MCSA CODE OF CONDUCT

General Rules of Conduct

The MCSA is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. To that end, all individuals participating in any MCSA event are expected to adhere to the following rules of conduct.

• Be respectful of all participants including players, coaches, referees, spectators, and any other official.
• No foul or abusive language is allowed at any MCSA event.
• Bullying, threatening behavior, verbal or physical assault, or any other form of intimidation will not be tolerated.
• Cooperation with game officials and any MCSA staff is required.

MCSA and TSSA Banned Terms

The MCSA has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination or harassment against anyone based upon their race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disabilities.

Use of any language/term that is derogatory in nature towards another person’s race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, and/or physical/mental disability will result in an immediate investigation by MCSA. Anyone found to have used the term will be given a mandatory 3 game suspension.

Please reference the TSSA Banned Terms policy for a non-exhaustive list of banned terms.



Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct

1. The MCSA is a recreation league with a focus on player involvement and fun. The focus should be asking your player “Did you have fun?” and not on the outcome of the game.
2. All parents and spectators are expected to be positive role models for the players. You should always conduct yourself in a manner that promotes sportsmanship, respect, and courtesy.
3. All parents and spectators should view the game from the designated side of the field, opposite the players/coach’s area.
4. No one is authorized to spectate from behind the goal line.
5. Parents and spectators should remain 1 yard from the sideline and 5 yards from the goal line. If a referee, linesman, or other official asks you to back up, you must back up.
6. At no point should a parent or spectator ever be on the game field.
7. Parents and spectators will always respect the referee and will never confront or engage the referee during game play.
8. Parents and spectators will not “coach” from the sideline.
9. Parents and spectators will not solicit advice to the coach during game play or breaks in the game.
10. Smoking is never authorized.
11. Alcoholic beverages are not authorized.
12. Noise makers that generate excessively loud noise are not authorized. This includes megaphones, whistles, air horns, etc.
13. No pets are allowed in the park at any time. Service animals specially trained to perform tasks for someone with a disability are authorized. This does not include emotional support animals.
14. Coaches are volunteers. Please assist your team’s coach when requested.
15. Ensure you clean up after yourself after games and practices. Trash and items should never be left behind at the fields.
16. Relax, enjoy the game, and have fun!

Coach’s Code of Conduct

1. The MCSA is a recreation league with a focus on player involvement and fun. The focus should be asking your player “Did you have fun?” and not on the outcome of the game.
2. The physical and mental well-being of players is the top priority and supersedes any desire to win.
3. All coaches are expected to be positive role models for the players. You should always conduct yourself in a manner that promotes sportsmanship, respect, and courtesy.
4. Coaches should always act as the positive role model for a team, for the opponent, and all parents and spectators.
5. Coaches should always demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship.
6. Coaches should refrain from using profanity, foul language, abusive language, or inappropriate behavior during games and practices.
7. Focus on coaching the principals of the game.
8. All coaches are required to complete a background check, complete SafeSport training, and complete concussion training IAW state and federal law.
9. Coaches should hold a pre-season meeting introducing themselves to the team and addressing the players, parent/spectator, and coach’s code of conduct.
10. Only one head coach and one assistant coach are allowed during games.
11. Coaches will remain in the coach/bench area during the game. This area is from the center line to your team’s goal line and approximately 1 yard from the sideline. This should be marked on your field. The exception is U6 and U7.
12. Do not cross the center line to stand on the opposing team’s coach area.
13. Bullying should never be tolerated from anyone includes coaches, parents, spectators, and players.
14. Coaches are expected to ensure all players play a minimum of 50% of any game.
15. Coaches will always respect the referee and will never confront or engage the referee during gameplay. Any issues experienced with a referee should be brought to the attention of your age group coordinator and the referee mentor/administrator.
16. Coaches should take the time to introduce themselves to the referees as well as the opposing coach prior to the start of the game.
17. Coaches are responsible for the sportsmanship and behavior of their players and spectators.
18. Coaches should remove players that have become overly aggressive or disrespectful to give them time to calm down and to coach them on appropriate behavior during a game.
19. When the game concludes, coaches should ensure that their team lines up to “clap hands” with the opposing team and shake the hands of the referees.
20. Coaches should be humble and generous in victory, and proud and courteous in defeat.
21. All trash and belongings should be removed from the sidelines after all games and practices. 
22. Always remember that all coaches and board members are volunteers and deserve respect and support from each other.

Player’s Code of Conduct

1. The MCSA is a recreation league with a focus on player involvement and fun. The focus is on having fun during your game, not on winning.
2. Players are expected to follow all rules during gameplay.
3. Players will always respect the referee and will never confront or engage the referee during gameplay. Any issues experienced with a referee should be brought to the attention of your coach.
4. Players will not argue with or complain about referee decisions.
5. Players should treat all other players with dignity and respect, displaying sportsmanship at all times.
6. Players will never use foul or abusive language during practice or gameplay.
7. Players will not engage in any bullying, antagonism, or any other form of intimidation to teammates or opponents.
8. Players will remain in the bench area when they are “benched”.
9. When the game concludes, players will display good sportsmanship by lining up to “clap hands” with the opposing team and shake the hands of the referees.

Reporting of Violations of the Code of Conduct

1. Any player, coach, team, parent, or spectator who witnesses a violation of a code of conduct outlined in this policy is encouraged to report the incident to a referee, coach, coordinator, or board member.
2. Reports should occur as immediately as possible to the alleged violation.
3. Reports can be done verbally or in writing via email.