Good and Bad Behavior

Listed below are general suggestions regarding what constitutes good and bad behavior, as well as specific examples.  

Coaches

Good Behavior

1.  Treat the referee like you’d like to be treated yourself.

2.  Make the pre-game routine easy. Coach gets players organized and properly equipped.

3.  Encourages players when appropriate.

4.  Applauds good play by players.

5.  Thank the referee after the game.

6.  Displays a cordial relationship with the other team’s coach(es)

 

Bad Behavior

1.  Yelling at the referee, arguing with the other team’s coach(es).

2.  Berating players, at any time.

3.  Comments, other than praise, regarding opponents.

4.  Excessive “Reffing” the game – excessive and/or persistent verbal opinions regarding fouls/infractions, grunts and groans.

5.  When fouls are called, players are told that the referee made a mistake.          

6.  Any comments about the referee’s abilities (inferred sarcasm).

7.  Delaying the game to maintain a lead or tie in the game.

Parents

Good Behavior

1.  Support your players, do not coach them.

2.  Cheer good plays from both sides on a selective basis.

3.  Positive and supportive to players, coaches, other parents and referees.

4.  Thanked the referee after the game.

Bad Behavior

1.  Any comments about the referee or the calls on the field.

2.  Excessive “reaction” to fouls/infractions (“oh . . . .” or grunts/groans).

3.  Any negative banter with the opponent or parents of the opponent.

4.  Yelling and screaming comments during the game that are not positive or supporting.

5.  Shouting at the referee every time.

Players

Good Behavior

1.  Encourage teammates.

2.  Congratulate opponents on good plays (without sarcasm).

3.  Team Captains/Players thank the referee.

4.  Help fallen players get up from the field or court.

Bad Behavior

1.  Any comments directed toward the referee.

2.  Any comments that might be perceived as negative directed toward the opponent, the coaches or the sidelines.

3.  Gestures or other forms of non-verbal communication.

4.  Constantly questioning the calls of the referee.

5.  Constant fouling of the opponent, especially fouls that could result in an injury.