Manchester East Soccer League - Parent and Player Code of Conduct
Welcome to Manchester East Soccer League!

We are a youth-oriented non-profit recreational soccer league dedicated to the philosophy of personal development through teamwork, fair play, and physical exercise. Manchester East Soccer League provides competition for ages 4 to 18, including inter-league competition for ages 12 to 18.

     Contact us at itsakick@mesl.org

          Our mailing address is:
          MESL
          PO Box 4233
          Manchester, NH 03108-4233

What more information? Check out www.mesl.org where you can find FAQs, volunteer information, league policies, directions and other important information.

Please read through the following Code of Conduct and submit this form. Our league is run entirely by volunteers; if you would be interested in joining our board or helping out in any way, please contact any board member or email our president Doug Tetrault at president@mesl.org.

Thank you and have a great season!
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Zero Tolerance for Abuse
All coaches, all assistant coaches, all players, and all spectators shall support the referee before, during, and after the match. Failure to do so undermines the referee's authority and could create a hostile environment for players, the referee, coaches, assistant coaches, and all spectators, including participants in other matches. It is important to note that MESL is a recreational soccer league and is not designed for highly competitive play. Consequently, MESL has adopted the following rule:

No parent, player, coach or other league member shall abuse the referees or other league members before, during or after a match.

Coaches/Assistant Coaches and Players - Allowable Referee Communications

During the match
Responding to a referee initiating a communication
Making substitutions
Pointing out emergencies or safety issues

At the end of the match
Asking a referee to explain a rule(s) in a polite and positive way
Giving polite and friendly feedback to a referee

There is absolutely no harassment allowed.

Spectators - Allowable Referee Communications

During the match
Responding to a referee initiating a communication
Pointing out emergencies or safety issues
Cheering on their player and all players

At the end of the match
Asking a referee to explain a rule(s) in a polite and positive way
Giving polite and friendly feedback to a referee

Spectator Penalties
1st Infraction - Referee stops the match and ask the coach to quiet the offending spectator(s).
2nd Infraction - Referee stops the match, gives a verbal warning to the coach, and ask the coach to warn the spectator that the next infraction will be an ejection or the referee will abandon the match.
3rd Infraction - The referee shall instruct the coach to direct the spectator to leave the field. The referee should abandon the match if the spectator does not leave the field.

Communications among players and referees are governed by the FIFA Laws of the Match.

Supporting Referees

Everyone, especially Coaches and Assistant Coaches, shall provide support to the referees at all times.
  • Coaches are responsible for assistant coaches', players', fans', and their own behavior.
  • Coaches should discuss any issues or concerns they may have in advance with their Division Manager or the league President.
  • Any coach who does not comply with a referee's request to deal with a spectator shall be issued a misconduct infraction as deemed appropriate by the referee.
  • Anyone responsible for the verbal or physical assault of a referee prior to, during, or following a match will be subject to review by the Board of Directors and NH Soccer Association.
  • Any team/person that refuses to provide the name and address of the responsible person(s) for the verbal or physical assault on a referee will be subject to review by the Board of Directors.
  • MESL reserves the right to restrict parent access to the MESL fields should MESL determine the parent or spectator is unable or unwilling to abide by this code of conduct or for any reason concerning the health and safety of referees, coaches, volunteers, players and other spectators.
It is and always will be the coach’s responsibility for the safety of his/her players. The coach always has the authority to stop play and remove his/her team from the match (either temporarily or permanently) if he/she feels conditions are unsafe. Parents also have the right to remove his/her child from an unsafe situation.  A coach also has recourse regarding a referee's performance via a formal complaint through the league.

MESL is fully committed to ensuring a safe, fun, soccer environment. Harassment or otherwise unsafe behavior will not be tolerated in any way.

Note: These ethical standards and general expectations for sportsmanship apply when inter-league games are held at the South and North Soccer League field locations (Divisions U12 and above).
I have read and understand the Zero Tolerance Policy *
Parents Code of Ethics/Responsibilities
Although your player is under the supervisory guidance of volunteers coaches during practices and games, we also rely on parents to support the following Code of Ethics when participating in MESL activities.
  1. Parents should promote respect for the officials of the game, coaches, other parents, and teammates.
  2. Remember the coaches are volunteers. They give significant amounts of time so that your child can play. Please treat them with respect.
  3. Provide transportation to and from all practices and games ensuring that the player is prompt in arrival and departure. Parents or guardians are STRONGLY encouraged to remain at the field during practices and games, especially in younger divisions.
  4. We do not tolerate abusive language and gestures during a game.
  5. Applaud good effort by all players and encourage general sportsmanship.
  6. When attending games, do not coach the team from the spectators’ seats. If you want to coach, become a volunteer. Parents with children who have behavioral challenges may need to be more involved during games, but generally, parents should not "coach from the sidelines".
  7. Never support or approve of intentional bad play. If you do, you disrupt the discipline that our coaches try to instill in the players.
  8. Do not criticize a player or referee while on the field. 
  9. All parents MUST stay on the spectator side of the filed. Parents are NOT allowed on the bench side of the fields unless there is a reason to be there that has been discussed with the Coach and/or Division Manager.
  10. Please do not litter our fields. Use all trash receptacles.
  11. Please NO dogs or pets on the fields during scheduled games/practices.
  12. Please mind all parking signs and have patience during busy times. Cars may NOT park on the North side of Robinson Street (cars parked on the North side of Robinson Street will be towed at owner expense). Do not block neighbors driveways.
  13. All parents in U8 and above are asked to volunteer in concession at least once per year. This is a reasonable expectation given the low cost and volunteer-nature of MESL. Please respect MESL's Concession Stand, including understanding when concession is closed or when certain food products may be sold out or unavailable.
  14. All parents must communicate expected or unexpected absences or late arrivals to Coaches as soon as such a conflict is known.
Note: These ethical standards and general expectations for sportsmanship apply when inter-league games are held at the South and North Soccer League field locations (Divisions U12 and above).
As a parent or guardian, I have read and understand the Parents Code of Ethics. *
Player Responsibilities/Code of Conduct
Being part of MESL means you are making a commitment to your fellow teammates and your coach to do your best. The following represents MESL's player Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct is in addition to the U.S. Soccer Laws of the Game.

Arriving to Games/Practices
  • Players are strongly encouraged to bring water and to take their water bottle with them at the end of the session (including disposable bottles).
  • You must bring all required equipment in good working order; shin guards, uniform, cleats, socks, (mouth guard and athletic support if applicable).
  • You should arrive 10 minutes before your game or practice. Some coaches are available earlier for warm-ups.
  • Alert your coach if you will be late, absent, or if you have any restrictions on play for that session.
During the game:
  • Do not play behind benches. Stay engaged in cheering your teammates on and listening to your Coach.
  • When substituting, go to the midfield and wait for the referee to call you in.
  • Listen to your Coach's instructions, including on player positions and subbing.
  • No violent, harassing or otherwise threatening behavior is allowed. 
  • There is no place for rude, crude, or abusive language or gestures on the sports field. Do not swear; do not make fun of other athletes; do not criticize referees or coaches.
  • Absolutely NO headers or slide tackling are allowed at MESL.
  • Soccer is a TEAM sport - no one is better than anyone else, and everyone is to be treated with respect!
After the game:
  • Shake hands with all players, coaches and referees.
  • Keep all negative comments to yourself - not even whispering them.
  • Return to your coach for post-game meeting.  Do not leave until you are dismissed by your coach.
  • Take all trash and equipment with you when you leave the bench. Deposit trash in the proper receptacles as you leave the field.
  • Communicate any issues or challenges you may be having with the team to your Coach.
Note: These ethical standards and general expectations for sportsmanship apply when inter-league games are held at the South and North Soccer League field locations (Divisions U12 and above).
I, as a player or parent/guardian of a player who cannot yet read, have read and understand the MESL Player Responsibilities. *
PLAYER INFORMATION — Medical Release
CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
As the parent or legal guardian, or the registrant if over the age of 18, I hereby give my consent for emergency medical care prescribed by a duly licensed Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Dentistry. This care may be given under whatever conditions are necessary to preserve the life, limb, or well-being of the registrant:

Player Name(s) (all players in family): *
Player Division(s) *
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Parent/Guardian 'Signature' *
Date: *
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