COACHES, ATHLETES AND PARENTS

The objective of Youth Sports is to teach children to work as a part of a team, encourage sportsmanship and build self-confidence, train them to work hard and persevere in a positive competitive environment, and to instill an active / healthy lifestyle. To support this positive environment the following Code of Conduct shall apply for any person to participate in Southampton Youth Athletics.

CODE OF CONDUCT: COACHES

• I will coach with the goal of creating a positive learning experience for athletes.  Winning games is secondary to building a positive youth sports experience for my players, parents of my players, and opposing teams.

• I will follow all safety protocols of the league. 

• I will under NO circumstances engage in an argument with a referee, official, athlete or parent.  Any discussions or conversations with officials, referees, athletes or parents will be in a respectful tone.  

• I will treat opposing coaches, athletes, and parents with respect.

• I will report any violations of the code of conduct by parents, athletes, or other coaches to the league of Board of Directors. 

• I will refrain from using obscene language or gestures. 

• I will respect the facilities used when at other schools and churches.

• I will make sure your team leaves any rooms used in better condition than when they arrived. 

• I accept responsibility for my conduct, the conduct of my team,  and the fans who accompany my team.

• I will ensure the safety and wellbeing of my players. 

CODE OF CONDUCT: ATHLETES

• I will show good sportsmanship and respect to athletes, coaches, officials, opponents and parents at every game and practice.

• I will follow safety protocols of the league.

• I will learn the value of commitment by participating in as many practices and games as I can.

• I will encourage my teammates and praise good efforts.

• I will be honest, fair and respectful to others at all times.

• I will aim to learn all I can from sports.

• I will arrive at practice on time and be ready to dedicate my attention to my coaches.

• I will refrain from using obscene language and gestures. 

• I will avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco or any other illegal substance. 

• I will respect the school and parish gyms and fields used.

• I will be a good winner and a kind loser. 

• I will accept the responsibility of my own actions.

• I will follow all league rules. 

CODE OF CONDUCT: PARENTS/SPECTATORS

• I will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for ALL athletes, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.

• I will not engage in ANY kind of unsportsmanlike conduct and/or disrespect with any official, athlete, coach or parent this includes booing, taunting or using profane language or gestures, etc.

• I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health or well being of the athletes. 

• I will treat the children from the “other team” the way I would want my child(ren) to be treated. 

• I will be supportive of the coaches by allowing them to do the coaching.

Disciplinary Actions and Appeals Process:

Disciplinary Actions:

I agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but not limited to the following:

• Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or the SYAA board members.

• Written warning by official, head coach, and/or the SYAA board members. 

• Game suspension with written documentation of the incident.

• Season suspension with written documentation of incident.  

The referee/umpire/coach will have discretion at any sporting events. These parties may take actions appropriate to ensure that all persons are following the Code of Conduct as listed above in order to maintain a positive environment for the youth athletes. This includes stopping the game and calling a forfeit for one team in the case of a serious offense.

Any infractions should be reported to the Head of the League for that sport either in writing (e-mail) or verbally. The Head of the League is responsible for deciding what, if any, actions may be taken against all parties involved after investigating the incident.

The Disciplinary Actions listed above may be used in progression in the case of multiple offenses but can be escalated for more serious infractions at the discretion of the Head of the League. 

Appeals Process: 

After the Head of the League has informed all parties about Disciplinary Actions to be taken any Appeals may be brought to the SYAA Board to be reviewed at the next Board meeting. The Appeal should be submitted in writing (email preferred) within 72 hours of receipt of disciplinary finding, and a written reply will be provided in response after the SYAA Board has reviewed. The written appeal will be reviewed and responded to within 5-7 business days of receipt by the SYAA Board.