Welcome to the Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports Program!

Participation in youth sports plays a valuable role in the development of children. Aspects of teamwork, dedication, discipline, physical fitness, self-esteem, and fair play all contribute to the overall growth and maturation of young people. The Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports Department takes this responsibility seriously and strives to offer quality programs which will aid in this development.  This handbook is presented to serve as a reference for you, as a parent or coach, so you will understand the philosophies of this organization regarding youth sports and allow you to do your part to make each program a success. If everyone works together and does their best to enrich the lives of children in the Cities of Waynesville and Saint Robert, we can accomplish remarkable things.  

I look forward to your involvement with Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports programs.

Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports Director

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The sports mission of the Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports Department is to offer participants the opportunity to play in youth sports programs and provide a positive athletic experience by fulfilling needs for physical activity, social interaction, fun, and skill development.

 

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports Program are as follows:

• To offer these programs to fulfill the recreation needs and wants as a service to the community.
• To offer an equal amount of participation opportunities to both young men and women regardless of race, creed, religion, or socio-economic status.
• To make these programs safe and enjoyable in an atmosphere that promotes learning and participation first and competition second.
• To have the best possible people volunteer as coaches and to thoroughly train them to do the best that they can.
• To demand from our coaches that those who need the most assistance is given it, rather than those who are already advanced.
• To expect that good sportsmanship and fair play are standard behaviors.
• To demand from our parents to respect our volunteer coaches by being supportive of their coaching strategies and philosophies.
• To ensure that the child’s participation in youth sports is a positive and worthwhile experience.

PHILOSOPHY OF YOUTH SPORTS

The Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports Department fervently believes in the benefits of participation in organized youth sports. Participation in sports has proven to build self-esteem, promote teamwork, develop the body as well as the mind, and is an integral part of the maturation process. Therefore, the goal of the Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports Department is to provide programs and services to young people of all backgrounds that will build the foundation for them to grow up healthy, competent, and caring individuals in our community.

To operate successful youth sports programs; we will enforce the following five philosophies:

• Everyone plays: Our program goal is for kids to play. We mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game.
• Balanced Teams: Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play. We will add children to rosters at random based on age and sex.
• Open Registration: Our program is open to ALL children between the ages of 5 years of age through 15 years of age.
• Positive coaching: Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better skilled and better motivated players.
• Good Sportsmanship: We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all costs attitude. Our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of WSR Youth Sports programs.

Fair Play Concepts

Playing sports can be an exciting and enjoyable struggle, both with you and others. The feelings of being excited and having fun are closely tied to your attitudes-what you think and feel about the game, the other team, and yourself. Top athletes have a set of attitudes that we call “fair play”.  But what exactly is fair play? Here are some of the key points.

Respect for the Other Team

You need the other team. Without the other team you can’t play. So, you need to show respect for the other players by treating them as needed partners, not as enemies. When you play against a good, strong team that you respect, you usually play a better game.

Respect for Yourself

We know that how people look at things influences what they do. So, if you think of yourself as a good player, as an important part of the team, you are more likely to play like one-to set goals for yourself, practice on your own, and perform well in games. Fair play means that you believe in yourself and see yourself as important in some things, not everything.

Cooperation with Officials

The rules of the game help you play the game better. Fair play means that you go along with the rules and cooperate with the referees, who are there for one main purpose-to make sure the game is played better. If you are honest with yourself and with the referees, you’ll usually get more out of the game.

Getting involved

A good player wants to get into the game but also wants others to play. Fair play means you defend the right to play both for yourself and for others.

Sticking Up for What You Believe

If you believe in fair play and stick up for it, you will be respected. It means taking a stand in favor of the things listed above. It means letting others know that you value your teammates, the other team, yourself, and the rules of the game. We all like to win but it shouldn’t be at the cost of giving up what we believe in.

Building the Team

To be a good team member, you need to get to know all your teammates and the coach and to let them get to know you. We are all different in ability and in skills. Fair play is listening to each other,  sharing ideas and feelings, and helping each other increase strengths and reach goals.

Creating the Protective Shield

This youth sports program exists to help children in the development of positive life skills and self-concepts. Our goal is to provide safe, enjoyable recreation opportunities for participants. We are against any forms of abuse or maltreatment of children in youth sports. We each have a responsibility to do what we can to prevent all forms of child abuse.

We intend to take reasonable and intentional action to protect participants from any form of abuse or maltreatment and to deal with any transgressions in a timely and appropriate manner. Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports Department uses all reasonable efforts to screen employees, and/or volunteers to avoid instances where young athletes may be endangered, neglected, or abused.

Although no organization can make every participant 100% safe from all forms of abuse, through screening, training, supervision, and steps to create a healthy environment for children to thrive in youth sports, we are taking critical steps toward protecting all our participants.

It is our mission to teach the basic skills which young people need to play sports in a safe and nurturing environment, where all children get an equal chance to play regardless of play level. Every child in our leagues has the right to have fun while participating in our program. We will not tolerate any abusive behaviors that may jeopardize a child’s well-being.

(Adopted from the National Alliance for Youth Sports or NAYS. A COMPREHENSIVE RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.)

GENERAL POLICIES

Participation

• Most Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports programs are participatory in nature and do not require participants to try-out to participate.
• All sports will emphasize the pleasure of skill development and physical fitness and avoid preoccupation with winning and perfectionism.
• Where equal and separate programs do not exist, girls and boys will be granted an equal opportunity to participate.
• Each child should receive playing time as described in individual sports rules. Every player participates for a significant period in every game or practice.

Sign-Ups

1. Every sports league program has registration deadlines and unique rules on how the WSR must assemble teams. The Department will establish sign-up periods for each sport and will allow enough advance time for complete teams to be assembled before league registration deadlines.
2. Team Requests - The WSR Department realizes requesting certain teams for reasons of transportation, child care, friends, etc., would be appreciated by parents. However, we do not guarantee special requests.
3. Because of team size restrictions, signing up does not guarantee a position on a team roster. Therefore, the WSR Department takes sign-ups on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reasonable efforts will be made to create additional teams when available teams are over-enrolled.
4. Team Size:  A) The WSR Department establishes minimum team sizes for each sport based upon experience. This is done to reduce forfeited games and to assure that players have reasonable rest breaks that the WSR Department would expect for that sport.  B) The WSR Department establishes maximum team sizes for each sport based upon experience. This is done to assure reasonable levels of playing time for each registered player and to assure that each can receive appropriate amounts of direction from the coaches.  C) The WSR Department, from time to time, will approve minor changes to the minimum or maximum team sizes to deal with unique circumstances that may arise. The WSR Department may consult a coach if we are considering making changes.
5. The WSR Department will allow a child to move up to an older age division.  A child moving up must have played at least one year in the league they wish to move up from. If there is a special request to move a player up, the program coordinator will consider the request. The program coordinator will make the final decision after the WSR Director confers with the player’s past coach(es) and future coach(es).

Creating Balanced Teams

Attention Parents / Guardians & Coaches: Please note, before you register a participant for this program, that the Recreation Department utilizes a 'Draft' system to ensure parity of teams. Only the HEAD coach's son/daughter is guaranteed a slot on the team he/she is coaching. Any siblings will also be guaranteed a spot on the team as well. We cannot guarantee specific requests or a specific coach, team or any other player in the league.  Thanks for your support.

Practice and Game Schedules

Practice and game schedules are prepared according to the following criteria:

• Facility availability. There may be times, with limited notice, that regularly scheduled activities may be cancelled or relocated to a different facility.
• Coach’s availability: For some program’s coaches can choose which days they are available to practice. Most times we do not know who is coaching until registration has been completed and coaching applications have been accepted. This is negotiable but is not guaranteed.

Game Cancellations and Rescheduling

• If a game is canceled due to weather or other unforeseeable circumstances, all efforts will be made to reschedule that game.
• However, due to time restraints and/or field usage conflicts, some games may not be rescheduled.
• It will be the decision of the Waynesville and Saint Robert Youth Sports Department and head coaches of some of the programs to decide if and when the games will be made up.

Locations

Field locations and facility locations are indicated on the schedules of each individual sport.

League Rules

All youth league rules will be posted directly on our site.  Parents are encouraged to read the rules to become familiar with the sport.

Payments and Refunds

• Payments are due for all programs at time of registration.  
• If a program is cancelled, the participant is entitled to a full refund or a credit to the individual’s household account for use within the current fiscal year.
• If a child is dropped from the program before registration closes, a full refund (minus $5 processing fee) will be issued.
• If a child is dropped from the program after registration closes and rosters have been completed, a 50% refund (minus $5 processing fee and uniform fees) will be issued.
• If a child is dropped after the first practice, there is no refund issued unless medical reasons are provided to the WSR office.
• If an athlete is dropped from a roster making the team unplayable after registration closes, no refund will be issued unless medical reasons are provided. 
• Coaches pay a $20 fee per child playing.  This credit is able to be forwarded between seasons.  Refunds of this fee are on a case by case basis.
• If a coach resigns their position after receiving credit for an athlete, they will have 10 days to pay the full registration fee for the child or the child will be dropped from the program or their uniform held until payment is provided.
• ALL refund requests will incur a $5 processing deduction. 
  

Insurance

While WSR Youth Sports maintains a general liability insurance policy, it is recommended that all participants be covered under a personal medical /accident insurance policy.

Medical Emergencies

• For any injury or accident that requires something other than a cleaning and covering with a bandage, coaches and parents are required to seek professional medical assistance through 911 calls.
• If medical transportation is required, the charges incurred will be billed to the parents and/or the parent’s/guardian’s insurance policy.
• Please notify the league during registration if your child has a pre-existing medical condition (i.e. allergies, medications, physical impairments, etc.) on the registration form; the league will then inform the coach of the situation. This is essential to determine the severity of an accident and to assist the medical personnel who respond to the scene.
• Coaches and officials are required to contact the WSR Youth Sports Director within 2-4 hours of a medical emergency and must be able to provide name, location, team, suspected injury, and location of where the child was transported for treatment.

Photo Release & Team Photos

• Photographs are occasionally taken of program participants during various recreation activities. These photographs are used to promote WSR Youth Sports programs in future editions of the Program Guide, on the web and a variety of other Cities of Waynesville and Saint Robert publications. If you prefer that you or your child not be photographed, please notify us.
• The WSR will schedule team photos for all youth sports. Photos are optional-participants do not need to purchase. Head coaches will receive a free 5x7 team photo.

Trophies/Awards

• Participation certificates or medals will be awarded to all participants.
• No awards should be provided based on individual abilities or accomplishments.

Fundraising

• No individual fundraising efforts will be permitted.
• All donations and sponsorships must be approved by the WSR Youth Sports Department.
• All revenue will be maintained and allocated by the City of Waynesville.

Selection of Volunteer Coaches

Application Procedure: To ensure the safety of all participants in the WSR Youth Sports Program, all individuals wishing to volunteer as a head coach for a youth sports team within the WSR Youth Sports Department must follow this procedure:

1.  Submit to WSR Youth Sports, a completed Volunteer Application.
2.  Provide a current background screening within one, (1) year from date of season ending free of the following.

• Sexual crimes
• Violent crimes.
• Misdemeanor and or felony drug or alcohol abuse charges.
• Child abuse or neglect charges.
• Theft charges to include misdemeanor and felony charges.

** A person will be disqualified and prohibited from serving as a volunteer with the WSR Youth Sports program if the person:

• Fails to consent to a personal criminal background search; or Has been convicted (including crimes whereby a plea of “no contest” was entered) of a crime of child abuse, sexual assault, child neglect, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felony assault, arson, robbery, burglary, indecent exposure, public lewdness, terrorist threats, any offense against a minor, kidnapping, or felony violations of the Controlled Substance Act; or,
• Has been twice convicted, in any combination, of the following offenses: Misdemeanor Assault, or any violation of the Controlled Substance Act; or,
• Has been subject to any court order involving any sexual abuse or physical abuse of a minor, including but not limited to domestic order for protection.
• Has been adjudged liable for civil penalties or damages involving sexual or physical abuse of children; or
• Has been subject to any court order involving any sexual or physical abuse of a minor, including but not limited to domestic order for protection.

Background Checks: All new coaches will be required to undergo a criminal background investigation through the City of Waynesville. This process is to further ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. All coaches will be subject to random background and criminal investigations.  Background investigation is conducted by the Waynesville Police Department.

The WSR Youth Sports Department shall have final decision on all personnel matters.

Grievances

Any participant, parent, or volunteer may file a grievance when necessary. All grievances should be written and directed through the following sequence of authorities: Coach; Program Coordinator; Program Director; City Administrator.

Grievances will be heard regarding all matters pertaining to conduct in violation of the Code of Ethics as indicated within the WSR Youth Sports Program Policies.

Procedures manual.

• The procedure for filing a grievance is to first provide the Program Director with written documentation of the grievance including: date of incident(s), name(s) of person(s) involved, name(s) of any witness(es), and a brief description of the incident(s).
• If necessary, a meeting with the Program Director or City Administrator will be scheduled.

Protests

• No protests of games or contests will be permitted.
• Decisions of on-field officials will stand.

Safety

A safe playing environment is essential to provide a high-quality recreational sports program.  Coaches should report all findings or accidents to the WSR Youth Sports Department, regardless of the

nature of the incident; use the accident report form, which is provided to each coach and WSR Youth Sports staff member. 

Weather

The safety of participants, officials, and spectators is the primary concern in cases of inclement weather.

Once the game has started the officials will have the responsibility to remove the players from the field if the conditions become extreme. And the following is observed:

1. Heavy rain.
2. Lightning:  In the event of a lightning strike, the official(s) will remove the children and spectators to their vehicles and will time the bolts. If they do not see a second bolt within twenty-minutes (20), the game may continue. 
3. Flood waters or moving waters that have developed to 6 inches or more within a few minutes. 
4. Tornado warnings:  If ordered to do so, please find a safe shelter in an automobile or building until instructed to return to the playing field or told that the game has been cancelled.

In most programs’ games are played rain or shine. Cancellations occur only due to severe weather or persistent rain. If you think the weather is questionable please call our information line at (573)-774-6171. ext. 131 to check for possible cancellations.

Programs that use school facilities will be cancelled if the school is closed for a inclement weather day.

Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco Policy

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are permitted in public parks but may not be consumed within 100 feet of all WSR Youth Sports functions.  (by Ordinance of City of Waynesville).

No coach or other volunteer shall participate in any WSR Youth Sports sponsored event, including practices and games, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Participant Section

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Participation in youth sports programs can have a lasting and meaningful effect on children’s lives. Therefore, it is the goal of WSR Youth Sports to provide the highest quality of athletic programs to ensure that a child’s experience with sport is a positive one. It takes the cooperation of everyone involved, including the participant, to make this happen. Therefore, WSR Youth Sports has established the following responsibilities for participants to adhere to:

• Players will listen to their coaches and be respectful of their elders.
• Players will take care of the facilities, equipment, and uniforms, which they are given.
• Players will make sure to eat the right foods and drink plenty of water before and after practices and games.
• Players will avoid all types of taunting and belittling remarks to their teammates or opponents.
• Players will always show good sportsmanship, win or lose.
• Players will not play sports a priority over schoolwork or family.
• Players will refrain from horseplay and all other dangerous activities, in which they may become hurt.
• Players will participate for the love of the game and competition and not to win at all costs.

PLAYERS CODE OF ETHICS

I hereby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience responsibility for my

participation by following this Player’s Code of Ethics Pledge:

• I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.
• I will attend every practice and game that I can and will notify my coach if I cannot.
• I will expect to receive fair and equal amount of playing time.
• I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.
• I will treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect regardless of race, sex,  creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.
• I will deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun!
• 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.
• I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it’s important to me.
• I will do my very best in school.
• I will remember that sports are an opportunity to learn and have fun.

CORRECTIVE ACTION POLICY

Players who fail to adhere to the Code of Conduct or do not live up to their responsibilities or expectations will be subject to disciplinary action. WSR Youth Sports does not want a problem child to spoil the experience of youth sports for the other children in the programs. Therefore, WSR Youth Sports program has instituted a Corrective Action Policy to establish appropriate consequences for inappropriate behavior.

The Corrective Action Policy is a guide to assist coaches and WSR Youth Sports run a quality program.  The Corrective Action Policy is a 4-step system designed to forgive a mistake but to firmly address chronic misbehavior.

For violations of the Code of Conduct or Expectations, these steps will be followed:

Step 1 – Verbal Warning Coach will discuss undesirable conduct with player and parents and stress that this behavior will not be tolerated.

Step 2 – Period Suspension Coach will bench the offending player for 1 period during a game when he/she should be playing. Coach will inform the Program Director of the problem and why the child is sitting out 1 game period.

Step 3 – Game Suspension Coach will bench the offending player for 1 entire game when he/she should be playing. Coach will inform Program Director of the 3rd offense, at which time the player and the parent(s) must attend a meeting with the Coach and the Program Director before the player can resume playing.  The player will be warned that the next offense will result in his/her expulsion from the league.

Step 4 – League Expulsion The participant on the 4th offense will be expelled from the league and no refund will be given. The parent will then have to make a formal request to be re-instated into this league. The child and parent(s) will then have to meet with the Program Director prior to the start of the season to determine if the child can play within the guidelines of this program.

These guidelines are not absolute in dealing with behavioral problems. Severe situations could merit harsher sanctions against participant.

PARENTS SECTION

Being a parent is a tough job, and when a member of the family decides to join a youth sports team, it gets even tougher.  You’ve done a lot already to bring up your child. You’ve created the environment in which your child has grown.  You’ve shared your values with your child by the structure you’ve given his/her life and by the model you have been for him/her. You’ve exposed him/her to the world as he/she knows it. 

Since your child joined a youth sports team, you’ve been involved in a whole new set of things. You have had to adjust the family routine; a lot of your time has gone into transporting your child to practice at inconvenient times and to weekend games. You have sacrificed some of your own interests, and others in your family have had to adjust, but you have gotten some returns too. There is the pride you feel as your son or daughter plays. There is expression of thanks your child has “said” to you. You have met other parents and gained new friends.

Being a youth sports parent isn’t easy, but the rewards sure are grand!

IMPORTANT DON’T’S FOR PARENTS

1. Don’t put yourself in the place of your son or daughter on the field. Your child is in the game, not you. Glory or grief, it is his/her game.
2. Don’t talk about the “big game” all day. Chances are the “big game” isn’t as important to your child as it is to you. Your child will most likely keep the game in its proper perspective if only you would.
3. Don’t criticize your child or other children on your child’s team or other teams.
4. Don’t yell instructions to your child; that is the coach’s job. Besides, your child will be able to hear your voice over the crowd, which will make him/her more nervous. Please shout encouragement only.
5. Don’t start analyzing your child’s performance right after the game. All your child wants is peace, quiet, and something to eat.
6. Never criticize the coach, even if it is apparent that he doesn’t understand the game. Before you complain, decide whether you are ready to give up your valuable free time to step into the shoes of the coach. If not, don’t complain.
7. Don’t abuse or criticize the officials. This type of behavior does not promote the respect for authority you expect from your children.
8. Don’t decide that your child has a future with a professional team, but don’t write him off either. Kids mature athletically at different paces.
9. Don’t forget to praise your child for simply performing. Don’t over praise or dwell on a mistake with scorn or anger.
10. Don’t forget to praise all the players after a game, even if they lost.Don’t take sports so seriously. Even the “big game” can’t solve the world’s problems. Just let the kids have fun!

GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORTIVE PARENTS

Few youth programs are successful without the support of parents. Below are a few guidelines for concerned parents as they strive to support their young athletes:

• Supportive parents focus on mastering sport skills and strategies rather than on competitive ranking.
• Supportive parents decrease the pressure to win.
• Supportive parents believe that the sport’s primary value is the opportunity for self-development.
• Supportive parents understand the risks that competition places on a child.
• Supportive parents communicate their true concerns directly with the coach.
• Supportive parents understand and respect the differences between parental roles and coaching roles.
• Supportive parents control negative emotions and think positively.
• Supportive parents avoid the use of fear and punishment to get kids to perform better.
• Supportive parents avoid criticizing children, coaches, and officials.
• Supportive parents recognize and understand expressions of insecurity and provide support when necessary.
• Supportive parents avoid the use of guilt to manipulate children to perform the way they want them to.
• Supportive parents show empathy for the young athlete.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

For a program to be truly successful, it takes the cooperation of everyone involved: players, coaches, officials, league administrators, and especially parents. Parents have the following responsibilities and expectations when participating in WSR Youth Sports Programs:

Parents have a responsibility to their children:

To make sure that your child gets the most out of his or her playing experience, parents should show their unwavering support, including positive reinforcement of your child’s performance and effort. This is essential, especially at an early age, to ensure their healthy development. Parents should also be positive role models, including, but not limited to, showing proper sportsmanship always and refraining from negativity of any kind.

Parents have a responsibility to the coaches:

Coaches volunteer their personal time to spend it with your child. They need you to be supportive of their decisions and not undermine their efforts. If you don’t agree with a coach, you are expected to tell that coach, but make certain it is done at the right time and place and not in front of the children. It is not acceptable to approach a coach before or during a game to discuss playing time etc. Parents are also expected to drop off and pick up their children on time for games and practice, and it is highly encouraged for parents to stay and participate to maintain control of the group and assist the coach as needed.

Parents have a responsibility to the league:

League Administrators cannot be at all games and practices of all teams. Therefore, to maintain the protective shell around these programs, it is essential for parents to report abusive behavior or any other situation that needs to be addressed to the league administrator. This is the only way that these programs can achieve their intended goals.

Parents have a responsibility to the other parents:

Personal gain and satisfaction should not be derived from your child’s performance. Competition and taunting between parents are never acceptable, and no parent should ever feel embarrassed or disappointed by their team or child’s performance. Good plays should always be cheered, and disappointments should always be consoled, no matter whose team it affects.

Parents have a responsibility to themselves:

It is your responsibility to enjoy watching your child and other children participate and learn. The joy and pride associated with watching children participate in sports should be experienced to the fullest, because a lifetime of memories is being created before your very eyes.

PARENTS CODE OF ETHICS

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics Pledge:

• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports event.
• I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win.
• I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
• I will support coaches and officials working with my child, to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
• I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events. 
• I will remember that the game is for youth - not adults.
• I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
• I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.
• I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches Code of Ethics.
• I will always encourage my child and teach them that honest effort is as important (maybe even more important) than winning.
• I will remain in the spectator area during competitions.
• I will support my child’s coach and let him/her coach during the game.
• I will accept that officials are doing the best job they can.
• I will keep my emotions under control.
• I will help when asked by a coach or official.
• I will remember that my child will get the most out of sports with my love and positive support.

CORRECTIVE ACTION POLICY

Parents who do not follow the Code of Ethics will be subject to a Corrective Action Policy. It is the philosophy of the WSR Youth Sports Program, that parents should not spoil the experience of participation in youth sports for the children. Furthermore, WSR will never punish a child for the actions of his or her parents(s).

Therefore, the following guidelines have been established for addressing problem parents. For violations of the Code of Ethics or Responsibilities and Expectations, the following steps will be taken:

Step 1: Verbal Warning – Coach will discuss undesirable conduct with parents and stress that this behavior will not be tolerated. Coach will document this conversation and forward to Program Director.

Step 2: Written Warning – Coach or official will notify the Program Director of continued breach of Code of Ethics and league will bring parent(s) in for a meeting to discuss actions and what the proper behavior is. Furthermore, there will be a formal letter of reprimand given to the parent(s) stating that the next offense will lead to parent being banned from the sporting event venue for a period of 1 game.

Step 3: Game Suspension – WSR Youth Sports will ban the parent(s) from attending the next scheduled contest and another letter will be given to parent(s) stating that the next offense will lead to parent being banned from all future contests.

Step 4: Season Suspension – The parent(s) will be banned from attending all league contests after a 4th offense.  The parent(s) will then have to make a formal request to be re-instated into this league. The parent(s) will then have to meet with the Program Director prior to the start of the season to determine if the parent(s) can behave within the spirit and letter of the guidelines of this program.

These guidelines are not absolute in dealing with behavioral problems. Severe situations could merit harsher sanctions against the parent(s).

COMPLAINT AGAINST A COACH PROCEDURES

All grievances should be written and directed through the following sequence of authorities: Coach; Program Coordinator; Program Director; City Administrator.

• The procedure for filing a grievance against a coach is to first provide the Program Director with written documentation of the grievance including: date of incident(s), name(s) of person(s) involved, name(s) of any witness(es), and a brief description of the incident(s).
• Gather information and eyewitness accounts of the event(s) that took place from everyone involved to determine if a violation of the letter or intent of the Coaches’ Code of Ethics Pledge has occurred. This may include the site supervisor, game officials, and other coaches, parents and children.

The Program Director has the authority to determine the severity of the situation and whether the affected coach has violated the expected behaviors outlined under each of the canons of the Code of Ethics Pledge that comprise the Code of Conduct.  The Program Director has the authority to enforce the appropriate range of disciplinary actions outlined in the Code of Conduct. The information will be logged in the member file.

COACHES’ SECTION

Now you’re a Coach

For your players, you, the coaches are the single most important adult leader. You will help the players have fun, learn skills, develop sportsmanship, and discuss values in a meaningful way.

Coaching Philosophy

As the coach, forget the professional and college coach models and the win at all cost approach. Do not try to get your feeling of self-worth from your team’s win-loss record. Coaching youth sports calls for teaching the fundamentals properly, developing the basic team concepts, working on fair play values and encouraging all players to participate and enjoy the sport. The most important element is the relationship between the coach and the team. The coach is a leader, role model, teacher and friend. This relationship is far more significant than points scored, or the games won.

The quality of the coach-team relationship is the ultimate measure of success for youth sports coaches.

• Keep it simple: Most sports are relatively simple to play and can be enjoyed by all ages.  Overcomplicated formations, plays and strategies tend to confuse and frustrate youth. By keeping it simple, it will build self-esteem and confidence.
• Work on basic skills: Younger teams especially should concentrate on fundamentals. Teach skills and concentrate on the basic. Help players become conscious of the importance of proper execution. Stop the action often to help individual players improve, but don’t interfere excessively.
• Work with every player on your team: The most highly skilled and least skilled players on your team should be given equal attention. Every player should be helped to improve in ability and to enjoy the game. It is important that every player participates and has fun, rather than just a few good players dominating the action.
• Teach ‘Fair Play’: Playing fair is an essential part of youth sports. Respect for one’s self, team mates, the other team, the rules and the officials who uphold them.
• Help players set and evaluate individual goals: Competing against oneself is perhaps the best way to improve skills, help players measure their skills, set goals for the future and work to reach those goals. What is important is not so much how players measure up against each other, but how much each player learns and reaches new levels of skills and enjoyment.
• Keep winning in perspective: Winning games is only one of the many goals that are important in sports. Help players and their parents become aware of other important goals: learning skills, becoming better physically fit, being a good leader and a good follower, dealing with the emotions of sports and having fun.

Coaching Policies, Procedures & Guidelines

You Will:

• Read and review all league rules and paperwork pertaining to the season prior to the first scheduled day.
• Coaches should arrive to practice at least 15 minutes early to set up and should not leave until every child has been picked up by a parent/guardian.
• Contact parents and players when necessary.
• Conduct parent/players meeting.
• Distribute all materials given to you by WSR in a timely manner.
• Return any paperwork distributed to you by WSR in a timely manner.
• Look at yourself and explore your own motivations, values and goals.
• Listen to and share with other adult leaders.
• Explain your discipline procedures for behavior problems, missed practices, etc., (nothing to severe, unless cleared with Rec. Director, refer to policies and procedure manual for guidance).
• Stress parental and player conduct during a game.
• Inform parents about proper equipment: appropriate clothing, good fitting shoes and water.
• Players are responsible for their own equipment.
• Require clean uniforms for every game.
• Stress the need for players to maintain good school grades.
• Get parents involved: at practice, umpire, score keeper, team mom, etc.
• Verify your roster, making sure all player information is correct; pass on any corrections to the WSR Program. Absolutely no roster changes without notifying the Program Director first!
• Question and answer period after every practice and game.

Conduct Practice Sessions:

• Come prepared to practice. Prepare a practice plan outlining the skills you will be teaching and the drills you will use to teach them for that day. Make copies for those parents who may assist you. 
• Get to know your players personally.
• Help them set goals and work towards them.
• Lead discussions by asking questions and introducing problems and situations for players to deal with.
• Teach appropriate skills, chants and physical fitness.
• Build teamwork.
• Enjoy yourself and let your players know it.
• ABSOLUTELY NO PRACTICE SESSIONS SHALL BE SCHEDULED AT ALTERNATE TIMES OR LOCATIONS WITHOUT RECEIVING PERMISSION FROM WSR YOUTH SPORTS FIRST.
• Practice must be conducted the time, day, and location scheduled by WSR unless you receive permission in advance from WSR to practice at/on another time, day, or location. Failure to do so will result in actions of the ENFORCEMENT OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT.

Game Responsibilities:

• See that your players are present and ready to play.
• Pre-game warm ups.
• Introduce yourself to the game official and the opposing team’s coach.
• Fill out any paperwork (rosters etc.) prior to the start of the game and submit properly.
• Control yourself, players and parent behavior during and after the game.
• Coach and encourage your team during the game. DO NOT try and officiate the game from the sideline!! If you would like to officiate, please call the Rec. Department.   
• Coaches and players must clean their bench area before leaving the facility!