Suffern FC Fair Play Standards

Purpose

Every Suffern FC player, coach, parent, and spectator follows the same Fair Play Standards, in every division and every program. Our motto is Play. Learn. Belong. Kids only belong where they feel safe, and they only learn when the game is fun. These standards apply at practices, games, camps, and any Suffern FC event at Sloatsburg Community Fields or elsewhere.

Suffern FC is a recreational program. We do not keep scores or standings in Pre-K through 8th grade. Effort, sportsmanship, and improvement come before winning.

The Three Fair Play Rules

These three rules apply to every team, every game. Coaches teach them at practice and review them in a short huddle before kickoff.

1. Play the ball, not the player. No pushing, tripping, holding, or kicking an opponent. No slide tackling in any division.
2. If anyone falls, from either team, the nearest player helps them up.
3. Every game ends with both teams lining up to shake hands and say "good game." Coaches take part. Pre-K sessions end with players saying "good game" to their group, then hands in on 3 for "1, 2, 3, Suffern FC!"

Player Standards

Players are expected to:

• Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and spectators with respect.
• Use kind words. No taunting, teasing, or put-downs of any player on either team.
• Use no profanity.
• Accept the referee's or coach's call without arguing.
• Restart play with a short pass, not by blasting the ball at another player.
• Tell a coach right away if someone is hurt or if something made them feel unsafe.
• Try their best and have fun.

Coach Standards

Coaches are the adults on the field and own their team's behavior. Do not wait for the referee to correct rough play. Step in, sub the player out for a short break, and talk with them before they go back in.

Coaches are expected to:

• Teach the Three Fair Play Rules at practice and lead the pre-game huddle.
• Model respect toward referees, opposing coaches, opposing players, and all spectators.
• Never speak negatively to or about any child, on either team.
• Give every player at least half of each game.
• A first incident gets a short break, not a punishment. Sub the player out, talk with them, and send them back in. Repeat incidents follow the enforcement steps below.
• Remind their own team's parents of the Parent and Spectator Standards and address problems early.
• Raise concerns about a referee or another team with the Director after the game, not on the field.
• Only approved adults may coach or help on the field.
• Never physically restrain a player, coach, referee, or spectator.

Parent and Spectator Standards

Parents set the tone on the sideline. Kids copy what they hear.

Parents and spectators are expected to:

• Cheer for effort and good play from both teams.
• Leave the coaching to the coaches. No instructions to players from the sideline.
• Never speak negatively about any child.
• Never argue with, confront, or follow a referee or coach about a call. Bring concerns to the Director after the game.
• Use no profanity and no threatening or degrading language.
• Keep the fields clean.

Any adult who is not following these standards may be asked to leave the field area.

Enforcement

Every team uses the same steps, so families know what to expect no matter who is coaching. The referee, or the coaches in divisions without a referee, have the final word on the field.

Players

Step	When	What happens
1. Reset	First rough or unkind play in a game	Coach subs the player out for one shift (1 to 2 minutes), explains why, and puts them back in.
2. Sit the rest of the half	Repeat in the same game	Player sits for the rest of the half. Coach tells the parent after the game.
3. Director conversation	A pattern across games	Coach reports to the Director. Director speaks with the family and may have the player sit out one game.
4. Removal	Behavior continues after Step 3	Player may be removed from the program.

Adults

Step	When	What happens
1. Reminder	First issue	Coach or Director gives a calm, private reminder of the standards.
2. Asked to leave	Issue continues, or any threat or abuse	Adult is asked to leave the field area for the rest of the game.
3. Removal	Repeat or serious incident	Director may restrict attendance or remove the family or coach from Suffern FC programs.

The Director may skip steps for serious incidents, including any threat, fighting, or abuse.

Reporting a Concern

Contact Suffern FC at info.suffernfc@gmail.com. Coaches report incidents the same day. Every concern is reviewed, and the Director decides any action.

Acknowledgment

By registering a player or volunteering as a coach, families and coaches agree to follow the Suffern FC Fair Play Standards.

Play. Learn. Belong.