All information may be opened with
All information may be opened with
AS A PLAYER I WILL:
Play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.
Control my temper - fighting and "mouthing off" can spoil the activity
for everybody.
Respect my opponents.
Do my best to be a true team player.
Remember that winning isn't everything - that having fun, improving skills,
making friends and doing my best are as important.
Acknowledge all good plays/performances - those of my team and of my opponents.
Participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me
to.
Remember that coaches and officials are there to help me and I will show them
respect.
AS A PARENT I WILL:
Remember that my child plays sport for his or her enjoyment,
not for mine.
Encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting
to hostility or violence.
Teach my child that doing one's best is as important as winning, so that my
child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game/event.
Make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing
fairly and trying hard.
Never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
Remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good player's performances
by both my child's team and their opponents.
Not force my child to participate in sports.
Never question the official's judgment.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting
activities.
Respect and show appreciation for the trained volunteer coaches who give their
time to provide sport activities for my child, understanding that I have a responsibility
to be a part of my child's development.
Supervise all of my children that attend the game that I am watching.
I will be on my best behavior at all times and will not use profane language
or harass players, coaches, referees, league administrators or volunteers.
AS A COACH I WILL:
Ensure that all athletes get fair playing time, instruction,
and support.
Be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that young athletes
have other interests and obligations.
Teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
Not ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or for performing poorly.
I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have
confidence in themselves.
Make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes' ages
and abilities.
Remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with
praise and set a good example.
Obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
Work in partnership with parents and players.
I will treat other coaches, players and referees with respect and yelling at
participants will not be condoned.
Integrity
As an association we must act with integrity in performing
all duties owed to athletes, the sport,
other members of the coaching profession, and the public.
Competence
As an association we must strive to be well prepared and current
in order that all duties in the
respective discipline are fulfilled with competence.
Athlete's Interest
As an association we must act in the best interest of the athlete's development as a whole person.
Respect for the Rules
As an association we must accept both the letter and the spirit of the rules defined by the SMBA.
Respect for Officials
As an association we must accept the role of officials in providing judgment to ensure that the competitions are conducted fairly and according to the established rules.
Responsibility to Other Coaches
As an association conduct towards other coaches must be characterized
by
courtesy, good faith and respect
Personal Conduct
As an association we must maintain the highest standards of
personal conduct and
support the principles of fair play.
Zero Tolerance (for download) (Effective October 11, 2006)
We have many well conceived and elegantly written league rules and policies, all readily available on the SMBA website. These instruct all parties to show mutual respect and cheer on players from both teams. However, some people seem to forget these standards once the game begins and an unfavorable (to some) call is made.
As a league in 2005-06, we had cause for concern. First, serious incidents occurred in our Fall / Winter involving abuse and near physical action by players, coaches and fans against senior referees. Secondly, we had a desperate need for more officials, yet we were losing young referees because they were bullied by players, coaches and parents during games. Senior officials expressed concern that SMBA parents made refereeing community games more onerous then refereeing varsity high school games level games.
As a result of this, the league will implemented a Zero Tolerance policy in 2006-2007, regulating the conduct of coaches, parents and players towards game officials.
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
The most important aspect of the SMBA is fair play, not competition. Our league wants to first promote sportsmanship, and then courtesy between fans, parents, players, coaches and referees. Wins and losses and league titles are secondary outcomes. It is important that league participants not lose sight of this in the heat of the games.
Players, coaches or spectators are now not allowed to challenge an official’s decision, nor are they allowed to make abusive comments. This includes comments and complaints from the stands. - Prior to each game officials will meet with both coaches and remind them of the league’s zero tolerance policy on challenging the decisions of game officials, or making abusive comments. Coaches are reminded that they may ask for clarification on rules at stoppages in play, but under no circumstances are they to yell, call out, or question officials during the game. Comments such as call something; get in the game!; or sarcasm such as; it’s about time or thank you!; are unacceptable.
Coaches are to be courteous when making requests for clarification. Sarcasm or angry tones are not acceptable. Coaches are responsible to remind spectators supporting their team of their responsibility not to challenge or criticize officials. Coaches are to advise their players of the zero tolerance policy. - When a player or coach challenges an official’s decision, a technical foul will be called. The referee, with the support of the Gym Supervisor, has discretion to immediately eject the player or coach. If another technical foul for abuse is called, their team will forfeit the game. - If a spectator challenges or harangues an official, a technical foul will be called on the team that they support. The referee, with the support of the Gym Supervisor, has discretion to immediately eject the spectator. If the spectator refuses to leave or delays to go, the referee will advise the coach that his team will forfeit if they cannot get the spectator to leave. Coaches are asked to remind parents and spectators that any further outbursts will result in their team forfeiting the game. - Should a second challenge or harangue be experienced by officials from the same team, then the game will be called and that team will forfeit the game. Under no circumstances are coaches, players or spectators to come up and further question the official. The decision to cancel and forfeit is final. - Officials shall write up an incident report of any forfeit incident, including any recommendations for further action. The league Disciplinary committee will review this report and decide on any additional action that might be required.
