For Parents

Parents can play many roles in sport: current or former athlete, coach, fan, motivator, role model or critic. A few studies have shown that family members may influence an athlete’s involvement and achievement in sport more than coaches. Parents also are the first and most critical agents at socializing sports.

For our house league program we encourage parent participation. For U3, parent/caregiver participation is mandatory to ensure safety and to enable the child to have a fun experience. For U4-U6, it is encouraged as it can positively influence a child's engagement and involvement.

Parent Code of Conduct

I will not force my child to play soccer.

I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the players ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

I will inform the coach of any physical disability, injury, or illness that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others

I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting, or using profane language or gestures.

I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

I will encourage my child to treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, colour, sex, or ability.

I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.

I will encourage a safe sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. 

I will not coach my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches for the St. Marys Minor Soccer team in question.

If I fail to abide by the above, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

A) Verbal warning

B) Parental game/practice suspension

C) Parental season dismissal

Player Code of Conduct

I will play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.

I will use good sportsmanship and treat with respect team mates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents, and other attendees at every game and practice no matter their colour, race, gender, sexuality, or religion.

I will not engage in the use of profanity, verbal or physical threats, or any abuse aimed at players, coaches, parents, attendees, league members, and officials.

I will remember that winning isn’t everything – that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best, are also important.

I will acknowledge all good plays/performances – those of my team and my opponents.

I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.

I will listen to and learn from my coaches and other league members.

I will not attend games or practices under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

I will conduct myself with honour and dignity and be mindful of the fact that I represent St. Marys and Area Minor Soccer Association whenever I am playing soccer for one of its teams.

If I fail to abide by the above Code of Conduct I am aware that I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include but is not limited to the following:

A) Verbal warning by coach, and/or member of the NWSC executive B) Written warning

C) Player game/practice suspension

D) Player season suspension

Rowan's Law

Rowan’s Law - Mandatory - Ontario Law

Effective July 1, 2019, ensure that athletes under 26 years of age, parents of athletes under 18, Coaches, Team Trainers and Team Officials confirm every year that they have reviewed Ontario’s Concussion Awareness Resources. The Concussion Awareness Resources can be accessed free of charge at the following web location. A Confirmation Receipt for review of Concussion Awareness Resources must be completed by each registered participant and managed by the community sport organization for athletes under 26 years of age, parents of athletes under 18, Coaches, Team Trainers and Team Officials before participating in their sport. 

2. Effective July 1, 2019, establish a CODE OF CONDUCT TEMPLATE that sets out rules of behaviour to support concussion prevention. Each year, Athletes, Coaches and Team Trainers must review and sign off on their applicable Codes of Conduct.

3. Effective July 1, 2020, (new set date is January 1, 2022) establish a Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocol.

What is effective as of Jan 1, 2022

On the Field: Removal from Sport Protocol

Off the Field: Return to Play Protocol

Responsibility and Competitions

Ontario Soccer Information

Further information and sample templates will be made available online here when finalized by the Province of Ontario.

The purpose of Rowan’s Law legislation is to promote culture change and make participation in amateur competitive sport safer. There are no enforcement or monitoring provisions in Rowan’s Law.

It is up to entities and individuals to ensure that they comply with the laws of Ontario.

If an organization does not comply with the laws of Ontario, then the organization assumes any liability risk associated with non-compliance.