SMBA Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct Policy

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Purpose

1. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and positive environment (within SMBA programs, activities, and events) by making all individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour.
2. Sackville Minor Basketball Association (SMBA) is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Individuals are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that shows integrity, respect and fairness to all. Disrespect toward anyone will not be tolerated.
3. Conduct that violates this Code of Conduct may be subject to sanctions from the SMBA, Basketball Nova Scotia, or Canada Basketball.

Application of this Code

1. This Code of Conduct applies to conduct that may arise during the course of SMBA business, activities, and events, including but not limited to: competitions, practices, training camps, tryouts, travel, and any meetings of the SMBA.
2. This Code of Conduct also applies to the conduct of individuals that may occur outside of the SMBA’s business, activities, events, and meetings when such conduct adversely affects relationships within the SMBA and is detrimental to the image and reputation of the SMBA.

SMBA’s goal is to provide a safe, fun, and positive season for all. As a parent/guardian (or spectator), I will abide by the Parent/Guardian Responsibilities and Parent/Guardian Conduct rules below:

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

1. Ensuring athletes attend practices and games - and on time to the best of my ability
2. Support team rules and regulations
3. Support the team and the coaches’ decisions
4. Be a positive spectator and encourage/congratulate all athletes for their effort and skill
5. Have positive discussions with children about their play, and the team’s play

Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

1. I will remember that children play sports for their enjoyment. They are not playing to entertain me.
2. I will understand and endorse the purpose of the SMBA program: to help children grow into adults who are empathetic, have integrity, who will lead, be responsible, and change the world for good.
3. I understand that SMBA assigned players to teams based on skill needed to have a well-rounded team dynamic to maximize the enjoyment of the game for all players and the team’s overall success.
4. I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that child athletes are not miniature professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.
5. I will refrain from discussing the weaknesses of other players and/or coaching staff with my child.
6. I will respect the coaches and officials’ decisions and I will encourage other participants to do the same.
7. I will never ridicule an athlete for making a mistake during a competition. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
8. I will support the team regardless of how much or how little my child plays or what the win-loss record is.
9. I will affirm my child and their teammates when good character, healthy sportsmanship, empathetic and responsible behaviors are displayed. I will not affirm only their athletic performance or a victory.
10. I will acknowledge and appreciate my athlete’s growth toward maturity and their effort toward establishing stronger relationships with teammates, coaches, and themselves.
11. I will serve as a role model for the athletes, talking politely and acting courteously toward coaches, officials, other parents, visiting team parents, and spectators at practices, games and meetings.
12. I will model good sportsmanship. I will accept defeat graciously by congratulating the members of the opposing team on a game well-played. I will engage in no-direction cheering, limiting my comments to encouraging and applauding the efforts of my child and other athletes from both teams.
13. I will encourage my child and their teammates with positive statements, even when they make mistakes.
14. I will refrain from boasting about my child’s accomplishments.
15. I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in a calm and respectful manner to coaches and league officials.
16. I will show respect for my team’s opponents, because without them there would be no game.
17. I understand that only the head coach may question an official or gym supervisor. At no time should I address or yell at any official.
18. I will not use foul language, nor will I harass athletes, coaches, officials or other spectators.
19. I will not “coach” my athlete during games. Athletes will be focused on what coaches have to say and need to concentrate on such.
20. I will not go near or approach the team bench. I will not go onto the court during a game.
21. I will not approach a coach or any staff member in a threatening manner on the court or in/outside of the facility.
22. When problems or questions arise, I will have my child present the problem to one of their coaches. I want my child to develop self-advocacy. After meeting with the coach, if the issue requires more clarity, I will contact the head coach. If I am not satisfied with the response from the head coach, I can reach out to the SMBA President with my concerns.
23. I will follow the 24-hour waiting rule before raising a potentially contentious matter to a coach or a member of the SMBA Board. Waiting 24 hours after the event allows for emotions to be set aside, placing the event in perspective, and enabling the opportunity for an objective evaluation and approach. I understand that the recipient of the information is then allowed 24 hours to respond, for the same purposes.
24. I will not engage in any behavior that would reflect negatively on the SMBA.
25. To promote a safe and healthy sport environment, I will refrain from the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco at all youth sports events.
26. I understand that in the age groups of U14 and above, equal playing time on any team or at any event is not guaranteed. Coaches are required to ensure that every athlete will play in every game, although I understand that the amount of playing time my athlete receives is determined by their attendance, attitude, effort, performance, the athlete's potential, the team's needs at the moment and in the future, and is left solely to the discretion of the coach. The "coaching decision" is not up for debate or question. It is my athlete's responsibility to ask what they can improve on to get more playing time. My athlete will be expected to play in any position to benefit team performance.

Because I am a parent/guardian with the power and platform to make a positive difference in the life of every athlete, I commit to this SMBA Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct. If I fail to live up to these standards, I will allow for accountability and take responsibility for my actions and may be subject to progressive disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

• Issuance of a verbal warning for first minor offenses
• Written warning for second minor offense
• Single or multi-event bans for ongoing offenses or more serious violations
• Season and/or league bans for grave and detrimental violations

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