Overview

The United Soccer Training Academy (USTA) is committed to preserve the honor of the game for all who enjoy the sport of soccer. To help fulfill this commitment, USTA expects all players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators to abide by a "Code of Conduct" that embodies basic common sense principles, demonstrates consideration of others, and projects a positive image to our young men and women. Individuals and/or teams participating in USTA events that fail to abide by this code may be subject to ejection and disqualification from future USTA events. Thank you for your help in promoting these principles.

The Code of Conduct

The essential elements in this "Code of Conduct" are HONESTY and INTEGRITY. Those who conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these elements will bring credit to themselves, their team and USTA. It is only through such conduct that our sport can earn and maintain a positive image and make its full contribution to youth sports in the United States and around the world. USTA supports the following behaviors for those participating or involved in any way:

• The essential elements of the "Code of Conduct" (Honesty and Integrity) must be adhered to.

• Sportsmanship and fair play are essential to the game and must be taught and developed both at home and put into practice on the field during practices and games.

• Winning should never be more important than good sportsmanship, fair play, or the skills of the game.

• Derogatory comments are unacceptable. Use positive reinforcement with players and adults alike. It should be remembered that criticism once made can never be retracted.

• The safety and welfare of the players are of primary importance.

• Coaches must always be aware of the tremendous influence they have on their players. They are to strive to be positive role models in dealing with young people, as well as with adults.

• Officials are expected to conduct themselves as professionals, and in a manner that demonstrates courtesy and fairness to all parties, while exercising their authority on the field.

• Adults involved with the game must never permit anyone to openly or maliciously criticize, badger, harass, or threaten an official.

• Knowledge of the Laws of the Game must be respected and adhered to by all who participate in the game of soccer, both in the letter of the law and the "spirit of the game."

• Attempts to manipulate rules in an effort to take unfair advantage of an opponent, or to teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct, is considered unacceptable conduct.

• Eligibility requirements, such as age and previous level of participation, must be followed. They have been established to encourage and maximize participation, as well as promote safety.

• Cursing, foul language, fighting, and stealing will not be tolerated, as it reflects poor character.

• Mouthing off to coaches, referees, parents or teammates will not be tolerated.

Drug Policy

It is the firm commitment of USTA to take an active role in the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. Our policy is no drugs, no alcohol, and no destructive behavior. We will involve ourselves with the player and parents any time that a situation has an impact on our Club or its members. It is important that we be able to trust our players to obey Club rules because of the responsibilities they assume as representatives of USTA. Violation of this policy may be the basis for suspension or dismissal from a team, or for requiring that a player return home early from a competition at the parent's or guardian's expense. As participants in the USTA soccer program and its related activities, USTA members are expected to be positive role models for the program and younger players, not only on the soccer field, but in all areas of social behavior.