On September 23, 2000, more than thirty heads of Massachusetts’ chapters of national sports and medical associations, educational organizations, and professional associations met at Children’s Hospital in Boston to participate in a consensus meeting to develop a sport parent code of conduct for the state. The meeting was convened by the Massachusetts Governor’s Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports and the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, Inc.
This agreement was drafted for many different sports and has been tailored to our squash program at the Chatham Club.
This document will be given to those who have violated one or more items. If you are given this document by the prostaff or the club manager then, you will be expected to read sign and return the document promptly.
Preamble:
The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”
I therefore agree:
- I will not force my child to participate in sports.
- I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
- I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
- I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the squash program & the USSRA.
- I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every practice, match and tournament.
- I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
- I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes.
- I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
- I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
- I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
- I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
- I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also deemphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
- I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
- I will respect the coaches and the officials and their authority during practices and tournaments.
- I will never question or confront coaches during lessons, practice or at a tournament, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
- I will refrain from coaching or interfering with my child or other players during practices.
- I will remember that my child is equal to, but one of many juniors taking part in the squash program.
- I will respect and remember that many decisions the coaches make are made for the best of all the juniors in the program even though they may not be ideal for my own child.
Please be aware that failure to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, you may be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:
- Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/USSRA
- Written warnings from Geoff Mitchell or the Club General Manager
- Banned from Chatham Club during practices & or tournaments
- USSRA penalties
- Game forfeit through the official, coach or USSRA
Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________________
