Parent Code of Conduct 

Soccer is a wonderful sport and a passionate game. We should always remember our attitude is contagious. We are very fortunate here in Kansas City to have great facilities and the nation’s largest league that allows our children to play like competition at all ages and abilities.

Our referees, players, coaches and fans should come together to match soccer skills. The other team is our opponent not our enemy and thus should be treated with respect.

While winning is important, we recognize that playing well and fairly is the essence of the game.

Many of the referees you will see at the fields are part of the Referee Development Academy between the ages of 12 to 19 years of age.

It is important that you, as a parent of your youth soccer player, to recognize that the young referees are learning how to officiate the game much like your child is learning how to play the game. Most of the referees are soccer players as well as learning to officiate. The young referees receive training and reviews to improve their skills. You should always be supportive of the youth referees. Always.

 Our Parents Code of Conduct.

I/we will set a good example to my/our child in his/her soccer development by adhering at all times to the following:

We will not criticize the referee openly or directly before, during or after games. Any criticism shall be done in writing (to the Referee Development Academy Director or the HSA League Director through the coach), not verbally.

1. We will only give positive feedback to players.
2. We will cheer at all games within the spirit of fair play and shall do our best to cheer the effort regardless of the outcome.
3. We shall show the quality of our sportsmanship during and after each and every match and help our child remember to thank the referee after the match without regard to the result.
4. We shall do our very best to have our child prepared for every match.
5. We recognize many of the referees are young and are learning to referee in the Referee Development Academy.   We agree to support their learning efforts as we do youth players.
6. We shall support the learning effort of both players and the referees by demonstrating our patience.
7. We understand that improper behavior at a match; both league and tournaments may result in a parent being asked to leave the field or the event by a referee, field marshal or HSA Staff.
8. We shall leave the coaching to the coach during match. We shall do our best not to give our child instructions during the match.
9. We agree to not criticize or make any negative comment on or through social media or online regarding an opposing team, player, referee, staff member or soccer community related issue. We understand there are direct methods and channels (phone, email, in-person, website forms) for feedback and communication to HSA and will use these channels to communicate.
10. We understand that (upon review) the HSA can, and will if necessary, suspend our individual privilege to watch our child play should we behave in a manner that is rude or otherwise offensive.

We agree to do our best to have as much fun watching the game, as the players should have playing the game.