Ocean Township United Soccer Association

Parent Code of Conduct

The parental role is one of support to the team, players and coaches. A coach is defined as a volunteer parent manager, volunteer coach or paid trainer (junior or senior grade) unless otherwise specified in the Coaches Code of Conduct.

 Parents and supporters are expected to abide by the following Code of Conduct at any OTUSA event at all times: 

  1. Learn and respect the rules of soccer and the rules of OTUSA.
  2. Respect the OTUSA 24 Hour Cooling Off period, by not contacting a coach until 24 hours after a game or practice.
  3. There is a zero tolerance with respect to abusive or profane language or language that is derogatory or that could be taken as insulting, degrading, or humiliating at any time.
  4. Parents should refrain from questioning coaching decisions at the field or at home. Those questions should be handled in respectful fashion with the coach off the field after 24 hours.
  5. Do not speak negatively about coaches, officials or teammates in the presence of your child on the field or at home.
  6. Cheer for your child's team in a positive manner, refraining from making negative or abusive remarks about the opposing team or officiating.
  7. Ensure that your child is at all games and practices at the required time or notify the coach beforehand.
  8. Demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game, win or
  9. Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are important aspects of being a good player and teammate.
  10. Parents serve as role models for their children. Applaud good plays by your child and all players on the team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports
  11. Don't Be a Sideline Coach or Referee - Coaches and referees are usually parents just like They dedicate their time to help make your child’s youth soccer experiences a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines.
  12. If a player wants additional or personal training sessions from an OTUSA trainer, they must contact the OTUSA Board for approval prior to the training.
  13. Accepting a roster spot on an OTUSA team requires a full soccer year (August 1st to July 31st) commitment. Participation in other sports is permitted, but soccer should be the primary commitment. A player cannot take a season off due to other sports commitments outside of OTUSA without permission from the Head Coach.
  14. All seasonal dues will be paid in a timely manner unless otherwise discussed with the Head Coach. If a player is behind on dues, the player may be put on hold (no participation in practice or games) until dues have been paid.
  15. No transfers out of OTUSA will be granted by the OTUSA Board unless all financial obligations have been satisfied.
  16. Players require OTUSA permission to “dual card” or play outside of the Club while carded to play for OTUSA at any time during the soccer year (August 1st to July 31st).
  17. Parents cannot subvert OTUSA rules, policy or make any effort that undermines a team or Club at any time.
  18. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be present or consumed at an OTUSA event at any time. Supporters will be ejected from the premises and will be immediately addressed by the OTUSA Board.
  19. Any questions or concerns that a parent is not comfortable addressing with the coach should be addressed by via email to the Director of Coaching (spurrier@oceansoccer.com) or OTUSA Board (board@oceansoccer.com) if not comfortable with DOC.

By signing or registering your child to participate in OTUSA, you agree to and will abide by the above rules at all times while being a member of the OTUSA Club. Failure to abide by these rules will require appropriate action by the OTUSA Board.