Parent Code of Conduct Agreement
Messalonskee Youth Football Association has implemented the following guidelines regarding the expected role of parents in supporting their child in sports. Parents should read, understand, and sign this form prior to their child participating in youth football activities.
Any parent who does not abide by these rules and displays improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension or a forfeit of the privilege to attend games for the remainder of the season.
The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanlike conduct and these six basic principles:
- Trustworthiness
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Fairness
- Caring
- Good Citizenship
Understanding this concept and wishing to create the best sports experience for my child, I therefore agree to the following:
1. I will not force my child to participate in sports
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage good sportsmanship by behaving in a courteous and respectful manner.
5. I will demonstrate positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct such as booing, taunting, and refusing to shake hands or using profane language or gestures with any official, coach, athlete, or spectator.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that he/she will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or by his/her own performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, regardless of the score of the game.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. I will emphasize how practice and skill development can benefit my child, over winning.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child’s team to win.
15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games.
16. I will never question, discuss or confront coaches at the game field, but take time to speak with coaches at a more appropriate and agreed upon time and place.
17. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
18. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.