Applicable to All Players and parents participating in the club

Code of Conduct

Our Mission

West Morris Soccer Club (WMSC) is committed to providing a structured environment for players of all levels to grow in the game. We prioritize fun, safety, sportsmanship, skill development, and a culture of respect—encouraging players, coaches, and parents to work together to build character, confidence, and a lifelong love for soccer.

Core Values

  • Fun & Safety: Soccer should be enjoyable and safe, helping to build self-esteem and confidence.
  • Teamwork: Players learn to work together, respect others, and take responsibility for themselves and their team.
  • Skill & Fitness: Practices and games are designed to develop technical ability, physical conditioning, and love for the game.

Player Responsibilities

As a WMSC player, I commit to:

  1. Respect: Treat teammates, coaches, referees, opponents, and spectators with dignity and sportsmanship.
  2. Effort: Give my best at all practices and games, listen attentively, and stay focused during instruction.
  3. Accountability: Take responsibility for my behavior and performance. Arrive on time, ready to play, and communicate in advance if I’ll be absent.
  4. Team Conduct: Represent WMSC positively, both on and off the field, understanding that my actions reflect on the entire club.

Parent Responsibilities

As a WMSC parent, I commit to:

  1. Support: Encourage my child’s effort, growth, and enjoyment of the game over results or winning.
  2. Positivity: Maintain a positive attitude toward all players, referees, coaches, and opposing teams—modeling good sportsmanship at all times.
  3. Engagement: Communicate respectfully with coaches and club officials and support the club’s philosophy and decisions. Maintain up to date attendance for practices and games in the Playmetrics app.
  4. Boundaries: Allow coaches to coach, players to play, and referees to officiate—avoiding interference during games or practices.
  5. Accountability: Work with the club to address any issues involving my child’s conduct, performance, or wellbeing.

Examples of Misconduct


Misconduct is categorized into levels of severity and will be addressed with appropriate disciplinary measures for both players (and parents where applicable, designated with *):

Low Severity

(Minor Infractions)


  • Talking over coaches or distracting teammates
  • Repeatedly ignoring instructions during practice
  • Showing poor effort and/or attitude*
  • Inappropriate language (non-directed)*
  • Refusing to participate
  • Persistent noncompliance with team rules   

High Severity

(Major Infractions)


  • Verbal abuse (e.g. use of profanity) directed at players, coaches, referees, or spectators*
  • Physical aggression or violence (e.g., pushing, hitting, throwing equipment)*
  • Bullying or harassment (in person or online)*
  • Damaging club property or the facilities*
  • Discrimination or hateful behavior of any kind*
  • Receipt of complaints from referees or other governing bodies*
  • Multiple game infractions resulting in red cards during a season

Disciplinary Actions - Players

WMSC uses a progressive discipline model designed to correct behavior while protecting team culture:


First Offense

  • Verbal warning from coach.
  • May include a corrective action such as push-ups, running laps, or sitting out a drill.


Second Offense

  • Phone call with player, parent(s), and coach to discuss the issue and establish expectations.


Third Offense

  • Suspension from the next scheduled practice and/or game.


Fourth Offense or Any High Severity Offense

  • Temporary or permanent removal from the team or club, depending on the severity and nature of the conduct.
  • Decision made in consultation with the coach, President of the coaching organization, and WMSC Board of Trustees.

Disciplinary Actions - Parents

First Offense

  • Verbal warning from coach


Second Offense

  • Coach escalation to West Morris Soccer Club Board of Trustees, discussion with the parents about the infraction(s) and required revisions to behaviors


Third Offense

  • Suspension from the next scheduled practices and game(s)


Fourth Offense or Any High Severity Offense

  • Temporary or permanent removal from the team or club, banned attendance from games depending on the severity and nature of the conduct.
  • Decision made in consultation with the coach, President of the coaching organization, any governing bodies involved, and the WMSC Board of Trustees.
  • Potential for legal actions by other governing bodies of referees, leagues, and/or New Jersey Youth Soccer Association (NJYSA)

Acknowledgement

All players and parents are expected to read, understand, and agree to this Code of Conduct as a condition of participation in WMSC programs. By doing so, we commit to fostering a supportive, respectful, and development-focused soccer environment for all.