Yorkville Youth Tackle Football (YYTF) Coach Code of Conduct
Coaching in the YYTF program is a privilege, and all coaches are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, leadership, and integrity. Violations of this Code of Conduct that are detrimental to the program or its participants may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from coaching.
Coaching Expectations & Responsibilities
1. Positive Leadership & Culture
• Coaches will conduct themselves respectfully and professionally toward players, parents, officials, and fellow coaches at all times.
• Coaches are responsible for fostering a positive, disciplined, and team-oriented culture that prioritizes development over winning at all costs.
• The best teams are built in the locker room first – success starts with trust, communication, and a shared commitment to excellence.
2. Discipline, Accountability & Trust
• Discipline is key to success. Coaches will set clear expectations and hold players accountable while maintaining a positive and respectful environment.
• Trust is earned, not given. Coaches must show consistency, fairness, and investment in their players’ growth on and off the field.
• Coaches will lead by example, modeling accountability, work ethic, and respect, teaching players that their actions impact the entire team.
• Players will perform their best when they feel valued, challenged, and supported. Coaches must push players to reach their potential while showing they care about them as individuals.
3. Player Development Over Winning
• Coaches will prioritize fundamentals, teamwork, and life lessons over a “win-at-all-costs” mentality. Running up the score is discouraged.
• The goal is to build players, not just plays. Success is measured in effort, improvement, and character, not just the scoreboard.
4. Respect for Officials
• Coaches will accept officials’ decisions as final and refrain from arguing calls or displaying poor sportsmanship.
• Players will follow the example of their coaches—respecting officials starts at the top.
5. Zero Tolerance for Abuse
• Verbal abuse (profanity, excessive criticism) and inappropriate physical contact with players, officials, opposing teams, fans, or league officials will not be tolerated.
• Coaches will correct, not humiliate. Constructive feedback helps players grow; negative coaching breaks confidence and trust.
6. Player Safety First
• Coaches will not allow any player to participate in practice or games if there are concerns about their health or injury status without proper medical clearance.
• Coaches will promote toughness through preparation, not recklessness. Players must be conditioned and trained properly to play the game the right way.
7. Environmental Safety
• Coaches are responsible for taking necessary precautions to protect players in cases of extreme weather or unsafe field conditions.
8. No Substance Use
• The use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal substances at any team-related event, practice, or game is strictly prohibited.
9. No Unsportsmanlike Conduct
• Coaches will not engage in or encourage unsportsmanlike behavior from players, parents, or fans.
• Winning with class and losing with dignity are essential lessons in youth sports.
10. Equal Opportunity to Play
• Coaches will emphasize that football is fun and ensure all players get meaningful playing time.
11. Rule Adherence
• Coaches will follow YYTF and governing league rules, including any relevant high school or Pop Warner guidelines.
12. No Weight Manipulation
• Practices such as “sweating down” to control player weight are strictly prohibited.
13. Criminal Behavior
• Any felony-related charges during the season will result in immediate removal from coaching.
14. Appropriate Coach-Player Interaction
• Coaches will avoid direct, unsupervised contact with players outside of scheduled team activities without parental involvement or consent.
15. Program Representation
• Coaches will uphold the values of YYTF and refrain from any actions that reflect negatively on the program.
Discipline & Accountability: Building a Winning Culture
A championship culture starts long before the game begins. Winning teams are built through discipline, accountability, and trust.
• Coaches set the tone. If you demand discipline from your players, you must first demonstrate it yourself.
• Hold players accountable in a way that builds them up. Discipline should teach, not punish. When players understand expectations and consequences, they grow into better athletes and teammates.
• Create a locker room where players believe in each other and in their coaches. Players will give their all when they trust their coaches and feel their coaches believe in them.
• Consistency is key. The same standards should apply to every player, regardless of skill level or position.
• Praise effort, not just talent. The hardest workers set the standard for the team, and coaches should reinforce that effort matters more than natural ability.
A team built on respect, accountability, and trust will not only improve on the field but will create lifelong bonds and lasting success.
Disciplinary Action
Any violations of this Code of Conduct, as well as additional rules outlined in the League By-Laws, may result in suspension or removal from coaching. The YYTF Executive Board will review any violations, and coaches have the right to appeal disciplinary actions per league guidelines.
By signing up as a coach, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and help create a positive, safe, and rewarding football experience for all players.
Thank you for stepping up to coach and make a difference!
COACHING REQUIREMENTS:
Coaching Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for any YYTF season, coaches must:
1. Be in good standing with the league.
2. Meet minimum age requirements:
• Head Coach: 21+ years old
• Assistant Coach: 18+ years old
• Coach-Trainee: 16+ years old (with league approval)
3. Review, understand, and agree to abide by the YYTF Coach Code of Conduct.
4. Obtain required certifications (outlined below) or agree to complete them before the season starts.
5. Complete an annual online coaching application.
6. Pass a background check.
7. Accept responsibility as a leader. Head Coaches must be willing and able to manage their coaching staff, players, and parents to uphold a respectful and positive environment.
8. Understand that all coaching positions are subject to final approval by YYTF leadership.