OFFICIAL PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

WHITMAN YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING CODE OF CONDUCT

PURPOSE

Whitman Youth Football and Cheerleading exists to provide a safe, structured, and positive environment for athletes in grades K - 8. Our program prioritizes development, sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and character over wins and losses.

All coaches — including any high school coaches who volunteer their time — dedicate substantial personal time and energy to mentor our athletes. This Code of Conduct establishes clear behavioral expectations for all parents and guardians to ensure a respectful and supportive environment.

This policy applies to all football and cheer activities.

SCOPE

This Code applies to all parents and guardians at:

• Practices

• Games and competitions

• Team meetings and events

• Fundraisers

• Travel events

• All program-related activities

• All social media and online platforms

By allowing a child to participate in Whitman Youth Football and Cheerleading, parents and guardians agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

CORE EXPECTATIONS

1.  RESPECT FOR COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS

All coaches are volunteers or dedicated mentors serving the youth of this community.

Parents must:

• Treat all coaches, assistant coaches, team staff, and volunteers with professionalism and respect.

• Never yell at, confront, demean, or criticize a coach during or after practices or games.

• Understand that decisions regarding playing time, positions, routines, formations, strategy, and discipline are made at the discretion of the coaching staff.

• Allow coaches to coach and officials to officiate without interference.

No parent may direct criticism, yelling, or negative remarks toward any coach — including high school coaches volunteering their time — under any circumstances.

2.  ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ABUSE

Whitman Youth Football and Cheerleading maintains zero tolerance for:

• Verbal abuse

• Harassment

• Threats

• Intimidation

• Profanity directed at individuals

• Discriminatory or inappropriate remarks

• Aggressive or hostile conduct

This applies to behavior directed toward:

• Youth athletes

• Cheerleaders

• Coaches

• Volunteers

• Game officials

• Opposing teams or spectators

Any form of abusive behavior may result in immediate disciplinary action.

3.  THE 24-HOUR RULE

Parents may not approach or contact any coach regarding:

• Playing time

• Positions

• Strategy

• Game decisions

• Performance concerns

until at least 24 hours after the conclusion of a game, competition, or event.

This cooling-off period is mandatory and designed to ensure productive and respectful communication.

4.  REQUIRED COMMUNICATION PROCESS

If a parent has a concern regarding their child, the following chain of communication must be followed for both Football and Cheerleading:

Step 1: Contact the Team Player Agent.

Step 2: If unresolved, the Team Player Agent will coordinate communication with the Head Coach.

Step 3: If further review is necessary, the matter may be presented to the Board.

Parents may not bypass the Team Player Agent or approach the Head Coach directly. No parent will bring any team issues to any minors including High School Cheerleading Coaches.

Failure to follow this communication protocol may result in disciplinary action.

5.  SIDELINE AND EVENT BEHAVIOR

Parents are expected to:

• Encourage all athletes in a positive manner.

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

• Refrain from coaching from the sidelines.

• Avoid confrontations with opposing teams, spectators, or officials.

• Maintain appropriate language and composure regardless of the score or outcome.

Negative or disruptive sideline behavior will not be tolerated.

6.  SOCIAL MEDIA AND PUBLIC CONDUCT

Parents may not post, share, or circulate negative, inflammatory, misleading, or critical comments about:

• Coaches

• Football players

• Cheerleaders

• Officials

• Board members

• The organization

Concerns must be addressed through the official communication process. Social media may not be used to air grievances or undermine the program.

Online conduct that damages the integrity of Whitman Youth Football and Cheerleading may result in disciplinary action.

7.  DEVELOPMENT-FIRST PHILOSOPHY

Whitman Youth Football and Cheerleading is a recreational youth program. The focus is:

• Skill development

• Effort

• Teamwork

• Sportsmanship

• Personal growth

• Safety

Winning is not the primary objective. Parents are expected to support this philosophy fully.

8.  DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Violations of this Code of Conduct will be reviewed by the Board. Consequences may include:

• Verbal warning

• Written warning

• Removal from a practice or game

• Temporary suspension from attending events

• Season-long suspension from events

• Removal of the athlete from the program (in cases of repeated or severe misconduct)

Severe incidents involving abuse, threats, or aggressive behavior may result in immediate suspension without prior warning.

The Board retains full discretion in determining appropriate disciplinary measures.

COMMITMENT TO A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

Whitman Youth Football and Cheerleading is committed to protecting the integrity of the program and the well-being of every athlete and volunteer. Parents and guardians play a critical role in modeling respect, accountability, and sportsmanship.

By participating in this program, all families agree to uphold these standards and contribute to a positive youth sports experience.

Whitman Youth Football and Cheerleading Board

LIABILITY & RETURN-TO-PARTICIPATION POLICY

Whitman Youth Football and Cheer Inc is committed to providing a safe environment for all participants. Participation in football and cheerleading involves inherent physical risks. By registering a child in the program, parents and guardians acknowledge and accept these risks.

Assumption of Risk

 • Football and cheerleading are physical activities that may result in injuries including but not limited to:

a.   Sprains and strains

b.   Fractures

c.   Concussions

d.   Heat-related illness

e.   Contusions or other physical injuries

Whitman Youth Football and Cheer Inc, its Board Members, Coaches, Volunteers, and Affiliates are not liable for injuries resulting from normal participation except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Injury Reporting Requirements

1.   Any injury occurring during a program activity must be reported immediately to the Head Coach, Team Player Agent, or a Board Member.

2.   An Injury Report Form must be completed for injuries requiring medical attention or removal from play.

3.   Parents/guardians will be notified as soon as reasonably possible following significant injuries.

Medical Clearance Requirements

If an athlete is evaluated by a medical professional, diagnosed with a concussion, sustains a fracture or significant injury, or receives emergency treatment, written medical clearance from a licensed provider is required before returning to participation.

1.   Medical clearance must state the athlete is cleared for full participation.

2.   Be signed and dated by the licensed provider.

3.   Outline any restrictions if applicable.

4.   Verbal clearance will not be accepted.

Concussion Protocol

1.   Any athlete suspected of a concussion will be removed immediately and may not return the same day.

2.   Evaluation by a licensed medical professional is required.

3.   Written medical clearance is mandatory before return.

4.   A graduated return-to-play progression may be required.

Return-to-Play Process

1.   Submission of required written medical clearance.

2.   Review by Head Coach, Team Player Agent, and/or Board Representative.

3.   Confirmation the athlete can safely participate with or without restrictions.

4.   The organization reserves the right to request additional documentation if necessary.

Failure to Provide Clearance

1.   Athletes will not be permitted to participate without required medical documentation.

2.   This requirement is strictly enforced for athlete safety.

Parent/Guardian Responsibility

1.   Parents must disclose relevant medical conditions and injuries occurring outside program activities.

2.   Parents must follow medical recommendations before allowing them to return to play.

3.   Accurate and updated emergency contact information must be maintained.

Board Authority

1.   The Board reserves the right to deny return of participation if safety concerns remain.

2.   All return-to-play decisions are made in the best interest of athlete safety.

3.   Board decisions are final.

Acknowledgment of Terms

By registering a child for participation in Whitman Youth Football and Cheer Inc, parents and guardians acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Parent Code of Conduct and this Liability & Return-to-Participation Policy. Registration and payment for the program constitute acceptance of these terms.