US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championship Program 2014 New Mexico | Page 70

CAUTION: CHILDREN @ PLAY In the spring of 2009, the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association (NMYSA) risk management team instituted a participant education program which was christened “Caution: Children @ Play” … this article introduces that program. Further information, and copies of the four program handouts developed so far (the program overview and Codes of Conduct for the Parent/Spectator, the Coach/Official, and the Referee) may be found on the NMYSA web site at http://www.nmysa.net/TopNav/Parents/parented.htm . Additional Codes are being developed for the Player and for the Volunteer/Administrator. We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behavior in the game. In various national surveys, behavior was the biggest concern in the game. This included both the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behavior by overcompetitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sidelines. The NMYSA “Caution: Children @ Play” program goals are to: 1. Provide all children a positive sports experience free from all forms of abuse. 2. Promote exercise and sports participation for the development of healthy lifestyles that will promote wellness through the lifespan. 3. Provide a safe environment for learning positive life 70 skills and the enjoyment of spare time in a sports experience. 4. Develop awareness of what constitutes maltreatment or abuse. Accomplishing these goals will result in players having more fun, developing sound character, building self esteem, increasing confidence, creating lasting friendships, and improving trust. Every parent, coach and player is asked to abide by a Code of Conduct during all NMYSA activities, from State-sanctioned tournaments to regularly scheduled League matches through team practices and activities. Help us meet the number one goal of the “Caution: Children @ Play” program by providing all children a positive sports experience free from all forms of abuse. 2014 US YOUTH SOCCER FAR WEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS