Shaler Area Elementary Parent Code of Conduct and Expectations

SAEBA continuously strives from improvement in all areas of its operation. One of our goals is to have our players develop superior life skills through team play, sportsmanship, competition and hard work. We emphasize fair play and respect for participants, including teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and fans. We want to be viewed as a first rate organization. As such we ask that all parents adhere to the code of conduct below.

*Prior to the beginning of the season, all parents will have to read and agree to the code of conduct. Should any parent in the orgnazation violate the code or conduct, the Board of Directors will address concerns and witholds the right to remove or ban parents from practices or games for any duration of time during the season.

1. Support your child.  Give support and encouragement by showing interest in his/her team.  Encourage your child to work toward skill improvement and sportsmanship for every game and practice. Teach your child that hard work and effort are the components that will lead to victory.

2. Be positive.  Children learn by example more than by criticism.  Be a positive role model and reinforce positive behavior.  Applaud good plays by others on your child’s team as well as your own child’s. Do not criticize any child’s performance from the sidelines. Teach your child to be gracious in victory and use defeat as learning tool for improvement.

3. Don’t be a sideline coach or referee.  Refrain from coaching or officiating from the sideline.  Parents who shout from the sideline often give inappropriate advice at the wrong time.  The coach should be the only sideline voice.  Please sit in the designated bleachers with the rest of the spectators and enjoy the game.  Both you and your child will enjoy the game more if there is some emotional distance between you during competition.  The referee will assure fair play, integrity and sportsmanship.  Your coaches will be sure your child is motivated and prepared.  Never question the integrity of coaches or referees.

4. Demonstrate positive attitude toward opponents and their families.  Be sure to show good hospitality at home games and represent Shaler Area School District in a positive way when we visit other gyms. Avoid any verbal disagreement with opposing parents or coaches.  Letting cooler heads prevail is never the wrong choice.

5. Remember that your child wants to have fun.  This is a child’s game.  The children must establish their own goals, playing the game for themselves and their teammates.  There is no need for excessive demands on your child’s performance. Let your son/daughter experience the fun of playing as well as the challenges presented by competition.

6. Coach’s choice regarding practice.  Your coach has the discretion to close practices.  Practice is where your child will improve most as an individual player and teammate; as a result the team will improve too.  This time for development is more important than the games and it requires your child’s full attention and focus.  Please be respectful if your coach decides to close some or all of his/her practices.