Model Codes of Conduct
USSF
Summary
The U.S. Soccer Model Codes of Conduct establish clear standards of behavior for all participants in the game, including coaches, parents, players, referees, and team staff. These codes outline expectations for positive conduct, respect, and accountability in order to ensure safe, supportive, and inclusive soccer environments.
US Soccer Member organizations are encouraged to adopt these codes directly or use them as a foundation to build tailored policies for their communities. They are also available to any organizations across soccer community who may find them useful.
HOW AND WHEN IT CAN HELP
- As a ready-to-use template for clubs, leagues, and state associations developing their own codes of conduct.
- To educate participants (parents, players, referees, coaches, and staff) on expected behavior.
- As a preventative safeguarding tool to promote respect and accountability.
- To support disciplinary processes by clarifying behavioral expectations.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS RESOURCE
The codes are concise, role-specific, and clear. They provide a strong baseline for organizations that may not yet have formal conduct policies while also offering flexibility for adaptation.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING THIS RESOURCE
- Codes must be paired with consistent education and communication to all participants.
- Enforcement mechanisms should be clearly outlined so as to reinforce the code and to provide transparency.
- Building buy-in from all roles (parents, coaches, referees, players) increases effectiveness.
- Codes of conduct must always be supported and reinforced by organizational culture that enables, supports and celebrates the behaviors set out in the code.
- If you have a Safeguarding concern, please visit the USSF Safeguarding Hub for additional information about how to make a report. If you or someone you know is at an immediate risk, please contact your local emergency services.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
As the governing body of soccer in all its forms in the United States. U.S. Soccer exists in service to soccer. Our ambition is to ignite a national passion for soccer. We believe soccer is more than a sport, it is a force for good.’ To learn more visit USSoccer.com.
These resources are hosted on the US Soccer Safeguarding Hub where you can find a range of other information and resources designed to support safeguarding in soccer.
CREDITING CONTRIBUTORS
The Resource Hub is made possible by the generosity of contributors. It demonstrates the rich expertise and collective team spirit that exists across our soccer community.
All resources that have been contributed to the Resource Hub are free for users of the Hub to learn from, adapt and implement in their own organization and community.
Where relevant, we encourage users of the resources to formally or informally credit the resource creator, to acknowledge their expertise and generosity.