get confused if mom and dad are telling him/her to do one thing when the coach is telling him/her something else. They tell me they don't even hear their parents.
  • Be a positive spectator and respect both teams and the referee. Practice good sportsmanship. After the game whether they win or especially if they lose, don't critique or instruct your child. Positive reinforcement works best. Saying, "Great effort" and "Did you have fun" de-emphasize the final score, but rather focus on the fun of the game. Avoid blaming others too. Make your child feel important and let him/her know that he is contributing to a team effort. Allow your child to be a child and enjoy the game without pressure from you to perform.

ENJOY YOUR SOCCER EXPERIENCE!!

 

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Governor Mifflin Soccer Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For information on making a tax deductible donation or becoming a sponsor, please see the Sponsor area of this site.

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