MHAA PARENT AND SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT (Updated 12/2024)
Parents are at the game to cheer for the team and enjoy the skill and competition. Parents are not to intimidate or ridicule the other team, their own team or any fans.
Parents should support all team members equally through positive reinforcement.
Parents will not use inappropriate or obscene language.
Parents will not direct negative comments toward anyone on the field or in the crowd.
Parents will not verbally abuse umpires, coaches, players, or supporters.
Parents will leave the coaching to the team’s coaches. Any issues, concerns, comments or criticisms will be sent via email. Parents should wait a minimum of 24 hours after a game to send any correspondence.
Parents should congratulate all players and coaches for nice plays from both teams.
Parents should use only cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.
Parents should be a positive role model at events through your own actions and by censuring those around you whose behavior is not in line with the culture of MHAA.
Parents will remain in the designated area for spectators and not go into the bench or dugout area unless instructed or requested by the coach. Parents should refrain from speaking directly to players in the dugout during the game.
Parents will not openly question coaching decisions about playing time or strategies. Any issues should be addressed via a respectful email.
Use of any controlled substances (alcohol, drugs, etc.) is strictly prohibited at any MHAA event or at Mint Hill Sports Complex. There is NO smoking or vaping in our park. This includes the parking lots. Teams travelling to other tournaments are still representing MHAA and these rules still apply.
Recreational youth sports is a learning experience for youth players and that mistakes will always happen.
Parents / Spectators will adhere to the park rules and help enforce them. If you see or hear something that is detrimental to our athletes, parents, spectators, coaches or referees/umpires, say something.
Learn the rules of the game, so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.
Respect the integrity and judgment of the game umpires and referees. No call in history was overturned because a spectator didn’t agree with it.
You are a guest of the Mint Hill Athletic Association, and that while winning is certainly an admirable goal, it is hollow if it comes at the expense of morals, ethics, and just plain common sense.
There is no such thing as a “right” to attend MHAA events. MHAA events are considered a “privilege” and if you choose to take part in this privilege, it is expected to conduct himself or herself accordingly.
MHAA is responsible for the behavior of their spectators. MHAA can and will be punished for actions of patrons in violation of the Town of Mint Hill ordinances, codes, and policies. Whereas YOU are responsible for your children’s and guest’s behavior at our events. Their actions will come back to you.
Any parent displaying unsportsmanlike behavior or ejected during the game or practice must exit the playing area and either leave the park/gym or stay in their vehicle. If the unsportsmanlike behavior continues, their child will be removed from the game/practice and all will be asked to leave the complex. If the situation continues or escalates further, local law enforcement may be called in.
Any parent ejected will serve an automatic two game suspension. A parent who is ejected twice in one fiscal year span may have their membership to MHAA revoked. Membership at MHAA is a privilege and should circumstances warrant, may be revoked by the MHAA Board of Directors upon any violation of the parent or athletes code of conduct.