5 Ways to Avoid Being Toxic on the Pitch
With Footy Fest just a few days away and nearly all of our record setting fall leagues up and running right now, we're feeling pretty good about NYC Footy's state of affairs. But as joyful as we are about passing good times back and forth between one another, we know competition can occasionally bring out the worst in human behavior.
That's why we're dedicating this post to helping every single player who appears in a NYC Footy game, tournament, or special event understand what's at stake when toxic behavior starts trending.
We're digging through the incident reports to demonstrate the type of actions we won't tolerate as league organizers, but keep in mind good sportsmanship only gets us to our destination if everyone is on board. This doesn't just apply to players by the way: everyone who steps on a pitch during an NYC Footy match must be held accountable, which includes refs, spectators, our partners, and naturally NYC Footy staff.
5. Be honest about your skill level when signing up
Winning a championship is only legit when the playing field is even. If your plan to win it all involves not sharing the whole truth about your skill level, let it be known we've got eyes everywhere but also you are incredibly easy to spot. Experienced teams taking advantage of beginner players ruins games and actually hurts soccer's reputation as a welcoming sport for those who join for different reasons, the least of which is winning a trophy.
How NYC Footy can help: Start off by reviewing What is the difference between skill levels? in our FAQ section. If you're still unsure about what pigeon division is right for you, please reach out to our CX team at [email protected] to help find the right fit.
4. Don't dish out red and yellow cards like you're a blackjack dealer
Refereeing is not easy. Billy Lyons, our Content Marketing Manager, still feels bad about the calls he didn't make while working as an intramural volleyball ref at the University of Richmond 20 years ago, which has limited his ability to fully enjoy the beach scene in Top Gun.
But we rely on our refs to be our in game voices of reason, keeping a cool head to diffuse tense situations and commanding the respect of all players through timely decision making. If you're a ref that tends to be quick on the draw when unwelcoming words are thrown your way, consider the impact those cards really have on the outcome of the game. We know yellow and red cards are warranted for select situations, but we also know there are other ways to de-escalate situations that result in everyone accepting the outcome.
How NYC Footy can help: We invest in continuous referee training because we know how critical proper refereeing is for our players in game experience. Though we evaluate our referees performance throughout the season, we encourage players to keep our refs behavior accountable by reporting any incidents or league disruptions via the NYC Footy App or our Incident and League Disruption Form.
3. Choose kindness
We occasionally get reports of players verbally assaulting other players and referees. Less often, we hear about refs clapping back or making unnecessary comments. Though we don't know everyone's reason for playing in our leagues, we can say confidently no one signs up just so they can be a target for vitriol. Verbal assaults make players quit. Verbal assaults make referees quit. Less players and less referees mean less league options for everyone.
How NYC Footy can help: Repeat the following when your first instinct is to mouth off: I can choose to be calm in this moment. So I'm going to do that because it makes me feel good. And feeling good is the key to a better performance. Alternatively, if you respond better to punitive measures, then keep your yap shut or you may risk turning your cleats in to footy HQ permanently.
Note: The following is a not so kind statement but it has to be said:
If you're joining NYC Footy as an outlet to release stress through anger and aggression, then get ready to feel out of place. Not only does NYC Footy management not tolerate this, but players don't. You'll be redirected to one of the many leagues in NYC before you can tell someone to you know what.
2. Don't play dirty (or drunk)
We know some players are more skilled than others, but breaking out a bag of dirty tricks in order to regain possession or create scoring situations is never a good look. From broken noses to neck pulls, we've heard from our community how unsafe one player can make everyone on the field feel. So, if you're plan is to use your body as a battering ram and challenge Ric Flair's reputation as the dirtiest player in the game, we're not going to tolerate physical violence and will act accordingly once all the facts have been gathered.
Also, if you think taking a shot before taking a shot is a good idea, let this be your reminder that it is, in fact, a terrible idea.
How NYC Footy Can Help: If you're genuinely curious about proper technique and controlling your body the right way, sign up for a practice with BetterPlayer. BetterPlayer coaches are more than happy to demonstrate proper passing, first touch, and body positioning techniques no matter what your skill level may be, and one class can go a long way in ensuring you've created a safer environment for everyone on the field.
And if you want to find a nice place to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, we have a great bar partnership program that offers discounted drink deals to NYC Footy players. These are best enjoyed after the final whistle has been blown.
1. Don't be a creep
We keep the receipts here at NYC Footy and sadly it looks like a few men (and women) have been shopping around some sexist remarks. Whether's it's a case of tiny pinnie syndrome or another personal frustration that's caused you to spew sexist vitriol in a recreational league, we can't have it. Or you. Ever.
How NYC Footy Can Help: Take a read of our Ted Lasso Code of Conduct. If that doesn't align with your idea of a good time on the pitch, then email us for a bit of a redirect.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Download the NYC Footy app and make sure your captain reports a skill discrepancy or inappropriate behavior from players or staff. Alternatively, you can fill out an incident report.
Both only take a few minutes and can help protect the integrity of the league and your experience on the pitch. If we see more than one report for the same player/team/staff, we'll take immediate action (including DQ'ing teams from playoffs, suspending players/staff temporarily or removing them permanently).
Our Code of Conduct, Rules, and Resources
Being an informed player who knows our rules as well as expectations on etiquette can't happen unless we provide you the right resources. That's why we're listing all of our essential reading here:
Learn about our culture by reading our Ted Lasso code of conduct.
Prepare for games, including proper attire, by reading the rules.
Download the NYC Footy app. Players get quick and immediate access to leagues, standings and schedules. Captains get these and the ability to leave post-game feedback or report an incident.
Take the time to take a look at our incident and league disruption form.
Need a pick me up? Watch our vintage video, When did you fall in love with Football?