Codes of Conduct

TO:   All Parents/Guardians and Friends:

FROM: OBGC Board of Directors

RE:   Parent and Coach Behavior and OBGC's Code of Conduct

DATE:  August 26, 2008

  We want to thank you for registering your child to participate in one of  OBGC's fall sports programs and to raise an important point that will require action from you if you want your child to continue to play this year.  With registering or attending any OBGC program comes the responsibility on your part to ensure that children involved have an enjoyable experience and that you help maintain a positive community environment through your actions and behavior.

  To make sure this happens, OBGC enforces a long-standing parental Code of Conduct.  Over the years, there have been the suspension, sanctioning and removal of numerous parents from OBGC as their behavior was found to be inconsistent with our mission or what we believe is in the best interest of children or our organization. 

OBGC's Board is sending this letter to inform you of our strict behavior enforcement process that will affect parents, coaches and players as it relates to their involvement in OBGC activities.  The excitement, energy and enjoyment of watching our children play sports is something to cherish.  Yelling, arguing, acting out or cursing is something to be firmly addressed.  All parents involved with OBGC's sports programs must read, understand, sign and return to your child's coach a copy of this letter verifying you agree to the Code of Conduct and are aware OBGC's expectations of your behavior.  A COPY OF THIS LETTER MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO YOUR CHILD'S COACH PRIOR TO THE FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON IN ORDER FOR YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN IT.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

The Code of Conduct is self explanatory.  It outlines OBGC's expectations for parental, coach and player behavior at all events and will continue to be enforced by the Board.

  It is OBGC's goal to maintain a safe, fun and enjoyable experience for all who choose to participate in our programs and we appreciate your efforts to help make that happen.

Thank you, OBGC Board.

Parent's Code of Conduct

Parents will understand that OBGC and its activities are for the benefit of children and parents are required to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with creating a positive experience for children and their families.   As a Parent or Guardian of a child registered with OBGC, you are responsible for the conduct of your guests and other family members.  OBGC will not tolerate a parent yelling at or belittling a child, officials, coaches or other parents in any way.  Any and all violations of the Code of Conduct will result in sanctions and may lead to the immediate expulsion of that parent from an event and other OBGC activities.

As an adult and role model, children are influenced by my words and actions.  I agree to the following:

1.      I will remember that all children participate to have fun and that games are for youths, not adults.

2.      I will be a positive role model for children and will encourage them to reach the highest levels of sportsmanship and to play by the rules.

3.      I will be respectful and courteous of others, and will encourage players, officials and coaches through my positive actions and attitude.

4.      I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike behavior with an official, coach, player or parent such as arguing, booing, taunting or using profane language or gestures.

5.      I will teach my child to treat other players, coaches and officials with respect regardless of age, race, creed, color, gender or ability.

6.      I will not be aggressive or hostile towards another individual and will teach my child to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence or argument.

7.      I will not ridicule or yell at my child or any other participant for making a mistake and will not hold a specific child responsible for losing a competition.

8.      I will respect and support the officials and coaches authority during games and will never argue with, question, discuss or confront officials or coaches.

9.      I will do my best to make youth sports fun for all children.

NOTE:  Any and all reported violations will be submitted to the Disciplinary Committee of the Board of Directors for action which can include sanctions and or expulsion from OBGC sponsored events.  To file reports of misconduct please complete the Grievance Procedure form found on our website at www.obgc.com
 

Player's Code of Conduct 

1.       I will do my best to listen and learn from my coaches.

2.       I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.

3.       I will treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect regardless of age, race, creed, color, gender or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.

4.       I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike behavior with any official, coach, player or other parent such as arguing, booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.

5.       I will encourage my own parents to engage in good sportsmanship.

6.       I will expect to be treated fairly over the course of a season with regard to playing time and recognize that certain programs are more competitive than others.  

7.       I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if there are problems or it stops being fun.

8.       I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

9.       I will do my very best in school.

10.     I will remember that sports are an opportunity to learn and have fun.
 

Coach's Code of Conduct

As a coach, you will realize that you are one of the most important and impactful role models in a child's life.  Your words and your actions will have a positive and potentially devastating impact on the emotional well-being of the children in your charge.  Coaching is a privilege and with it comes responsibility.   Coaches set the tone for the team and are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents and any other coaches on the field.  

All children are influenced by my leadership and authority and as their coach; I understand I am a role model.  I agree to the following:

1.    I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of any personal desire or pressure to win.

2.    I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, opposing coach, player, parent or spectator such as: arguing, refusing to shake hands, excessive yelling or belittling or using profane language or gestures.

3.    I will treat each official and opposing coach with respect and will not engage in open arguments or confrontations.

4.    I will treat my players fairly and will work towards improving a player's individual skill set and I will adhere to the player participation rules set forth for my sport by OBGC

5.    I will do my best to provide a safe and encouraging playing situation for my players.

6.    I will teach my players to treat other players, coaches and officials with respect regardless of age, race, creed, color, gender or ability.

7.    I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all players.

8.    I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all players.

9.    I will be knowledgeable in the rules of the sport I coach, and I will teach players to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

10.   I promise to review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players.

11.   I will use coaching techniques appropriate for the skills that I teach.

12.   I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that games are for children and not adults.

NOTE:   Any and all reported violations will be submitted to the Disciplinary Committee of the Board of Directors for action which can include sanctions and or expulsion from OBGC sponsored events.   Coaches are to report any violations of the Parent, Coach or Player Code of Conduct directly and immediately to the Commissioner of their sport.