• Strive to maintain integrity within our sport.
• Know and follow all rules and policies set forth by clubs, leagues, state, and national associations.
• Work in the spirit of cooperation with officials, administrators, coaches, and spectators to provide the participants with the maximum opportunity to develop.
• Be a positive role model.
• Set the standard for sportsmanship with opponents, referees, administrators, and spectators.
• Keep sport in proper perspective with education.
• Encourage moral and social responsibility.
• Just say no to drugs.

• Children have more need of example than criticism.
• Attempt to relieve the pressure of competition, not increase it. A child is easily affected by outside influences.
• Be supportive of the coach. The coach is a volunteer giving of personal time and money to provide a recreational activity for your child.
• The opponents are necessary friends. Without them your child could not participate.
• Applaud good plays by our team and by members of the opposing team.
• Do Not openly question an official's judgment and honesty. Officials are symbols of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship.
• Accept the results of each game. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory, and to turn defeat into victory by working towards improvement.

On May 14, 2009 the Governor of Washington, Christine Gregoire, signed House Bill 1824, also known as the Zackery Lystedt Law.  Effective July 26, 2009, the Lystedt Law directly affects youth sports and head injury policies.  The new law requires that:

1)    An informed consent must be signed annually by parents and youth athletes acknowledging the risk of head injury prior to practice or competition

2)    A youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury must be removed from play – “when in doubt, sit them out”

3)    A youth athlete who has been removed from play must receive written clearance from a licensed health care provider prior to returning to play

Washington Youth Soccer has developed the guidelines, pertinent information and forms to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of the nature and risk of concussion and head injury including continuing to play after concussion or head injury.  Each member association and club will work in concert with Washington Youth Soccer to disseminate these materials and ensure compliance with the new law.   

What is needed to be in compliance?

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

• Shall annually review, sign and return to the Washington Youth Soccer Club in which their child plays for, an informed consent form on concussion and head injury prior to the youth athlete's initiating practice or competition. This informed consent form can be found by clicking here.