SPORT PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Children's sports are supposed to be fun – for the children. Unfortunately, many parents, fans and coaches don't realize that their actions, whether verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly taken away by adults.
That is why the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF), a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting the healthy development of youth in sports, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Governors Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports, convened a consensus meeting with representatives from more than thirty sports, medical, educational and professional organizations to create the following Code of Conduct for parents and spectators to abide by at every game. The Code of Conduct can also be found at www.nyssf.org. Parents, fans and coaches who follow this simple code can help reinforce what sports are all about… BEING FUN FOR EVERYONE.
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."
As a parent or spectator:
1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the
game is for youth, not adults.
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.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
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.
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.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger
the health and well-being of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts
without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials
and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
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.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and
make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant
for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit
my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in
the lower age groups.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes
ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
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.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from
drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports
events.
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.