NORTH CANTON YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

CODE OF CONDUCT

The mission of North Canton Youth Football Association is to provide a safe, fun learning environment for the youth of the North Canton community.  We strive to create an opportunity for kids to work together as a team toward common goals.  We emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork and respect for authority figures (coaches, game officials, volunteers and board members).  We recognize the impact our program has on the North Canton Hoover Football program.  Our focus is on developing good life skills through the sports of football and cheerleading.  NCYFA will not tolerate verbal or physical abuse of its volunteer coaches, referees or players from any parent, player or spectator.  All players, coaches, parents and spectators are expected to abide by the code of conduct described here at all NCYFA events. 

Coaches Code of Conduct:

• As a head coach, you (through your actions and words) set the example for your players, parents and spectators.  You set the tone and lead by example.
• Read the players, parents and spectators Code of Conduct.  Understand what is being asked of all participants in our program and actively promote these codes.
• Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
• Ensure that each player is correctly dressed with the necessary safety equipment (helmet, mouthpiece, pads, etc) before being allowed to play.
• Get treatment for an injured player immediately.  Cooperate fully with medical personnel in the best interest of the player.
• Never physically or mentally push children beyond their abilities.  The game is of minor consideration when compared to the child’s future health and well-being.
• Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.  Never condone unacceptable behavior.
• Accept the decisions of the referees on the field as being fair and called to the best of their ability.  The referees are in charge of all games; their decision is final.  This includes youth referees at flag football games.  Mistreatment of the referees may result in a suspension.
• Always be prompt, courteous, and direct when dealing with the league officials, opposition coaches, and referees.
• Abstain from being under the influence of or in possession of and/or drinking alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substance, and tobacco products during the game or practices and at any other events such as team parties.

Consequences of behavior:

• Violation of this code may result in the suspension of coaching and further responsibilities in accordance with the NSYFL Code of Conduct
• Suspensions are reviewed by Board of Directors

Athletes Code of Conduct:

• Have fun.
• Be a good sport (win or lose), be honest and fair.
• Learn the value of commitment to the team, sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
• Show courtesy and respect to my teammates, opponents, coaches and officials.
• Know that athletic contests are educational experiences.
• Give complete attention to the instructions of my coaches and league officials.
• Maintain passing grades and satisfactory conduct in school.

I will not:

• Use profanity, talk “trash”, or taunt others before, during or after any game or practice.
• Display any unsportsmanlike behavior.
• Criticize my teammates or players from other teams.
• Act in any way that may provoke spectators.

Consequences of behavior:

• Violation of this code may result in the suspension of play for up to one full game.
• A subsequent violation may result in the suspension of play for the remainder of the season.
• Suspensions are reviewed by the commissioner with the appropriate coaches.

Parents / Spectators Code of Conduct:

• Support the coaches, players and / or cheerleaders and help teach the value of commitment to the team, sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
• Support my child’s team and help my child and NCYFA make athletic contests a positive educational experience.
• Direct constructive criticism of my child’s team program to the head coach and/or NCYFA officials at an appropriate time. I will work toward a positive result for all concerned.
• Accept decisions of the game officials. The officials are in charge of all games; their decisions are final.
• Exhibit exemplary sportsmanship at all times.
• Emphasize that good athletes strive to be good students.
• Stay behind the designated spectator line / area during a game.
• Abstain from being under the influence of or in possession of and/or drinking alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substance during the game or practices and at any other events such as team parties.

I will not:

• Undermine the authority of the coach or NCYFA.

Consequences of Behavior:

• At any NCYFA event, practice, or competition, any adult who verbally abuses, attempts to intimidate, is flagrantly rude to, or does not control their language or actions with a player, official, coach, spectator or NCYFA board member will be asked to leave the event.
• If the spectator fails to leave upon request, law enforcement authorities may be called to remove the spectator.
• Any adult that commits a second similar offense may be banned from NCYFA events for the remainder of the season.