2024 Volcano International Soccer Tournament

Sportsmanship Point Agreement

Tournament Participants,

One of the core values of AYSO is a respect for fellow players, family members, coaches, and referees. Demonstrating sportsmanship during the tournament is how we all are able to express this respect for one another. Sportsmanship can vary in the manner it is expressed, whether it be a player helping another whom is down, parents cheering on an opponent, or everyone thanking a referee. The demonstration of respect is at the heart of them all. The Volcano International Soccer Tournament would like to thank everyone for their participation in this event and for making sportsmanship a focus of both this weekend and going forward.

On the back of every 2024 Volcano International Soccer Tournament game card will be three rows of sportsmanship categories: players, coaches, and spectators. Next to each category will be two check mark columns: “Yes” and “No”. At the completion of the game the center referee will determine whether or not each of these three groups of individuals demonstrated sportsmanship before, during, and after the game. A team that receives less than two, of a possible three check marks in the “Yes” column, will not receive a sportsmanship point in their overall scoring.

During the course of the game behavior by a player, coach (head, assistant, or substitute), or associated spectator not consistent with the policies of AYSO and the Volcano International Soccer Tournament may affect the team’s “Sportsmanship Score” for that game. A player, coach, or associated spectator receiving a red card will automatically result in the loss of a sportsmanship point. Additionally, forfeiture of a game will automatically result in the loss of a sportsmanship point.

The Volcano International Soccer Tournament uses a point system to determine standings and placement into the Semi-Finals and Finals Games. The point scoring for each game is as such:
Points For a Win: 8
Points For a Tie: 3
Points For a Shutout: 1
Points For Sportsmanship: 1

The maximum points a team can secure in a game is 10 points. The loss of the sportsmanship point can ultimately be the difference between a team moving on into the semi-finals games or not. The Volcano International Soccer Tournament encourages players, coaches, and spectators to demonstrate sportsmanship before, during, and after the game; for the purpose keeping their sportsmanship point, but more importantly to show the type of character and behavior we expect of ourselves and those around us.

This information may also be found in the tournament Rules and Regulations.

The criteria a center referee will use in determining whether a player(s), coach, or spectator demonstrated sportsmanship before, during, and after the game can be found below.

Players
Respect for Teammates and Coaches
Cooperate with teammates and coaches (no arguing, negative comments, etc.) Concentrate on best efforts, team play and encouraging teammates.

Respect for Opponents
Treat opponents with respect. Win with humility and grace; accept defeat with dignity. Shake hands and make positive comments at end of game.

Respect for Officials
Respect referee calls and decisions in actions and words. Thank referee/field monitors at end of game.

Respect for the Game
Know and play by the Laws of the Game (no free kick infringement, time wasting, etc.). Play with skill rather with undue force. Follows uniform code. Clean team area before departing.

Coaches
Respect for Players
Encourage and support players’ best and fair efforts. ONLY positive, instructional and encouraging comments. Allow players to play and think for themselves. Maximize playing opportunities for all.

Respect for Opponents
Acknowledge good plays. Maintain and encourage sporting behavior of self, supporters and players through words and actions. Win with humility and grace; accept defeat with dignity. Congratulate and thank opposing team and coaches at game end.

Respect for Officials
Respect referee calls and decisions. Encourage players and spectators to respect referee calls and decisions. Remain in team area unless asked onto the field by the referee. Cooperate with Volcano International Soccer Tournament officials.

Respect for the Game
Know and encourage playing by the Laws of the Game. Players are organized and ready to play, including substitutions. Encourage self-control and fair play of players.

Spectators and Supporters
Respect for Players and Coaches
Cheer positively for efforts of both teams. Encourage teamwork and fair play at all times. Support coach decisions with silence or positive comments. No coaching of players – let the coaches coach.

Respect for Officials
Respect referee calls and decisions. Cooperate with Volcano International Soccer Tournament officials. Remain in designated spectator areas.

Respect for the Game
Maintain self-control and decorum at all times. Acknowledge that soccer is a GAME and that best efforts of all are to be applauded. Show by actions and words that the purpose of the Volcano International Soccer Tournament is understood, respected and supported.

Sportmanship Point Agreement PDF