Code of Conduct

The MUSC Code of Conduct is designed to promote good sportsmanship, responsibility, and respect within the Monmouth United Soccer Club (MUSC). Participation in our program is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of upholding the values and standards of our club. Each player, along with their parent(s) or guardian(s), plays a vital role in creating a positive, respectful, and supportive environment for all.

This code outlines the expectations for behavior both on and off the field - from players and parents/guardians alike. By understanding and committing to this code, families contribute to the success, development, and integrity of our program and help us maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in removal from MUSC events and/or programs.

1. Respect and Sportsmanship

  • Laws of the Game: Learn and respect the rules of soccer and abide by them at all times.

  • Respect for Coaches: Listen to and respect all coaches/trainers.

  • Respect for Teammates: Contribute to a positive and supportive team environment.

  • Respect for Officials: Accept decisions made by referees and officials without argument.

  • Respect for Opponents: Exhibit good sportsmanship towards the opposing team at all times, including after the conclusion of a game.

  • Emotional Control: Maintain emotional self-control in all situations.

2. Team Commitment

  • Tryouts/Evaluations: Participation requires attendance at tryouts and/or formally scheduled evaluations.

  • Team Placement: MDS Academy staff are responsible for rostering players to the team whose overall skill level they believe best aligns to the player’s skill level and development opportunities. The coach reserves the right to move players to different teams throughout the season based on skill level and club standards.

  • Attendance: Regular on-time attendance at practices, games, and events is mandatory, barring extenuating circumstances with prior notification to the player’s coach.

  • TeamSnap Availability: TeamSnap is our primary vehicle for managing team schedules and player availability tracking for all training, games, scrimmages, tournaments, and events throughout the year. Players’ availability must be marked in TeamSnap in a timely manner for all events.

  • Trust the Process: Support the coaches’ decisions regarding team placement, playing time, positions, and tactics.

3. Club Priority, Secondary Carding, and Guest Playing Policies

  • Club Priority: US Soccer governing bodies permit players to be carded with only a single club at any given time - this is the player’s “primary” club. MUSC is designated as the primary club for all players. This means that priority for training sessions, games, and tournaments lies exclusively with MUSC. While we support players’ ability to secondary card and/or guest play with other teams, attendance and commitment to MUSC events are essential for both player and team development.

  • Club Passing Within MUSC: Players may guest play (also known as “club pass”) for another MUSC team of the same age group or older provided the game/event does not conflict with a game/event of their own rostered team. Players are generally not permitted to “play down” by birth year or team level unless by approved exception obtained in writing from a club official prior to the event.

  • Secondary Carding Outside of MUSC: Players are permitted to participate as a “secondary” player with another club only when the team plays in a different league than the primary team. Requests for secondary statuses originate from the secondary club within the NJYS registration system.

  • Guest Playing Outside of MUSC: If a player is primary carded with MUSC for the full seasonal year, they may only guest play for a team outside the club if explicit permission is requested and granted by MUSC. All guest playing activities outside of the club must be communicated to and approved by a player's coach in advance, with a minimum of 5 days' notice. The following information must be provided by the player’s parent(s) via email to the player's coach: Name of Club and Team, Event Name (e.g. Tournament name), Date(s). Once received, the coach will liaise with the MDS Director of Coaching and MUSC Board of Directors to furnish a copy of the players card that may be used for only the specified date(s)/event(s) requested.

4. Appearance, Equipment, and Facilities

  • Uniform and Equipment: Always wear the proper MUSC uniform (applies to all MUSC events, including training and games) and maintain the uniform and equipment in good condition. Goalkeepers are not an exception and must wear proper MUSC goalkeeper attire. Questions around what constitutes proper attire should be directed to the coach. At the coaches’ discretion, players who fail to wear the proper uniform may not be permitted to play.

  • Respect for Facilities: Treat all facilities, both home and away, with respect and care.

5. Social Media Conduct

  • Privacy and Respect: Respect the privacy of others and avoid posting inappropriate, suggestive, or rude content, including profanity or discriminatory language, regardless of whether MUSC is mentioned or visible.

  • Positive Communication: No negative comments should ever be made about players, coaches, parents, officials, events, leagues, or clubs – both within and outside of MUSC.

  • Engagement Guidelines: When engaging with content related to MUSC, maintain respectful and positive language.

  • Promotion of Club: Players and family members are encouraged to post positive content related to MUSC using #monmouthunited and tagging @monmouthunited.

6. Illegal Substances Policy

  • Prohibited Substances: The use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited during any MUSC practice, scrimmage, game, or event.

  • Zero Tolerance: Any player found in possession of or under the influence of prohibited substances at an MUSC activity will face immediate removal from the program.

7. Anti-Bullying Policy

  • Commitment to Safety: MUSC is dedicated to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all players.

  • Definition of Bullying: As defined by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, bullying is “the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another, involving an imbalance of power.” This includes physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, or indirect bullying, both in-person and online.

  • Zero Tolerance: Any player found to be bullying another player may face immediate removal from MUSC.

8. Parent/Guardian Conduct

  • Role Modeling: Parents/guardians/family members are expected to demonstrate positive behavior and sportsmanship at games and practices.

  • Sideline Behavior: No coaching from the sidelines; support your child and the team positively by cheering but allow the coach’s voice to be the singular channel for all player instruction.

  • Respect for Coaches and Officials: Communicate respectfully with coaches, officials, other parents, and players at all times.

  • Training Observation: Parents/guardians are welcome to observe training but must always remain off the field/outside the fence. Under no circumstances should parents/guardians approach coaches on-field during their own player’s or other players’ training sessions.

  • Social Media Guidelines for Parents: Parents must avoid negative comments and maintain positive communication online.

9. Referee Abuse Policy

  • The U.S. Soccer Policy on Referee Abuse, also known as the "Respect The Call" initiative, went into effect on March 1, 2025 to protect referees by establishing clear rules and harsher penalties for misconduct.

  • Covered Offenses: Includes both non-physical abuse (like verbal taunting and harassment) and physical abuse (such as touching or violent contact).

  • Resources: It’s critical to review the resources below to gain an understanding of the new policy/penalties and, ultimately, remember to respect our referees and opponents at all times.

10. Communication and Conflict Resolution

  • Open Communication: Players and parents are encouraged to maintain an open line of communication with coaches, team managers, and club officials. Please note that response times by club officials may be delayed during periods of peak activity.

  • Points of Contact:

    • Player-Specific Questions/Concerns: Coach

    • General Team-Specific Questions and Events/Scheduling Inquiries: Team Manager

    • General Club Inquiries and/or Escalations: MUSC Board of Directors

  • Communication Channel for Player-Specific Discussions: To discuss any player-specific questions/concerns, please email your player’s coach via TeamSnap where you may request a time to connect live. Coaches should not be contacted via personal cell phone and under no circumstances should parents/guardians approach coaches on-field during training sessions or games.

  • Conflict Resolution: Any conflicts or concerns should be raised through the appropriate points of contact outlined above, maintaining respect and professionalism at all times. While all conflicts will be thoughtfully reviewed and addressed, we cannot guarantee that all conflicts will be resolved.

  • 24 Hour Rule: Emotions often run high in youth sports. To maintain a positive, constructive environment, parents/guardians are asked to refrain from approaching coaches/board members with concerns/complaints until at least 24 hours have passed.

11. Disciplinary Actions and Consequences

  • Disciplinary Process: Should a player or parent/guardian violate any of the guidelines outlined in this document, there will be disciplinary actions taken by MUSC – these actions may include warnings, suspensions, or removal from the team/club at the discretion of the MUSC Board of Directors.

  • Appeal Process: Parents/guardians may appeal disciplinary decisions but note that decisions will be based on provided written, audio or video information, testimony of witnesses present, and past behaviors of the player.

12. Acknowledgment and Agreement

All players and their parent/guardian must review and agree to this Code of Conduct in order to participate in any MUSC activities.