Amherst Athletic Association Code of Conduct

The Amherst Athletic Association Board of Directors have mandated the following Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of both parents and players in a youth sports environment.  Parents and players should read, understand and sign this form prior to registering in our league.  Any guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility where the incident occurred and the incident will be reviewed by the Board of Directors regarding the need for any further disciplinary actions.  Disciplinary steps are laid out in the Association Bylaws under section 8.3.

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of the Four Primary Pillars of the Amherst Athletic Association -  Character, Courage, Integrity and Teamwork.  Other areas of importance in additon to the Pillars would be : Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Good Citizenship.

I agree:

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 participants 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 wellbeing 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.