MYAA Sports
Code of Conduct & Child Safe Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to promote a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all participants in the MYAA sports programs. This policy applies to coaches, players, parents/guardians, volunteers, and commissioners. Participation in MYAA programs is a privilege, not a right. All participants are expected to uphold the values of sportsmanship, respect, integrity, inclusion, and community.
1. Coaches’ & Volunteers’ Code of Conduct
Coaches are leaders and role models. They are expected to:
Demonstrate respect toward all players, officials, parents, and other coaches.
Emphasize skill development, teamwork, and fair play over winning at all costs.
Maintain self-control at all times and never use profanity, ridicule, or threatening behavior.
Ensure player safety by following all league rules and guidelines.
Communicate respectfully with referees and opposing teams.
Report any misconduct or safety concerns to their commissioner immediately.
Avoid public criticism of officials, players, or league decisions.
Never use or be under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during practices or games.
Violations may result in: verbal or written warnings, suspension, or permanent removal from volunteer duties, depending on the severity of the incident.
2. Players’ Code of Conduct
Players are representatives of MYAA and their community. They are expected to:
Always play by the rules and respect officials’ decisions.
Treat teammates, coaches, opponents, and spectators with respect.
Refrain from bullying, taunting, or using offensive language or gestures.
Take pride in their effort, attitude, and teamwork.
Be accountable for attendance, effort, and sportsmanship.
Support fellow teammates and contribute to a positive team culture.
Violations may result in: warnings, suspension from games or practices, or removal from the team.
3. Parents & Guardians Code of Conduct
Parents are partners in creating a positive sports experience. They are expected to:
Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials.
Never engage in verbal abuse, threats, or confrontations with referees, coaches, or other spectators.
Refrain from coaching from the sidelines during games and practices.
Resolve concerns through appropriate channels — first with the coach, then the commissioner if necessary.
Support their child’s commitment to the team by ensuring timely attendance and respectful behavior.
Promote fun, learning, and growth over winning.
Violations may result in: removal from the facility, temporary suspension from attending games, or expulsion from MYAA events.
4. Commissioners’ & Board Members’ Code of Conduct
Commissioners and Board Members are stewards of the MYAA mission. They are expected to:
Enforce all MYAA policies fairly and consistently.
Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and transparency.
Avoid favoritism, conflicts of interest, or personal bias in decision-making.
Communicate with respect and discretion when handling concerns or disciplinary matters.
Support coaches, players, and parents in maintaining a safe, inclusive, and sportsmanlike environment.
Protect MYAA’s reputation by addressing violations immediately and appropriately.
Violations may result in: review by the Executive Board, disciplinary action, or removal from leadership roles.
5. Child-Safe Code of Conduct
Keeping children safe is the responsibility of all MYAA Volunteers. MYAA volunteers must IMMEDIATELY report any questionable behavior they observe or violations of the Code of Conduct. Volunteers must IMMEDIATELY report any signs of abuse or inappropriate interactions involving a child. MYAA volunteers should never be alone with a child or in a situation where they can't be observed by others. Additionally, children should never be left alone together without supervision. MYAA volunteers should not hug children or otherwise encourage any physical contact with children except when necessary. Volunteers should not touch children in any body location that would be covered by a bathing suit. Volunteers should not pick up children and should not allow children to sit on their laps. Volunteers will encourage child-safe greetings, such as high-fives and fist bumps, with children. If a child is seeking more physical contact with a staff member or volunteer, alternative child-safe interactions should be discussed with that child’s parents or guardian. Any incidental physical contact (for example, during game play or refocusing shoulder taps) should occur publicly and be observable by all in the vicinity.
All residents of New Jersey are mandated reporters, meaning that any person who has a reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to acts of abuse or neglect should immediately report this information to the proper authorities. This means that any evidence of potential child abuse or observation of inappropriate contact an adult or other child at MYAA must be reported to the New Jersey State Central Registry Hotline at 1-800-792-8610 or 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).
6. Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Code of Conduct
MYAA prohibits any form of harassment. MYAA prohibits any offensive, physical,
written or spoken conduct of a sexual or derogatory nature or based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Prohibited conduct may include, but is not limited to:
• Sexual advances or demands for sexual favors. This includes subtle or blatant expectations to engage in sexual relations and pressure for dates.
• Comments of a sexual nature, such as telling "dirty jokes" and comments about body parts, appearance or clothing, where such comments go beyond mere courtesy.
Insults, name-calling, slurs, jokes, or other remarks that are sexual or offensive in nature or demeaning to an individual’s protected characteristics.
• Displays of sexual, offensive, or discriminatory matter such as posters, calendars, photographs, cartoons,
Graffiti, or other graphic displays.
• Physical, verbal, or psychological conduct based on an individual’s protected characteristics, such as stereotyping, name-calling, assaulting, sabotaging, segregating, or threatening any individual in the workplace
7. Disciplinary Actions
MYAA reserves the right to take disciplinary action for violations of this Code of Conduct. Actions may include:
Verbal or written warning
Temporary suspension from games, practices, or events
Season-long suspension or permanent dismissal
Referral to local authorities if necessary
This is not an all-encompassing list of Code of Conduct violations. All disciplinary decisions are made at the discretion of the MYAA Executive Board and are intended to protect the integrity of the organization and the safety of its participants.
Acknowledgment
All participants (coaches, players, parents/guardians, and commissioners) must review and agree to this Code of Conduct as a condition of participation in MYAA programs.
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Participant Name (Print) Signature / Date