This Code of Conduct has been adopted by the Board of Directors of Lethbridge FC for the purpose of providing an environment, which promotes integrity amongst players, coaches, managers and fans. This Code of Conduct should be supplemented with a high degree of common sense, with the best interests of the player and the game in mind.

1. Purpose

The Lethbridge FC was formed to promote soccer among persons of all ages. Our primary purpose is to provide an enjoyable soccer experience at a high level of performance of all participants. We also hope to improve the technical, mental and physical abilities of players by implementing best practices to set the players up for success. Players, parents, coaches and managers should keep this overriding purpose in mind, and conduct themselves accordingly.

2. Parents' Meeting

The Lethbridge FC expects the calling of a parents' meeting once team selection has taken place. The purpose of the meeting will be to facilitate good communication between parents and the team. Items for consideration should include:

• introduction of Coach, reviewing their responsibilities

• appointment of a team Manager

• distribution of team information list,

• discuss expectations for the season in terms of games, tournaments, practices, training etc.

• review Code of Conduct for players, parents, coaches and managers,

• review and complete Participation Agreement

• review Team Rules

• discuss fund-raising,

• discuss grievance procedure, as outlined below.

3. Expectations of Coaches

In accordance with principles noted above, it is the hope of the Lethbridge FC that players express a desire to return to soccer in following seasons. Coaches must generally accept the responsibility for the conduct of their players while in their care. Coaches should also conduct themselves in a manner, which is above reproach. For example, coaches must always have a second adult present when in close quarters with players. Coaches should act as role models for their players. Coaches' duties include:

• instructing players before and during a game,

• providing positive feedback to players,

• pre-game mental and motivational preparation

• communicate and enforce team rules,

• inspect players prior to all games to ensure they are wearing the specified club uniform; jersey, shorts and socks,

• instruct players that only Lethbridge FC outerwear items including Training Suits are to be worn to games and tournaments. Other club or school team outerwear must not be worn at these events.

• clearly communicate to parents and players that the Lethbridge FC Program is a Rep Competitive program and does not guarantee equal playing time for all players.

• coaches must conduct themselves in accordance with the Lethbridge FC's policy of zero tolerance respecting bullying, harassment or use of drugs and alcohol and must refrain from swearing on or off the field,

• coaches must not verbally abuse referees,

• coaches must abide by the Lethbridge FC anti-discrimination policy noted below,

• discipline of players must be undertaken in accordance with the severity of the misbehavior. Discipline should be handled fairly and consistently among all players,

• coaches may be suspended for breaching these rules, in accordance with clause 10 below.

4. Expectations of Players

The Lethbridge FC has a zero tolerance policy for swearing and use of alcohol and drugs by players. This means no swearing on or off the field while associated with team activities and no drugs or alcohol in connection with team functions. Alleged infractions of this rule will be referred to the Discipline Committee for action.

• Players will pay strict attention when coaches are talking and will be supportive of one another regardless of skills and accomplishments.

• Players must adhere to all team rules as communicated by the coach.

• Players will not argue or verbally abuse referees, opposing players, coaches, parents or fans.

• Players must notify coaches if they are unable to attend a game or practice.

• Unsportsmanlike soccer is not acceptable; retaliation penalties will not be tolerated.

• Players must wear the specified club uniform including jersey, shorts and socks.

• Wear only Lethbridge FC outerwear items including Training Suits to games and tournaments. Other club or school team outerwear must not be worn at these events.

• Dressing rooms and team areas on the field must be kept neat and tidy.

• Players may be suspended for breaching these rules, in accordance with clause 10 below.

5. Expectations of Parents

• Parents are expected to be supportive of their child's play and to be supportive of coach's decisions. Parents should not offer advice which contradicts a coach's advice.

• Parents are expected to support all team rules as communicated by the coach.

• Be a cheerleader for your son or daughter and the other players on the team. Do not instruct the players during games.

• Parents who have grievances should first approach the team Manager about their concerns to see if the concerns can be worked out. If this fails, the chain of inquiry is then to the coach, then to the Board, in care of the President, in accordance with clause 12 below. Before and during the game, please allow the coaches time alone in the dressing room to address the team. Only enter the dressing room when invited to do so.

• Parents may be suspended for breaching these rules, in accordance with clause 10 below.

6. Expectations of Managers

• Act as contact person between the coaches and the Lethbridge FC Board of Directors,

• Managers are expected to facilitate good communication between the team and parents.

• Be proactive in dealing with players and parents concerns or questions when needed,

• Deal with complaints from players and parents regarding coaches, acting as the court of first resort for parent's grievances, in accordance with clause 12 below.

• Assist in Scheduling of games and tournaments, with input from coaches in a timely fashion

• Managers will make travel, hotel arrangements for out-of-city tournaments.

• Additional duties may be mutually agreed upon between the Manager and Coach and delegated to other parent volunteers on the team.

7. Prohibition on Use of Alcohol and Drugs

Use of alcohol and drugs by players registered in with the Lethbridge FC is strictly prohibited. Coaches will not provide alcohol or drugs to players, nor shall players use alcohol or drugs while associated with club events or as part of team activities. Breaches of this policy may result in suspension.

8. No Harassment

The Lethbridge FC will not tolerate harassment, discrimination or abuse.
Harassment is behavior which includes comments and/or conduct which is insulting,
intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an
individual or groups of individuals, or which creates an uncomfortable environment.

All Coaches, Players and Parents must conduct themselves in the following manner:

• they will not be verbally abusive.

• they will not make threats.

• they will not make unwelcome remarks, jokes, or innuendoes.

• they will not make taunting remarks about a person's body, attire, marital status, religion, ethnic or racial origin.

• they will not make racial or ethnic slurs.

• they will not make sexually oriented comments.

• they will not display any sexually explicit or racist material.

• they will not write any sexual, racial, ethnic or religious graffiti.

• they will not make practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a Person's safety or negatively affect performance.

• they will not vandalize.

• they will not physically assault any other person.

• they will not make unwelcome sexual remarks, invitations or requests whether indirect or explicit or intimidating.

• they will not make leering (suggestive staring) or other obscene or offensive gestures.

• they will not participate in the following - condescension, paternalism or patronizing behavior which undermines self-respect or adversely affects performance.

• they will not participate in unwelcome contact such as - touching, kissing, patting or pinching.

9. Tournament Guidelines

Coaches and players must recognize they represent the Lethbridge FC when attending tournaments or out of city league competition; they should conduct themselves accordingly. The above rules apply at all tournaments, as do the following:

• a Team Meeting should be called before each tournament to outline team rules for the tournament.

• Restrictions on extracurricular activities; e.g. shopping, swimming etc. will be imposed to set the players and the teams up for success. Violation of these restrictions will affect playing time.

• hotel accommodations will be booked under a group booking for the convenience of parents and players. If parents choose to have their son or daughter stay at alternate accommodations they are still required to attend all team meetings and activities during the tournament as specified by the coach.

• curfews will be communicated by the coach at all tournaments,

• safety of the players is the number one consideration.

10. Reporting Infractions

Infractions of this Code shall be reported to the President of the Lethbridge FC, who shall call together members of the Discipline Committee to decide the matter. The President may take interim action pending a hearing. Discipline may range from a warning to suspension to expulsion from the Association. Confidentiality shall be afforded all parties as much as possible.
Minor Infractions of this Code are encouraged to be dealt with by the team Coach and Manager where ever possible, however, in the event that the conduct in question in either serious, or is persistent notwithstanding reasonable efforts being made to resolve same at the Team Level, any Coach, Parent or Player may make a formal complaint to the Board of the Lethbridge FC, by delivering such complaint, in writing, to the Board, care of the President.

The complaint, upon being received, shall be presented at the first Board meeting following the receipt of the complaint for the consideration of the Board.
Upon review of the complaint, the Board shall take such steps as may appear reasonably necessary to conduct an investigation of the complaint, and thereafter, shall take such steps as appear appropriate to respond to the complaint.
If it is determined in the sole discretion of the Board that a breach of this Code of Conduct has taken place, the Board shall do any of the following:
• issue a formal warning to the party, suggesting that further inappropriate conduct will result in more significant penalty;

• suspend a player for one or more games;

If a parent is the subject of a disciplinary decision referred to above and refuses to comply with the terms of that decision, then that parent's child may be suspended or expelled to enforce such compliance.
In the event that the Board should consider that the conduct in question may result in a suspension for a period of more than two games, then such complaint shall be communicated to the party being the subject of the complaint, and prior to making any decision, such party shall have the right to request a formal hearing before the Board to respond to the complaint to have their position heard prior to the decision of the Board.
In the event that the parent does not request a hearing within 7 days of being notified, then the Board shall be at liberty to render such decision as appears appropriate, which decision of the Board shall be considered conclusive, without the right of further appeal.
In the event that any parent should institute Legal Proceedings for Judicial Review of any decision of the Board, as the Board is a non-profit organization seeking to serve the interests of the participants in the Lethbridge FC program, in the event that the parent is unsuccessful in their Court application, the Lethbridge FC shall be entitled to costs, on a solicitor/client basis, for all steps taken in responding to such application.

11. Club Communication

All members of the board, coaches, and volunteers make themselves available to members of the club. However, this is a volunteer organization and as such, respect and restraint in communication are critical to the successful operation of the club. A complete Club Directory is available on the club website.

When you have questions and comments, please refer to the problem solving procedure below as an appropriate course of action. Most often, team officials will be able to address issues directly. You are encouraged to communicate with club volunteers by e-mail so they are able to respond to you at a time that works within their schedules. Also, allow them sufficient time to get back to you: remember that they have responsibilities that go well beyond the Club, including their professions, families, and their children's soccer and other activities.

12. Problem Solving Procedure

The following steps are to be used in dealing with any issue or problem that occurs in the club:

1. Remember that the club is a volunteer organization and everyone is well intentioned and working toward a positive soccer experience for all players and members.

2. Please act maturely and respectfully, and try to see both sides of an issue.

3. Organize your thoughts, wait 24-48 hours after a conflict before contacting the Parent Manager.

4. Address all issues in the order outlined in the Club Code of Conduct.

1. 1. First address the Manager of the team

   2. Failing resolution, address the Head Coach of the team

   3. Failing resolution, address the board in writing, care of the President

The Board encourages Parents' Meetings with the Coach and Manager first to resolve differences. If an issue should make it all the way to the board level it is processed at regularly scheduled monthly board meetings.