Sportsmanship

Webster's describes sportsmanship as the qualities and behaviors of a person who can take a loss or defeat without complaint, a victory without gloating, and who treats his opponents with fairness, generosity, courtesy and respect. This definition applies not only to the athletes on the field, but also to the coaches and spectators who come to participate in the game.

A COACH OR MANAGER...

Exemplifies the highest moral character, behavior, and leadership, while adhering to strong ethical and integrity standards.
Respects the integrity and personality of the individual athlete.
Abides by and teaches the rules of the game in letter and in spirit.
Sets a good example for players and spectators to follow.
Refrains from arguments in view of players and spectators.
Does not gesture or remark to indicate an official or opposing coach does not know what they are doing or talking about.
Does not throw any objections to express disgust or other feelings towards the officials and opposing coaches before and after the contest in full view of the public.
Respects the integrity and judgment of game officials.
Treats officials with respect, even when they disagree with their judgment
Displays modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
Instructs participants and spectators in proper sportsmanship responsibilities and demands that they make sportsmanship the No. 1 priority.
Develops a program that rewards participants and spectators for displaying proper sportsmanship and enforces penalties on those who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.
Does not participate in the use of profanity, obscene language or improper actions.

AN ATHLETE ...

Accepts and understands their responsibility and privilege of representing their league and community.
Lives up to the standards of sportsmanship established by the league and the coaching staff.
Learns the rules of the game thoroughly and discuss them with parents, fans, and other players.
Treats opponents the way they would like to be treated, as a guest or friend.
Wishes an opponent good luck before the game and thanks them in a courteous manner following either victory or defeat.
Respects the integrity and judgment of game officials.

A SPECTATOR ...

Attends the contest to support and encourage their team and to enjoy the skill and competition.
Remembers that football is a learning experience for young athletes and that mistakes will be made.
Praises the athletes in their attempt to improve as a student working in their classroom.
Learns the rules of the game, so that you may understand and appreciate the certain situations that may take place.
Shows respect for the opposing players, coaches and spectators. Treats them as they would treat a guest in their own home.
Respects the integrity and judgment of game officials.
Understands that the officials are doing their best to help promote the athlete.
Admires the willingness of the officials to participate and perform in full view of the public.
Recognizes and shows appreciation for an outstanding plays by both teams.
Learns, respects and follows all rules set by the governing bodies of the Association and Areas.
Uses cheers that only support and uplift the teams involved.
Is a positive role model at events through their own actions and behavior.

EVERYONE ...

Abides by the Ten Commandments of Sportsmanship!

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF SPORTSMANSHIP

"Golden Rule"-- Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
Enjoy yourself and promote enjoyment for others.
Be responsible for your actions.
Have an open mind to others' weaknesses and have a forgiving attitude.
Have pride in one's performance and one's team.
Be a friend, not an enemy, and create a positive environment.
Encourage others to do or be their best.
Sportsmanship should be contagious.
Remember it is a privilege to participate.
Practice sportsmanship in all situations at all costs.
This program is to improve all aspects of HYFL and its members. We can all improve our sportsmanship any time we are at any HYFL event or practice.

Help us make sportsmanship the rule in HYFL for everyone to follow.

Thanks

HYFL COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

The function of a coach is to educate students through participation in interscholastic competition. An interscholastic program should be designed to enhance academic achievement and should never interfere with opportunities for academic success. Each student-athlete should be treated as though he or she were the coaches’ own, and his or her welfare should be uppermost at all times. Accordingly, the following guidelines for coaches have been adopted by the HYFL Board of Directors.

The coach shall be aware that he or she has a tremendous influence, for either good or ill, on the education of the student-athlete and, thus, shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.

The coach shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. In all personal contact with student-athletes, officials, athletic directors, school administrators, the state high school athletic association, the media, and the public, the coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.

The coach shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.

The coach shall avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco products when in contact with players.

The coach shall promote the entire interscholastic program of the school and direct his or her program in harmony with the total school program.

The coach shall master the contest rules and shall teach them to his or her team members. The coach shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules.

The coach shall respect and support contest officials. The coach shall not indulge in conduct which would incite players or spectators against the officials. Public criticism of officials or players is unethical.

Before and after contests, coaches for the competing teams should meet and exchange cordial greetings to set the correct tone for the event.

A coach shall not exert pressure on faculty members to give student-athletes special consideration. A coach shall not scout opponents by any means other than those adopted by the league and/or state high school athletic association.

HYFL COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

All HYFL football coaches must realize the game is played for the benefit of the participants. An emphasis will be placed on developing life long values. Coaches are role models and will set positive examples for players, parents, and spectators. The Code of Ethics has been developed to stress operating within specific coaching guidelines that brings credit to the team and HYFL.

Article One - Responsibilities to Players

A coach must be aware of the influence he has on his players. All actions are expected to follow the rules of proper sportsmanship and respect the dignity of his players and the opposition.

All coaching techniques and decisions will be within the rules of the game. Every effort must be made to abide by high principles that promote mutual respect between the coach and his players.

It is in the best interest of all for the coach to consult trained medical personnel when injuries take place. The orders of the physician or certified athletic trainer must be followed.

Medication and treatment should be administered only with the direction of a physician or trained medical personnel.

All coaches are expected to know eligibility rules and apply them uniformly.

Prime consideration must be given to the academic performance of the players.

Article Two - Responsibility to HYFL

The primary function of the coach is to educate players through participation in the game of football.

A coach is a representative of NMYAFL and is expected to conduct himself in a manner that brings credit to the organization.

All football players are expected to follow school policies and will be reminded by the coach to seek academic success.

The coach must be sensitive to the fact that he is responsible for promoting a positive image for the program in the district.

Article Three - Rules of the Game

The rules and suggestions in the NMYAFL Rules as adopted by the HYFL Board of Directors, are an integral part of the code and must be followed.

Every coach has a responsibility to know the rules and to teach them to his players.

The coach will promote sportsmanship and respect for the opponent through teaching proper techniques .

Proper blocking, tackling, alignment, use of the clock, etc. will be promoted through maintaining high ethical standards in practice and games.

Coaches should stress that on field communication should be between teammates only.

Good sportsmanship habits are formed on the practice field. The coach will provide direction to guarantee that proper standards are followed at all times.

Article Four - Officials

Officials will have the respect and support of the coaches and players. Comments during and after the game must focus on the players.

Coaches and officials are required to attend HYFL and/ or NMYAFL Rules Interpretation Meetings and stay informed on rule changes. Players should be made aware how rules are interpreted.

Officials should be treated in a courteous manner. Concerns about officials should be expressed to the HYFL in writing.

Quick decisions must be made during games and officials will make the best decision at the time.

Article Five - Public Relations

Use courtesy, honesty, and respect in all dealings.

Professional, school, and family matters must be kept private.

Comments about upcoming games should be limited to promoting the contest.

Coaches will maintain a level of professionalism that will transcend any reference to predicting outcomes.

Article Six - Scouting

It is considered ethical to scout opponents only during games or agreed upon scrimmages. The head coach is responsible for the actions of his scouts.

Video scouting is acceptable as long as it is done from the stands.

Article Seven - Other Responsibilities

Before and after the game opposing coaches should meet and exchange greetings.

Coaches should help to improve sportsmanship

The coach should limit his comments about the game to members of his team and encourage his players to do the same.

It is ethical to limit all rewards, celebrations, etc. to the team and to respect the dignity of the opponent.

The coach must follow all rules and regulations as determined by HYFL policy.

HYFL PARENT'S CODE OF CONDUCT:

I will be responsible for my behavior as well as for the behavior of those who attend HYFL events as my guest.

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parent's Code of Ethics Pledge.

I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports events

I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win. 

I will be in control of my emotions.

I will remain in the spectator area during competitions.

I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.

I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all. 

I will not advise the coach on how to do the job.

I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
I will not drink alcohol at a contest or come to one having drunk too much.

I will remember that the game is for our youth - not adults. Participation in youth sports is a privilege, not a right.

I will show respect for all participants at all times.

I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child. I will not instruct him to harm any other participants knowingly.

I will not coach my child during the contest.

I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.

I will not make insulting comments to players, parents, officials, or coaches of either team.

I promise to help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectable fan assisting with coaching or providing transportation.

I will require that my child's coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sport coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches Code of Ethics.

I will thank coaches, officials, and other volunteers who have conducted the event.

I understand that my responsibilities include setting an example for children and that any breech of those responsibilities will result in my inability to attend games or practices if deemed necessary by the program coordinators.

HYFL CODE OF CONDUCT: Each team shall be responsible for keeping the spectators orderly and off the playing field and behind the spectator's boundary. Shouting abusive language at a player, officials, or spectators is strictly prohibited, and a violation shall result in the enforcement of the high school rules. At the immediate time of any incident or physical abuse of an official by any spectator, the officials will meet with the head coaches of both teams in order that every effort is made to identify the assailant. Physical abuse of an official by a coach or parent will result in suspension of the coach and parent from all HYFL activities for the entire calendar year or 365 days, commencing with the date of the infraction.

EJECTION: Any player, coach (head or assistant), or spectator who is ejected from a game by the officials, or causes a game to be forfeited due to unsportsmanlike conduct will automatically be suspended for the next game (scheduled, playoff, or superbowl) on the first offence. A second such offence will cause such player, coach, or spectator to be automatically suspended for the remainder of the season (playoffs and bowl games included). Any flagrant offence is cause for automatic removal from all HYFL football activities. No reimbursement will be given.