Policies & Procedures

As a parent or guardian, you play a vital role in your child's soccer experience. Your support, behavior, and adherence to club policies are essential in creating a positive environment that fosters development, sportsmanship, and a love for the game. Below are the key obligations for parents and guardians at Washington Capital United (WCU):


  1. Code Compliance: Adhere to the WCU Parent Code of Conduct and all relevant league and state codes of conduct.
  2. Supportive Behavior: Be encouraging, supportive, and affirmative towards your player and their teammates. Refrain from coaching from the sideline and allow the coach to guide the team.
  3. Player Conduct: Ensure that your player and their teammates behave in a way that honors WCU and other families. Avoid bullying, bias, and foul language.
  4. Respect Team Placement: Accept your player's team placement, understanding that roster spots may be adjusted within WCU at any time.
  5. Respect Coach’s Decisions: Accept the coach’s tactical and technical decisions, including playing time and player positioning, without interference.
  6. Compliance with Policies: Follow all rules, policies, and procedures set by the team, administrators, and Club Board members.
  7. Punctuality and Attendance: Ensure your child arrives on time for all training sessions, league play, tournaments, and team events. Lack of participation without prior coach approval may result in ineligibility.
  8. Financial Responsibility: Pay all Club fees and team dues by the designated deadlines and keep payment methods updated. WCU relies on timely payments as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
  9. Form Submission: Submit all required forms by the specified deadlines.
  10. Uniform Purchase: Purchase the required Club uniform kit.
  11. Stay Informed: Read all team communications and regularly check PlayMetrics and the Club website.
  12. Meeting Attendance: Attend and participate in team meetings.
  13. Timely Notifications: Inform your child’s coach if your player will be tardy or unable to attend scheduled team events.
  14. Respect for Officials: Familiarize yourself with the Laws of the Game and respect the decisions of referees.
  15. Volunteer Participation: Consider volunteering in various capacities, such as Team Manager, Equipment Manager, or Field Manager. WCU relies on volunteer services, including our all-volunteer Board of Directors and fundraising activities.


Parent Sideline Behavior


At Washington Capital United (WCU), we believe that parents play a crucial role in creating a positive and enjoyable experience for their children in soccer. Your encouragement and behavior on the sidelines significantly influence not only your child's development but also the overall atmosphere of the game. Here are a few key guidelines for sideline behavior:


  1. Support Your Child: Show your support by encouraging your child and expressing interest in their team. Focus on skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work, honest effort, and a positive attitude are often more important than the outcome of a single match.
  2. Always Be Positive: Children learn more from your example than from criticism. Strive to be a positive role model and reinforce good behavior in others. Applaud not only the good plays of your child’s team but also those of the opposing team. Avoid criticizing any child’s performance from the sidelines.
  3. Don’t Be a Sideline Coach or Referee: Refrain from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. Shouting instructions or criticism can confuse players and undermine the coach’s efforts. The coach should be the only voice guiding the team from the sidelines. Respect the decisions of officials and avoid questioning their judgment.
  4. Demonstrate a Positive Attitude Toward Opponents and Their Families: Remember that opponents are not enemies. Show good sportsmanship and hospitality whether you are at home or visiting other clubs. Avoid being drawn into verbal disagreements with opposing parents or coaches, and always represent WCU positively.
  5. Remember That Your Child Wants to Have Fun: Keep in mind that your child’s primary goal is to enjoy the game. Don’t impose unreasonable expectations or demands. Allow your child to experience the joy of playing soccer and the challenge of improving at their own pace.


Code of Conduct Compliance


As a member of WCU, you and your player are expected to abide by the codes of conduct established by the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA), league regulations, and Club policies. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in the dismissal of your player from Washington Capital United.


By committing to these obligations and adhering to the Parent Sideline Behavior guidelines, both players and parents contribute to a positive and supportive environment that aligns with the values and mission of Washington Capital United.