This Code of Conduct applies to all participants in Vancouver Whitecaps FC teams or programs.  

It is expected that players and parents, by participating in a Whitecaps team or program, agree to respect and uphold this Code of Conduct as well as the Whitecaps club philosophy of ethical and professional behaviour.

1. Demonstrate commitment and performance 

• Commitment to Prospects takes priority over other sports and activities. Only exceptions are important soccer related activities such as cup games etc.
• Players are expected to be on time for training, games and events. Lateness will not be tolerated.
• Report all injuries or medical conditions. Injured Players still need to report to training.
• If you cannot attend a session please email your manager/coach for approval.

2. Communication 

The Whitecaps will strive hard to communicate professionally and openly with player/parents. Email and the Whitecaps Youth Development website will serve as the primary channel of communication for administration and updates.  It is the responsibility of the player/parents to:

• Maintain a valid email address and check it regularly.
• Refer to the Whitecaps Youth Development website for schedules, game reports and player information.
• Be familiar with appropriate staff and contacts (contact information is posted on the Whitecaps Youth Development website).
• For administrative issues, contact Angela Whitfield at 604 669-9283 ext 2280 or via email 
• Direct any other inquiries to your team manager first.  If necessary, your team manager will redirect you to the appropriate contact.
• If you have concerns about coaching or player development, ask your coach for an appropriate time to talk.

3. Dress Code

Players are to required to wear assigned Whitecaps equipment for all official events.

• Whitecaps training gear to all sessions. This includes tracksuit, shirts, shorts and socks.
• Whitecaps travel gear to all games, all travel to games, all official meetings and team meals.

4. Playing time and selection

• This is a professional club development program based on player performance and character. There is no guarantee of playing time. Player selection is at the discretion of the team head coach.
• Coaches have an open policy regarding player performances and improvement, not player selection.

5. Respect game time preparation and execution

The field area and coaches' sideline area are for the teams and officials only.

• All parents/spectators should be in the grandstand or opposite side of the field to coaches/players.
• Parents/spectators must allow the coach to coach, the referee to officiate, and players to play.

6. Sportsmanship and respect for the opposition and officials

Realize that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability but also on sportsmanship.

• Players/parents refrain from commenting on decisions during the play of the game.
• Any comments/language regarding officiating by a parent/player or staff may result in disciplinary action.

7. Player Discipline - the following behaviours are considered cause for dismissal:

• Use/possession of a substance (drugs, alcohol, or, tobacco).  Note that there will be zero tolerance for this behaviour.
• Persistent irresponsible and/or disrespectful behavior.
• Destruction of property.
• Persistent failure to comply with guidelines (curfew, attendance, dress code, schedules, etc.).

If dismissal from the program or an event occurs while traveling, the player may be sent home immediately at the parent’s cost with no reimbursement of program fees.

8. Travel and respect for opposition and facilities

Please note that in representing the Whitecaps we expect that you will respect not only opposition players, but also all opposition facilities. This includes cleaning up after yourself after all games and keeping any guest opposition facilities in the state they were found.

On the field, and off the field, professional behavior will be expected at all times.

9. Team travel

Teams should be traveling with a goal of success, so a professional attitude, appearance, and mature behavior is expected at all times and will be enforced.

• All teams are to travel as a group, including players, coaches, managers, and technical staff.
• All players are to travel to and from games in full Whitecaps travel team gear.
• Players are expected to wear equipment at club meetings, to and from games and official club outings unless specified by staff.

10. Player hotel protocol and guidelines

All hotel rooms will be on interior hallways for security. Supervision is via managers, coaches, and staff. Teams will stay together on a floor. Rooms will be four players to a room in two double/queen beds. The player room will be right next to manager/coach room.

• All players are to remain on hotel property unless approved by team managers. Games, training, dinners, and team excursions will all be planned ahead of time and posted for each team member to see. There will be no excuses or tolerance for deviating from these rules.
• Any players leaving hotel property at any time must have a club chaperone from their team’s staff or the club technical staff.
• Any player functions planned outside of hotel are to be attended as a team in conjunction with supervision.
• In the event of planned family time for players, those players traveling without parents will be required to participate in a planned, supervised activity.
• Any use of hotel facilities (i.e. pool, fitness rooms, etc.) is to be cleared through the team manager and (depending on age) to be monitored by manager.
• All personnel issues such as parent visits, injuries, etc. are to go through the team manager.

11. Curfew and "Lights Out" time

Mandatory curfew and “lights out” time will be designated in the itineraries and enforced by the team manager in conjunction with team and technical staff.

This means that all players must be in their own room with lights out at this time. There will be in-room security checks, and then lights out….all under the supervision of the team manager with assistance from team and technical staff.

Team manager will monitor hotel lobby and concourse each evening.