(Coaches, parents, fans)

I will remember that young people play sports for enjoyment. As such, the goal of PAL Basketball is to provide our youth with the opportunity for fun and healthy competition in the spirit of sportsmanship.

I will not have unrealistic expectations and will understand that doing one’s best is more important than winning. As a result, I will project a mature, positive, and supportive attitude for the players while showing respect for everyone.

Since young people learn by example, I will always exhibit good sportsmanship and character while being a good role model for all present.

I will respect the decisions made by the game officials and will encourage all others to do the same.

Attendance at a PAL Basketball game/event is a privilege, not a right. As such, I am expected to represent my child, family, team, school, parish, and self with honor and class.

I will not use inappropriate, threatening, or derogatory language, either out loud, or directed at the players, coaches, officials, or other spectators before, during, or after a game.

If my conduct during a PAL Basketball game/event does not contribute to a positive environment, I may be asked to leave the game/event, and I may be suspended, barred or banned from attending future PAL games/events. There is no appeal for suspensions. Further related information is outlined below…

Part 1:

All Player, Coach, or Fan Discipline, specifically a suspension, is PAL Discipline, therefore attendance at ANY PAL game (or activity) in any way, is prohibited until that suspension is served. If that suspension takes 2-4 weeks or longer (bye week, weather cancellation etc), then that time frame is the duration of the PAL Suspension... that carries over to the following season, if necessary to complete the suspension.  

The name/s of the player, coach, or fan suspended, or receiving discipline, must be provided to the PAL Director for the purpose of monitoring adherence to the suspension or discipline, and for any further disciplinary issues with that person.

Part 2:

Any ejection of a player, coach, or fan, must be reported immediately to the corresponding Athletic Director, who in turn will advise the PAL Director.

PAL has 3 levels of Discipline regarding suspensions -

1. In the event that a player, coach, or fan is ejected from any game, that individual is automatically suspended from the next PAL league/tournament game. 

1A) Refusal to immediately leave the gym, OR returning to continue the poor  conduct (following the game), elevates said discipline to the next level of discipline

2. Combative or aggressive verbal behavior by any coach, player, or fan, before, during or after a game including any altercation with an official, site representative, or member/fan of an opposing team: two (2) game suspension.

3. 2A) Refusal to end combative or aggressive behavior after requests from site  personnel or officials, elevates said discipline to the next level of discipline

3. Physical contact or overly aggressive behavior by any coach, player, or fan, before, during, or after a game:  

           Four (4) game suspension and possible permanent league expulsion

Note. There is no appeal to an ejection and resulting suspension, or decisions on discipline. 

Additionally, the suspended person must also appear before that school’s governing athletic board before they are allowed to continue participation in any game. Failure to sit out the next game in which they are eligible to play/coach, or attend the same game, will result in an automatic forfeit for the team involved.

A confirmation letter or email, including the specifics of the meeting, must be sent to the league commissioner no more than one week after the incident. This letter must include the signatures of the athletic director, school principal, parish Pastor and the individual involved.

A second incident involving the same individual will be handled in the same manner and process. In the event of a second incident, escalating discipline will follow.

I have received, read, and understand the PAL Basketball Code of Conduct and will distribute to my coaches, parents, and fans.

AD/Coach/Parents: ________________________________

School: _______________________________

Date: ____________________________