CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Overview

 

The game of football (soccer) is just that - a game. The number one reason that children participate in football (well documented in a number of studies) is to have fun.

 

If children don’t have fun training and playing football, they will soon give it up and pursue other interests.

 

Proper football development requires that children play age appropriate activities so they are able to experience, comprehend and execute the game as it relates to where they are at their own stage of physical and mental development.

 

Youth football is not about how many wins and losses are accumulated; it is not about how many trophies are collected; it is not about how many goals we score or concede.

 

Youth Football is about:

 

• Having fun and, at the same time, learning and developing football and life skills.

• Playing in different positions so the player learns all the skills necessary to develop in the game.

• Understanding the importance of the mental aspect of the game and developing an understanding of how the game is played.

• Receiving equal training and practice time, so the players are all given equal opportunity to learn.

• Learning the techniques of the game through a variety of technical and skills drills and games where players have as much contact with a ball as possible and learn at their own speed.

• Producing the required work ethic, commitment and determination necessary to achieve greater success.    

• Having the courage to try different approaches and realizing that with failure comes success. Positive encouragement from all parties is essential.    

• Teaching respect for all opponents and to appreciate the challenge that they offer through competition—regardless of wins or losses.

• Learning to benefit from a competitive training environment is essential to improving skills, abilities and maturity as players and individuals. Without an opponent, there is no competition. Without competition there is no game.

• Providing a positive activity outside of school which will encourage exercise and increase awareness of one’s own health through sports. Youth football is the largest participation sport in Canada and the number of participants continues to increase yearly.

• Providing the correct environment for all players to learn, train and play the game of soccer free from the constant badgering and interference from non- involved spectators and parents.

• Making the game of soccer accessible to all children regardless of social and financial constraints or obstacles.

 

 

ACADEMY CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Academy Trainees

 

RDA regards all trainees as serious athletes and expects that each trainee will exhibit conduct of the highest standard at all times.

 

Trainees should always:

 

• Play according to the laws and spirit of the game.

• Be on time and be prepared for training sessions and games when applicable. Always use the change rooms when available.

• Trainees are not allowed to linger and socialize in the change rooms before the start of practice. All trainees are expected to arrive, change for practice and enter the practice area immediately.

• Trainees who loiter in the change rooms for long periods of time will be not be allowed to train for that session. .

• Display self-control in all situations. Never use abusive language - before, during or after a game or training session.

• Train and play to the best of your ability, have a positive attitude, and encourage others to do the same.

• Respect your fellow trainees. Treat them as you would like them to treat you.  

• Respect the trainers. Always be encouraged to discuss any disputes regarding his or her decisions directly with the trainer.

• Come prepared to train or play to the best of your ability. .

• Turn up for training and games where applicable in appropriate and clean clothing. Clean your own indoor and outdoor shoes when necessary.

• Wear the appropriate training attire (spandex under shorts, sports bras if applicable, proper fitting football t-shirts with sleeves, proper fitting football shorts and proper fitting football socks).  

• Spandex under shorts and sports bras are mandatory. Trainees will not be allowed to practice without wearing them. In addition, football shorts are for training and will not be allowed to be rolled up beyond a reasonable length or be too tight. If the shorts are too big or too small, please purchase the appropriate size in order to allow you to train properly.

• Wear the appropriate sort of footwear (proper indoor and outdoor shoes).  Do not wear indoor or outdoor shoes until you enter the training facility.  Shin guards are now optional.

• Medical clearances (doctor’s notes) are now mandatory for any trainee who incurs injuries that prevent training whether the injuries are football (soccer) related or not. .

• There are no “SUPERSTARS” at RDA. All trainees are expected to check their attitudes at the door and conduct themselves in a respectful, positive manner at all times. Failure to adhere to this policy CAN RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE REMOVAL of the trainee from RDA without prejudice.

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Academy Trainers

 

A trainer’s primary responsibility is to make sure that their players have fun, develop as football players and athletes and above all, instil in them a passion for the game.

The performance of a trainer is measured in what players learn in terms of skill, technique, sportsmanship and fair play.

Trainers lead and teach by example; our Academy trainers are a reflection of that ideal.

 

Our Trainers will:

 

• Use positive reinforcement when dealing with trainees and players.

• Never use foul or abusive language or conduct when dealing with a trainee.

• Train, work and challenge our trainees in order to reach their maximum potential.

• Develop trainee’s technique, skill, work ethic and decision-making abilities.

• Conduct regular discussions and interviews with the trainees and parents to chart and discuss progress and development areas.

• Conduct verbal and written assessments on trainees as a means to measure development and identify areas requiring improvement.

• Suggest and assist in placement of trainees on teams (Academy and Club), OSA/ CSA development training programs, University Scholarship opportunities, European Professional Club opportunities and National Team placement opportunities in order to continue to enhance development.

• Introduce and enforce discipline when necessary.

• Inspect the training and playing area for hazards and generally make practice sessions and games as safe as possible for all trainees.

• Everyone should be aware that football is a contact sport and trainees may get injured. If this happens, appropriate first aid will be provided.

• We will not allow any trainee to take part in a practice session or a game if they are injured.

• We will not allow any trainee to resume training sessions without proper medical clearance following an injury.

• We will not leave any trainee unattended at a practice session or a game.

• We will only allow any trainee to leave a practice session or a game if a responsible person collects them. We will not allow any trainee to leave on their own under any circumstances.

• We endeavour to make the experience enjoyable for everyone who is invited to participate in the sessions – players, siblings, parents and spectators.

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Parents

 

A parents’ responsibility in their child’s development can never be understated or underestimated.

 

The support and encouragement of a child’s parents is the single most important component in the development of any successful trainee.

 

Parents are encouraged to:

 

• Be your child's best fan and support them unconditionally. 

• When you take your child home after a match or training session, please try to be objective and do not only focus on the positive aspects of the training session or game. We encourage trainees to understand and learn from their mistakes and by discussing it openly, it will allow for a better and more positive training environment. 

• We also encourage trainees to take the initiative and practice at home on a daily basis whenever possible. Dedication will achieve results. 

• Develop a responsibility in your child to pack their own kit, clean their boots and take a drink bottle (full of water or Gatorade only) to practice and games. 

• Respect the training facilities at all of our training sites. 

• Do not smoke on the training sites’ property as it is no longer allowed. 

• Do not criticise your child’s trainer to your child or other parents. If you are not happy with the trainer you should raise the issue with the trainer directly. 

• Encourage your child to speak with the trainer. If your child is having difficulties in training or games, or can’t attend training etc., encourage them to speak directly to the trainers. This “responsibility taking” is a big part of becoming a mature person. By handling off-the-field tasks, your child is claiming ownership of all aspects of the game. 

• Help your child to focus on the performance and not the result. Remember - winning is never as important as the performance. The trainees work hard for the right to participate in the game at the end of the sessions. 

• Please remember these games are the most anticipated part of the session for everyone, yet are not to be taken as anything more that it is; players enjoying the game and playing for the fun of the competition. The score and the number of goals anyone scores are irrelevant. 

• Encourage your child to work hard at every practice and any games where applicable. Commitment to good working habits will result in success. 

• Support all the trainees in your child's session if you are invited to attend by the RDA Staff. Do not criticise anyone. Remember – children don’t mean to make mistakes. In addition, not being afraid of making mistakes is conducive to a positive learning environment. 

• Please refrain from speaking to or instructing your children during the sessions if you are invited by the RDA Staff to attend. 

• Please refrain from speaking to or instructing any trainees especially trainees who ARE NOT YOUR OWN during the sessions if you are invited by the RDA Staff to attend. 

• Please also respect parents of other trainees as well. Remember, you are setting an example for your children to follow. 

• Parents will also be required to complete all appropriate paperwork before any trainee will be allowed to participate in any sessions or games. 

• FULL payments for each session are now mandatory BEFORE any trainee will be allowed to participate in RDA sessions or games once orientation is complete unless alternate arrangements have been made with the RDA Staff. 

• RDA follows the “International Method of Training”: Parents are to drop off their kids at the front door at the beginning of the session and pick them up at the front door at the end of the session. All RDA training sessions are closed practices unless parents are specifically invited in to the sessions by RDA Staff.   

• Any parental misconduct can and will result in immediate and permanent removal from the RDA sessions without prejudice. 

• Removal due to misconduct will not be limited to RDA training sessions or RDA Team games and can include verbal and/ or written actions that seeks to bring RDA, its’ staff, members,  sponsors and suppliers in to disrepute.

 

 

I have read the RDA Code of Conduct and will abide by the terms and conditions outlined in the document.