Coaches Code of Conduct

FC Northwest Coaches Code of Conduct

(Updated June 2025)

Coaches have a major influence on the lives of young, developing athletes and their actions have a lasting effect, both positively and negatively. FCNW expects that the conduct of its coaches be of the highest standards.

Coaches will:

1. Take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of each player.
2. Be responsible for the conduct of the players, parents, and spectators of the team during practices and games.
3. Operate within the Laws of the Game and teach the players to do the same.
4. Obtain appropriate qualifications and stay current with coaching practices and principles of development.
5. Display control, respect, and professionalism toward opponents, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators, and encourage players to do the same.
6. Be enthusiastic and positive, offering praise generously when deserved.
7. Maintain high standards of personal conduct and fair play.
8. Remember that young people participate for enjoyment and that winning is only part of the experience. Ensure development is equal for all players.
9. Be reasonable in their demands on a player’s time, energy, and enthusiasm.
10. Show concern and caution toward sick or injured players, following medical advice for return to play.
11. Ensure any physical contact with players is appropriate and necessary for skill development.
12. Ensure training activities are suitable for the age, experience, ability, and condition of the players.
13. Ensure equal training opportunities for all players.

Coaches will not:

1. Use profanity at any time.
2. Physically or psychologically abuse any player on any team, even jokingly.
3. Ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake.
4. Openly argue with a match official. Concerns must be addressed calmly after the match or submitted in writing to the District.
5. Profit directly from coaching an FCNW team, including charging for practices or activities intended to generate personal income.
6. Operate any training academy—whether for profit or non-profit—outside of FCNW without prior approval from the FCNW Board of Directors.
7. Advertise any training academy to their players unless it is officially affiliated with and approved by FCNW.
8. Participate in or encourage players to take part in unsanctioned games (as per WYSA and MSA rules).

Failure to adhere to this policy may result in suspension, termination, or other disciplinary actions as determined by FCNW.

Referee abuse will not be tolerated and will be dealt with severely.