IOWA SOCCER ASSOCIATION

POLICIES
Alcohol	Download, print (.pdf)
Eighth Grade Waiver	Download, print (.pdf)
Financial Assistance for ODP Players at National Events	Download, print (.pdf)
Indoor Play	Download, print (.pdf)
Medical Support	Download, print (.pdf)
Misconduct at Youth State-Sponsored Tournaments	Download, print (.pdf)
Player Pass	Download, print (.pdf)
Risk Management	Download, print (.pdf)
U10-12 Small-sided Game Implementation, League & Tournament Rule	Download, print (.pdf)
Use of Member Information	Download, print (.pdf)
Youth Medical and Liability Insurance	Download, print (.pdf)
CODES
Coach Code of Conduct and Ethics	Download, print Code & Compliance Form (.pdf)
Codes of Conduct for Parent, Player, Referee -- Download, print (.pdf)
Codes of Conduct for Parent, Player, en Español -- Download, print (.pdf)

Alcohol
	It is the policy of the Iowa Soccer Association (ISA) that no alcohol be sold or brought to ISA sanctioned youth soccer games. It is the responsibility of the affiliated clubs and organizers of Iowa youth soccer events to ensure that this policy is strictly adhered to. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in suspension of sanctioned events and/or placing the affiliate in bad standing with the Association. APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS - JANUARY 23, 1999
Eighth Grade Waiver
	U15 players who are still in the 8 th grade will be allowed to play on a U14 team as a Guest Player for LEAGUE play only and with approval of the playing league during the Spring season only. Players wishing to participate MUST complete the Eighth Grade Waiver release form for proper approval.
Financial Assistance for ODP Players at National Events
	It is the policy of the Iowa Soccer Association (ISA) to fund a written request for support up to $200 in expenses for any Olympic Development Program participant who has been selected to play in National Olympic Development events. This policy may extend to more than one national event for the same youth on the recommendation of the appropriate Olympic Development Program Administrator with approval of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS - JANUARY 23, 1999
Indoor Play
	SECTION I: Practice
		Indoor practice is currently sanctioned by the State Association and will require only a letter from the club that lists the facilities that are being used. If further documentation is necessary, the State Association will contact the club and/or the facility.
	SECTION II: Organized Games
		Organized games are defined as a structured group of four (4) or more teams joined for the purpose of interplay under a common set of administrative and competition rules.
			LIMITATIONS
				1. Sanctioning covers only intra-club play
				2. All players and coaches must be members of the Iowa Soccer Association
				3. All referees must be USSF certified
				4. No tournaments will be sanctioned under this policy
			APPLICATION PROCEDURE
				1. The club must complete an Application to Host games and a Hosting Agreement.
				2. The application must be accompanied by: a set of rules and regulations for indoor play; a copy of the lease agreement of the facility(ies)*; and a letter indicating that the facility has been inspected and is appropriate for indoor play.
				3. The application must be accompanied by a $50 administrative fee.
			ON SITE ADMINISTRATION
				1. An officer of the club must make a pre-application inspection of the facility(ies).
				2. A representative of the club must inspect the facility prior to each scheduled day of matches.
				3. A master schedule of the matches must be forwarded to the State Association as soon as available.
				4. A representative of the club must be on site at each facility during match times.
				5. Any irregularities with the facilities, matches or unusual incidences occurring during play must be reported to the State Association as soon as possible.
				6. A detailed end-of-season report must be forwarded to the State Association no more than thirty (30) days after the last scheduled matches. The report should include incidences not earlier reported, challenges (problems) encountered during the season, evaluation of facilities, an assessment of the continuation of future indoor activity and other pertinent information that is deemed appropriate and essential.
	Failure to comply with the above will nullify both medical and liability insurance coverage and the club will be subject to further action as per our bylaws.
	*Copies of leases and inspections apply only to those facilities that are not on the approved list of soccer facilities published by the State Association. The approved list will contain facilities that are designed specifically for soccer use.
Medical Support
	Medical support for any State Association sponsored tournament and for any Midwest Regional League matches must have at a minimum a trainer on site for the duration of play.
Misconduct at State-Sponsored Youth Soccer Tournaments
	Unsportinglike behavior by a coach or player while participating in a match will be dealt with by the participating referee crew. Unsportinglike behavior by others may also be dealt with by the participating referee crew or by the tournament officials. Any unsportinglike conduct by those not directly participating in the match such as a coach, referee, player, administrator, parent, spectator, or others in attendance at a State sponsored tournament - Iowa State Cup, American Cup, Chevy Cup - is strictly forbidden. Unsportinglike conduct includes but is not limited to physically or verbally fighting, arguing, use of derogatory remarks, or the use of foul language directed at a referee, player, coach, parent, another spectator, or tournament officials. Any act of unsportinglike conduct by any person on or near the field of play shall be reported to the tournament officials. The tournament officials will, if the misconduct is verified, ask the party(ies) to leave the complex for the remainder of the tournament. If the party(ies) refuse to leave the premises, the tournament officials shall summon the civil authorities for assistance. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of team supporters and are expected to assist the referee and tournament officials in his/her efforts to control the sidelines. Clubs are ultimately responsible for all their members including spectators and are expected to act promptly to insure that a positive standard of conduct and ethical behavior are enforced. This policy does not supersede any Iowa Soccer Association, United States Youth Soccer Association or United States Soccer Federation bylaw, rule or regulation pertaining to misconduct.
Player Pass
	For all matches in the U10 through the U19 age divisions and in all inter-club U08 matches, player passes must be presented to the referees PRIOR to each match. Player passes must be signed, have a picture affixed and laminated. In all intra-club matches in the U08 divisions and below the competition authority may set policy for player pass presentation. This policy does not include tournament play that is governed by the Application to Host and Hosting Agreements.
Risk Management
	PURPOSE
		To protect and provide a safe and healthful environment to children participating In ISA’s sanctioned soccer clubs, leagues, programs, and tournaments.
	BACKGROUND
		As our society’s awareness increases about the risks associated with individuals working with children who abuse their authority by committing sexual, physical, mental, and emotional abuse, there is a need to provide a means of protection. In August of 1994, the US Youth Soccer approved the Kidsafe Program and placed it into effect immediately. As a part of this program, each State organization is to develop a written program outlining safety guidelines and procedures.
	APPLICABILITY
		This policy is applicable to all ISA and Affiliate Board members and employees, coaches, assistant coaches, and any other volunteer who is expected to have regular contact with youth players.
	RESPONSIBILITIES
		1. Local Club/Association President will:
			a. Designate a local Risk Management Coordinator (RMC) and an alternate to serve as a liaison to the ISA State Risk Management Administrator (SRMA).
			b. Insure all affected individuals comply with this policy.
			c. Insure complaints of abuse are investigated and reported to the SRMA or Executive Director.
			d. Insure volunteer disclosure formsare completed.
		2. Local Club/Association Risk Management Coordinator will:
			a. Serve as a liaison to the SRMA.
			b. Distribute and collect disclosure forms and return copies to the ISA office.
			c. Insure all disclosure forms are complete and legible.
			d. Assist in investigating complaints of abuse and report findings to their Club/Association President and the SRMC through the State Office.
			e. Conduct background checks outlined in this policy.
			f. Report any positive results from a background check to the SRMA.
			g. Insure all disclosure forms are received, filed, and kept confidential.
		3. State Risk Management Administrator will:
			a. Be appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors for a two year term.
			b. Select a committee (SRMC) of two to assist with review and disqualification
			c. Oversee generation of a list of names of individuals subject to a background check.
			d. Keep the ISA Board of Directors apprised of the progress of this policy.
			e. Periodically review and update this policy, as needed.
		4. ISA Office will:
			a. Maintain a secured file of all current disclosure forms
			b. Provide disclosure forms to affiliates
			c. Appropriately dispose of disclosure forms as detailed in the Document Retention and Destruction Policy
			d. Perform functions as requested by the SRMA
	GENERAL PROCEDURES
		1. Blank disclosure forms may be copied or obtained from the State Office.
		2. State and Affiliate Board members and employees, volunteer coaches and assistants must complete a disclosure form upon initial appointment and every 2 year period on or before September 1 beginning September 1, 2002. Each of these individuals may be subject to a background check. Coach and assistant coach disclosure forms MUST accompany coach registrations during these periods before the registration is processed.
		3. Background checks will be made randomly for up to 100% of those required to complete a disclosure form on a biennial basis.
		4. Where individuals indicate they have been convicted of a violent crime or crime against a person, a background check will be conducted.
		5. If there is reason to believe an ISA or Affiliate volunteer or employee is engaged in conduct which may jeopardize the safety of a youth player, he/she will be subject to a thorough investigation including a background check.
		6. All information provided to ISA on a disclosure form, complaint, investigation, or background check will be held confidential.
	BACKGROUND CHECKS
		1. Background checks will be conducted:
			a. Biennially when individuals are randomly selected from the state-wide pool as noted in this policy under General Procedures #3.
			b. A positive response (“yes”) is indicated on the disclosure form.
			c. A complaint is substantiated as noted in this policy under Abuse Complaint Procedures.
		2. Background checks will include a ciriminal record check and a Sexual Offender Registry check.
			a. Criminal record checks and Sexual Offender Registry checks shall be conducted by the State Association. These same checks may be conducted by the local club/affiliate and any positive results MUST be reported to the SRMA by contacting the State office.
		3. Employees, volunteers, and applicants who do not reside in Iowa, shall have similar background checks conducted, if called for under this policy, in their state of residence.
		4. A conviction for any of the following offenses shall be sufficient cause to permanently disqualify a person from service with ISA. See Addendum A.
		5. Other offenses found on a criminal record check and not listed in Addendum A, will be reviewed by the SRMA and committee and may result in disqualification from service.
		6. Individuals appearing on a county or state sexual offender registry shall be permanently disqualified from service with ISA.
		7. Where an individual is disqualified from service with ISA, the SRMA will notify the individual and local affiliate president in writing.
	Procedures for positive results
		1. Upon receiving a positive background check result, the SRMA and committee will be notified and will determine whether or not the violation(s) qualifies as an automatic disqualifier, a disqualifier that falls outside Addendum A., one that warrants monitoring, or one that does not warrant any action. In every case the SRMC will err on the side of caution when making the decision.
		2. If disqualification is warranted, a letter will be sent to the individual informing the individual of the positive result and the disqualification. The letter will state the reason for the disqualification and inform the individual of their right to appeal the decision.
		3. The club president will be notified of the decision but will not be informed of the reason for the disqualification to preserve confidentiality.
		4. If the individual decides to appeal the decision, the appeals process will be handled in accordance with the State Association’s Hearings and Appeals Policy.
		5. All disqualification decisions including appeal decisions are final. There are no appeals beyond the State Association level.
	ABUSE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
		1. Complaints are to be reported to the local Club/Association President and/or RMC. A background check will be conducted if not done in the last 12 months as noted in this policy under Background Checks. If complaints are substantiated, the local club/affiliate will convene a hearing conducted in accordance with their bylaws, rules and policies.
		2. If the action of the local club/affiliate is to disqualify as a result of the hearing, the charged individual will be notified of his/her right to appeal the decision to the State Association.
		3. Any appeal to the State Association will be governed by the ISA Hearings and Appeals Policy.
		4. If an abuse charge is formally lodged against a volunteer or staff person with the Police, a national criminal background check MAY also be conducted. In such a case, the said individual will be suspended until the case is resolved (US Youth Soccer Bylaw 252). At this point, the SRMA must inform the individual of their status and rights, in writing.
	Board Approved (06/97) Revised (12/98) Revised (12/00) Revised (3/02) Revised (2/04) Revised (6/06) Revised (4/07)
	Addendum A - Disqualifying Convictions
		Aggravated Murder, Murder, Voluntary Manslaughter, Involuntary Manslaughter, Felonious Assault, Failing to provide for functionally impaired person, Aggravated Menacing, Patient Abuse or Neglect, Kidnapping, Abduction, Criminal Chile Enticement, Rape, Sexual Battery, Corruption of a minor, Gross Sexual Imposition, Importuning, Voyeurism, Public Indecency, Compelling Prostitution, Promoting Prostitution, Disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, Pandering, Obscenity, Pandering obscenity involving a minor, Pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, Illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, Aggravated Robbery, Robbery, Aggravated Burglary, Burglary, Contributing to unruliness or delinquency, Domestic Violence, Carrying concealed weapons, Improperly discharging firearms at or into habitation or school, Corrupting another with drugs, trafficking offenses, Illegal manufacturing of drugs or cultivation of marijuana, Funding of drug or marijuana trafficking, Illegal administration or distribution of anabolic steroids, Felonious sexual penetration, Child Stealing
U10-12 Small-side game implementation, league & tournament rule
	LEAGUES
		ISA State Sanctioned Leagues
			U09-10 Beginning with the 2003/2004 season, for those leagues that separate U09s and U10s, all leagues will play 6v6 at U09. U10s may continue to play 8v8 or they may begin playing 6v6. Roster Size: 10 players For those leagues that have a combined U09/U10 division, they will begin to play 6v6 in 2004/2005. Beginning with the 2004/2005 season, all leagues will play 6v6 at U09 and U10. U11-12 Beginning with the 2003/2004 season, for those leagues that separate U11s and U12s, all leagues will play 8v8 at U11. U12s may continue to play 11v11 or they may begin playing 8v8. Roster Size: 14 players For those leagues that have a combined U11/U12 division, they will begin to play 8v8 in 2004/2005.
		Out-of-State League Participation
			U09/U10 Teams may continue to play 8v8 in leagues in those states not adopting the small-sided game. U11/U12 Teams may continue to play 11v11 in leagues in those states not adopting the small-sided game. The policy for future seasons will be evaluated and determined by April 1 each year.
	TOURNAMENTS
		ISA sanctioned tournaments
			ISA sanctioned tournaments may offer the following: U09/U10 Both 6v6 and 8v8 in 2003/2004. Only 6v6 in 2004/2005. U11/U12 Both 8v8 and 11v11 in 2003/2004. Only 8v8 in 2004/2005. As an option, tournaments may offer only 6v6 for U09/U10 and/or only 8v8 for U11/U12 in 2003/2004.
	EXCEPTIONS
		U11/U12 teams will be allowed to play 11v11 in out-of-state tournaments. Rosters may be expanded with guest players.
Use of Member Information
	Database
		When considering a request for our membership database (players, coaches, administrators), the following guidelines are followed:
			The request MUST be made in writing and the mailing piece MUST accompany the request. When a request comes directly to the State Association, the requester MUST complete a List Request Form. The request MUST present a soccer-related opportunity to our players, coaches or administrators, or to the parents of our players. These may include offers such as product catalogues, player camps, and fundraising opportunities. If a list request is approved and the organization is not a member of the State Association, the list will be released ONLY to a bonded mailing house. All requests are considered ONE TIME USE ONLY unless otherwise negotiated. In all cases the leased database must be destroyed after use. Members may request the coach’s database to advertise tournaments. The database will be used by the State Association for internal use such as State sponsored tournaments, camps, clinics and Olympic Development tryouts. The database will be released to the United States Soccer Federation, US Youth Soccer and the United States Adult Soccer Association as per their membership rules and policies. The database may also be released to a sponsor as per the sponsorship contract. While sponsors seldom ask for lists, the State still requires that they follow list request procedures.
	Rosters
		The information on rosters is sensitive information about youth soccer players. All clubs, coaches, teams and team coordinators/parents are asked to establish a chain of custody with rosters so they do not end up in the wrong hands. The following restrictions apply to rosters:
			Rosters submitted to state sanctioned tournaments may be used ONLY for tournament related business – checking players and state approvals. They should be destroyed after the event. The use of rosters by member or non member organizations (with the exception of #4 below) for recruiting and tryout purposes is strictly prohibited. Team rosters should be distributed ONLY to coaches and/or team coordinators. Coaches and coordinators must use discretion in releasing any selected information. The State Association will release rosters to club/league registrars; team coaches and coordinators; and college coaches who are recruiting for their respective college programs.
	Email Addresses
		The State Association collects and uses email addresses to provide easy and quick communications with and among the following groups: parents, players, presidents, registrars, coaches, directors of coaching and referees, risk management coordinators and other club administrators. These email groups are asked and have the ability to opt out of e-news issues. During the registration process, members are asked by US Youth Soccer to provide email addresses. The State Association does not use these addresses unless they are part of the aforementioned groups. US Youth Soccer will use these email addresses for internal purposes only. Revised 4-07
Youth Medical and Liability Insurance
	Iowa Soccer Association members are covered for injuries (or death) resulting directly and independently of all other causes, from accidents occurring while participating in the following covered activities: Sanctioned, scheduled games, team practice sessions or sponsored activities, provided they are under the direct supervision of a team official and all participants are United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) members or United States Soccer Federation (USSF) affiliated members; or US Youth Soccer sanctioned local or national tournaments as a member of a contestant team. Organized, supervised group travel as authorized by the Policyholder directly to and from a US Youth Soccer or Iowa Soccer Association sanctioned event, or a USSF Affiliate sanctioned tournament. Non-members are covered IF they participate in scheduled tryouts either organized as tryouts or a part of team practices as long as the number of tryouts or practices does not exceed three (3) per participating player. Revised (2/04)

Coach Code of Conduct and Ethics

Purpose

This Code of Conduct has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical, and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of the sport of soccer. (The term “Coach” shall include, but is not limited to Director of Coaching, Head Coach, Assistant Coach(s), Manager/Trainer and/or Team Representative.)

Responsibilities to Players

Coaches must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws and within the spirit of the game at all times.
Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.
Coaches should not tolerate inappropriate behavior for players regardless of the situation.
Coaches should be a positive role model and set the standard for sportsmanship.
Demands on a players’ time should never be so extensive as to interfere with academic goals and progress. Motivation for excellence should include academics as well as athletics. Coaches should keep sport in proper perspective with player’s academic education.
Coaches must never encourage players to violate ISA recruitment, eligibility, or guest player rules and policies.
Under no circumstances should coaches authorize or encourage the use of medicinal or performance enhancing drugs. Players should be directed to seek proper medical attention for injuries and at no time should a player be put at risk by returning from injury prematurely or by being forced to play while injured.
Coaches should continue their own education in the sport in order to be able to educate the players in technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game for their level.
It is recommended that coaches become certified in basic first aid and be prepared to handle medical emergencies at all practices and games.
Coaches must complete and submit an ISA Disclosure Statement to their ISA affiliated association.

Responsibility to ISA and Member Organizations

Adherence to all ISA and ISA approved Member Association rules and policies are mandatory and should never be violated. It is the responsibility of every coach to know and understand these rules.
Any problems that cannot be resolved between coaches should be referred to the appropriate ISA Official, Member Association or League Director.

Responsibility for “The Laws of the Game”

Coaches should be thoroughly acquainted with and demonstrate a working knowledge of the laws of the game of soccer. Coaches are also responsible to ensure that their players understand the intent as well as the application of the laws.
Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the laws of the game.
Coaches are responsible for their players’ actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with the intent of causing injury to opposing players.
If coaches permit, encourage, or condone performance, which is not in the letter or spirit of the laws, coach is derelict in their responsibility to players, Member Organizations, ISA and the sport worldwide. The coach must strive constantly to teach good sporting behavior.

Responsibility to Officials

Officials must have the support of coaches, players and spectators. Criticism of officials undermines their purpose in the game.
Officials should be treated with respect before, during, and after the game. Officials should be addressed as “Referee” and not by name. Professional respect should be mutual and there should be no demeaning dialogue or gesture between official, coach, or player.
Comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the appropriate organization assigning the official.

Responsibility Regarding Recruiting

It is unethical to recruit player(s) while they are registered on another team.
Coach and team representatives shall strictly adhere to ISA and league rules pertaining to recruitment.
It is unethical for a player to be recruited or enticed from the Olympic Development Program (ODP) setting, either by his ODP coach or any other coach, manager, parent, or team representatitve.
Coaches have an ethical obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams, and organizations when discussing the advantages of their organization.
It is unethical for a coach or team representative to provide compensation or inducement to a player. It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective athlete, which cannot be fulfilled.
Allegations of illegal or unethical recruiting are very serious and should be based on concrete facts rather than hearsay and innuendo. Documentation of recruiting violations must be submitted in writing to the league and ISA.

Responsibility for Public Relations

Coaches have a responsibility to promote the game of soccer to the public. Comments and critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches, players, parents, or the media should be positive and constructive, never prejudicial or inflammatory.
Coaches have the responsibility to assist their players in conducting themselves properly while representing their team, league, and ISA in public.
Comments blaming officials, organizers, players, etc. for a loss or unsuccessful endeavor are detrimental and should be avoided.

Game Day and Other Responsibilities

Coaches’ behavior must bring credit to their organization, and the sport of soccer.
Coaches shall exhibit a respectful attitude towards players, officials, spectators, opposing players and coaches. Verbal abuse or physical assault is unethical and shall be punishable by fines and/or suspension from the program.
Coaches should use their influence to control the behavior of his players, parents and spectators.

All Member Associations are directed to form their own Conduct & Ethics Committee and to hold hearings – WITH THE PARTIES HAVING THE RIGHT TO BE PRESENT – on alleged violations of the ISA Code of Conduct when properly submitted in writing.


	3850 Merle Hay Rd., Suite 524 Des Moines, IA 50310 Office 515/252-6363 • 800/386-4692 • Fax 515/252-7676
Policies and Codes

U09/U10