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Home Learn About MAPLEOpen Letter OPEN LETTER AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL MAPLE PARTICIPANTS:
We would like the reputation and integrity of the MAPLE to be free of the effects of irresponsible conduct of clubs and coaches. The pressure that some clubs and coaches feel to win, even at the expense of fair and ethical behavior, produces actions that set a terrible example for the players and turn MAPLE into a cutthroat environment. When such conduct goes unchecked, pressure mounts on other clubs and coaches to respond in kind in order to compete.
USSF/USYSA rules articulate a "player's bill of rights", which should by now be generally well understood. The player has the right to change teams if he or she wishes, and the right, once selected, not to be dropped by a team for other than very extreme circumstances. There is no corresponding coach's bill of rights. Our By-Laws contain certain rules with which you must all be familiar. We draw your attention in particular to the sections on RECRUITING OF PLAYERS and COACHES' & MANAGERS' CONDUCT & RESPONSIBILITY.
In addition, the MAPLE Commission feels that there are more subtle ethical standards that must be observed by its members. The next page sets out MAPLE's brief code of conduct for coaches. On the second page following, in the same spirit, is MYSA's Coaches Code of Conduct, to which MAPLE also subscribes. All member clubs and their coaches should know these codes and follow them.
We urge all MAPLE participants to report violations to us. Please do so in writing, and be specific. The Ethics Committee will consider all such reports and punish breaches of the code. We expect your full support in this effort to bring balance to our activities.
Sincerely,
THE MAPLE COMMISSION
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE:
Bill Walker, Chairman
 
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