Let Us Play: Discipline Ladder for Coaches

CRYSC Let Us Play Director, Brian Sheehan

Coaches at Rapids Youth Soccer Club are expected to foster a deep appreciation for the ways player performance and enjoyment are connected. The CRYSC Discipline Ladder promotes positive instruction by informing coaches of the actions the Club will take in disciplinary situations. The ladder follows guidelines set out by our Let Us Play initiative to (1) let the players do the thinking (2) encourage positive instruction and a high standard of civility and sportsmanship (3) abide by CRYSC sideline and behavior rules.

Coaches want what they perceive to be best for their teams. However, this natural desire to succeed can sometimes turn from positive, thoughtful instruction to negative, even damaging demeanor. As a Club, we are committed to a positive player experience of learning and individual growth of our team members. It is our job to inform CRYSC members of the rules and best-behavior practices out on the fields through the CRYSC Let Us Play initiative. Click here to learn more about Let Us Play and find more tools like the CRYSC Discipline Ladder.

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* Parents, spectators, and parent volunteer coaches enter the accountability ladder if it is determined in the best judgement of Rapids staff (in collaboration with directors) that any action, behavior, or expressed attitude on game day is in direct contrast with the spirit of the Let Us Play contract.

Suspensions & Expulsions

Applies to coaches whose conduct willfully and egregiously stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets, Club policy, and basic standards of civil decency. Behaviors falling into this category are extreme, flagrant, and grave. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical altercations
  • Verbal altercations
  • Violent conduct
  • Substance abuse
  • Escalated or long term persistent infringement of Tier B

Possible Interventions

Chosen by senior management (ED, TD) in collaboration with RM, RTD, and DOC/Program Director

  • Coaching authority revoked
  • Removal from club
  • Legal action
  • Seasonal bans

Responsible Parties

  • Coach
  • DOC
  • Regional Manager
  • Senior Management
  • Let Us Play Panel (board, executive director, neutral parent)

Conditional Participation & Restorative Justice

Applies to coaches whose conduct and demeanor willfully stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets. Behaviors falling into this category are stark, intentional, and/or consistently subversive. Direct entry into Tier B assumes Tier C interventions. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Audibly derogatory comments directed at any player, coach, or referee
  • Overtly negative or unsportsmanlike body language or posturing
  • Persistent infringement of Tier C

Possible Interventions

Chosen by DOC/program director in consultation with Regional Manager and Regional Technical Director

  • Prescribed correctional / mandatory restorative actions (written apologies, conciliatory in-person meeting, etc…)
  • Remedial behavior plan
  • Probationary period

Responsible Parties

  • Coach
  • DOC / Program Director
  • Regional Manager / Regional TD

Mandatory Education

Applies to coaches whose conduct and demeanor, despite benign intentions, stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets in a nagging way. Behaviors falling into this category often stem from a desire to be helpful, but prove to be persistently disruptive. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Delivering instruction to players from the sideline in a way that escalates negative intensity.
  • “Joyce sticking” players or officials.
  • Neglect of informal warnings (email, in-person asks, educational cards, lollipops, etc…)

Possible Interventions

Chosen by DOC/program director in consultation with Regional Manager and Regional Technical Director.

  • Completion of educational module with course certificate
  • Written reflection

Responsible Parties

  • Coach
  • DOC / Program Director