Coaches, if you need more gear or supplies - first aid supplies, game balls, pinnies, cones, goalkeeper gloves, or other coaching supply or gear needs - contact Andrea. (aurora.arsenal@gmail.com)

Coaches, please take a moment to complete this concussion training course online:

Concussion training online

Here are the Coach's Ten Commandments for the Aurora Arsenal Soccer Club (AASC) coaches...

1. Ask, “What can I do for the player”, not “What can the player do for me?” 
2. Put developing people ahead of developing soccer players. 
3. Demand the right intent over the right result. 
4. Empower players to think and act on their own. 
5. Be as demanding as I can of the very best from each player at all training and competitions. 
6. Be as prepared as possible for training sessions and games.
7. Continually look to improve as a coach. 
8. Treat my players with respect and demand the same back from them. 
9. Hold my players accountable for whatever they have control over. 
10. Lead by example as a role model and as an ambassador of the game.

Coaches Code of Ethics

Purpose

This Code of Ethics for Coaches has been adopted by the Aurora Arsenal Soccer Club (AASC) to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical, and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of soccer within the AASC community, Buffalo & Western New York Junior Soccer League (BWNYJSL), and New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA).

Policy

Coaching is a privilege offered and granted to individuals who perform capably during AASC, BWNYJSL, and NYSWYSA-sanctioned activities. It carries with it an obligation for each individual coach to uphold and promote the stated goals and objectives. Any conduct considered unethical or a conflict of interest shall be subject to discipline by the AASC, BWNYJSL, or NYSWYSA.

Article I – Responsibilities to Players

1. The coach shall never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players. 
2. Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the spirit of the game at all times. 
3. Coaches shall not seek an unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players. 
4. Coaches shall not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.
5. Demands placed on players’ time shall never be so extensive as to interfere with academic goals or progress. 
6. Coaches must never encourage players to violate AASC, BWNYJSL, or NYSWYSA eligibility or players’ rules or policies. 
7. Coaches shall direct players to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician’s instructions regarding treatment and recovery. 

Article II – Responsibility to Club/League

1. Adherence to all AASC, BWNYJSL, and NYSWYSA rules and policies, especially those regarding eligibility and team formation and member association rules and policies that are mandatory and should never be violated. It is the responsibility of each coach to know and understand these rules. 
2. Any problems that cannot be resolved between coaches should be referred to the appropriate AASC or BWNYJSL officer or committee.

Article III – Responsibilities to the Laws of the Game

1. Coaches shall be thoroughly acquainted with, and demonstrate a working knowledge of, the Laws of the Game. 
2. Coaches are responsible to assure their players understand the intent as well as the application of the Laws. 
3. Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the Laws of the Game. 
4. Coaches are responsible for their players’ actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with intent of causing injury to opposing players. 
5. The coach must constantly strive to teach good sporting behavior. 

Article IV – Responsibility to Officials

1. Officials must have the support of coaches, players and spectators. Coaches must always refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players or spectators. 
2. Professional respect, before, during and after the game must be mutual. There must be no demeaning dialogue or gestures between officials, coaches, or players. 
3. Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of the game. 
4. Comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the appropriate organization assigning the official. 

Article V – Responsibility of Public Relations

1. Coaches have a responsibility to promote the game of soccer to the public. Comments and critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches, players, or parents must be positive and constructive. 
2. Coaches have the responsibility to assist their players in conducting themselves properly when in public, when representing their team, AASC, BWNYJSL, and the NYSWYSA. 
3. Coaches must not attempt to influence AASC, the BWNYJSL, the NYSWYSA or other clubs/leagues in political or financial dealings outside the framework of their own rules and bylaws. 

Article VI – Other Responsibilities

1. The behavior of coaches must be such as to bring credit to themselves, the AASC, the BWNYJSL, the NYSWYSA, and the sport of soccer. 
2. While the concept of rivalry is wholly embraced, it cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct. 
3. The attitude and conduct of the coach toward officials, players, spectators, and coaches must be controlled and undemonstrative. 
4. It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an official, opposing coach or bench before, during, or after the game.
5. Coaches must use their influence to control spectators that demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior toward officials, player(s), and opposing team members.

By signing this document I certify that I understand that should I breach this Code of Ethics, either the AASC, the BWNYJSL, or the NYSWYSA may impose sanctioning consistent with their documented procedures.
Name of Coach (Print):_____________________________________________________
Signature of Coach:__________________________________________________
Date:__________________ Date Received by AASC:________________________

Coaches agreement-behaviour

General

• The Aurora Arsenal Soccer Club (AASC) expects each coach to behave in a professional manner and with propriety and self control. General common sense conduct as professional coaches and adults is expected at all times, including practices, games, and tournaments. The principles of good sportsmanship and fair play will be emphasized and demonstrated at all times by each coach. It is the expectation that the coach will teach players not only how to win, but how to win and lose, with dignity.

• Each coach will teach and demonstrate respect for other coaches, managers, all players, referees, or other officials. All problems and concerns relating to AASC matters should be directed to the appropriate channels [i.e., the Director of Coaching (DOC), the Travel or House Coordinators, and/or the AASC Board of Directors (BOD)]. Denigrating comments, gossip, or innuendo concerning AASC, its volunteers, or coaches are not permissible and will not be tolerated.

• Each coach is expected to attend all scheduled training sessions and competitions for your assigned team. If you have to miss one, you are responsible for getting a coach to replace you, pending approval from the DOC.

• Each coach is expected to attend all AASC coaches meetings. All material covered in these meetings will be required of you regardless if you attended or not.

• Each coach will provide each participant with training and developmental opportunities that allow for growth and development of each participant, as a soccer player and as an individual.

• Each coach is expected to better themselves as coaches at every opportunity. In good faith to the players we service, we will work at improving ourselves as coaches while we ask them to improve themselves as players (see Coach Education).

• Each coach will dress appropriately. Soccer gear is encouraged at all training sessions and games (see Dress Code). Coaches should be well groomed.

• Each coach is expected to attend his/her team’s tryouts.

• Coaches must refrain from the use of alcohol and tobacco while in the presence of players.

• Coaches must assist in the enforcement of the AASC and BWNYJSL tobacco and alcohol policy that states that there is to be no use of tobacco or alcohol products at any AASC or BWNYJSL event.

• Coaches must comply with the AASC bylaws and all AASC policies and procedures.

• The primary responsibility of each coach is to AASC and the specific duties as assigned by AASC through the BOD, the Travel or House Coordinators, and the DOC.

• AASC expects each person to whom the Code of Conduct applies, to abide by the principles and standards set forth therein and to conduct the business and affairs of AASC in a manner consistent with the general statement of principles set forth therein.

• Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct or the guidelines for Coaches Behavior, which the Code of Conduct represents, may lead to disciplinary action.

• Discipline for failure to abide by these Policies may, at AASC’s discretion, range from verbal counseling or monetary fines to dismissal.

• As volunteers, all coaches must have a signed Code of Conduct agreement with AASC. Signature upon any such document will imply agreement to comply with the policies and the general statement of principles set forth therein.

• For alleged violations of these policies, AASC, through the BOD, Travel or House Coordinators, or the DOC, will weigh relevant facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent to which the behavior was contrary to the express language or general intent of the policy, the egregiousness of the behavior, the individual's history with the organization and other factors which AASC deems relevant.

• The BOD has the final authority in all matters pertaining to the AASC and administration of these policies.

Training Sessions

• All coaches should be a minimum of 10 (ten) minutes early to all training sessions.

• The coach should be dressed and prepared to start with all necessary equipment for the session.

• Coaches should have training session plans prepared in advance. Written plans are preferred for maximum efficiency. A copy of the plan should be available for DOC perusal at the time of practice.

• Cell phone use is strongly discouraged during practices and games.

Competitions

• The coach should be a minimum of 30 (thirty) minutes early to all league games or tournament competitions.

• AASC coaches represent the club and appropriate, mature, professional behavior is expected at all times.

Communications

• Each coach will communicate openly and frequently with players, parents, the DOC, and the AASC BOD. You are expected to communicate on a regular basis with the parents of the players on your team. A parent meeting prior to the season and a minimum of one email every other week is strongly recommended.

• Communications are expected to be professional, clear, and consistent with all AASC policies.

• Coaches are expected to reply to all emails sent out by the AASC Travel or House Coordinators, the DOC, players, and parents within 48 hours, unless out of town.

• Coaches are encouraged to “cc” the DOC or Travel or House Coordinators when communicating with parents and/or players. This policy will provide optimal protection for the coaches and AASC in the event of future problems related to communications.

• Coaches must contact the DOC or Travel and House Coordinators immediately and prior to resolution if a significant issue or problem arises.

• Coaches should be proactive with problems arising within their teams and within the club. Early identification of potential problems is imperative and communication should occur prior to any crisis, if possible.

* Adapted from Buffalo United Soccer Club - 2007

Coaches Dress Code

Clothing

• Practice attire should be clean and appropriate.

• Please wear Aurora Arsenal Soccer Club (AASC) shirts to all competitions, if available.

• Please wear soccer shorts or pants, but khaki pants or shorts are acceptable.

• No jeans, cargo pants, or "worn" looking pants or shorts.

Hats/Visors

• Hats are acceptable as long as they are worn properly and there are no inappropriate logos or messages on them.

• No backwards baseball caps or visors.

Footwear

• Soccer shoes, turfs, or flats are preferred.

• Sandals, even soccer sandals, are not encouraged.

General

• In general, soccer clothing is best.

• All attire should be clean.

• Anything with political positions, racial or ethnic slurs, or profanity of any kind is prohibited.

* Adapted from Buffalo United Soccer Club – 2007.