1. CHANGES 2. REGISTRATION 3. REFUNDS ROHNERT PARK SOCCER LEAGUE TABLE OF CONTENTS 4. COACHING LICENSES & TRAINING 5. COACH SELECTION - COMPETITVE 6. COACHES SELECTION - RECREATIONAL 7. TRYOUTS AND TEAM FORMATION - COMPETITIVE 8. PLAY-UP REQUEST - COMPETITIVE 9. OUT OF TOWN PLAYERS - COMPETITIVE 10. ALTERNATES - COMPETITIVE 11. ADDING PLAYERS TO A COMPETITIVE TEAM 12. PLAY-UP REQUEST - RECREATIONAL 13. PLAY-DOWN REQUEST - RECREATIONAL 14. DRAFT POLICIES - RECREATIONAL 15. ADD POLICIES - RECREATIONAL 16. TRANSFERING PLAYER COMPETITIVE 17. TRANSFERING PLAYER RECREATIONAL 18. DROPPING PLAYERS - COMPETITIVE AND RECREATIONAL 19. PAID TRAINERS - COMPETITIVE 20. PAID TRAINERS - RECREATIONAL 21. PLAYING SEASON 22. SPONSORSHIPS, FUND-RAISERS AND DONATIONS - COMPETITIVE 23. SPONSORSHIPS, FUND-RAISERS AND DONATIONS - RECREATIONAL 24. STANDINGS 25. AWARDS - COMPETITIVE 26. AWARDS - RECREATIONAL 1
27. TOURNAMENTS 28. PICTURES 29. PAID ADVERTISING POLICY 30. UNIFORMS - COMPETITIVE 31. UNIFORMS - RECREATIONAL 32. PRACTICE - COMPETITIVE 33. PRACTICE - RECREATIONAL 34. INJURIES 35. FIELDS AND MAINTENANCE ROHNERT PARK SOCCER LEAGUE 36. PROTOCOL FOR GAME CANCELATION 37. REFEREES - COMPETITIVE 38. REFEREES - RECREATIONAL 39. COMPLAINTS ABOUT COACHES / REFEREES 40. RULES OF CONDUCT 41. VIOLATION OF POLICIES 42. REFEREE CODE 43. COACHING CODE 44. PLAYERS' CODE 45. PARENTS' CODE 46. DEFINITION........... 2
.1. CHANGES 1.1 These policies are guidelines for running the Rohnert Park Soccer League. 1.2 Changes may be made to the Policy Manual at any sanctioned RPSL board meeting by a majority vote with a quorum present. 2. REGISTRATION 2.1 Any Rohnert Park, Cotati or Penngrove resident who registers during the regular registration sessions will receive equal opportunity to be selected for a team. 2.2 Any late registrations may need to wait for the final formation of team prior to be placed on a team; however, they may be placed on a team if there is a need for more players to fill an age group; or, a qualified person is willing to coach (if there is a need at that age group). 2.3 Scheduled registration dates and times will be decided on by the RPSL Soccer Board when the annual calendar is set. 3. REFUNDS 3.1 All refund requests must be made by the end of the day on July 1 st of the current year to be considered. Refunds may not always be in full (minus CYSA fees) only allowing for a partial refund. 3.2 All refund requests made on or after July 2 nd of the current year may not be accepted. 3.3 The treasurer and the registrar will review requests received on or after July 2 nd of the current year depending on the circumstances, exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 3.4 Refunds, if approved, will be mailed out no later than 10 calendar days from the approval date. 4. COACHING LICENSES & TRAINING 4.1 RPSL will reimburse individuals for training or will provide free training. 3
4.2 Training provided at no charge for this league s members if taught by this league and the course must be completed. 4.3 Adults completing the following course are encouraged to coach or assistant coach but are not required to do so: (a) Pre-F Certificate - A refundable deposit to cover the cost of training is required for registration, and will be returned upon successful completion of course; (b) F License - A refundable deposit to cover the cost of training is required for registration, and will be returned upon successful completion of course. 4.3 When training is sponsored by this league, a refundable deposit, to cover the cost of training is required for registration, and will be returned upon successful completion of the courses: (a) E License - Must have been head coach one year or assisted two years or commits to coach for this league for two years in any manner; (b) E&D License - Must have been head coach for this league for 2 years or commits to coach for this league for 3 years; (c)d License - Must have been head coach for RPSL for 3 years or must be currently coaching a Competitive Team or commits to coach for this league 3 years. 5. COACH SELECTION - COMPETITVE 5.1 Each coach applicant will complete the current Competitive coaching application form and turn it in to the board or the Competitive coordinator by the advertised date. 5.2 All candidates that apply by the advertised date may be interviewed by the Competitive Coaching Selection Committee, composed as prescribed in the bylaws. 5.3 The Competitive Coordinator shall make recommendations to the board for each coaching position and answer any questions from the board on those selections. 4
5.4 The board shall vote on the coaching positions one at a time rather than as a slate. 6. COACHES SELECTION - RECREATIONAL 6.1 Parental feedback and coaching courses taken will be factors in selecting coaches. 6.2 Coaches will have an opportunity to respond to negative parental feedback. 7. TRYOUTS AND TEAM FORMATION - COMPETITIVE 7.1 Competitive Tryouts and Team Selection: 7.2 The Competitive program will hold competitive tryouts each spring at times and locations established by the Competitive coordinator and approved by the Board. 7.3 These tryouts will be open to residents and non-residents. Publication of the dates and times of tryouts will receive the widest dissemination possible. 7.4 Three RPSL board members (i.e. president or vice president, competitive coordinator and an active RPSL board member) will attend every Competitive tryout. 7.5 Evaluation of players and team formation will be completed by the Competitive Committee. 7.6 The RPSL Board of Directors must approve all Competitive rosters. 7.7 Rosters will be approved by the Board before any player is informed whether or not they made the team. 7.8 A signed medical release will be completed by the parent/guardian of every player trying out for a Competitive team. 7.9 Unless a Board member requests a name-by-name approval, Competitive team rosters will be approved or rejected based on roster numbers, number of play-ups, and number of out-of-town players. 5
8. PLAY-UP REQUEST - COMPETITIVE 8.1 Player must tryout at both their age group and play up age group. 8.2 Additionally, the releasing coach must explain his/her opinion on the release of the play-up player and the reasons for that opinion. The coach requesting the play-up must justify why he/she wants that player, and why it would be the best decision for the player and the league. 8.3 The parents must submit a request to the Board for their child to playup, and explain why they want it. The board will consider the written documents, the impact on the teams that the player would leave and join, and players who will not make the play-up team. Making a team does not mean the player will play-up. It is a board decision if the playup is permitted. 9. OUT OF TOWN PLAYERS - COMPETITIVE 9.1 Open boundaries make the presence of out-of-town players permissible. 9.2 One consideration will be if there are returning RPSL Competitive players that do not make the team. 9.3 Favorable consideration will generally be given to a returning out of town player. 9.4 The board must approve all out of town players but, a generally accepted guideline is: (a) U10-12: no more than 2 (b) U14: no more than 4 (or 33%, whichever is lower) (c) U16: no more than 6 (or 40%, whichever is lower) (d) U19: no more than 8 (or 45%, whichever is lower) 10. ALTERNATES - COMPETITIVE 10.1 Alternates on a Competitive team roster may practice with the team until their Recreational team is formed. 10.2 It is in everyone s best interests for the alternate players to be allowed to join the Competitive team as soon as possible; they must know if they 6
will be a full roster player before a recreational draft or formation of teams takes place. 10.3 Alternates should not purchase uniforms until they are placed on a team roster. 10.4 Once an alternate Recreational season begins (8/1 for U10 & U12, 7/1 for U14+) they are no longer considered an alternate for the Competitive team. 11. ADDING PLAYERS TO A COMPETITIVE TEAM 11.1 A Competitive coach must hold a tryout for any player to be added. 11.2 An RPSL board member who is not the coach of that team must be present at one Competitive tryout for each player. 11.3 The Competitive Coordinator must be informed before the tryout is held. 11.4 If a coach wants to add a player after the roster has been approved, and the following criteria are met then the Competitive Coordinator may approve an add player and report it to the board. 11.5 If the following criteria are not all met, then board approval is required: (a) The player attended a tryout witnessed by a Board-member (who is not a coach, trainer or parent associated with that team); (b) The Board member observing the tryout has no objections; (c) The player is not a play-up, is not an out-of town player and is not on a roster on another RPSL team or they are an approved alternate that has not been drafted and or selected for another team. 11.6 Remember there is an eight day waiting period after the paper work is completed before the player may play and the board meets only twice a month. 7
12. PLAY-UP REQUEST - RECREATIONAL 12.1 If a parent wants their child to play-up, play down or to have a daughter play on a boys team then they need to present their request in writing to the age appropriate Coach Coordinator. 12.2 A child who is three year of age before August 1 st of the current year can request to play-up and if approved would be placed a U6 team. 12.3 General guidelines for play-up review: (a) Player in the older age group will not be bumped to accommodate a play-up. (b) If the player s birthday is within one month of the cut off then it will generally be approved. (c) If the parent is volunteering to coach and we are in need of coaches at this age level then it will generally be approved. (d) If the parent is trying to get siblings on a team and a coach has agreed to select the siblings then it will generally be approved. (e) A player wishing to play on an opposite gender team (i.e. girl wanting to play on a boys team) would need to be reviewed by the board for approval. (d) Other situations may be approved. 13. PLAY-DOWN REQUEST - RECREATIONAL 13.1 The registrar and coaches representative (for that requested age level) may approve a play-down for a medical reason when a note from a medical provider without board approval. 13.2 Play-downs may only be approved for teams that are playing within our own playing league (U6-U12 Recreational. U14s can only be considered with the additional approval of the teams that will be playing that current year). 13.3 All other play-downs need to be approved by the board. 13.4 Play downs are extremely rare and should be handled on a case by case basis. 8
14. DRAFT POLICIES - RECREATIONAL 14.1 The draft selection will or will not be implemented by the age appropriate coordinator for the current season. 14.2 If there are more players than can play because of a limited number of coaches or teams, out of town players will be eliminated from draft (Rohnert Park, Cotati and Penngrove are considered in town) then draft is held. 14.3 Those on the draft list that were not selected will have the first chance at filling a spot for a drop. 15. ADD POLICIES - RECREATIONAL 15.1 Add-ons from late registration will be on a rotating basis based on the coach that has the least players and would have the next draft choice. They may select amongst the available players, then the next coach may select until all available players have been placed or all teams need no more players. 16. TRANSFERING PLAYER COMPETITIVE 16.1 All transferring players must meet the guidelines in Policy Section 9. ADDING PLAYERS TO A COMPETITIVE TEAM. 16.2 If a coach wants to transfer a player after that player s regular season is completed they must simply receive approval from the releasing coach and complete the appropriate paperwork. 16.3 The registrar will be required to complete the required paper work to complete the transfer. 16.4 The registrar will be required to inform the board of any transfers. 17. TRANSFERING PLAYER RECREATIONAL 17.1 If a coach wants to transfer a player during the regular season they must simply receive approval from the current coordinator for the appropriate age group. 9
17.2 The registrar will be required to complete the required paper work to complete the transfer. 18. DROPPING PLAYERS - COMPETITIVE AND RECREATIONAL 18.1 A player may choose to drop from any team at any time. 18.2 If a player is continually absent from practice or exhibits inappropriate behavior, a coach may discipline the player by taking appropriate action to include not allowing the player to participate in games, or dropping the player from the team. 18.3 Before a player may be removed from the team, the coach must begin by speaking with the parents and player to explain what the expectations for attendance and/or behavior are (this must be in writing, signed by all parties and passed to the appropriate Coaches Coordinator, if the parents refuse to sign, this shall be noted in lieu of a signature). 18.4 The coach must keep records of attendance/behavior for an agreed upon period. 18.5 If the player has still not changed their attendance/behavior, then a final contact with the coach and an RPSL board member will take place and the player may be dropped from the team. 18.6 The RPSL President must send all documentation to the CYSA and report to the board. 19. PAID TRAINERS - COMPETITIVE 19.1 Competitive teams may charge parents training fees when all of the following criteria are met. 19.2 The training fees, training schedule and trainer must be approved by a 2/3 majority of the team families. 19.3 No player will be excluded from training or treated in any other way differently than all other players for lack of ability to pay training fees. 19.4 Paid trainers will be registered as team assistant for that team with CYSA and may not be the coach or assistant coach (though they may be a 10
coach or assistant coach for a different team which they are not paid for training). 19.5 Parents will pay the trainers directly (the coach may facilitate this process). Fundraising and donations will be permitted to cover some or all of a team s training costs. 19.6 A simple majority of parents may rescind a trainer agreement. 20. PAID TRAINERS - RECREATIONAL 20.1 Recreational teams may not use a paid trainer. The Competitive program coaches and players will provide training sessions for the recreational program. 21. PLAYING SEASON 21.1 Practices may start as follows as long as the coach has the medical releases (Form 1601) and required paperwork submitted to the Registrar: (a) (b) (c) Competitive May 1st of the current year Recreational U10, U12, U14, U16 & U19 - July 1st of the current year Recreational U6 & U8 August 1st of the current year. 22. SPONSORSHIPS, FUND-RAISERS AND DONATIONS - COMPETITIVE 22.1 All fundraisers must be consistent with CYSA guidelines and be either on RPSL s approved list of fundraisers or approved by the RPSL Board of Directors. 22.2 All fundraised funds must be turned over to the RPSL Treasurer to be ear marked for team expenses. 22.3 Funds may not be kept in a separate account to protect the league s nonprofit status. 22.4 The team may request reimbursement for training, tournament expenses and equipment. Requests are to be submitted to the treasurer for review for reimbursement. 11
22.5 Funds or fundraisers from or involving businesses that market alcohol, tobacco, gambling or any other product or service deemed illegal to minors will be reviewed by the RPSL board on a case by case basis. 22.6 Raffles are only approved after it is clear that 90% of the profits will be used and they have acquired a permit from the Attorney General s Office and paid the $20 fee (60 days in advance of the raffle). 22.7 Approved Fundraisers include- (a) Food / candy sales (b) T-shirt, small soccer related items sale (c) Fireworks sales (d) Car wash (e) Restaurant sponsor day (f) Direct solicitation (except as noted above) (g) Human Race 23. SPONSORSHIPS, FUND-RAISERS AND DONATIONS - RECREATIONAL 23.1 Recreational teams may request board approval to raise funds for a specific event such as a tournament. 23.2 If approved that he Competitive Teams policies for SPONSORSHIPS, FUND-RAISERS AND DONATIONS will apply. 24. STANDINGS 24.1 The following point system will be used to determine House division winners for regular season play: (a) (b) (c) three points for winning team; zero points for losing team; one point for each team of tie games. 24.2 Teams with the most acquired points at the end of the season will be the winners. 12
24.3 For the end of season standing, ties will be settled in the following manner; (a) (b) (c) goals against; goals for; coin toss. 25. AWARDS - COMPETITIVE 25.1 The District will supply awards, medals and trophies for this level. 26. AWARDS - RECREATIONAL 26.1 The league will provide the following trophies for Recreational teams as follows: (a) (b) U6 and U8 - Score and Standings to do not apply to this level. U10, U12 and 14 (ranked within RPSL only, not for district level) 26.2 The Rohnert Park Soccer League will purchase trophies for teams ranked within RPSL per the following: (a) (b) (c) 1-4 teams per age division - 1st place trophies only 5-6 teams per age division - 1st & 2nd place trophies 7 or more teams per age division - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies 26.3 Parents and/or coaches have the discretion to purchase individual or team trophies that are not sanctioned by the League. 27. TOURNAMENTS 27.1 The number of tournaments a team may play in is at the discretion of that team's coach. 27.2 The league will pay for any first place team in their flight or in our league to go to the appropriate state wide tournament (i.e. Tide American Cup, President s, Cup or Association Cup). 27.3 This applies the following divisions and age groups; 13
(a) (b) Competitive U12 through U19 Recreational U12 through U19 28. PICTURES 28.1 Picture day will be the first Saturday after Labor Day and makeup day will be the following Sunday. 28.2 Parents may purchase additional pictures at their own expense. 28.3 Coaches and Assistant Coaches (up to 2 additional coaches) will receive buddy packages at no charge. 28.4 Any vendor may request to have a booth at picture day. 28.5 The fee will be $50 or a donation valued at $50 or more. Vendors that have a relationship with the league such as our trophy vendor and the local indoor non-profit soccer league shall receive booths at no charge. 28.6 Any Competitive team may have a booth at no charge. 28.7 Every group with a booth must provide their own table, signage and equipment. 29. PAID ADVERTISING POLICY 29.1 All paid advertising must be approved on a case by case basis by the RPSL board. 29.2 This shall include the donation of equipment that predominately displays the company information of any company other than the product manufacturer. 30. UNIFORMS - COMPETITIVE 30.1 Official RPSL uniforms must be worn for all league games and tournaments. 30.2 Competitive shall wear the royal blue shirt with royal blue shocks or white shirt with white socks and royal blue shorts. 30.3 Competitive soccer teams are able to have their last names placed on the back of the official RPSL uniforms, if the team players and parents agree 14
100% to have the names displayed on the uniforms. If there is not a 100% agreement, then no names area allowed. This will be a team-by-team basis. 30.4 All uniforms must have the Rohnert Park logo. No other logos, other than the manufacturer, shall be displayed on any official RPSL uniforms. 30.5 Alternate uniforms, for special events, can be presented to the RPSL Board for review for approval. 31. UNIFORMS - RECREATIONAL 31.1 Official RPSL uniforms must be worn for all league games and tournaments. 31.2 Recreational shall wear the reversible blue and red jersey with royal blue shorts and royal blue socks. 31.3 All uniforms must have the Rohnert Park logo. No other logos, other than the manufacturer, shall be displayed on any official RPSL uniforms. 31.4 Alternate uniforms, for special events (i.e. City Cup), can be presented to the RPSL Board for review for approval. 32. PRACTICE - COMPETITIVE 32.1 Competitive teams should practice at a minimum of 2 days a week and practice no more than 3 days per week. This does not include scrimmage games. 32.2 Competitive teams should consider the following guidelines for practice length: (a) U10 1 hour 1 ½ hours (b) U12 1 ½ hours - 2 hours (c) U14 1 ½ hours 2 hours (d) U16 1 ½ hours 2 hours (e) U17 1 ½ hours 2 hours (f) U19 1 ½ hours 2 hours 33. PRACTICE - RECREATIONAL 15
33.1 Recreational teams should practice no more than 2 days per week. This does not include scrimmage games. 33.2 Recreational teams should consider the following guidelines for practice length: (a) U6 45 minutes 1 hour (b) U8 1 hour (c) U10 1 hour 1 ½ hours (d) U12 1 ½ hours (e) U14 1 ½ hours 2 hours (f) U16 1 ½ hours 2 hours (g) U17 1 ½ hours 2 hours (h) U19 1 ½ hours 2 hours 34. INJURIES 34.1 All injuries to be claimed against the Medical Insurance Program, shall be reported to the Registrar, by the team's coach, within twentyfour (24) hours, so that the proper forms may be filled out and that the Rohnert Park Soccer League Board is made aware of the injury. 35. FIELDS AND MAINTENANCE 35.1 The Field Coordinator and or the Field Maintenance Coordinator will be responsible for determining the condition of the field. 35.2 Teams are expected to provide assistance with maintenance of fields and will report to the Field Maintenance Coordinator for assignments (i.e. field lining, field repair, etc ). 35.3 Coaches should make every effort to protect the condition of the field, especially the goal box. When possible use other parts of the field practice when the field and or the goal box are wet. When field conditions are poor or closed coaches will be responsible locate alternate arrangements for practices (i.e. playgrounds, tennis courts, etc ). 16
36. PROTOCOL FOR GAME CANCELATION 36.1 Check the RPSL web site field status at www.rpsoccer.org. 36.2 If the field is considered open then the game will be played (even if there are a few showers), unless the referee or both coaches agree prior to the start of the game, that the field is "unplayable". 36.3 A wet field is not considered unplayable. When the field becomes soaked in many areas, then it's considered unplayable. 36.4 Once the game has started, then it's the sole responsibility of the referee to cancel a game. 36.5 If a game is cancelled, they will only be rescheduled permitting the weather and field availability. 37. REFEREES - COMPETITIVE 37.1 Current Referee fees for all age level games are as follows: Age Group Center A/R (a) U10 $18.00 $14.00 (b) U12 $22.00 $17.00 (c) U14 $26.00 $20.00 (d) U16 $30.00 $23.00 (e) U19 $34.00 $26.00 38. REFEREES - RECREATIONAL 38.1 Current Referee fees for all age level games are as follows: Age Group Center A/R (a) U8 $10.00 (b) U10 $15.00 $10.00 (c) U12 $20.00 $14.00 (d) U14 $24.00 $16.00 (e) U16 $28.00 $18.00 (f) U19 $32.00 $20.00 17
39. COMPLAINTS ABOUT COACHES / REFEREES 39.1 Only complaints made in writing and presented to any active RPSL Board Member about coaches and referees will be accepted. 39.2 All complaints that are in writing will be presented to the RPSL Board. 39.3 Depending on the severity of the complaint, the RPSL Board may request that the PAD Committee review the complaint for further handling. 39.3 The PAD Committee will review all complaints, interview any related parties and will come to a conclusion on how to best resolve this matter. 39.4 The PAD Committee will then make a recommendation to the RPSL Board for their approval. 39.5 The RPSL Board can then approves, deny or recommend alternate conclusion. 39.6 The PAD committee is made up of the following RPSL Board members; (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Younger Coaches Coordinator; Older Coaches Coordinator; Inter-league Coaches Coordinator; Competitive Coordinator; Referee Coordinator; Vice President 39.7 The PAD Committee will review complaints regularly (at least every two weeks if a serious complaint is submitted) and take appropriate action. 39.8 A coach or referee may be counseled, warned or put on probation by the PAD committee. 39.9 The committee may also recommend to the board that the coach be put in bad standing. 39.10A coach in bad standing may come to the Board of Directors with a suggestion as to how they can return to good standing. 39.11 The Board of Directors will refer back to the original incidents and make a decision based upon that. 18
40. RULES OF CONDUCT ROHNERT PARK SOCCER LEAGUE 40.1 At games -- no coach, player, or spectator will not: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) use foul or abusive language, or gestures; incite, in any manner, disruptive behavior of any kind; make derogatory remarks or gestures to the referees; dispute or question, by word or gesture or act, the calls, lack of calls, or decisions of the referee. This is in effect at any time the referee is in the vicinity of the playing field; use air horns, trumpets or any other similar noise-making device during a game. address the referee; exceptions apply to coaches: (1) prior to the start of the game; (2) when making a substation; (3) pointing out an injured player on the field; (4) at half-time; (5) after the game is over. enter the field unless they are in the field of play; exceptions apply to coaches: (1) prior to the start of the game; (2)at half-time (with referee s permission); (3) after game; (4)when beckoned onto the field by the referee; be anywhere but the player area, unless they are scheduled to play in the current game. (The player area is one yard from the touch line and extends ten yards, both ways, from the half-line); use mechanical devices for coaching; use an un-informing or unsupportive tone of voice in such a manner as to be haranguing or harassing; damage, willfully or maliciously, any uniform or equipment of this league, or the goals, lights and fields; 19
(l) ROHNERT PARK SOCCER LEAGUE enter into another unsportsmanlike conduct, as determined by the referee at the game. 40.2 Violations for any of the above rules are not only subject to the discipline of the referee at the game, they are also grounds for which the Rohnert Park Soccer League can take later or an additional action against the individual or team in question. (reference to Bylaws -- Discipline, Protest, and Appeals) 40.3 Smoking is not permitted by coaches, assistant coaches, and referees during practices of games. 40.4 The use of alcohol/drugs is not permitted by coaches, assistant coaches, or referees during practices or games. 41. VIOLATION OF POLICIES 41.1 Any violations of policy should go through the appropriate board member first (i.e. coaching coordinator for a coach or referee coordinator for a referee). 41.2 That board member shall determine whether they just wish to individually address the concern or bring it to the PAD Committee. 41.3 If it is brought to the PAD Committee, they will decide whether a full PAD review needs to be undertaken. As always if so, the individual in question will have an opportunity to address the committee and any consequences will be approved by the full board. 42. REFEREE CODE 42.1 Referees shall adhere to the Code of Ethics as listed in USSF Referee Administrative Handbook. 43. COACHING CODE 43.1 Coaches should be understanding volunteers who are willing to make sacrifices of their time, energy, and (sometime) money, for the positive development of young players in the game of soccer. They should also be 20
willing to familiarize the parents; of their team with the game so that all persons involved with a team will have an understanding of it. 43.2 Coaches should strive to make themselves as knowledgeable of the game as needed for their age group and competition level, so that they can make their team's participation both enjoyable and rewarding. 43.3 Besides teaching teamwork, skills, methods of play, and rules, all coaches should be stressing good sportsmanship. 43.4 Coaches should conduct themselves, at practices as well as games, in such a manner as to set an example that, if followed, would enable every player to be a credit to the game. 43.5 Coaches should approach the game in a mature manner, so that they may resist frustration, face stress with logic, and accept failure intelligently. 43.6 Coaches should never physically, verbally or mentally abuse their players. 43.7 Coaches are responsible for their own actions, and for the control of their players, parents, and spectators of the team. 43.8 It is the coach s duty to see that his/her team plays in a safe, fair, positive, and sportsmanlike manner, where the only advantage sought is superior skill. 43.9 Coaches should view winning as desirable, but winning at any cost defeats the purpose of game. For even in losing there are positive lessons to be learned. 43.10Coaches shall strive to adhere to this coaching code, and in addition they will abide by the laws of the game as published by FIFA; the rules and regulations as published by CYSA; and the Rules and Bylaws of the RPSL. 43.11 Coaches shall give up their practice time to games (league or practice) when asked by the Field Rep. 43.12 Coaches are responsible for providing a team roster and game schedule to all team parents. 21
43.13 On coming coaches and coaches who have completed games should be mutually supportive in removing/setting up nets and flags for the next game. 43.14No alcohol or drugs will be allowed on the playing field. RPSL would also appreciate it, if coaches would refrain from using tobacco. 44. PLAYERS' CODE 44.1 All players should participate in practices, as well as games, so that he or she can learn the game, improve individual abilities, and be an asset to the team and League. 44.2 All players should play the game fairly, safely, and in a SPORTSMANLIKE manner. 44.3 Use of alcohol or drugs by players will not be permitted before, during, or after games or practices. 45. PARENTS' CODE 45.1 All parents should support the game in a positive manner, so that they may aid the tam in having an enjoyable and rewarding season. 45.2 All parents should remember that the players are only youths, and that the coaches, referees, and Board members are only volunteers; 45.3 All parents should help set an example of sportsmanship. 45.4 All parents should help the League in any way they can. 45.5 No alcohol or drugs will be allowed on the playing field. RPSL would also appreciate it, if parents would refrain from smoking. 45.6 All parents shall make sure their players are on time for practices and games. If unable to comply, please notify the coach so that he/she can adjust for the situation. 22
46. DEFINITION Definitions are as follows: Coed: Competitive: Competitive Committee: PAD PAD Committee Play-ups: ROHNERT PARK SOCCER LEAGUE RPSL: Rohnert Park Soccer League U6: A player who is under the age of 6 before August 1 st of the current year. U8: A player who is under the age of 8 before August 1 st of the current year. U9: A player who is under the age of 9 before August 1 st of the current year. U10: A player who is under the age of 10 before August 1 st of the current year. U11: A player who is under the age of 11 before August 1 st of the current year. U12: A player who is under the age of 12 before August 1 st of the current year. U13: A player who is under the age of 13 before August 1 st of the current year. U14: A player who is under the age of 14 before August 1 st of the current year. U15: A player who is under the age of 15 before August 1 st of the current year. U16: A player who is under the age of 16 before August 1 st of the current year. U17: A player who is under the age of 17 before August 1 st of the current year. U19: A player who is under the age of 19 before August 1 st of the current year. 23