Valley Athletic Association (VAA) Youth Sports Standards for Coaches, Players & Spectators
As we attempt to promote the most positive experience for the youth of Valley Athletic Association, we are committed to the following standards. All coaches and spectators should read the following standards and sign below to indicate their willingness to abide by them. As parents/guardians of a player, you are responsible for yourself, as well as all guests and family members who attend the game. In addition, the team’s coach will be held accountable for the behavior of their team’s spectators and will be disciplined accordingly if spectators do not uphold these standards.
ALL COACHES AND SPECTATORS WILL:
1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
2. 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
3. Refrain from abusive, inappropriate or threatening language, gestures, or physical contact toward officials, volunteers, coaches, staff and participants. I acknowledge this will result in immediate ejection from the complex.
4. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of un-sportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, using profane language or gestures.
5. Respect all participants, coaches, staff, officials and volunteers at every practice or youth sports event and encourage all children to do the same.
6. Comply with the policies and procedures of Valley Athletic Association.
7. I will not encourage any behavior or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
8. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed color, sex or ability
9. Accept the decisions of the officials as being fair and performed to the best of their ability. Spectators shall never go onto the court or playing field, or approach the official scorekeeper, while the game is in progress or immediately after the event. Allow the coach to take all questions, rule interpretations or concerns to the appropriate umpire or league official.
10. Refrain from giving the children instructions during the game - allow the coaches to manage the team and game. This includes visits to the dugout area.
11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
12. 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.
13. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss or confront coaches at the game field, and I will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
14. Help ensure the safety of the playing area by reporting any unsafe hazards, removing trash, leaving food and beverages outside the gym or playing area and refraining from use of alcohol or other drugs at or immediately prior to all youth sports events.
15. Abide by a doctor’s decision in all matters of health, injuries and ability to play.
16. Remember that the game is for youth – not adults.
Penalty for non-compliance:
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 not limited to the following:
- 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 head coach
- Parental season suspension
- Dismissal from Valley AA without refund