Code of Conduct & standards

At NSFC Football Club (“NSFC”), our mission is to provide a safe, positive, and development-focused soccer environment for all players and families. To ensure alignment on expectations and to promote sportsmanship, respect, and accountability, NSFC has established the following Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct applies to players, parents/guardians, coaches, referees, volunteers, and spectators participating in any NSFC program, event, training session, match, or club-sponsored activity.

Participation in any NSFC program constitutes acceptance of the expectations outlined below.

Parent & Guardian Expectations

By registering my child with NSFC, I agree to the following:

1. Attendance & Transportation
   I am responsible for providing timely transportation to and from all practices, games, tournaments, and club events. I understand that schedules and locations are determined by NSFC and may change as needed.  When my child is unable to attend, I will notify the coach as early as possible.

2. Player Equipment & Safety
   I will ensure my child arrives properly equipped for all soccer activities. I understand that for safety reasons, a player may not be allowed to participate without required equipment.

3. Appropriate Conduct & Substance-Free Environment
   I will ensure my child refrains from the use of inappropriate language, alcohol, drugs, nicotine, tobacco products, or any behavior that negatively impacts their performance, safety, or role as a representative of NSFC.

4. Sideline Behavior & Sportsmanship
   I will demonstrate respectful sideline behavior at all times.  Verbal abuse, physical confrontation, or disrespect toward players, referees, coaches, or spectators WILL NOT be tolerated.  I accept responsibility for my own behavior and for the conduct of family members or guests associated with me.  I understand that inappropriate behavior may result in disciplinary action, including removal from events or suspension from attending NSFC activities.

5. Respect for All Participants
   I will treat players, coaches, referees, opponents, families, volunteers, and NSFC representatives with dignity, courtesy, and respect at all times. I will act in a manner that reflects positively on NSFC and the broader soccer community.

6. Non-Recruitment & Player Protection
   I understand that recruiting, soliciting, or encouraging NSFC players or families to participate in another club or soccer organization without written approval from NSFC leadership is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

7. Supportive Environment & Role Clarity
   I will support all players positively and refrain from coaching or criticizing during games or practices.  Coaching decisions are the responsibility of the assigned coaching staff.
   Questions or concerns will be communicated respectfully and at appropriate times, following NSFC’s 24-hour rule, allowing emotions to subside before addressing non-emergency issues.

8. Communication & Chain of Command
   I agree to follow NSFC’s established communication process.  Team-related concerns should be addressed first with the coach, followed by the team manager or club leadership if needed.  I will avoid discussing concerns publicly or in front of players.

9. Financial Responsibility
   I agree to fulfill all financial obligations associated with my child’s participation in NSFC programs.  I understand that many club expenses are fixed and based on enrollment commitments.  Failure to meet financial obligations may result in suspension of participation.

10. Player Transfers & Releases
    I understand that mid-season transfers are governed by league and association policies and are only considered under limited circumstances.  All transfer requests must be submitted in writing and reviewed by NSFC leadership.

11. Governing Body Compliance
    I acknowledge that NSFC operates under the rules and regulations of U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer, Illinois Youth Soccer, and applicable leagues.  NSFC reserves the right to enforce these rules, including disciplinary action or player release when necessary.

12. Public Representation
    I agree to refrain from publicly criticizing players, coaches, officials, opponents, or NSFC as an organization.

13. Use of Contact Information
    Contact information obtained through NSFC participation may only be used for official club-related communication and not for personal, commercial, or unrelated purposes.

14. Policies & Disciplinary Actions
    I agree to comply with all additional NSFC bylaws, policies, and procedures, including any disciplinary actions that may result from violations.

15. Volunteer Commitment (if applicable)
    If participating in NSFC’s volunteer program, I agree to fulfill the required volunteer hours or pay the designated opt-out fee if hours are not completed by season’s end.

Player Code of Conduct

All NSFC players are expected to uphold the following standards:

1. Team Commitment
   I will give my best effort to support my team and follow the guidance of my coaches.

2. Attendance & Preparation
   I will make every effort to attend all practices, games, and events and understand that consistent attendance contributes to personal and team development.

3. Playing Time Expectations
   I understand that playing time is not guaranteed and may vary based on age group, effort, commitment, skill level, and game circumstances.

4. Respect & Sportsmanship
   I will treat teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and families with respect at all times.

5. Academic Responsibility
   I understand that school responsibilities come first and that soccer participation does not excuse academic obligations.

6. Recruitment Disclosure
   I will immediately inform my coach or NSFC leadership if I am approached regarding participation with another soccer organization.

7. Club Representation
   I will represent NSFC positively both on and off the field.  Behavior that reflects poorly on the club may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal.

8. Uniform & Equipment Care
   I will properly maintain and wear all required NSFC-issued uniforms and apparel during games and events.

9. Substance-Free Commitment
   I will not use foul language, alcohol, drugs, nicotine, tobacco products, or any substances that negatively impact my performance or behavior as a student-athlete.

10. Conflict Resolution
    If I experience a concern with a teammate, coach, or club official, I will communicate respectfully and seek guidance from a parent or coach when needed.