Player and Parent Code of Conduct
Player Code of Conduct
The Ormrod Playground Association (OPA) endeavors to nurture positive character development and ethical values in our youth by promoting good sportsmanship, respect for others, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. We call upon players, coaches, parents, and guests attending OPA events to embody these character traits.
These Codes of Conduct constitute an agreement among OPA players, parents, and coaches to adhere to the rules and regulations of the game, and to maintain a cooperative attitude while upholding the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship. These Codes reflect our core values and objectives and must be respected and upheld.
The Code of Conduct can be summarized in the following three principles:
1. Demonstrating a positive attitude;
2. Setting a good example; and
3. Maintaining good relationships with all youth participants, including officials, opponents, and our own team’s players, parents, and coaches.
1. Demonstrating A Positive Attitude:
Players, parents, and coaches are expected to exhibit a positive, respectful attitude towards everyone involved in the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches, or fans undermine the essence of sport and encourage behavior contrary to the spirit of the game.
2. Setting A Good Example:
Every individual associated with OPA is accountable for their behavior at all times, both on and off the field. Parents, coaches, and other adults should understand that children learn by example; it is incumbent upon adults to set positive examples. OPA will not tolerate conduct detrimental to the sport, its participants, or the community. Such conduct includes vulgarity, harassment, verbal abuse, threats, bullying, and physical violence. Thorough self-restraint is expected from all participants, and teams must exert appropriate control over those who fail to exercise it.
3. Maintaining Good Relationships:
Officials play a challenging role, and while mistakes may occur, respect for their authority is important. Disputes should be handled calmly through proper channels. Maintaining good relationships extends to opponents, ensuring hospitality, and positive representation of OPA. Even in challenging situations, the focus should remain on sportsmanship and fair play. Parents or players who believe their team has been treated unfairly or has been assigned an unqualified referee should speak to their coach after the game.
Umpires have the authority to suspend play if a coach does not control his players and parents/supporters. Sportsmanship begins with respect. Without it, the positive competitive environment, which should be a perfect classroom for learning the values of sport, 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 coach’s authority. As in most cases, parental example is all-important.
Player Code of Conduct
Playing for OPA is a privilege, and players are expected to uphold certain standards.
As a player, I will:
Play the game for its inherent enjoyment, not just to please my parents or coach.
Display humility and generosity in victory and graciousness in defeat.
Respect the game and its rules; strive to learn and follow them, ensuring fair play.
Commit to the good of my team and consistently give my best effort at all times.
Acknowledge the authority of officials, even in instances of disagreement with their decisions.
Exhibit sportsmanship before, during, and after games, recognizing opponents as competitors, not adversaries.
Conduct myself with honor and dignity and treat other players as I would like to be treated. Bullying, violence, and verbal abuse will NOT be tolerated.
Assist my parents and supporters in grasping the game's rules so they can watch and enjoy the game better. I will be sure they understand that disagreement is not appropriate or permitted at games.
Control my temper and not retaliate, even if I believe I have been wronged.
Player consequences will be determined by the team coach and OPA Staff for violations of the player Code of Conduct.
Parent Code of Conduct
As a parent, you play a special role in the development of your daughter or son, and of his/her teammates. Your 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.
Support Your Child: Encourage and support your child's team, focusing on skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Emphasize hard work and effort over victory.
Be Your Child’s Biggest Cheerleader: Lead by example, applauding good plays from both teams. Avoid criticizing any child's performance and teach your child to handle victory and defeat graciously.
Avoid Sideline Coaching: Refrain from coaching or questioning officials 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.
Demonstrate Positive Attitude: Treat opponents with respect and hospitality. Avoid verbal disagreements with opposing parents or coaches. Opponents are not enemies.
Remember Your Child Wants to Have Fun: Your child is the one playing, not you. Allow your child to establish their own goals and enjoy the game. 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.
General Expectations of OPA Parents:
Parents will set a positive example and adhere to the following guidelines:
I/We Will:
Avoid open criticism of officials; provide constructive feedback through appropriate channels.
Give only positive feedback to players and cheer within the spirit of fair play. We will be mindful in “lopsided” game where cheering our own “winning” team might be misunderstood.
Help players become students of the game and demonstrate sportsmanship.
Show patience and support for players, coaches, and officials.
Show the quality of our sportsmanship during and after each game and help our child remember to thank the official after the game without regard to the result.
Do our very best to have our child prepared for every game.
Leave the coaching to the coach during the game. We shall not give our child instructions during the game.
Understand that improper behavior may result in removal from the field or league privileges.
Refrain from coaching during games and focus on supporting the team.
Understand and abide by the 24-hour rule for issue resolution.
24 Hr Rule:
The 24hr rule is a rule that is in place to help keep peace between the coach and parents. The rule is simple. Parents are not allowed to approach the coach about issues until 24hrs after the issue.
Parents must refrain from addressing issues with coaches until 24 hours after they arise.
This allows time for emotions to settle, thoughtful consideration, and prevents unnecessary conflicts.
Violations may result in disciplinary actions to ensure a positive environment for all participants.
Violations Of The Parent Code Of Conduct:
A Parent being suspended and/or removed from a game for misconduct.
A Coach being suspended and/or removed from a game for misconduct.
A Parent or Coach could be removed from the team/facility for the duration of the season.