Code of Conduct

Bedford Athletic Club is committed to providing a safe, positive, and respectful environment for every player, family, coach, and official across all of our programs. Because emotions in youth sports can sometimes turn into abusive or even physical behavior, BAC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unsportsmanlike conduct. Everyone in our community — players, parents, coaches, and spectators — is expected to continually raise the standard of behavior, both on and off the field. Participation in any BAC program requires that players, parents, and coaches accept and uphold the responsibilities below.

Applies to all BAC programs — Travel and Recreational/Adaptive. The standards below apply to everyone unless an item is marked TRAVEL.

Players

  • Represent BAC and the Town of Bedford with pride and good sportsmanship.
  • Respect referees, teammates, opponents, coaches, and equipment.
  • Give your best effort and remember that winning is a result of teamwork — you are part of a team.
  • During practices, listen attentively to instructions, give your best effort, and follow drills as directed. Horseplay that disrupts the session is discouraged; a player who repeatedly disrupts practice may be asked — with parental support — to step away.
  • Poor sportsmanship, during or after games, will not be tolerated.
  • Do not use foul or discriminatory language or obscene gestures.

Parents, Guardians & Spectators

Includes parents, guardians, team managers, and all spectators.

  • Represent BAC and the Town of Bedford with pride, and show positive support for all players, coaches, and referees at every game and practice.
  • Respect coaches, players, referees, other parents, opponents, and equipment.
  • Encourage your child to treat teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees with respect.
  • Communicate proactively with your coach about schedule conflicts and absences — failure to communicate affects the team and others’ commitment to the program.
  • Do not enter the field of play or the coaches’ sideline unless you are asked to.
  • Do not coach from the sidelines — let the coaches coach.
  • Do not referee from the sidelines by appealing for free kicks, offside, etc. — let the officials officiate.
  • Do not lobby the coach regarding your child’s playing time or seek favoritism over other players.
  • Do not use foul or discriminatory language or obscene gestures.
  • Never verbally or physically abuse any coach, official, spectator, or player — including your own child.

Coaches

Coaches play a vital role in creating a positive environment for our players and families. As a representative of BAC and the Town of Bedford, coaches are expected to uphold the highest standards of respect, professionalism, and sportsmanship.

Player-Centered Coaching

  • Emphasize player development, safety, and building confidence, while encouraging a positive approach to competition.
  • Create a positive learning environment where players feel encouraged to take risks, make mistakes, and grow.
  • Use positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to build player confidence and self-esteem.
  • Ensure fair and meaningful playing time, particularly in younger age groups. (Rec: equal/fair playing time. Travel: competitive, earned playing time with a focus on development, especially in younger age groups.)

Sportsmanship & Respect

  • Treat all players, parents, referees, opposing teams, and equipment with respect.
  • Do not use foul or discriminatory language or obscene gestures.
  • Never engage in any verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or harassment.
  • Never argue with referees; seek clarification respectfully when necessary. Your behavior sets the tone for your team.
  • Enforce and support an anti-bullying policy to create a positive, inclusive environment where all players — regardless of background, ability, or identity — feel respected and valued.
  • Comply with the Referee Abuse Policy and the Social Media and Substance-Free standards in the Standards for Everyone section below.

Safety & Compliance

  • Register as a BAC coach and complete SafeSport training and background checks as directed by BAC Leadership.
  • Inspect fields and equipment before every practice and game.
  • Be aware of concussion symptoms and follow return-to-play protocols. A player with a suspected concussion must receive medical clearance before returning to play.

Compliance with BAC & League Policies

  • Abide by BAC policies, including behavior expectations, playing-time standards, referee respect, and health and safety protocols.
  • TRAVEL Follow NHSL league rules, including club pass procedures, roster requirements, maximum allowed goal differential, and accurate score reporting.

Standards for Everyone

Players, parents & coaches.

Respect for Referees & Officials

  • Referees and officials are to be treated with respect at all times. BAC maintains zero tolerance for any threats, intimidation, or abuse directed at officials — whether in person or online.
  • TRAVEL BAC fully supports U.S. Soccer’s “Respect and Protect” (RAP) initiative. Any threats, intimidation, or abuse directed at referees may result in immediate removal from BAC and possible legal action. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/rap.
  • The same standard of respect applies to all officials in our recreational league. Although Rec play falls under a different league, referees must be respected and abuse will not be tolerated.

Social Media

  • Negative or disparaging social media posts about referees, coaches, players, or the club are prohibited. Concerns should be addressed privately and respectfully.

Substance-Free Environment

  • Maintain a substance-free environment during all BAC player-involved activities.

Accountability & Disciplinary Action

  • BAC has a zero-tolerance policy for disrespectful and inappropriate behavior toward coaches, players, referees, parents, and opponents.
  • All offenses will be reviewed. Consequences may range from a verbal warning to fines, suspensions, and disciplinary hearings, up to removal or ban from BAC events (games and practices) or expulsion from the program. BAC Leadership reserves the right to impose fines and/or suspensions.
  • TRAVEL Coaches: Coaches are responsible for paying fines resulting from red cards, misconduct, or any other NHSL violations — BAC will no longer cover these costs, and any fines must be paid prior to returning to practices/games. BAC Leadership reserves the right to impose additional fines and/or suspensions above and beyond those determined by the NHSL/NHSA and, depending on severity, to remove a coach from BAC.

Acknowledgment

By participating in a BAC program, players, parents, and coaches agree to read, understand, and uphold this Code of Conduct. Violations may result in fines, suspension, removal, or dismissal. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Questions?  Travel Program: travelprogram@bedfordac.com  ·  Rec Program: recsoccer@bedfordac.com