ALLENDALE ROCKET FOOTBALL LEAGUE

CODE OF CONDUCT

I.          INTRODUCTION

The Allendale Rocket Football League (ARFL) is committed to providing a positive and enjoyable environment for players, coaches, and parents. As a non-profit organization based in Michigan, we aim to foster a sense of sportsmanship, respect, and fair play. The mission of the ARFL is to develop confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship through the performance of recreational team sports, while promoting physical and moral development to all participants.

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for behavior from all participants to ensure a safe and inclusive experience for everyone involved.  To ensure the appropriate atmosphere for these activities, the ARFL has developed a zero-tolerance policy in the enforcement of this Code of Conduct.

II.        GENERAL RULES

·         All members of ARFL shall report any child abuse and or child molestation to law enforcement. Any failure by an ARFL member to make such a report shall also be reported to law enforcement.

·         Use of Alcohol or Tobacco during games, practices or tailgating events is strictly prohibited.

·         No firearms of any kind are permitted at games, practices and tailgating events unless carried by an On Duty law enforcement officer.

·         Parents or Guardians are responsible for providing your child with transportation to and from games and practice.

·         A Parent, Appointed Adult or Guardian of a player must be present for all games.

·         Any Parent who needs to converse with a Coach about a problem must do so respectfully, quietly and away from earshot of team members. (i.e. after practice has concluded).

·         If your issue is not resolved through a friendly respectful conversation with your respective Coach, you may email the league secretary, and only the League Secretary, after speaking to the respective coach to resolve any issues.

·         If at any point a parent in email, text, phone call, social media post or other threatens, name calls, demands or harasses an ARFL board member, fellow parent, player, official or coach this is grounds for immediate dismissal of parent and player from the ARFL league.

·         Handicap Parking is reserved in designated handicap parking spaces, all others will be towed at owner’s expense.

·         During a competitive close game, if your child is not a starter, he/she may only get the required 8 plays per half of that game. Do not harass the Head Coach after the game. The Coach is only playing who he/she feels gives the team the best chance to compete.

III.       PLAYER’S CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Respect:
• Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and spectators with respect and courtesy.
• Accept both victory and defeat gracefully, recognizing that each game is an opportunity to learn and grow.
2. Fair Play:
• Play by the rules of the game and exhibit good sportsmanship at all times.
• Refrain from any form of cheating, foul language, or unsportsmanlike behavior.
3. Teamwork:
• Encourage and support teammates, fostering a positive and collaborative team spirit.
• Understand and accept the role assigned by the coach, valuing the contributions of every team member.
4. Safety:
• Prioritize the safety of yourself and others by following the guidelines and rules set by the league.
• Report any injuries or concerns promptly to the coach or appropriate league official.

IV.       COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Positive Role Models:
• Lead by example, demonstrating good sportsmanship, respect, and fair play.
• Encourage players to exhibit the highest standards of behavior on and off the field.
2. Equal Opportunities:
• Provide fair and equal opportunities for all players, regardless of skill level.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive environment for every team member.
3. Communication:
• Maintain open and effective communication with players, parents, and league officials.
• Address conflicts or concerns promptly and professionally.
4. Safety First:
• Prioritize the safety and well-being of players by following safety guidelines and procedures.
• Ensure that players are adequately trained and equipped for practices and games.

V.        PARENT’S CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Support:
• Support your child's participation in the ARFL, emphasizing the importance of fair play and sportsmanship.
• Encourage positive attitudes, whether in victory or defeat.
2. Respect for Others:
• Show respect for all players, coaches, referees, and spectators, regardless of team affiliation.
• Refrain from negative comments or actions that may harm the experience for your child, or for others.
3. Communication:
• Maintain open and respectful communication with coaches, addressing concerns through appropriate channels.
• Support the decisions of coaches and league officials, even if you disagree with them.
4. Sideline Behavior:
• Cheer for your child and their team in a positive and sportsmanlike manner.
• Avoid engaging in confrontations with opposing players, coaches, or parents.

5.      Parental Code of Ethics:

·         I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my participating child by following this Code of Conduct.

·         I (and my guests) will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other ARFL event. 

·         I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures. 

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

·         I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or for losing a competition.

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

·         I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches’ Code of Conduct. 

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

·         I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all events. 

·         I will remember that the game is for youth ‐ not adults.  

·         I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability. 

·         I will help my child enjoy the experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation. 

·         I do understand that I will abide by the above Code of Conduct, if I do not live up to the Parents’ Code of Conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following: verbal warning by official, coach, or On‐site Director; ejection from gym or field; parental game suspension, game forfeit; season suspension or expulsion from the ARFL with no refund of fees.

6.      Harassment Strictly Prohibited

·         Parents, family members, and their invited spectators are strictly prohibited from harassing coaches, officials, or league administrators, including members of the board of directors. Harassment includes but is not limited to verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, or any other behavior that creates an unsafe or hostile environment.

·         Violations of this harassment prohibition may result in penalties, the severity of which will be determined by the ARFL Board of Directors. Penalties may include, but are not limited to, written warnings, suspension from attending games or practices, and expulsion from the ARFL. The ARFL reserves the sole and exclusive right to take any and all actions it deems necessary based on the nature and repetition of the harassment.

VI.       CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS

1.      Consequences for Violations

·         Violation of any Code of Conduct Rule may result in the player and/or parent being expelled from the ARFL.

·         ARFL has Zero Tolerance for Verbal Threats, Fighting, Social Media Bullying, Slander and Demeaning towards a person or persons.

·         Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in warnings, suspensions, or expulsion from the ARFL, as determined by the Board of Directors of the ARFL in its sole discretion. The severity of the consequences will depend on the nature and repetition of the violation. The ARFL Board of Directors has complete and sole authority and discretion to determine punishments for violations of this Code of Conduct.

2.      Appeals

·         All disciplinary rulings and decisions by the Board of Directors of the ARFL are final and binding. There are no appeals permitted. Families can always remove their players and play elsewhere.  

3.      Refunds

·         Partial or complete refunds may be available for certain offenses.

·         There shall be no partial or complete refunds for violations of the harassment policy, or for any egregious violation as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.

4.      Education and Awareness

·         The ARFL is committed to fostering a culture of respect and sportsmanship. Parents, family members, and spectators are encouraged to actively support positive and constructive communication with coaches, officials, and league administrators. The ARFL may implement Education Initiatives in order to raise awareness about appropriate conduct and the consequences of harassment if warranted.

VII.     CONCLUSION

By participating in the ARFL, all players, coaches, parents and guest spectators acknowledge and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Together, let's create an environment that promotes skill development, teamwork, and the joy of playing football in a supportive and respectful atmosphere.