THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE RAGE SOCCER CLUB endorsed by USSF

Our younger ages represent the most influential period in forming a sound fundamental base and a love of the game.

Continue to make training fun while at the same time keeping it consistently challenging and competitive.

Playing to win games becomes increasingly important but should never be at the expense of playing well.

Avoid the temptation to have your players BOOT the ball long and far in the hopes that one of your fast forwards can win a foot race to create a breakaway. A ball that is aimlessly kicked forward into a sea of opponents with the idea of gaining a territorial advantage is, at best, hopeful soccer. The style of playing incessant “direct” soccer, when a team always plays the ball forward regardless of whether or not it is appropriate to do so in that situation, does not develop players. Moreover, that approach has consistently been proven ineffective at the higher level of the game.

The “direct” approach should also be discouraged because it replaces skillful and creative play with an environment in which aggression and size becomes disproportionately important. While we want to encourage players to be “direct” by going to goal when the opportunity presents itself, there is a huge difference between being constructively direct as opposed to whacking the ball forward all the time.

Playing well means playing intelligent, patient, controlled game in which skill, mobility, and precision are emphasized and applied at speed. A precise pass to a well-timed purposeful run that culminates in a shot on goal is one of the most exciting actions in any sport.

Only if we teach and give our young players the freedom to make choices during the run of play will they be able to fulfill their potential.

– Rage Technical Staff

Pleasanton RAGE Codes of Conduct

All Club Membership and Guests

Youth sports provide an opportunity for players to develop technical, physical, tactical, and social skills.  Pleasanton RAGE supports the tenants of the Positive Coaching Alliance program to help ensure that soccer can be enjoyed in a safe and positive environment.

RAGE members take full responsibility for their words and behavior and understand that disciplinary action that may be taken as a possible consequence of misconduct.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT     PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT       VOLUNTEER COACH CODE OF CONDUCT      DISCIPLINARY STEPS

RAGE Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

1. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players (on both teams), coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting events.
2. I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; using profane language or gestures; or using offensive, insulting or abusive language. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes. I will not verbally address a player on an opposing team except to complement their play.
3. I will be supportive of my child, unconditionally – this promotes the development of the player.
4. I will emphasize that the game is played for the benefit of the youth, not adults.
5. I will let the coach guide, direct, and coach my child and the other players without any interference or coaching from me on the sidelines.
6. During a match, I will remain outside the field of play within the spectator area, unless called onto the field by the referee.
7. I will learn and understand the laws of the game. Knowing the rules of the game will help with development and will help to minimize disagreements.
8. I will teach my child to play within the spirit/intentions of the rules and the Laws of the Game.
9. I will refrain from criticizing the game officials and will respect their authority and decisions during games. I will not ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
10. I will never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of the players.
11. I will demand a sports environment free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all RAGE sporting events or in the immediate vicinity of RAGE matches.
12. I will be consistent, prompt, and respectful in my communication with coaches and ensure that I understand the coach’s expectations for me, my child, and the team.
13. I will ensure that my child arrives at training, practices, and games on-time and fully equipped per the coach’s expectations.
14. I will ensure that I am on-time to retrieve my child from practices and games.
15. I will respect the 24-hour rule and not discuss playing time/game issues with the coach until the following day.
16. I will remember that as a member of RAGE, I represent the Club. I understand poor behavior during practices, games, or tournaments may result in expulsion from the soccer activity. If this happens repeatedly, it will result in expulsion from RAGE for my family.
17. I will keep my financial account with the club current and in good standing.
18. I will adhere to the guidance of the Positive Coaching Alliance, including the following behavior:

• Acknowledge and applaud the genuine effort and good play as well as success
• Affirm players not just for athletic performance or victory, but whenever good character, healthy sportsmanship, and unselfish behavior are displayed
• Avoid criticizing a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning
• Encourage your player to honor the opponent and to show respect for the referees – without people in these roles, there is no game
• Teach your player the importance of keeping winning and losing in perspective – game outcomes are part of but should never wholly define the overall experience
• Avoid analyzing your player’s performance following each game – instead, let them know you enjoyed watching them play
• Encourage your player to work directly with the coach to resolve issues, thereby helping her develop a strong sense of self-advocacy

20. Remember that youth players participate primarily for the fun of the experience

Acknowledgment

I agree to the following terms:

1. I agree to abide by the RAGE Parent Code of Conduct outlined in this document.
2. I acknowledge that RAGE may take disciplinary action against me if I breach the Parent Code of Conduct.
3. I acknowledge that disciplinary action against me may include suspension of myself from attending RAGE practices, games, and activities, and repeated offenses may result in my players being de-registered from the RAGE.

I acknowledge and accept the above articles and policies as written and will do my best to abide by them.

RAGE Player Code of Conduct

1. Player will demonstrate positive sportsmanship on and off of the field. This includes exercising positive self-control, graciously accepting the outcome games, and treating all players, coaches, officials, and fans with courtesy and respect.
2. Player will demonstrate respect for all players and coaches in behavior and language. Profanity will not be tolerated.
3. Player will demonstrate respect for officials, in part by accepting their decisions. Insulting comments, arguing, gestures, and profanity directed at officials will not be tolerated.
4. Player will positively represent RAGE on and off the field, at home and away, and during all club sanctioned events and activities.
5. Player, in coordination with parents, are responsible for timely notification of absences from games, practices, and training to the coach and/or manager of the team as determined by the team.
6. Violence and abuse of any nature will not be tolerated.
7. Player are prohibited from the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco products while a member of RAGE.
8. Player will understand and respect the rules of the game as appropriate for the age group of the team.
9. Player will give 100% at practices and games. Player will make every effort to attend all practices, games, and team/club events which ensures a solid team foundation.
10. Players are expected to be present at the playing field at the designated time for all games and all pre/post-game activities. Players shall be dressed appropriately and, when in team uniform, shall have clean jerseys tucked into shorts with shin guards and cleats on and ready.
11. Players will respect the 24-hour rule and not discuss playing time/game issues with the coach until the following day.
12. When traveling with RAGE, player shall respect, listen, and follow directions given by the coaches, team managers, and chaperones. Players will also attend all team games and activities while on travel with the team.
13. When traveling with RAGE, player is expected to dress appropriately as befits representing RAGE or as directed by their coach and/or Director (RAGE attire; typically, RAGE training gear assigned by coach, manager, or chaperone.)

Acknowledgment

I agree to the following terms:

1. I agree to abide by the RAGE Player Code of Conduct outlined in this document.
2. I acknowledge that RAGE may take disciplinary action against me if I breach the Player Code of Conduct.
3. I acknowledge that disciplinary action against me may include suspension of playing privileges and deregistration from RAGE.

Volunteer Coach Code of Conduct

This code of conduct has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical, and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to a positive experience.  Coaches are expected to be positive role models who project the spirit of the sport on and off the field.  As a RAGE Recreational Coach, I understand that I am expected to hold myself and my team to the high standards set forth by the Pleasanton RAGE Soccer Club. While representing RAGE, I must abide by the following expectations and requirements:

1. I will prioritize the health and safety of all players and maintain an environment that supports this priority both on and off the field.
2. I will demonstrate positive support, dignity, and respect for all players, parents, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, and other RAGE events. This includes players, parents, and coaches from the opposing team.
3. I will be a positive role model whenever I am around players and parents. I will exercise professional decorum and conduct at all practices and games, meetings, and other team functions. 
4. I will exemplify honesty, integrity, fair-play, and sportsmanship at all times regardless of the impact that might have upon the outcome of the competition.
5. I will refrain from the use of profanity, abusive, offensive, or insulting language, gestures or actions, racially insensitive remarks, or any other conduct that reflects poorly on me or the Pleasanton RAGE Soccer Club, on and off of the field.
6. I will not discriminate against players based upon race, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.
7. I will avoid any conduct that could be construed as harassment or physically, verbally, or sexually abusive.
8. I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, and opponents.
9. I will not verbally address a player on an opposing team, except to compliment their play.
10. I will always show respect for all of the match officials and honor their decisions.
11. I will be reasonable in my demands on players’ time, energy, enthusiasm, and performance on the soccer field.
12. I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
13. I understand that as a coach, I am responsible for not only my own behavior but also the behavior of my team members, their parents, and fans at RAGE games. I must discourage/discipline any of these members or spectators from prohibited behaviors outlined in our respective codes of conduct.
14. I will ensure that my players’ experience in practices and games is one of fun and enjoyment and improvement in skill. I understand that the top reason kids play sports is to have fun.
15. I will give each team member a fair and honest chance to play, which includes a minimum of 50% of game minutes for each recreational player.

Acknowledgment

I agree to the following terms:

1. I agree to abide by the RAGE Volunteer Coach Code of Conduct outlined in this document.
2. I acknowledge that RAGE may take disciplinary action against me if I breach the RAGE Volunteer Coach Code of Conduct.
3. I acknowledge that disciplinary action against me may include suspension from practices, games, and other team or club activities. Disciplinary action is determined by the RAGE Recreational Director and/or Director of Coaching.

Disciplinary Steps for Parent/Guardian and Player Codes of Conduct Violations

Failure of a RAGE club member to meet the RAGE Code of Conduct Requirements described above may result in one or more of the following steps:

Disciplinary Action Appeal

Any disciplinary actions listed above may be appealed.  Suspensions will remain in place during the appeal process.

The initial appeal will be made at an in-person meeting with a Disciplinary Committee of at least five members of the RAGE Board of Directors who were not involved in the Disciplinary Action.

If further appeal is desired after the Disciplinary Committee comes to a decision, the matter can be brought before the full Board of Directors who will determine the final, binding outcome of the appeal.

Procedural specifics of each of these appeal levels will be provided as necessary and are available to any RAGE member upon request.