FCDY PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT AND POLICIES
AT FCDY PROGRAM EVENTS
A. Parents must be positive, supportive and ethical in their actions to each and every person (players, coaches, other spectators) on their team as well all individuals on the opposing team. Parents must understand that there is no guaranteed playing time and accept that the coaches, and only the coaches, determine positions and playing times.
B. Parents must respect the 24 hour rule: if communication with team coach is necessary, please wait 24 hours after competition to initiate communication so that emotions are reduced and communication can be more productive.
C. Parents must understand that only individuals who have been approved by FCDY (including through a background check and undergoing specific trainings) may be on or around the bench area during games.
D. Parents must not attempt to “coach” players from the sidelines, because players must listen to their coaches and their instructions.
E. Parents should learn the rules of the game to better understand decisions of the coaches and game officials.
F. Parents must set a positive example for the players by respecting game officials and accepting their decisions, whether they are agreed with or not. Parents should encourage fair play, good sportsmanship, competitive play, and cheering instead of yelling. Parents must understand that acting-out in a foul or abusive manner during any game may result in ejection from the field with a red card resulting in a sendoff penalty against the team as well as a personal suspension and a possible fine pending a hearing from their respective League A&D Committee.
G. Parents must refrain from: questioning, criticizing or abusing officials, taunting or booing players or officials, using profanity or degrading gestures, coaching from the sidelines.
NOTE: In competitive soccer, if any “non-player”, i.e. parent, friend, etc. is asked to leave the sidelines by the referee due to misbehavior, verbal or otherwise, and does not comply the coach may then be instructed to leave – leaving the team without a coach during the game.
GENERALLY
A. Parents must follow the communication guidelines set out by FCDY (and provided following registration), that is:
a. Coach
b. Area/Division Director
c. Program Director
d. Boys or Girls Director of Coaching
e. Vice President of Youth Soccer
Parents must raise any issue with the Coach prior to moving up this chain of communication.
B. Parents must raise any concerns about the safety of any Participant with FCDY Child Safety by email at childsafety@fcdallas.com (at any time) or by calling 469-365-0048 (during regular business hours). This resource is for cases of suspected sexual, physical, or emotional abuse of Participants by Coaches, FCDY Program Staff, or other Participants. It is not a resource for issues with coaching style, playing time, or any tactical soccer issue. Parents must understand that Texas law requires them to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, and that Coaches and FCDY Program staff are bound by the SafeSport Act with regard to incidents of potential abuse.
C. Parents must understand that any payment related to FCDY Programs other than the Fees payable to FCDY are handled at the team level and FCDY takes no responsibility for money paid to Coaches, managers, or other volunteer team assistants pertaining to tournaments, travel, or other team activities. In the event that you have any concerns regarding such issues, please communicate them in a timely manner to FCDY as set forth above.
D. Parents must understand that FCDY programs are not daycare or other child-minding services. FCDY and Coaches are not responsible for Participants who do not arrive and depart from FCDY Program activities such as trainings or games on time. In the event that a parent is unable to drop off or pick up their Participant for or from training sessions or other FCDY Program events, they must make other arrangements and notify the Coach as soon as practicable.
E. Parents must understand that FCDY does not operate the facilities where FCDY Programs are conducted and that all Participants and their family, friends, and guests are expected to follow all rules, policies and procedures pertaining to such facilities. In the event that you have concerns about any facility where FCDY Programs are conducted, please reach out directly to that facility before you contact FCDY about the issue.
F. Parents must understand that Participants and their parents or guardians are solely responsible for all equipment and personal property brought to any FCDY Program event or activity and for the content that may be contained on such property. Cellphones, tablets, or other electronic devices with access to the internet and/or with photographic, audio, and videographic capabilities are the responsibility of the owner and FCDY takes no responsibility and accepts no liability for loss or damage to such personal property or for material that is shared using such personal property during or connected to FCDY Programs.
G. Parents must pay their child’s dues on time to ensure he/she is eligible to play in accordance with the applicable FCDY Fee Agreement and associated payment plan.
H. Parents must adhere to all club protocols related to public health and safety (including social distancing, masks, limitations on access due to COVID-19 as directed by club).
I. Parents should appreciate the time and energies donated by the team manager or other volunteer assistants and cooperate with their requests.
J. Parents must understand that removal of a Participant from the club will not alleviate any outstanding Fee obligations of Participant.
FCDY PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT
A. Participants will conduct themselves, at all times, in a professional and sportsmanlike manner, by treating their teammates, competitors, officials, and all others involved with courtesy and respect.
B. Participants will, at all times, use language that is appropriate and respectful to all. Participants must understand that the use of obscene language or gestures, curse words, racial slurs, gender slurs, or sexually abusive insults will not be tolerated at any time and may result in immediate expulsion from the Program.
C. Participants will abide by all applicable facility, league and tournament rules at all times and will act in a manner that is respectful of the Program, the event, and the league. Participants will be responsible for reviewing and adhering to the rules of any governing body involved in any activity that is part of the FCDY Program, including, but not limited to, US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and North Texas State Soccer Association.
D. Participants will show respect for any and all facilities where Program activities are conducted by actively taking care of such facilities by removing trash or debris from around the bench area after each training session or game, and by ensuring that Participant’s presence at the facility does not have a negative impact.
E. Participants will adhere to all club protocols related to public health and safety as directed by FCDY or the management of any facility.
F. Participants will not tolerate, encourage, aid, assist, or participate in hazing of any form, whether directly or indirectly. Participants must understand that hazing includes any act or situation that inflicts (or threatens to inflict) physical, emotional, or psychological pressure or injury on an individual or that purposely demeans, degrades, or disgraces an individual. Participants must understand that all Participants and other persons affiliated with the FCDY Program are subject to these same prohibitions against hazing. If a Participant witnesses, becomes aware of, or has information relating to any hazing incident, the Participant must report it to FCDY as soon as possible and cooperate with any investigation regarding the incident.
G. Participants will ensure that I represent the Program in a professional and appropriate manner on social media or in any digital content which I create or distribute in any form. I understand that I am an ambassador for FCDY and that any inappropriate, lewd, or otherwise objectionable behavior on any digital platform may negatively prejudice myself, my family, and FCDY.
I agree to abide by the code of conduct. I understand that I play an important role in creating a positive environment for player development. Furthermore, I understand that I represent FCDY and the broader FC Dallas professional organization in the community and as such my conduct will be appropriate and supportive of the guidelines stated above. Failure to comply with the above may result in disciplinary action including but not limited to loss of playing time, suspension, or expulsion from the FCDY Program.