Governance Policies & Ground Rules

Code of Conduct

The Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavior of coaches, parents, and youth players to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience for everyone involved.
- Respect for all participants: Coaches must treat all players, parents, and other coaches with respect and dignity, regardless of their skill level, background, or ability.
- Positive reinforcement: Coaches should focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement to help players develop their skills and confidence.
- Safety and well-being: Coaches are responsible for the safety and well-being of all players under their supervision. They must adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations.
- Professional conduct: Coaches must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, avoiding any behavior that could be considered inappropriate or harmful.
- Support and encouragement: Parents should provide positive support and encouragement for their child's participation in the soccer program.
- Respect for coaches and officials: Parents must respect the decisions of coaches and officials, avoiding any behavior that could be disruptive or disrespectful.
- Sportsmanship: Parents should model good sportsmanship by cheering for their child's team and respecting the opposing team.
- Appropriate behavior: Parents should refrain from using offensive language, making derogatory comments, or engaging in any behavior that could create a hostile environment.
- Respect for others: Players must respect their coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials.
- Good sportsmanship: Players should exhibit good sportsmanship by playing fairly, following the rules, and congratulating opponents.
- Positive attitude: Players should maintain a positive attitude and effort, even when faced with challenges.
- Safety and well-being: Players must follow all safety guidelines and avoid any behavior that could put themselves or others at risk.
Any violation of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:
- Warnings: Verbal or written warnings may be issued for minor violations.
- Suspension: Players, coaches, or parents may be suspended from the program for more serious violations.
- Expulsion: In the case of egregious violations, individuals may be expelled from the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy.

By adhering to this Code of Conduct, coaches, parents, and youth players can contribute to a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved in the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy.

Coach Ground Rules

This handbook outlines the ground rules and regulations that all coaches must adhere to at the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy. These guidelines are designed to ensure a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants.
- Professionalism: Coaches must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, representing the Academy in a positive light, and avoiding any behavior that could be considered inappropriate or harmful.
- Respect: Coaches must treat all players, parents, and other coaches with respect and dignity, regardless of their skill level, background, or ability.
- Positive Reinforcement: Coaches should focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement to help players develop their skills and confidence.
- Safety: Coaches are responsible for the safety and well-being of all players under their supervision. They must adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations.
- Appropriate language: Coaches should use appropriate language at all times, avoiding any offensive or discriminatory language.
- Fair treatment: Coaches must treat all players fairly and equitably, providing equal opportunities for development and playing time.
- Effective communication: Coaches should communicate effectively with players, parents, and other coaches, ensuring that everyone is informed and involved.
- Ethical behavior: Coaches must adhere to all ethical standards and avoid any behavior that could compromise the integrity of the Academy.
- Attendance: Coaches must attend all scheduled practices and games unless excused by the Academy Director.
- Preparation: Coaches should be well-prepared for each practice and game, having a plan for the session and appropriate equipment.
- Timeliness: Coaches should arrive on time for all practices and games.
- Professional Appearance: Coaches should maintain a professional appearance at all times.
- Development: Coaches should focus on player development and improvement, rather than solely on winning.
- Inclusivity: Coaches should create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players, regardless of their skill level or background.
- Positive Coaching: Coaches should use positive coaching techniques that emphasize encouragement and support.
- Punctuality: Coaches must arrive on time for practices and games and ensure that all players are present and prepared.
- Warm-up: Coaches must conduct a proper warm-up before each practice and game to prevent injuries.
- Equipment: Coaches are responsible for ensuring that all players have the necessary equipment (e.g., cleats, shin guards, jerseys).
- Communication: Coaches must communicate effectively with players, parents, and other coaches.
- Discipline: Coaches must address disciplinary issues promptly and fairly, using appropriate consequences.
- Open Communication: Coaches should maintain open and honest communication with players, parents, and other coaches.
- Feedback: Coaches should provide constructive feedback to players, focusing on their strengths and areas for improvement.
- Parent-Coach Relationships: Coaches should foster positive relationships with parents, communicating regularly and addressing concerns promptly.
- Discipline: Coaches should establish and enforce appropriate disciplinary procedures, ensuring that all players are held accountable for their behavior.
- Teamwork: Coaches should foster a positive team environment, emphasizing teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
- Inclusive Environment: Coaches must create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, regardless of their skill level, background, or ability.
- Fair Play: Coaches must promote fair play and sportsmanship among players.
- Parent involvement: Coaches should encourage parent involvement and communication, while maintaining clear boundaries between coaching and parenting roles.
- Regular Meetings: Coaches should hold regular team meetings to discuss team goals, expectations, and strategies.
- Player Input: Coaches should encourage player input and participation in team meetings.
- Background Checks: Coaches must undergo background checks to ensure their suitability for the role.
- Continuing Education: Coaches are encouraged to participate in continuing education programs to stay up-to-date on coaching techniques and best practices.
- Conflict resolution: Coaches should be prepared to handle conflicts effectively and peacefully, using appropriate conflict resolution techniques.
Any violation of these ground rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:
- Warnings: Verbal or written warnings may be issued for minor violations.
- Suspension: Coaches may be suspended from the program for more serious violations.
Termination: In the case of egregious violations, coaches may be terminated from their position.Any violation of these ground rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:
- Warnings: Verbal or written warnings may be issued for minor violations.
- Suspension: Coaches may be suspended from the program for more serious violations.
- Termination: In the case of egregious violations, coaches may be terminated from their position.

By adhering to these ground rules and regulations, coaches can create a positive and productive environment for all participants in the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy.

SafeSport Code & Regulations

This SafeSport Code and Regulations outlines Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy's commitment to creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all participants, in accordance with New Jersey state laws, the U.S. Center for SafeSport requirements, and U.S. Youth Soccer (USYS) guidelines. This policy applies to all members of the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy, including but not limited to, players, coaches, referees, administrators, volunteers, parents, and spectators.
This Code aims to prevent and address all forms of abuse and misconduct, including:
- Sexual Abuse: Any sexual act or contact between an adult and a minor, or between individuals in a position of power or authority and another individual, regardless of age.
- Physical Abuse: Any form of physical contact that causes harm or injury, or that threatens harm or injury.
- Emotional Abuse: Any act that undermines a person's emotional well-being, including verbal abuse, intimidation, humiliation, and manipulation.
- Neglect: The failure to provide necessary care, supervision, or attention to a minor.
- Hazing: Any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person, or that involves coercion or humiliation.
- Bullying: Repeated and/or severe aggressive behavior that intimidates, threatens, or physically/emotionally harms a victim.
- Cyberbullying: Bullying through electronic communication.
- Discrimination: Harassment or mistreatment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, disability, or genetic information.
Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and misconduct. All individuals are required to report any suspected or witnessed incidents immediately.
1. Reporting Options:
  - Directly to the Jersey Rangers SafeSport Coordinator:
    Name: TAREK EL-SADEK
    Email: contactus@jerseyrangers.com
    Mobile: 862.686.0342
  - To the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) (if involving suspected child abuse or neglect):
    DCF Hotline: 1-877-652-7624
  - To the U.S. Center for SafeSport:
    Online Reporting Portal: https://safesport.i-sight.com/portal
    Phone: 833.587.7233
  - To law enforcement:
    Emergency: 9.1.1
    WPPD Phone: 973.345.8111
2. Confidentiality: Reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, to the extent possible while ensuring a thorough investigation.
3. No Retaliation: Retaliation against any individual who reports abuse or misconduct is strictly prohibited.
1. Upon receiving a report, the Jersey Rangers SafeSport Coordinator will initiate an investigation.
2. The investigation will be conducted promptly, thoroughly, and impartially.
3. All parties involved will have the opportunity to provide information.
4. The Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy will cooperate fully with any external investigations conducted by law enforcement or other agencies.
If an investigation concludes that abuse or misconduct has occurred, the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy will take appropriate disciplinary action, which may include:
- Verbal warning
- Written reprimand
- Suspension from participation
- Permanent ban from the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy
- Referral to law enforcement
Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy is committed to preventing abuse and misconduct through the following measures:
- Background Checks: All coaches, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with minors will undergo background checks.
- SafeSport Training: All coaches, staff, and volunteers will be required to complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training.
- Education and Awareness: Regular training and educational programs will be provided to all members of the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy on recognizing, preventing, and reporting abuse and misconduct.
- Supervision: Appropriate supervision will be provided at all times during practices, games, and other activities.
- Two-Deep Leadership: Whenever possible, interactions with individual athletes should occur with at least two adults present.
- Open Communication: We encourage open communication between players, parents, coaches, and administrators.
Parents/Guardians play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of our players. We encourage parents/guardians to:
- Communicate openly with their children about safety and appropriate behavior.
- Attend training and educational programs offered by the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy.
- Report any concerns or suspicions of abuse or misconduct immediately.
- Support the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy's SafeSport policies and procedures.
Players are expected to:
- Treat all other players, coaches, referees, and spectators with respect.
- Follow the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy's Code of Conduct.
- Report any instances of abuse, misconduct, or bullying to a trusted adult.
This SafeSport Code and Regulations will be reviewed and updated annually or as needed to ensure compliance with current laws and best practices.
All members of the Jersey Rangers Soccer Academy are required to acknowledge and agree to abide by this SafeSport Code and Regulations.
This document is a summary and should be considered a working document. For complete and detailed information, please refer to the official policies of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, U.S. Youth Soccer, and the State of New Jersey. This policy is subject to change.