JUNIOR JAGUARS FOOTBALL CODES OF CONDUCT

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Introduction
 
This document is not intended to establish a set of rules that will, by inclusion or exclusion, prescribe the appropriate behavior for Junior Jaguars Football participants in every aspect of their involvement in the sport. Rather, the Codes of Conduct offer general principles to guide the conduct, and the judicious appraisal of conduct, of all the Junior Jaguars Football participants (including members and agents) in situations that have ethical implications.

Junior Jaguars Football grants the privilege of participation to those individuals and organizations committed to that mission. The privilege of participation may, therefore, be withdrawn by Junior Jaguars Football at any time where Junior Jaguars Football determines that a member's conduct is inconsistent with the mission of the organization or the best interest of the sport and those who participate in it.

The Codes of Conduct cannot further ethical conduct in the athletic activities; that can only come from the personal commitment of the participants in the sport to behave ethically. The Codes of Conduct is offered instead to guide and to affirm the will of all of participants to safeguard the best interests of the sport by acting ethically at all times.

General Provisions
 

• Sports can and should be a setting which builds personal character including integrity, responsibility, honesty, fairness, and respect for others.

• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Remember, athletes are involved for fun and enjoyment.

• Provide a sports environment whereby the health, safety and welfare of participants is top priority.

• Embrace a “kids first” approach by implementing best practices and polices that protect participants and promote safety with the organization.

• Be certain safety programs, at minimum, include hydration stations, brain injury and concussion education, baseline testing, background screening for volunteers, contractors and employees, maintaining proper facilities and lighting, using correct and up-to-date equipment, providing appropriate medical prevention and response to injuries, and much more.

• Create community goodwill and make a positive impact on young people with a passion for service while keeping fun in the game.

 
Administrator’s Code of Conduct
 
Administrators are charged with the responsibility for contributing to an environment which makes participation in the sport a positive and rewarding experience.
 

• Follow the rules and regulations of your league to ensure that the league’s philosophy and objectives are enhanced.

• Support programs that train and educate athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers.

• Require criminal background screening designed to remove and/or discourage those who might harm children.

• Promote and publicize your programs; seek out financial support when possible.

• Communicate with parents by holding parent/athlete orientation meetings as well as by being available to answer questions and address problems throughout the season.

• Work to provide programs that encompass fairness to the participants and promote fair play and sportsmanship.

• Recruit volunteers, including coaches, who demonstrate qualities conducive to being role models to the youth in our sport.

• Encourage coaches to attend clinics and advise your board members of the necessity for their training sessions.

• Make every possible attempt to provide everyone, at all skill levels, with a safe and responsible place to play.

• Read and be familiar with the contents of your organization’s official playing rules.

• Require all participants to abide by a Code of Conduct which defines appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

• Develop other administrators to advance to positions in your association, perhaps even your own.

 
Coach’s Code of Conduct
 
Coaches are responsible for instructing their athletes to play the sport in a safe and sportsmanlike manner.
 

• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the participant than winning the game. Remember, athletes are involved in youth sports for fun and enjoyment.

• Be a positive role model to your athletes. Display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of athletes.

• Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize athletes publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t yell at athletes.

• Adjust to personal needs and problems of athletes; be a good listener; never verbally, emotionally, or physically abuse a athlete or official; give all athletes the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach athletes the basics.

• Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your athletes. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of the sport; encourage all your athletes to be team athletes.

• Maintain an open line of communication with your athletes’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.

• Be concerned with the overall development of your athletes. Stress good health habits and clean living.

• To play the game is great; to love the game is greater.

 
Parent’s Code of Conduct
 
Parents are encouraged to support their teams while showing respect for all athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, and other parents.
 

• Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sports. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.

• Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.

• Do not embarrass your child by yelling at athletes, coaches, officials, spectators or other parents. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit.

• Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.

• Know and study the rules of the game and support the officials on and off the playing field. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game.

• Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat, and enforce the positive points of the game. Never yell or abuse your child at any time – it is destructive. Work towards eradicating all forms of abuse in youth sports.

• Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.

• Do not attempt to contact the Junior Jaguars Football coaching staff or any Junior Jaguars Football member by any means before, during, or after practice, 24 hours before a game, during a game, and within 48 hours after a game under any circumstances unless there is an emergency.

• Do not attempt to coach your athlete during practice or at a game.

• Do not attempt to join the Junior Jaguars Football coaching staff and/or members on the practice field while practice is in session or on the playing field sideline during games.

• If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about the sport – and volunteer.

• Understand your child’s rights to play in an environment free from harassment and/or abuse in any form. Report any such incidents immediately.

 
Athlete’s Code of Conduct
 
Athletes are encouraged to develop a deep sense of respect for all (opponents and officials) while endeavoring to enjoy the sport and improve their playing ability. Each athlete is expected to use proper skill and technique when engaging in any type of body contact.
 

• Play for fun.

• Work hard to improve your skills.

• Be a team athlete – get along with your teammates.

• Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.

• Be on time.

• Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport.

• Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents and officials.

• Never argue with an official’s decision.

• Do not engage in any form of abusive behavior toward any other person.

• Understand your rights to play in an environment free from harassment and/or abuse in any form. Report any such incidents immediately.

Spectator’s Code of Conduct
 
Spectators are encouraged to support their teams while showing respect for all athletes, coaches, officials, parents and other spectators.
 

• Display good sportsmanship. Always respect athletes, coaches and officials.

• Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy the game together.

• Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing opponents.

• Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.

• Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any items on the playing field can cause injury to athletes and officials.

• Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.

• Be responsible for your own safety – be alert to prevent accidents and other avoidable situations.

• Respect locker rooms as private areas for athletes, coaches and officials.

• Be supportive after the game – win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

 
Criminal Conduct

All adults participating in Junior Jaguars Football activities are expected to comply with all applicable criminal codes. This obligation is violated by any participant who has a pending charge, been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or no contest to a criminal charge or indictment involving sexual misconduct, child abuse, or conduct that is a violation of a law specifically designed to protect minors, and, depending on the nature of the crime, may be violated by any member who has a pending charge, been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or no contest to any felony charge or indictment involving conduct other than that specifically described above.

Sexual Misconduct
 

All adults participating in the organization’s activities must protect the integrity of the sport and the interests of the athletes they serve by strictly avoiding sexual relationships with athletes. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to:

 

1. Solicit or engage in sexual relations with any minor.

2. Engage in any behavior that utilizes the influence of an adult’s position as coach, official or administrator to encourage sexual relations with an athlete.

3. Engage in sexual harassment by making unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Conflict of Interest

All adults participating in Junior Jaguars Football activities are responsible for avoiding both actual and perceived conflicts of interest in the conduct of business on behalf of Junior Jaguars Football. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to:

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1. Use, or be perceived as using, the Junior Jaguars Football properties, services, opportunities, authority or influence to gain private benefit.

2. Fail, as director, officer or booster member of the organization, to complete an annual conflict of interest of form, or fail to complete that form accurately.

3. Incur expenses in furtherance of Junior Jaguars Football business which are unreasonable, unnecessary, or unsubstantiated.

4. Participate in the deliberation or decision making process about any issue for which the adult participating in the organization’s activities has a direct financial interest.

 
Enforcement of Code

Compliance with this Code of Conduct depends primarily upon understanding and voluntary compliance, secondarily upon reinforcement by peers, and, when necessary, upon enforcement through disciplinary action.

Any individual who believes that an individual participating in Junior Jaguars Football activities has failed to meet his or her obligations under this Code of Conduct is encouraged to report the concern to responsible parties of the Junior Jaguars Football organization. If that action does not result in a satisfactory resolution, the individual may file a written complaint with the leader i.e.: the program Director or other appropriate member of the Junior Jaguars Football organization. That complaint must be signed and must state specifically the nature of the alleged misconduct. Upon review of the complaint and, where appropriate, additional discussions with the complainant and/or member who is the subject of the complaint, the Director may:
 

1. Determine that the complaint does not merit further action,

2. Counsel the member who is the subject of the complaint and record both the complaint and the nature of the counseling in the member's permanent record,

3. Refer the complaint, as appropriate, to law enforcement or process the complaint by initiating the following disciplinary process:

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• 1st Offense – Written warning with request for written corrective action.  The violator’s Athlete will remain suspended until written corrective action is received.
   

• 2nd Offense - Written notice with request for written corrective action.  The violator’s Athlete will be suspended for one half of the next game if perfect practice attendance is achieved and 100% effort is demonstrated in the practices leading up to the next game.  The Athlete will remain suspended until written corrective action is received, perfect practice attendance is achieved, and 100% effort is demonstrated in the practices leading up to the next game.

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• 3rd Offense - Written notice with request for written corrective action.  The violator’s Athlete will be suspended for the next one full game if perfect practice attendance is achieved and 100% effort is demonstrated in the practices leading up to the next game.  The Athlete will remain suspended until written corrective action is received, perfect practice attendance is achieved, and 100% effort is demonstrated in the practices leading up to the next game.

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• 4th Offense - Written notice that he violator’s Athlete will be removed from the team.

Any individual who suspects illegal and/or abusive behavior shall immediately contact appropriate law enforcement agency(s) and notify responsible parties of the Junior Jaguars Football organization.
 
Prohibited and Recommended Behavior

Providing a safe environment for young people who participate in amateur youth sports is the highest priority. It includes a mandatory criminal background screening designed to remove and/or discourage those who might harm our kids. It will require all those working with children to abide by a Code of Conduct which defines appropriate and inappropriate behavior. It is our goal to ensure all Junior Jaguars Football members and volunteers who with young people are dedicated to that objective and qualified to do so.

The following list includes prohibited and recommended behavior for anyone involved with Junior Jaguars Football programs. Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of privileges.

Prohibited Behavior

 

• Consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs while working with youth.

• Providing alcohol or drugs to youth, or allowing consumption of same while under an adult’s supervision.

• Physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse of any child, including bullying.

• Denying any youth the opportunity to participate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability.

• Failure to respect the privacy of youth, especially in situations calling for changing clothes or taking showers (the only exception is when health or safety issues dictate specific action).

• Disciplining youth by use of physical, emotional or other forms of punishment or failure to provide necessities such as water, food, or shelter.

• Being alone with a single child where others cannot observe you.

• Leaving a child unsupervised.

• Inappropriately touching a youth’s body. As a rule, this includes any area of the body that would be covered by a bathing suit. It is normally acceptable to touch a youth on the shoulders, arm or upper back. Tickling, wrestling, or teasing youth is inappropriate.

• Using profanity, telling inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one’s personal life, and using any kind of harassment or sexual references in the presence of youth or parents.

• Releasing a youth to anyone other than the authorized parent or guardian, or to a person designated by the parent/guardian.

Recommended Behavior

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• Ensuring suspicious or unknown individuals do not occupy restrooms with unescorted youth. Always send youth to a restroom in pairs if Junior Jaguars Football staff is unable to accompany an individual. Supervise restroom activity without invading the privacy of the individual.

• Using positive reinforcement and encouragement to manage or change behavior. Avoid comparison or criticism. Praise will encourage positive behavior and create an atmosphere of cooperation and fun.

• Treating all youth fairly.

• Serving as a role model by maintaining an attitude of respect, responsibility, caring, fairness, sportsmanship & trustworthiness.

• Welcoming and encouraging parents to attend all Junior Jaguars Football functions.

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Contact

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If you feel that we are not abiding by these Codes of Conduct, you should contact us immediately via email at:

 

info@juniorjaguarsfootball.org

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Effective 11/25/2019

Updated 181/2023

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