Player & Parent Code of Conduct

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Wellesley Youth Field Hockey (“WYFH”) believes in a players-first approach for our programs and events. We strive to create safe and positive environments. WYFH teaches our youth players to have fun and skills development is more important than the outcome. We expect parents, coaches, umpires, administrators and fans to understand that developing youth as players and people is an important job requiring adults and coaches to act as positive role models. We also expect players to treat each other and all involved with respect. A recent survey done by Project Play, shows that the number one reason a child chooses to play a sport, and will continue to play throughout their lives, is because it is fun.

 

Code of Conduct 

Participation in any Wellesley Youth Field Hockey ("WYFH") program is a privilege. For purposes of this Code of Conduct, "participant" includes any individual involved in a WYFH program or event, including but not limited to players, coaches, umpires, parents, guardians, spectators, volunteers, team personnel, board members, and other attendees. This privilege may be withdrawn or denied by WYFH when it is determined that a person’s conduct is inconsistent with the best interest of sport, the player or any participants. WYFH reserves the authority to investigate alleged violations of this Code and to take appropriate disciplinary action when warranted. 

 

General Behavior

WYFH is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants. Discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind, including based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or physical or mental disability, will not be tolerated.

 

Sportsmanship, respect, and fair play are fundamental to WYFH. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the spirit and rules of the game and to treat players, teammates, opponents, coaches, umpires, volunteers, parents, and spectators with courtesy and respect. 

 

Respect for umpires is a fundamental principle of the sport of field hockey and a core value of WYFH. All participants are expected to accept officials' decisions respectfully. Arguing with, confronting, intimidating, or verbally abusing an umpire before, during, or after a game or event will not be tolerated.

 

If a player is disruptive to the learning environment, coaches may respectfully ask the player to sit out of an activity until they are ready to participate in a positive and productive manner.

 

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Violating applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations.

• Vandalism, theft, damage to property, or unauthorized use of equipment or facilities.

• Horseplay or other conduct that endangers the safety of any person or property.

• Verbal abuse, physical abuse, harassment, bullying, intimidation, threatening behavior, or hostility toward any participant.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct, including disrespectful or abusive behavior toward officials, coaches, players, or spectators.

 

Note: Any person who observes or becomes aware of conduct that may result in serious bodily harm to a participant must immediately notify a member of the WYFH Board of Directors.

 

Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent or guardian of a WYFH participant, I will:

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship by supporting all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators.

• Help make the program fun, safe, and positive for all participants.

• Keep competition in perspective and value effort, learning, teamwork, and personal growth over winning.

• Treat all participants with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or ability.

• Be a positive role model by demonstrating respect, self-control, and good sportsmanship.

• Encourage my child to win with humility and lose with dignity.

• Refrain from bullying, harassment, intimidation, or abusive language or behavior.

• Respect the authority and decisions of officials and refrain from arguing, confronting, or criticizing officials, coaches, players, or other spectators during or after games.

• Address concerns through the appropriate WYFH process and, except in matters involving immediate player safety or other urgent concerns, observe a 24-hour reflection period before contacting coaches, officials, or the WYFH Board.

• Ensure my child arrives on time and prepared for practices and games.

 

Code Violation Process

Except in matters involving immediate player safety or other urgent concerns, WYFH encourages a 24-hour reflection period before reporting a code violation.

 

Concerns should then be reported to a member of the WYFH Board of Directors. The Board will review the matter, conduct any investigation it deems appropriate, and determine whether disciplinary action is warranted. Disciplinary action may include restricting a participant from future WYFH events and/or programs. Any decision will be communicated to the appropriate parties.

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Policy Updates: WYFH may revise or update this Code of Conduct from time to time to reflect the evolving needs of our program and to support a safe, respectful, and positive experience for all participants. The most current version will apply to all WYFH programs and events.