Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior Agreement

(Draft #1, 11-31-2004)
Covers all Sports and Youth Programs

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION:
A participant registered with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs, cannot practice, compete or participate in any sanctioned event or activity until the participant, the participantsf parents or guardians and the participants coach and or activity coordinator read this entire document, sign and return the attached Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior Agreement to the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Sports Coordinator and said agreement is appropriately filed. Signed Code of Conduct Agreements must be made part of the participants file and program or team file.

Introduction

In personal development throughout youth sports and activities, the participant, his/her parents, coaches and activity coordinator play a critical role. To insure that all participants' work together to get the optimum benefits from a great sport, or activity, they need to be on the same page regarding their roles and responsibilities. Each must understand and respect his/her relationship with the other, the commitments they share and their requirements as a member of their team, their community, their family, tribe and their sport or activity. Participants must also recognize that to achieve complete success, they should understand both the values and goals of the youth program, Sports and Recreation and its Rules and Regulations. The Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior contained herein has been developed to aid the participants in achieving a level of behavior that will allow all concerned to maximize the benefits of youth programming, sports and development and guide the participant in becoming a well-rounded, self confident and productive human being. Three critical points are required to achieve a positive and healthy relationship between participants, parents, youth coordinators and staff. They are to clearly define the roles of each participant, establish rules of behavior, and insure communications of expected conduct to all parties. The contention is that a clear understanding will help to prevent or curtail negative behavior.

Sportsmanship

A growing problem in youth sports today is the all-too common attitude that winning is everything. Nothing could be further from the truth, and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs believe this attitude can contribute to players, coaches, and parents displaying a lack of good sportsmanship. In any athletic contest, the competitors should do their best to try and win. After all, striving to win is a part of healthy competition. However, winning or losing is only a result . it should not be the reason we play the game. In addition, we sometimes need to be reminded to respect the opponents and that without them there is NO game. We need to applaud good plays by both our team and by members of the opposing team. Everyone in the game, including the parents and spectators, should have a sense of fair play. Satisfaction for players, coaches, parents and spectators should come from watching athletes playing their hardest and doing their best. There is a big difference between losing and being a loser. If one has done his/her best and played within the rules, a player is never a loser. By the same token, a team may score the most points in the game, but if the participants arenft humble in victory or played without respect to their opponent, they aren't winners.

Responsibilities

The various code provisions give a solid foundation for expectations and goals. The codes set the ground rules, standard of behavior and establish a perspective regarding the objectives of a youth program and or sport. Most youth programs have emphasized a Zero Tolerance Policy for inappropriate behavior and have implemented a Parent Awareness Program. All participants, parents, guardians, coaches, youth coordinators, administrators and staff are responsible for the dissemination, communication and enforcement of the Rules and Regulations and the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs. All participants, parents, guardians, administrators and coaches are responsible for being familiar with and supporting these Rules and Regulations and the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs has approved and adopted provisions that all participants, coaches, parents, guardians and youth coordinators are required to sign a Code of Conduct Agreement that will be kept in their program and personal file. The document contains an acknowledgement that the participants have read, understand and pledge to behave in accordance with the Rules and Regulations and the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programming, Sports and Recreation. The intent is that this process will help communicate the standards of behavior to all participants throughout youth programs, and in doing so help elevate the level of the youth experience for all concerned.

It must be clearly understood that any participant breaking any of the Rules and Regulations or violating the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior may cause the participant to be suspended for a specified period of time, or to forfeit his/her status in the activity, sport or program. Any coach, parent, guardian or spectator breaking any of the Rules and Regulations or violating the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior may be suspended for a specified or indefinite period of time based on a review and ruling by the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Wellness Center Director, Coordinators or designated staff.

Parents' and Spectators' Code of Conduct

  • Do not force participants to participate in sports, activities or programs but support their desires to participate in their chosen sport and or youth program. Participants are involved in organized sports and youth programming for their enjoyment. Make it fun.
  • Encourage participants to play by the rules. Remember, young participants learn best by example, so applaud the good plays, behavior and sportsmanship of everyone.
  • Be respectful of and do not embarrass a participant by yelling at them, their coaches or coordinators, officials or other parents. By showing a positive attitude toward the activity and all of its participants, everyone will benefit.
  • Emphasize skill development, participation and practice and how they benefit your youngster. De-emphasize competition in the lower age groups.
  • Know and study the rules of the game or program they are participating in, and support the officials, coordinators and staff on and off the field or classroom. This approach will help in the development and support of the program. Any criticism of the officials, staff or coordinators only hurts the program.
  • Display good sportsmanship, respect and kindness. Applaud a good effort, and enforce the positive points of the program. Recognize good ideas and activities by both your program and the participants. Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other participants; enjoy the program together.
  • Never yell or physically abuse a participant after a game, practice or program. It is destructive. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth programs and events.
  • Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches and staff. They are important to the development of young participants and the programs. Communicate with Wellness Center Coordinators, staff and coaches, support their decisions and trust their judgment and integrity.
  • Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing anyone. Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
  • Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any items on the court/field or classroom can cause injury to participants, officials and staff. Be responsible for your own safety. Be alert to prevent accidents from flying balls or objects and equipment and other avoidable situations.
  • Do not get too close to the program or event. The boundary for spectators is a part of the playing field or program and you can get hit or run over if event involves such activity.
  • Be supportive after the program. Win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship, kindness and respect.
  • Refrain from the use of abusive, obscene or profane language or gestures.
  • Treat everyone fairly, regardless of gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or economic status or ethnicity.
  • Abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages, using illegal substances or mind-altering drugs, or smoking any type of cigarette at any Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs sanctioned activity or event.

Participants' Code of Conduct

  • Play for Fun
  • Abide by the rules of my team, my league, my program or event and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs.
  • Work hard to improve my skills, behavior and abilities.
  • Be a team player - get along with in a team environment. Never place blame for a loss or bad behavior on other participants, staff or family. Understand that you are responsible for your own actions and words.
  • Learn teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline and respect.
  • Be on time for practices, games and youth program events.
  • Learn the rules and play by them. Always display good sportsmanship no matter the event, program or sport.
  • Respect and refrain from public criticism of your coach, coordinator, leader, your teammates, your parents, opponents and officials and staff.
  • Never argue with an officialfs or staff decision. No lashing out at any official no matter what the call is. Let the coaches and staff, handle all matters pertaining to officiating and official decisions.
  • Anyone who receives a penalty or gets in trouble and suffers consequences will abide by the call, and try to do better next time. Life is about learning from your mistakes.
  • Understand that fighting or fisticuffs will not be tolerated and can result in disciplinary measures by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs, Coordinators and or Wellness Center Director.
  • Conduct oneself in a respectful and befitting manner and refrain from the use of abusive, obscene or profane language or gestures. No swearing or abusive language on the bench, on the field, in the classroom or any Coeur d'fAlene Tribe Youth Programs function.
  • Treat everyone fairly, regardless of gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or economic status or ethnicity.
  • Abstain from use of smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, use of illegal substances, and use of performance enhancing or mind-altering drugs.

Coaches, Coordinators, Volunteers and Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs Staff Code of Conduct

  • Understand that winning or being the best is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the development of the participant as a well rounded human being.
  • Remember participants are involved in Sports and Youth Program Activities and events for fun and enjoyment. Be reasonable, remembering that participants have other interests and obligations.
  • Teach participants to participate fairly and to respect the rules, officials, staff and coordinators of the program.
  • Be a positive role model to participants, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of everyone.
  • Ensure that participants' behavior is acceptable and non-threatening for all participants.
  • Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent, honest; be fair and just; do not criticize participants publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator, coach and teacher, don't yell at players.
  • Adjust to personal needs and problems of participants, be a good listener, never verbally or physically abuse a participant, official or staff member; give all participants the opportunity to improve their athletic and life skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach them the basics. Give each participant a fair and honest chance to participate.
  • Organize programs and practices that are fun and challenging for participants. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques, strategies and skills of your program; encourage participants to be team players.
  • Maintain an open line of communication with participants' parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your program, event or team.
  • Be concerned with the overall development of participants. Stress good health habits and clean living.
  • Refrain from the use of abusive, obscene or profane language or gestures.
  • Treat everyone fairly, regardless of gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or economic status or ethnicity.
  • Abstain from smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, and performance enhancing or mind-altering drugs at any Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs sanctioned sports activity or event.
  • Understand and teach participants that to participate in the event or program is great; to love the game, event or program is greater.

Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs

Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior Agreement

The undersigned participant, coach, parent or guardian, youth coordinator and volunteer staff and administrators acknowledges that the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Youth Programs has adopted a Rules and Regulations and Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior for participants, parents, guardians and coaches and that each of the undersigned has individually read, understands, has agreed to adhere to such currently issued Rules and Regulations and Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior.

The undersigned state that they clearly understand that breaking any of the Rules and Regulations or violating the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior may cause the participant to be suspended for a specified period of time, or to forfeit his/her member status in the sport or event. Any coach, parent or spectator breaking any of the Rules and Regulations or violating the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior may be suspended for a specified or indefinite period of time based on a review and ruling by the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Wellness Center Director, Youth Programs Coordinators or designated staff.

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