CODE OF CONDUCT
The Montrose Avalanche Soccer Club is a non-profit organization operated by volunteer members dedicated to promoting soccer as a competitive youth sport locally, regionally, and statewide. Competitive play requires maintaining high standards of sportsmanship and camaraderie among players, parents, coaches, and referees. Membership in the Montrose Soccer Club — as an official, parent, player, coach, or referee — is a privilege that comes with responsibilities.
General Rules:
- The Montrose Soccer Club is drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free during all club activities.
- All members must adhere to the Laws of the Game by FIFA and rules set by Colorado Youth Soccer.
Players:
- Play with sportsmanship and respect.
- Avoid foul language, bullying, or making false accusations.
- Fighting or any form of physical or verbal harassment is strictly prohibited.
- Wear appropriate sports apparel and club uniforms for matches.
Coaches:
- Manage games according to the Laws of the Game.
- Demonstrate sportsmanship and be supportive leaders.
- Refrain from using profanity or insulting language.
- Never engage in physical intimidation or fighting.
Parents:
- Display good sportsmanship during all Club functions.
- Refrain from using profanity or making derogatory remarks.
- Support players and coaches positively from the sidelines.
- Avoid physical or verbal conflicts with others.
Issue Resolution/ Chain of Command:
- The player or parent should discuss problems with the person with whom he/she is having a conflict before going to the next level.
- If the conflict is not resolved, the next level of contact for resolution is communication with the Team Coach.
- Communication with the Team Coach is then followed by contact with the Board.
No Tolerance Policy
The Montrose Soccer Club enforces a zero-tolerance policy. Coaches, assistant coaches, and spectators may be immediately removed from game sites by Club officials or referees for:
- Use of foul language
- Verbal or physical harassment of referees, linesmen, or any individuals
- Non-compliance with Club policies or standards of conduct
- Verbal or physical confrontation with opposing coaches, players, or spectators
- Derogatory comments directed at any player
The Montrose Soccer Club Board reserves the right to temporarily suspend coaching privileges or spectator rights. Members may recommend to the Board of Directors the removal of the offending individual from the Club membership.
Disciplinary Actions and Code of Conduct Enforcement
During scheduled soccer matches, violations of the Laws of the Game or Colorado Youth Soccer rules are determined by referees, who may apply disciplinary actions according to the CSA.
The Montrose Soccer Club Board holds the authority to make final determinations on violations of the Club's Code of Conduct and subsequent disciplinary actions. These actions may supplement penalties imposed by referees or leagues for in-game offenses.
Procedures for Reporting and Handling Violations
- Reports of Code of Conduct violations can be submitted by any Club member or representative at any time and will be encouraged to go through the chain of command if possible. If not, these reports should be submitted in writing to the Board President or a Board member and possibly presented in person during a special board meeting.
- Club referees are expected to promptly report all incidents to the Club Board. Reports can be directed to the Referee Assignor or directly to a Board Member.
Disciplinary Measures
Members found in violation of the Code of Conduct will face disciplinary actions. The severity of these actions will correspond to the gravity of the infraction and are intended to be fair and proportionate.