Coach Expectations

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All coaches wishing to coach a team in the WYSA must read, complete and turn in the WYSA Coaches' Code of Conduct

Coaching a team of young athletes for the Waupun Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) is a high privilege that carries with it great responsibility. A coach should always demonstrate the highest ethical character and should serve as a role model for the players on his or her team. A coach must always remember the influence that he or she has over young athletes. The game is for the players.

If at any time the WYSA shall determine that a coach has failed to fulfill these expectations and standards, that shall be cause to discipline, suspend or remove the coach.

  1. Soccer is the players’ game. The paramount concern of coaches is the holistic development, welfare, enjoyment and safety of their players. A coach should never place winning above character or good treatment of athletes. While striving to win, a coach should deal honestly and fairly with players with regard to team selection and playing time, while remaining free to make decisions based on the best interests of the team as a whole.
  2. Coaches bear responsibility for teaching their players to strive for success while playing fairly with the highest levels of sportsmanship, observing the laws and the spirit of the game.
  3. Coaches shall treat officials with respect and dignity, and shall teach their players to do the same.
  4. Our opponents are worthy of being treated with respect. Coaches will model such respect for opponents and expect their players to do likewise.
  5. In both victory and defeat, the behavior of a coach shall model grace, dignity and composure.
  6. Coaches shall adhere to the highest standards and the regulations of the institutions they represent: the Waupun Youth Soccer Association. The position of head coach assumes knowledge of the rules of the game, of registration and roster requirements, of tournament rules and other requirements of the WYSA. The coach is responsible for compliance with all rules.
  7. Coaches shall model inclusive behavior, actively supporting cultural diversity while opposing all types of discrimination, including, but not limited to, racism and sexism, at all levels of soccer.
  8. Coaches should take a role in educating their players about sports nutrition and fitness and about prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. The coach should avoid the use of alcohol or tobacco products when in contact with players or at other times while in official capacity as coach.
  9. Coaches shall refrain from all manner of personal abuse and harassment of others, whether verbal, physical, emotional or sexual, and shall oppose such abuse and harassment at all levels of soccer.
  10. Coaches shall seek to honor those who uphold the highest standards and principles of soccer and shall use appropriate protocol to oppose and eliminate all behavior that brings disrepute to the sport—violence, abuse, dishonesty, disrespect and violations of the laws of the game and rules governing competition.

If it is determined that a parent/player/coach has violated any of their expectations, there will be a meeting with all involved parties with the WYSA board to determine the next appropriate course of action. This could result in a player/coach suspension from a game or number of games, or being removed from the league altogether. For parents, it could result in not being allowed on the sidelines during a game or number of games. They may possibly still attend, but just not allowed on sidelines like other parents. Any decision made will take no longer than one (1) week.

In addition...

If you are winning by more than 5, please try to find ways to create a competitive challenge for your team. If you know early that you are going to blow a team out, here are some ideas to slow the inevitable or prevent it completely:

  1. Switch positions
  2. Restrict scoring from certain players
  3. Create a passing requirement before taking a shot
  4. Pull a player and play down by 2 players
  5. Work on scoring from a cross

Remember, players will learn more from being challenged than an easy victory. Above all else, teach integrity and sportsmanship by encouraging empathy.

Please do not sign score cards before the game. There have been errors with scores. Refs are kids, often quite young. Some are new, possibly nervous, and are doing their best and learning. But, we realize that individuals want the scores to be accurate. We will try to catch what we can, but you can help by catching errors right away when you review and sign the cards after the game.