21 March 2010
Dear Football Parents, players and coaches:
The Saint-Laurent Football amateur football program, its executive, coaches, and players are part of a very competitive league (AAA). As members and volunteers of the program we aim to make the football experience rewarding and educational. We will focus on teamwork, responsibility, and sportsmanship. Please realize that we are amateur sports volunteers, not professionals. As an organization, we promise to do our best and if you have any negative or positive comments about our philosophies, please tell us. We promise to listen. Please, don’t talk negatively to your child, come to us directly.
Here are some of our major rules:
- Absolutely no criticism or “trash talk” of any teammate or any of the opposing players.
- Every player is an important part of the team regardless of ability. At the same time, no player is more important than the team.
- This is a "AAA" team which means that we represent the zone, not just any one city. Not all players will play an equal amount of time, but we will try to get everybody to play or at least practice their skills.
- The philosophy of the executive and the coaches is to be as positive as possible. We hope the parents will do the same. Your child will inevitably make errors, let them know its okay and that its part of learning to play football. We want this to be a positive learning experience for them, something they can carry forward to the rest of their lives.
- We insist on team spirit and pride (even when we lose). Any attitude that disrupts team spirits will not be tolerated.
- Players are responsible for their uniforms and equipment; it is not theirs to keep; and must be kept clean and returned in good working order. Remember, we represent the entire zone.
- The player's position on the field is determined by the coaches. Coaches will try to accommodate their choices as much as possible but ultimately they will try to make choices that will benefit the team.
- No coach or player will maliciously openly criticize a referee in any way. We encourage respect for all.
- Players should attend as many practices and games as possible. A player who does not practice (without sufficient cause) with the team has no place on the team.
- We encourage parents to attend the games and support your child’s team in a positive fashion. Please remember that referees are human and do not purposely miss calls. Accept decisions of the game officials (including referees and coaches) on the field as being fair and called to the best ability of said officials.
- Parents should not criticize officials, direct abuse or profane language toward them, or otherwise subvert their authority; Undermine, in work or deed, the authority of the coach or administration. Intrude onto the field, stand on the sideline, or yell from the bleachers at or to the coaches, referees or administration.
The possible consequences of not following these guidelines will be determined by the executive committee. More serious infractions will merit game suspensions or the possibility of not playing for this team. Ultimate responsibility remains with Football Quebec and Football Canada.
We hope you realize that these rules add to the fun of the game. Without rules the team will seem unorganized and unprofessional. It is our wish that we never have to put any of the consequences into play. If you feel that you or your child cannot meet these expectations, please let us know.
The Executive and Coaching Staff,
Saint-Laurent Football