WCAA Sports

WCAA Codes of Conduct

Failure to comply with the codes of conduct listed below may result in the suspension of your privilege to participate in WCAA sanctioned events, as determined by the General Board of Directors.

Code of Conduct for Players

Parents should review these rules with their children to make sure they understand them.

1. Be on time. Players should arrive fifteen minutes early for all practices and promptly as required for all tournaments and games. Late or absent players may lose playing time.

2. Be prepared. Players should make sure that they have all required equipment, including cups, and that they are wearing it properly before beginning practices, events and games.  Proper attire is required.

3. Show respect and good sportsmanship. This is at all times towards coaches, teammates, officials, and members of the opposing team. Players will encourage their fellow players and disparaging comments will not be tolerated. Players must follow all coaches’ instructions without argument or negative comments. A disruptive player will be asked to leave the practice area.

4. Do not talk while a coach is talking. This is disrespectful. Players must pay attention to all coaching instructions. This includes observing while their teammates are performing drills. Coaches will provide additional instruction during these times and players can learn by example.

5. No jewelry. Please remove all watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and various piercings before participating in practices or games.  Medical alerts are excluded from this prohibition.

6. Play hard to the whistle. Players should give maximum effort. Giving up early is not acceptable and can also lead to injury.

7. Play hard until the game is over. No matter the score, Players should give their best effort until the game is over.

8. Play as a team. Every player on the field plays an important role. Be disciplined and get to your positions as quickly as possible. Show your faith in your teammates by performing your position and not someone else’s. Help your teammates up and recognize a teammate that has done something good. Do not disparage a teammate but encourage a player that has made a mistake. Show leadership by having a positive attitude and by cheering on your teammates.

9. Be a player, not a coach. Unless a coach asks you your opinion, do not suggest formations or substitutions. Perform your position as you have been instructed.

10. Have fun. Follow the rules and enjoy the game. Although some parts of practices will be harder than others, we will still try to do something fun every week. Those that play the hardest will find they are the ones who are enjoying themselves the most.

11. Don’t break the law. All young adults need to conduct themselves with honor on and off the field. If you drive, drive within the rules of the road. We need you at the fields and to arrive at home safe and sound each and every day.  Abusing illegal substances, including alcohol, is grounds for dismissal – Don’t Do Drugs!!

12. Get good grades. School is more important than playing any sport. Your parents will determine the guidelines that qualify you for play based on your grades. Meet their expectations!

These rules are in place to help facilitate practices and help prepare you both mentally and physically for any sport. These rules are also designed to help you perform to the best of your ability and to reduce the possibility of injury. Violation of any of these rules can result in disciplinary action and possibly dismissal.

-----------------------

Code of Conduct for Parents of Players

Players and coaches will not be able to perform at their best if parents do not have a clear understanding of the philosophies of the youth athletic program. The following is a guideline for parents.

1. Don’t be a coach, be a parent. As a parent your job is to offer encouragement and positive reinforcement. A sure way to dampen your child’s enthusiasm is with constant criticism. Understand the daily pressures a child faces. Youth athletics should be an outlet and place for a player to have fun. Encourage your child and allow him or her to have a good time.

2. Support your coaches. Parents should support the coaches, as long as they follow proper coaching guidelines. Parents should understand that all coaches are volunteers. It is inappropriate for a parent to coach a player who is on the field or contradict a coach’s instructions. Not only does it devalue the coach, it also confuses the player.

3. Be a good sport. Remember that your child learns more from your actions than your words. Practice good sportsmanship by being respectful to players, parents, officials and coaches on both teams. Parents should not embarrass their child by calling attention to themselves through loud or rude behavior. Remember that everything you do or say can be heard by children.  Let’s not teach them that it is acceptable to publicly yell, disparage and argue with other adults. WCAA, League and Tournament Officials have the authority to ask unruly spectators to leave the fields.

4. Be on time. Players that are late or absent to practices may lose playing time in games. Parents should help their children realize that belonging to a team requires commitment. Regular attendance and being prepared are necessary for the team to function smoothly. Practices begin promptly at the time designated by the coach.

5. Fundraising. Registration fees do not cover all of the costs of running a sports program. In order to keep the fees reasonable, each family is asked to participate in fundraising activities.

6. Volunteer. Parents should volunteer their services whenever possible. This shows the players the value of being a team player. There are many volunteer opportunities beyond coaching and team parenting. Ask the sport's Director, the coaches or a team-mom how you can help.

-----------------------

Code of Conduct for Coaches & Volunteers

• I will never place the value of winning before the safety and welfare of all players.

• I will always show respect for players, other coaches, and game officials.

• I will lead by example, demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship at all times.

• I will be knowledgeable of the rules of the game, and teach these rules to my players.

• I will never use abusive or insulting language. I will treat everyone with dignity.

• I will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, regardless of the situation.

• I will not allow the use of anabolic agents, stimulants, drugs, tobacco, or alcohol by my players.

• I will never knowingly jeopardize the eligibility and participation of a student-athlete.

• Youth have a greater need for example than criticism. I will be the primary sport role model.

• I will at all times conduct myself in a positive manner.

• I realize that coaching is motivating players to produce their best effort, inspiring players to learn, and encouraging players to be winners.

• I will conduct myself on sidelines during games in the spirit of "good sportsmanship" at all times.

Profanity, profane gestures, arguing, inciting disruptive behavior by spectators and/or players, or any conduct not in the spirit of good sportsmanship will require disciplinary action.

Alcohol, illegal drugs and unauthorized prescription drugs shall not be possessed, consumed or distributed before, during or after any game or at any other time at the field and/or game complex.

If I do not fulfill any of these responsibilities my team risks forfeiture of games while I am not in compliance and I may not be allowed to continue to coach or volunteer with my team until I fulfill these responsibilities.

-----------------------

Code of Conduct for Spectators

• I will encourage good sportsmanship by always demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, game officials, and administrators.

• I will place the emotional and physical well being of all players ahead of any personal desire to win.

• I will support the coaches, officials, and administrators working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.

• I will remember that the game is for the players, not for the adults.

• I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, game officials, administrators, and fans with respect.

• I will always be positive.

• I will always allow the coach to be the only coach.

• I will not get into arguments with the opposing team’s parents, players, or coaches.

• I will not come onto the field for any reason during the game.

• I will not criticize game officials.

• Alcohol, illegal drugs and unauthorized prescription drugs shall not be possessed, consumed or distributed before, during or after any game or at any other time at the field and/or game complex.