OVFA Parent Code of Conduct Form
OVFA Parent Code of Conduct
The Oley Valley Football Alliance (OVFA) sponsors youth football/cheerleading activity with the goal of providing our children an opportunity to develop superior life skills through team play, sportsmanship, top competition, and hard work.
Our mission is to provide Oley Valley and surrounding area youth the opportunity to play football and cheer at the highest level commensurate with their individual ability, potential, and interest. An emphasis on fair play and respect for all participants is a primary element of our organization’s mission. To better achieve that mission, we provide the following Codes of Conduct for all parents/guardians. Parent Code of Conduct is a covenant for parents/guardians, to abide by the rules and regulations of the game, as well as to maintain a cooperative attitude and uphold the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship. This Code expresses our core values and goals. It is essential it be honored and followed.
As an OVFA Parent/Guardian, I will:
o Demonstrating positive attitude: Parents are expected to show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches or fans undermines the purpose of sport and encourage behavior contrary to the spirit of the game and the mission of OVFA.
o Setting a good example: Each parent associated with OVFA is accountable for his/her own behavior at all times on or off the field of play. Parents should remember that children learn by example - it is up to the adults to set good examples. OVFA will not tolerate conduct that is detrimental to the sport, the participants, or the community.
Such conduct includes: Vulgarity by parents; harassment or belittling of officials, coaches or players; verbal abuse, threats or physical violence toward anyone before, during or after a game; and the taunting of opposing players, coaches and parents. We require thorough self-restraint by all participants - both players and adults. Teams must exercise appropriate control over those who fail to control themselves.
o Maintaining good relationships:
Officials - The referee's job is a difficult one. All referees are human and they do make mistakes. Parents who believe their team has been treated unfairly or has been assigned an unqualified referee should speak to their coach after the game. Verbal abuse toward a referee can result in ejection for the player, coach or parent. Referees have the authority to suspend play if a coach does not control his players and parents/supporters.
Opponents - Parents are required to maintain a sense of fair play and be respectful of opposing players, coaches and fans at all times. Sportsmanship begins with respect. Without it, the positive competitive environment, which should be a perfect classroom for learning the values of football, is completely undermined. Occasionally we will encounter opponents who do not share our values and high standards. If we allow ourselves to be drawn down to their level, we will have lost regardless of the final score.
Our Own Team - In an environment where our children are competing not only against other teams but also frequently against each other, it can be difficult to control jealousies and rivalries. A successful team resembles a family in that members put their own needs second, behind the greater good of the team. Great care must be taken not to undermine the coaches’ authority. As in most cases, parental example is all-important.
o Support my child by giving encouragement and showing interest in his/her team. Help my child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach my child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory. Always be positive, children learn more by example than by criticism. Work to be a positive role model, and reinforce positive behavior in others. Applaud good plays by others on your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Do not criticize any child’s performance from the sidelines. Accept the results of each game. Teach your child to be gracious in victory and to turn defeat into victory by learning and working toward improvement.
o Don't be a sideline coach or referee. Refrain from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. Parents who shout or scream from the sidelines often give inappropriate advice at the wrong time. The coach should be the only sideline voice. Remain well back from the sidelines and within the spectator area. You and your child will both enjoy the game more if you put some emotional distance between yourself and the field or play. Officials are symbols of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship - Do not openly question their judgment or honesty.
o Demonstrate a positive attitude toward your opponents and their families. Opponents are not enemies. Take care to show good hospitality at home and to represent the OVFA in a positive way when visiting other fields/facilities. Never allow yourself to be drawn into a verbal disagreement with opposing parents or coaches. No one has ever regretted letting “cooler heads prevail.”
o Remember that your child wants to have fun. Your child is the one playing, not you. Children must establish their own goals to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose unreasonable demands on your child. Let your children experience the fun of playing as well as the challenge of excelling.
I/we will set a good example to my/our child in his/her athletic development by adhering at all times to the following:
o I/We will NOT criticize the referee openly or directly, during or after games. Any criticism shall be done in writing, sent to my manager and my organization representative, not verbally.
o I/We will give only positive feedback to players.
o I/We will cheer at all games within the spirit of fair play and shall do our best to cheer the effort regardless of the outcome.
o I/We will be mindful in “lopsided” game where cheering our own “winning” team might be misunderstood.
o I/We shall do our best to teach our players to become students of the game.
o I/We shall show the quality of our sportsmanship during and after each game, and help my child remember to thank the referee after the match without regard to the result.
o I/We shall do our very best to have our child prepared for every game.
o I/We shall support the learning efforts of the players, the coaches, and the referees by demonstrating our patience.
o I/We understand that improper behavior at a game may result in a parent being asked to leave the field by the referee, the coach, or an OVFA board member so the coach does not receive an ejection due to the action of the parent spectator.
o I/We shall leave the coaching to the coach during the game. We shall not give our child instructions during the game.
o I/We understand that the leagues can, and will if necessary, suspend our individual privilege to watch our child play should we behave in a manner that is rude or otherwise offensive.
o I/We agree to do our best to have as much fun watching the game as the players should have playing the game.
o I/We will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
o I/We will volunteer our time to help out with any concession or game day needs to help run the events we participate in.
o I/We will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or others.
o I/We will inform our personal guests of the rules set forth by the OVFA.
o I/We will respect the fields, facilities and community by remembering to pick-up after ourselves upon leaving a practice/game/event.
o We will demand that our child treat other players/cheerleaders, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
o I/We will NOT approach coaches during practices, during games or following a game when emotions can prevent constructive dialogue. Parents shall schedule a meeting with the Head Coach of their player’s team in order to discuss issues or concerns. Issues will NOT be discussed with Jr. or Assistant Coaches.
o I/We will accept that practice is MANDATORY. Every player is expected to be at ALL practices and games on time.
o I/We will not use or possess tobacco, alcohol, or illegal or performance-enhancing drugs.
o I/We will refrain from Unlawful, unsportsmanlike conduct, Delinquent Behavior or foul language.
o I/We will NOT slander the OVFA organization, Board Members, Coaches, Players, Cheerleaders or Parents on any social media outlet. This includes but is NOT limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Email, Teamsnap, Instagram or YouTube.
Consequences:
1st - Verbal Warning
2nd - Mandatory Meeting with the OVFA designated Board Members before the next game.
3rd - Immediate removal of parent and/or child from the youth sports program.
*each situation will be handled on an individual basis
*multiple offenses can lead to further disciplinary action
** Any activity deemed to be negative to the child or organization not listed above will be addressed through the consequences listed above.
(ex: 1st offense smoking, 2nd offense verbal dispute with coach = 2 consecutive offenses => 2nd consequence or greater)
As a parent, I play a special role in the development of my son or daughter, and of his/her teammates. My encouragement and good example will do more to ensure good sportsmanship and self-discipline than any other influence. The other team is the opponent, not the enemy, and should be treated with respect. While winning is important, playing well and fairly is the essence of the game.
Acknowledgement
I have read, understand and hereby agree to abide by and support this OVFA Parent’s Code of Conduct.
***Blended Families are required to have a parent from both households sign a Code of Conduct Form. Please notify the other parent of this requirement and provide them with an additional form and/or contact email to meet requirement.
(additional conduct forms are available online at oleyfootball.org and can be signed and submitted)