Player Code of Conduct

Last updated: April 24th, 2023

The following code of conduct is being implemented so that you know what is expected of you as a player of EAFC. EAFC players are expected to act like reasonable and prudent individuals, who represent the team and the club on and off the field. The club holds its coaches and parents to a code of conduct and feels it is equally important that players know their responsibilities both on and off the field.

Who We Are and What We Value

EAFC values respect, integrity, having a growth mindset, hard work, commitment, and excellence both on and off of the field. As a club, we believe that a player’s commitment to training sessions and games will not only help the club’s success, but will also contribute to that individual’s personal ability to continually improve, as well as to each team’s quality of play.

Athletes play soccer to have fun, learn, develop a passion for the game, and improve their skills. In doing so, they represent their team, coach, parents and community.

EAFC expects its players to maintain a high level of sportsmanship and fair play. Players must show respect for the game, the coach, teammates, opponents, and the authority of the referee and their assistants. This is demonstrated as follows:

PLAYERS

  • will play within the laws of the game and spirit of the game

  • are expected to be on time (meaning arriving at the requested time, not when the match/training starts) and prepared for matches and training sessions

  • will display self-control in all situations and are encouraged not to use foul or abusive language at any time: before, during or after a match or training session

  • shall train and play to the best of their ability, have a positive attitude and encourage others to do the same. Negative comments by players will not be tolerated. The coach should speak to the player to make sure they understand what is acceptable and what is not. The coach should have a similar conversation with the team. The first offense is a warning and should be used to educate the player. The second offense can result in a game suspension, and the third can possibly be expulsion from team and club

  • will show respect towards EVERYONE, including but not limited to: opponents, teammates, coaches, referees, and spectators. There is no room for racism, discrimination, abuse, or harassment on and off the field.

TRAVEL

Our competitive program participates in leagues and tournaments that require a certain level of travel commitment, particularly with our older (U13+) and higher level teams, including but not limited to: out-of-state travel, flights, overnight and weekend trips. 

Any time an EAFC team travels, players are expected to:

  • Act appropriately and avoid circumstances that could negatively represent the club and its members

  • Dress and act appropriately at meals, in hotel lobbies, and during special events

  • Always be mindful that their actions represent the entire EAFC community

COMMUNICATION

  • A player should feel it is safe and acceptable to bring questions or issues to the coach’s attention and that the coach will respond in an appropriate and timely manner. For U16 - U19 players, the expectation is that they will address any issues directly with their coach. For U13 - U15 players, as they are learning to be more independent, the expectation is that they will address any issues directly with their coach and can have a parent present to help guide the conversation. For U12 and younger players, the expectation is that parent(s)/ guardian(s) will be present

  • The coach will decide how to address matters raised and if the question/issue needs to include parents in the conversation or others within the club (age-appropriate Director of Coaching and/or the Executive Director of Programming) to most effectively handle it. Players should be aware that the time immediately before or after a game is dedicated to match preparation/ debrief and not the best time to bring up questions to club staff. We encourage players to reach out to their coach at a different time either in person, email, or through PlayMetrics. Situations that cannot be adequately resolved may be escalated following club processes. Once a matter has not been resolved between a player and coach, the escalation process occurs between the parent, the coach, and the age-appropriate Director of Coaching.

COMMITMENT

  • Players are expected to attend every practice, unless that practice has been deemed optional by the coaching staff. If a player cannot attend practice due to unforeseen circumstances, then that player is required to notify their coach as soon as it is possible to do so. For changes to availability on a game day, the player (or parent if a younger player) should update the coach and advise if the player can no longer participate in a game. For practices, the parent should annotate the change in availability in PlayMetrics and contact the coach or team manager in line with whatever expectations that coach/team has in place additionally.

  • Players are expected to wear the appropriate practice gear (shirts, shorts, shin guards, and proper shoes) and may be denied participation if they fail to do so.

  • All players must bring a properly inflated ball and water to practices and games unless instructed otherwise.

BE PREPARED FOR GAMES

  • Players are expected to arrive and be ready to warm up at least 30-45 minutes prior to kickoff or as designated by the coach

  • Players should be outfitted in the appropriate uniform apparel as identified in game day communications through PlayMetrics. However, all players should bring all uniforms to every game in case a different color uniform is required

  • Be aware that playing time is earned. Coaches do take into account player commitment, work ethic, behavior and skill set in determining match lineups.