Parent Code of Conduct

At Augusta Arsenal, we are committed to creating a positive, respectful, and development-focused environment for every player. Children's sports are meant to be fun — for the children. Parents, spectators, and coaches must remember that their actions, both verbal and nonverbal, have a lasting impact on young athletes. Parents and spectators play a critical role in shaping the experience of every player on every team.


Expectations


As a parent or guardian of an Augusta Arsenal player, I agree that:

  1. I will remember that the game is for the youth, not the adults, and that children participate to have fun.
  2. I will promote positive sportsmanship and support all players — not just my own — regardless of the outcome of the game.
  3. I will respect coaches, referees, opponents, and other parents in both behavior and language. I will never question, discuss, or confront officials or coaches at the field, and will instead speak with coaches at an agreed-upon time and place.
  4. I will allow coaches to coach, and will refrain from giving instructions to my child or other players during games and practices unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.
  5. I will emphasize skill development, effort, and improvement over winning, and will de-emphasize competition in the lower age groups.
  6. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to unsportsmanlike conduct, hostility, or violence.
  7. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other players for making a mistake or losing.
  8. I will teach my child that doing one's best matters more than the final score, so my child never feels defeated by the outcome of a game or by their own performance.
  9. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model by showing respect and courtesy to all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice, and club event.
  10. I will communicate respectfully with coaches, staff, and other families.
  11. I will notify my child's coach in advance of any absences or scheduling conflicts.
  12. I will represent Augusta Arsenal positively at all club events.



Sideline Behavior


I will:

  • Cheer positively and avoid criticism or negative comments.
  • Refrain from arguing with referees or officials.
  • Avoid confrontations with other parents, players, or coaches.
  • Help create a welcoming and supportive environment for all families.


Prohibited Behavior


The following will not be tolerated:

  • Abusive, profane, or threatening language or gestures toward any player, coach, referee, or spectator.
  • Booing, taunting, or refusing to shake hands.
  • Sideline coaching or interfering with gameplay.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct or harassment of any kind.
  • Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco at club events.


Accountability


Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may subject the offending parent or guardian to disciplinary action by the AASC disciplinary tribunal.


Consequences may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Verbal warning by an official, head coach, manager, or head of league (or designee).
  2. Written warning kept on file by AASC.
  3. Being asked to leave a game or event.
  4. Game suspension, with written documentation of the incident kept on file.
  5. Suspension from attending future club events.
  6. Suspension or removal from the club, at AASC's discretion.