A  GOOD  Coach can change a game,

A  GREAT  Coach can change a life. -John Wooden

AYSA Coaching Resources

US Soccer Coaching Education Center 

Ohio Soccer Association Coaching Resources 

US Club Soccer Coaching License Pathway 

AYSA Coaching Code of Conduct

Purpose:  This code of conduct has been developed by the Amherst Youth Soccer Association to clarify approved and accepted professional, ethical and moral behavior expected from our coaches involved in our youth soccer program.

Policy: Coaching is a privilege offered and granted to individuals who perform capably during AYSA sanctioned activities. It carries with it an obligation for each individual coach to uphold and promote the stated goals and objectives of the organization. Any conduct considered unethical or a conflict of interest shall be subject to discipline by the AYSA.

AYSA Coaching Code of Ethics

  • Coaches bear responsibility for teaching their players to strive for success while playing fairly, observing the Laws of the Game and the highest levels of sportsmanship.
  • Coaches shall treat officials with respect and dignity, and shall teach their players to do the same.
  • Our opponents are worthy of being treated with respect. Coaches will model such respect for opponents and expect their players to do likewise.
  • In both victory and defeat, the behavior of a coach shall model grace, dignity and composure.
  • Coaches shall adhere to the highest standards and the regulations of the Amherst Youth Soccer Association.
  • Coaches have a responsibility to promote the interests of soccer, including treating parents, media, fans, and officials with courtesy, honesty and respect.
  • Coaches shall model inclusive behavior, actively supporting cultural diversity while opposing all types of discrimination, including, but not limited to, racism and sexism, at all levels of soccer.
  • Coaches are responsible for taking an active role in education about, and prevention and treatment of, drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse, both in their own lives and in the lives of their players.
  • Coaches shall refrain from all manner of personal abuse and harassment of others, whether verbal, physical, or emotional, and shall oppose such abuse and harassment at all levels of soccer.
  • Coaches shall seek to honor those who uphold the highest standards and principles of soccer and shall use appropriate protocol to oppose and eliminate all behavior that brings disrepute to the sport - violence, abuse, dishonesty, disrespect and violations of the Laws of the Game and rules governing competition.

Recommended Coaching Best Practices

  • Soccer is the players' game. The paramount concern of coaches is the holistic development, welfare, enjoyment and safety of their players.
  • Always remember, it's not all about winning but developing mature and welladjusted children.
  • Make it fun — if it's not fun, re-evaluate how you are teaching.
  • Don't over coach — the children learn through playing.
  • Provide positive reinforcement and build esteem — every practice, every game.
  • Remember, attitude is learned, both positive and negative.
  • Please keep in mind that Amherst soccer coaches are all on the same “team.”
  • Help other coaches and work together - we are all developing AYSA kids.
  • Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
  • After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.

Responsibilities of AYSA Coaches

  1. The coach shall never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
  2. Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the spirit of the game at all times.
  3. Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.
  4. Coaches shall not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.
  5. Demands placed on players’ time shall never be so extensive as to interfere with academic goals or progress.
  6. Coaches shall direct players to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician’s instructions regarding treatment and recovery.

  1. Adherence to all AYSA rules and policies, especially those regarding eligibility and team formation and member association rules and policies that are mandatory and should never be violated. It is the responsibility of each coach to know and understand these rules.
  2. Any problems that cannot be resolved between coaches should be referred to the appropriate AYSA board.

  1. Coaches shall be thoroughly acquainted with and demonstrate a working knowledge of the Laws of the Game.
  2. Coaches are responsible to assure their players understand the intent as well as the application of the Laws.
  3. Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the Laws of the Game.
  4. Coaches are responsible for their players’ actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with intent of causing injury to opposing players.
  5. The coach must constantly strive to teach good sporting behavior.

  1. Officials must have the support of coaches, players and spectators. Coaches must always refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players or spectators.
  2. Professional respect, before, during and after the game must be mutual. There must be no demeaning dialogue or gestures between official, coach or player.
  3. Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of the game.
  4. It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an official, opposing coach or bench before, during or after the game.
  5. Coaches must use their influence on spectators that demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior towards officials, player(s) and opposing team members.
  6. Comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the AYSA board.

  1. It is unethical for a player to be recruited or enticed from his team, either by his or her coach or any other coach, manager, player parent, or team representative.
  2. When discussing the advantages of his/her team , the coach has an obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams and organizations.
  3. It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective athlete which cannot be fulfilled; illegal to promise any kind of compensation or inducement for play; and immoral to deliver same.
  4. Coaches shall not scout any team, by any means whatsoever, except in regularly scheduled games.

  1. It is unethical for a player to be recruited or enticed from his team, either by his or her coach or any other coach, manager, player parent, or team representative.
  2. When discussing the advantages of his/her team , the coach has an obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams and organizations.
  3. It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective athlete which cannot be fulfilled; illegal to promise any kind of compensation or inducement for play; and immoral to deliver same.
  4. Coaches shall not scout any team, by any means whatsoever, except in regularly scheduled games.