SPORT PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

On September 23, 2000, more than thirty heads of Massachusetts’ chapters of national sports and medical associations, educational organizations, and professional associations met at Children s Hospital in Boston to participate in a consensus meeting to develop a sport parent code of conduct for the state. The meeting was convened by the Massachusetts Governor s Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports and the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, Inc.

Preamble

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character."(1)

I therefore agree:

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports. (2)(9)

2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.(6)(9)

3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety

   of others. (9)

4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league. (7)(3)

5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing

   respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators

   at every game, practice or other sporting event. (10)

6. 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.

   (3,6,7,8)

7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes.

8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. (5,2)

9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of

   race, creed, color, sex or ability. (6.9)

10. I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel

    defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance. (2)

11. Iwillpraisemychildforcompetingfairlyandtryinghard,andmakemychildfeellikeawinnereverytime.(2)

12. Iwillneverridiculeoryellatmychildorotherparticipantformilkingamistakeorlosingacompetition.(2.5)

13. Iwillemphasizeskilldevelopmentandpracticesandhowtheybenefitmychildoverwinning.Iwillalso

    deemphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. (10)

14. Iwillpromotetheemotionalandphysicalwell-beingoftheathletesaheadofanypersonaldesireImayhave

    for my child to win.(9)

15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront

    coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place. (4,7)

16. Iwilldemandasportsenvironmentformychildthatisfreefromdrugs,tobacco,andalcoholandIwillrefrain

    from their use at all sports events. (6)

17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the

    official coaches of the team. (4)

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following: (9)

• Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or head of league organization

• Written warning

• Parental game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations

  involved

• Game forfeit through the official or coach

• Parental season suspension

  ________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature

  The Sport Parent Code of Conduct has been compiled from the following national organizations and local youth sports league Parent Codes of Conduct:

References

1. Arizona Sports Summit Accord 2. Character Counts
3. Heartland Soccer Club
4. Kidsports

5. Mt. Laurel Soccer Club

6. National Alliance for youth Sports
7. National High School Athletic Coaches Association 8. Pop Warner
9. Rosemont Area Athletic Association
10. USA Hockey

Additional recommended resources for conduct and sportsmanship for coaches and athletes include: Arizona Sport Summit Accord, United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Coaches Code of Ethics, and the Character Counts Coalition.