VIKES CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP
GIRLS SOCCER
“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”
~Wooden
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS:
1. The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win. You WILL play your games the way you practice. Give 100% in practice and you will succeed on game day. This begins by attending all practices and be on time. Missing practices jeopardizes playing time in games.
2. Come in fast on the coach’s whistle. Always move with eagerness when going from one area of the field to the other.
3. Coaches must have your undivided attention when talking. Hear everything, this will help to make you a better athlete. “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”
4. Wear appropriate training gear for all games and practices. This includes shin guards at all times and no jewelry. Be neat. Practice self-discipline .
“Discipline yourself and others won’t need to.” This will carry over to the field.
5. Top physical and mental condition is vital because more games are won or lost in the fourth quarter. Push through the entire practice- don’t pace yourself. Take yourself to the next level.
6. You must be mentally and physically tough. This means ignoring the small hurts and sucking up your guts when you are tired. This comes from self-control at practice and games. Keep your emotions under control and think clearly at all times. Foul language is Not Acceptable at any time. Controlling it will help you learn to control frustration during a game and help you focus on giving 100%.
7. In the event of an injury, report it to the trainer (Keith or Steve) immediately. Remember to get a clearance when able to resume practice.
8. Lack of team spirit, which includes disrespect, disloyalty, putting down other players or yourself is not tolerated, these are not actions of a champion and will not lead to the 100% performance of all players on the team.
9. Assist with the equipment and garbage on the field. No one should leave the field until the area is clean. As a team, everyone is equally as important as the next person. By walking away from responsibility, you are communicating that you are better than your teammates and this will not be tolerated.
10. On every play and drill go fast and hard and don’t stop until the whistle. Enthusiasm is contagious. Enthusiastic practices are much more fun. “A true competitor loves the battle.” Even during Practice.
11. Don’t forget to bring your equipment including your ball and pinny to EVERY practice and game. This is part of your responsibility as a player. Much like a job, there are consequences for not being prepared.
12. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Learn from the mistakes and make sure they are not a result of haste, poor judgment or lack of concentration.
TEAM TRAINING RULES:
1. smoking is not permitted.
2. smokeless tobacco is not permitted.
3. use of drugs is not permitted.
4. use of alcohol is not permitted.
i. Breaking any of the above could result in losing your position on the team.
ii. Respect yourself and your teammates
iii. practice Moral self-control
5. 10 pm curfew the night before a game. To give 100% your body needs it’s sleep.
GENERAL RULES OF CONDUCT:
1. Attendance at all practices and meetings is mandatory unless discussed with the coach. Even if injured, you are required to attend practice. In case of an emergency call Coach O’Neill
2. As always academics are the most important. All athletes will have time to see a teacher after school until 3:10 even when practicing off campus. It is the responsibility of the athlete, however, to get to practice or the practice bus in a timely manner after help is given. (don’t forget the pass!) This may mean planning ahead, changing early, being the first to receive help etc.
3. This is your team and you must be concerned with its morale. Strive to be “positive” all of the time. If there is an issue go directly to the coach.
4. PRIDE is essential. To one’s self, family, team, and school. Be proud to be a member of the Viking Girls Soccer team. Not everyone has what it takes.
5. LOYALTY is essential. Never say anything bad about a teammate or coach. Don’t tolerate it from others. Have respect for each other.
6. You MUST be a lady off the field. We cannot have soccer players causing trouble around the school and classroom. Do not expect special favors because you are an athlete. Show respect for trainers, managers, and custodians. They all have a difficult job.
7. Dedicate yourself to being the best you can be, on the field and in the classroom. Be a “STUDENT-ATHLETE.” Always give 100%
8. Turn down things that will keep you from achieving your goals. This takes COURAGE and you may subject yourself to criticism for not going along with the crowd. Be a credit to you’re parents, teammates, and school. Show that you are made of the necessary ingredients…the making of a CHAMPION.
LOCKER ROOM/ BUS CONDUCT:
1. The locker room/ Bus must be kept neat- this is everyone’s responsibility. Never throw food, mud, or tape on the floor. Always lock your locker. Remember You pick up after Yourself.
2. Fooling around in the locker room or on the Bus could cause injury and be a detriment to our team.
3. Keep sneakers in your locker in case we have to practice in the gym!!! (or team run)
4. Only people requiring treatment are allowed to the trainer. Come to practice with a note after if you will be late.
5. Take Cleats off outside. They create an unnecessary mess both in the hallways and
outside. Many Bus Drivers ask that you not wear them on the bus. Keep this in mind and pack appropriate footwear for the bus.
6. Respect the Drivers wishes on the bus.
TRAVEL POLICIES:
1. Report ahead of scheduled time. It is your responsibility to be there for your team. The bus will not wait because it simply can not in order to be on time for a proper warm up before a game.
2. Be sure you have all of your equipment, check each item as you pack it, then go over it again in your mind.
3. DO NOT take any property or souvenirs. Our teams have a reputation for being ladies. We want to keep the reputation.
4. It is important to recognize the power is yours. We are creating a tradition of excellence and hard work. You represent your parents, and our entire coaching staff. We are judged by YOUR behavior. Never do anything to embarrass this program, us or yourself.
5. Be focused and quiet on the bus going to a game. The good players want to mentally prep for the game.
6. No portion of the body is to be extended through an open widow.
7. Players should return home with the team. This is an opportunity to discuss the game or to celebrate the successes we shared. If there is an extenuating circumstance, a travel release form must be signed an given to coach BEFORE leaving for the game.
8. Remember to inform parents of the schedule and times of pick up and departure.
GAME CONDUCT:
1. Always think in terms of giving 100% at all times.
2. SPRINT to every ball on the field- never jog or walk.
3. Be AGGRESSIVE at all times and force something to happen. Take Initiative, but keep your poise and mental game.
4. We expect everyone to give maximum effort on every play. One player taking a breather can lead to disaster. We win or lose on the intensity of the team effort. After all no one can truly give more than 100% to make up for your “break” on the field.
5. Have CONFIDENCE. Believe in yourself, your teammates, and your coaches.
6. Always maintain your poise, there are some things in the game we ultimately can’t control so focus on doing the best with what we can control. Remember the referees are not something we can control, so don’t lose your game by focusing on the unknowns in a game. Focus on what we CAN PREPARE and EXECUTE it on GAME DAY.
“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”
~Wooden