DSL Coach Conduct – Dublin Soccer League

A DSL coach represents the Dublin Soccer League as an agent and steward for the team on behalf of the league.

All DSL coaches are required to complete an online Coach Volunteer Registration.

The coach will also meet several requirements including:

Have an interest in working with a group of children to further learning the sport of soccer, building camaraderie and team spirit, and to have fun.

Follow the Coach’s Code of Conduct.

Satisfactorily complete a background check process by the requested deadline.

Complete requirements of Ohio’s Return-To-Play law regarding concussions by the requested deadline.

Complete requirements of Ohio’s Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law (aka Lindsay’s Law) by the requested deadline.

Complete requirements of the US Center for SafeSport regarding child abuse and mandatory reporting, as necessary, by the requested deadline.

No convictions or arrests for a criminal offense (other than traffic violations or other minor offenses).

No offenses that offends against decency or morality or reflects poorly on the Dublin Soccer League.

Have and maintain an accurate, current telephone number and email address available to the DSL office and the team’s members.

Preference is given to those willing to give a full year (fall and spring) commitment.

DSL Coach’s Code of Conduct

A Coach’s 1st priority during every contact with players under his supervision is the health and safety of the players. Players will not be penalized for parental concerns regarding inclement weather.

Coaches will recognize that the greatest threat to players of serious physical harm or death in soccer occurs from the use of unanchored goals during games or practices and will refrain from using them under such circumstances. Moving previously anchored goals is also grounds for misconduct.

Coaches will treat all players, parents, coaches, referees, and others associated with DSL programs with respect including addressing players and referees in a positive manner. There shall be no dissent between players and/or coaches and the referee. Questioning a referee is considered dissent.

All coaches are expected to assist in maintaining proper sideline decorum by parents/spectators, specifically abuse of referees. Under no circumstances will a coach use or tolerate physical force and/or verbal abuse with players from any team. No profanity is permitted.

Coaches will refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco or vaping devices in the presence of parents or participants.

Coaches will provide players with an atmosphere that develops an appreciation of the game of soccer; emphasizes the value of sportsmanship, effort, and the fun of the game; and keeps winning and losing in proper perspective.

Coaches will ensure that each player plays at least one-half (50%) of each game (in recreation league games) except for reasons of injury, illness, or discipline.

Coaches should offer every player experience at all positions and equal opportunities to start games.

Only players rostered to your team may participate in scheduled games. No guest, unregistered or select (carded) players are permitted. The potential penalty for using such a player includes forfeiture of all games and coach dismissal from the league.

The roster is not for public disclosure by either direct duplication or via posting on a website. Rosters may not be shared with other soccer organizations.

Coaches shall conduct themselves in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play in an effort to benefit all DSL participants.

Coaches shall follow guidelines established in the Ohio Soccer Association’s Zero Tolerance Policy Against Abuse, particularly those included in item number six.

Coaches shall ensure that each child is in the custody of an adult parent/guardian following games or practices.

Coaches are urged to exercise caution in the use of first aid and not dispense any type of medication.

Coaches, as stewards of their team and representatives of the Dublin Soccer League, shall not direct parents/participants toward other soccer programs in an effort to fulfill their own personal agenda.

Coaches will adhere to the policies, rules and regulations of the Dublin Soccer League.

The DSL Board of Trustees will address violations of this Code of Conduct. Consequences range from a warning to the loss of coaching privileges.

Playing Time

USSF regulations require that each player must play at least one-half of each game in recreation leagues except for reasons of injury, illness, or discipline.

Just because “John” is a better player than “Sam” doesn’t mean that Sam isn’t entitled to his time on the field.

Game Protocols

• Coaches (as with anyone) are not allowed on the field during the game in any age group. If there is an injury requiring coach attention, the referee will give the coach permission to enter the field.

• The coach will emphasize skills, good sportsmanship, and team spirit rather than winning at all costs.

• Coaches are expected to stay within their team’s “tactical” area, between the penalty box line (18 yard line) and within one-yard of the halfway line as well as one-yard away from the touch (side) line on their designated side of the field. The area from the 18-yard line to the goal line and behind the goal should always be clear of spectators, coaches and others. Referees have the authority to enforce location.

• Substitutes are to be at the half-line of the field prior to the substitution time and may be ignored if time is about to expire (last two minutes).

• In cases where a game is stopped for an injury and coaches are permitted to enter the field, the player is expected to leave the field. On injuries, when a player is replaced, the DSL allows all subs at the halfway mark to substitute for either team.

• A team may have a maximum of three adults in a coaching capacity on the sideline.

• Teams are to switch goals at the half.

• Teams are to be opposite from the parent’s side of the field.

• Coaches may relay tactical information and encouragement. They may not scream or berate players, officials or parents.

• Coaches are to line up with their team and “shake hands” following a game.

• Coaches, for U8 and up, should track their fall Win-Loss-Tie record so that teams may be sorted for spring play.

• No guest, sibling, unregistered or select (carded) player may play on your recreation team. Penalty includes forfeiture of all games and coach dismissal from league.

• The use of artificial noisemakers, i.e. air horns, tambourines, megaphones, bells, whistles, bugles, or other such devices during any DSL league or tournament game by players, coaches or spectators is prohibited.

• Coaches are expected to assist in maintaining proper sideline decorum by parents/spectators.

Register to coach!

We are looking forward to hearing from you and would love to have you share your talents by coaching for DSL. Please click the button below to get started with your registration.

Begin Registration