Soccer Credo A Guide for Coaches, Players, Referees, and Parents The Coach 1. Treats own players, parents, and opponents with respect. 2. Teaches and inspires soccer players to love the game and instill the desire to compete fairly. 3. Is the type of person he/she wants the players to be. 4. Has control and discipline at all times. 5. Respects the judgment and interpretation of the rules by the officials. 6. Realizes that he/she is a teacher-coach and therefore understands the game and proper soccer behavior at all times. The Player 1. Treats opponents with respect. 2. Plays hard but plays within the rules of the game of soccer. 3. Demonstrates self-control. 4. Respects officials and accepts their decisions without gesture or argument. 5. Wins without boasting, loses without excuses and never quits. 6. Remembers that it is a privilege to represent his/her soccer club and his/her community. The Referee 1. Knows the rules and understands the game. 2. Places the health and welfare of the players above all other considerations. 3. Treats players and coaches courteously and demands the same from them. 4. Works cooperatively with fellow officials. 5. Is fair and firm in all decisions on the field. 6. Maintains confidence, poise, and self-control from start to finish of a game. The Parent 1. Does not coach any team players from the sideline. 2. Respects the judgment of the referee and does not criticize the officials. 3. Focuses on the players%92 mastering soccer skills. 4. Keeps the pressure to win in perspective. 5. Believes that soccer%92s primary value is the players%92 self-development. 6. Understands the risks of soccer. 7. Communicates with the coach, creating a positive working relationship. 8. Understands and respects the difference between the parental role and the soccer coaching role. 9. Controls negative emotions and thinks positively. 10. Avoids the use of fear%97because a love of soccer is rarley fostered by fearing the consequences of failure. 11. Shows empathy for young soccer players.