• Understand specific age characteristics and needs of the players
• Ability to develop individual and team skills
• Ability to maintain the confidence and trust of parents and families
• Willingness to commit the necessary time throughout the soccer year
• Licensed Coaching Staff, Approved by US Club Soccer & Washington Premier League
• A demonstrable working knowledge of soccer skills and game strategies.

EXPECTATIONS OF COACHES:

• Always set a good example for players and parents to follow, exemplifying high moral and ethical behavior.
• Instruct players in proper sportsmanship and practice responsibilities and demand that they make sportsmanship and teamwork their #1 and #2 priorities.
• Respect judgment of referees, abide by rules of the game and display no behavior that could incite players or parents (ex. questioning calls, gestures, etc).
• Treat opposing coach, players and fans and with respect. Shake hands with officials and opposing coach before and after each game.
• Develop and enforce penalties/ramifications for players who do not abide by sportsmanship and practice standards.
• Develop each player to his fullest potential, giving candid feedback on strengths as well as opportunities to improve.
• Develop creative, structured and FUN practice sessions.
• Keep parents informed on practices, games, directions, etc.

EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS:

• Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing FC Edmonds: display positive public action at all times.
• Demonstrate respect for opponents, coaches and referees before, during and after games.
• Live up to high standards of sportsmanship.
• Treat opponents with respect: shake hands after games and take a knee quickly when they are injured. Clap when they leave the field.
• Respect judgment of referees, abide by rules of the games and display no behavior that could incite fans (ex. questioning calls, gestures, taunting, "show-boating" etc).
• Cooperate with referees, coaches and fellow participants to conduct a fair game.
• Accept favorable and unfavorable decisions, as well as victory and defeat, with equal grace.
• Come prepared each week to practice (ball, water, shin guards and cleats) and understand that there will be ramifications for disruptive behavior- whether in practice or a game (ex. reduced playing time, sitting out practice, etc).
• Be committed to the team for the entire season. Although we encourage the multi-sport athlete, our Fall Season should be a priority for all players.
• Playing Time: Lineups are created at our training sessions and at times can be Game Specific. Playing time is always earned! Playing time is based on skill, adherence to the Team Expectations, overall attitude, continuous improvement, and ability to get the job done during a game. Each player must prove themselves daily. The coaching staff encourages players to meet with them regarding playing time, roles, or anything the player wishes to discuss at appropriate times. At our Grass Roots age-groups, it is the goal of our coaches to play all players in each game. The motto, "If you don't play, you don't develop."

EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS AND FANS:

• Support the team and coaches
• Respect decisions made by referees
• Respect opposing fans, coaches and participants
• Respect the Clubs Philosophy 
• Release your player to the game
• Enjoy being a Fan
• Communication: Encourage your player to speak to the Coach. Coaches will not communicate with parents until they had had the opportunity to speak with the player first. Please respect the 24-hour rule. After a game, please allow 24-hours before communicating with the coach about a given situation.
• Chain of Command - For conflicts, the Club Policy asks for Parents to first try to resolve the conflict with the Coach. If this isn't effective, Parents can then involve the Director of Soccer for further review.
• Attend the Club-Wide Parent Meeting each season

• Players must re-qualify and re-sign for a team each year at open tryouts.
  

• Any player who resigns or is released from a team will still be responsible for covering an appropriate share of team fees and expenses.
• Players may not play on multiple rosters unless in-house with FCE.