Youth sports are supposed to be fun – for all. Actions by parents, fans and coaches, whether verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional impact on children. Too many of today’s youth are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly taken away by adults. CYFO strongly believes 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. As a CYFO parent or guardian, your actions reflect not only on you, but your child, his/her team and the Program.
As a parent in the CYFO program, I agree to abide by and follow the rules and guidelines below:
With regard to my child:
I believe that my role as a parent or guardian is to contribute to the overall success of my child as a participant.
I will endeavor to give positive reinforcement to my child, regardless of the outcome of a game.
I will endeavor to cheer positively 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 and/or CYFO event.
I will place the emotional & physical well-being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win.
I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning.
I will observe my child’s practices & games from the area league officials designate for spectators.
I will remember that my child is participating to have fun.
I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
I will demand that my child treat all players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect.
I will not force my child to participate in football or cheer.
I will inform the coach of any physical disability, illness or injury that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
With regard to my player’s coach:
I will leave the coaching to the coaches and will never yell at a player, official, or coach for making a mistake or losing a game. Violations of this may result in suspension from CYFO activities.
I will not confront or contact a coach about playing time or my child’s performance during or immediately following a game or practice. I will communicate with the coaches appropriately. If I have concerns, I will contact the coach via email after 24 hours from the time of the game. If a parent/guardian approaches a coach on the field or in front of any players with concerns of playing time and /or performance the player and parent/guardian are subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension from CYFO activities.
I believe that the coaches are attempting to do their best at being a good instructor and a positive role model.
I will support the coaches and allow them to do their job by not coaching my child or other players during games and practices.
I will take the time to speak with coaches about any concerns calmly, privately and at an agreed upon time and place.
I will refrain from any negative talk toward the team that could impact the chemistry of the team. If parents have an issue, it should come to the CYFO leadership and not turn into gossip.
I will support my child’s coaches, all of whom are volunteers, and will respect his or her decisions.
I will adhere to the CYFO Zero Tolerance Policy. I will never be under the influence of or in possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons of any kind at practices or games.
I understand that the use of foul language towards anyone (coaches, teammates, officials, opponents or spectators) will not be tolerated.
I will not engage in any language or actions with the intent to hurt, intimidate or humiliate any player, coach, official or spectator. These acts shall be considered harassment and may result in the immediate removal from the practice, game or event, as well as suspension from CYFO activities.
I will not post on any social media site with the intent to hurt, intimidate or humiliate any player, coach, Board member, official or spectator. The posting of negative, demeaning or derogatory comments will not be tolerated. These acts shall be considered harassment and may result in suspension or the immediate removal from CYFO.
I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, Board member, player or parent such as booing, taunting or using profane language or gestures. I will maintain self-control at games, practices and other events. Violations of this may result in suspension from CYFO activities.
I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and demonstrate positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or event.
I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I have for my child or his/her team to win.
With regard to Referees:
I believe that referees are attempting to do their best.
I will not complain or become confrontational about penalties or calls made by the officials, and I will respect the referees and their decisions at all times.
I understand that our referees are overseeing a youth sport (not a professional league), I will treat them with respect, and in doing so will teach my player to also treat them with respect.
I will not address a referee before, during or after a game in a demeaning fashion.
I understand the referee has the authority to have any player, spectator, or coach leave the game or field.
If I am asked to leave the playing field by the referee, I understand that additional action may be taken by the CYFO regarding my actions that may result in suspension or the termination of my child’s participation in the league.
I understand that CYFO and the USA Football programs govern with a zero tolerance policy, and if I violate a league or team rule I and/or my child may be suspended, placed on probation or expelled by the CYFO.