Boston Touch values respect: for the game, for each other, for volunteers and referees, and for the time and effort we all put in.
1. Respect Each Other
Be On Time: Showing up on time for training isn’t just about schedules—it’s about showing your teammates that you value their time and commitment too. Aim to be ready 15 minutes early for trainings.
Inclusiveness: We’re a team that supports learning and improvement—no matter where someone’s starting from. Whether you’ve played for years or just picked up the game, everyone deserves respect, patience, and the chance to grow.
Lift the Team, Don’t Drag It Down: Encouragement and positivity are essential for a strong team culture; celebrate each other’s successes and keep the energy positive. We never shout or criticize teammates during games, only coaches and captains talk in the sub box. When someone’s having a rough game—have their back.
2. Respect the Game (and Everyone in It)
Play Hard, Play Fair: While we help each other stay calm and focused no matter the situation, we are ultimately accountable as individuals to how we conduct ourselves.
Respect for Officials: We never argue with referees or complain about their decisions, and only captains communicate with the referees at tournaments.
Honesty: When referees ask us a question (e.g., if we have made a touch) we are always honest in our response; we play with integrity at all times.
Sportsmanship: We never let our emotions boil over or act recklessly on the field. For instance, we never take ‘cheap shots’ on or off the field.
3. Respect the Commitment
Show Up When You Can: When you say you’ll be there, your teammates are counting on it.
Appreciate the Effort: Our coaches put in a lot of time planning sessions and helping us grow. Respecting that effort means listening, staying engaged, and being coachable.
Everyone Contributes: Your presence matters.
4. Respect the Team’s Reputation
On the Field and Off the Field: How we carry ourselves matters. That includes how we comport ourselves at tournaments and talk to and about teammates, opponents, referees.
5. Respect Through Accountability
Speak Up (Kindly): If something’s off, talk about it. We hold each other to a standard—not out of ego, but because we want to foster an environment in which we all enjoy playing a game we love.
Club Leadership, Coaches & Captains Are Here to Help: If something needs sorting, they’ll step in. But we trust everyone to look out for each other.
Responses to Infractions
Accountability to the Code of Conduct: Initial infringements to the Code of Conduct will be brought to the attention of the player at fault. It is that player’s responsibility to either clarify a misunderstanding or acknowledge the infringement and learn from it. A pattern of continual infringements during trainings will preclude players from tournament selection consideration. A pattern of continual infringements during games during a tournament will preclude players from participating in one or more games in that tournament. Serious, repeated transgressions—or harassment or abuse of any kind—may result in exclusion from Boston Touch, at the discretion of the club president and leadership team.
Feedback from the Team: The Code of Conduct is intended to help us be the most welcoming, growth-oriented club that we can be. As such, we welcome feedback and hope that the Code of Conduct progresses as the club progresses.
Bottom Line
Let’s enjoy the game. Let’s keep it solid. Let’s have each other’s backs.
We win, lose, train, and grow together. This code is built on trust and mutual respect. If we all strive towards these ideals, the team becomes something we’re proud to be part of—on every level.
Living up to the values of the Code of Conduct is a prerequisite for selection in Boston Touch tournament teams.