Whitman Youth Football and Cheer Disciplinary Policy

Disciplinary Policy

Our program believes discipline should help children reset, refocus, and learn, while maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants.

This policy applies to all athletes, both football and cheerleading participants.

All participants are expected to demonstrate respectful behavior at all times. The use of racial slurs, sexual comments, inappropriate sexual language, or profanity is strictly prohibited. Any such conduct will be addressed immediately and may result in escalation within the disciplinary process depending on severity.

1st Offense – Immediate Redirection

·       The participant will be redirected by the coach or advisor.

·       May include a brief, reasonable reset activity used solely to help regain focus, not as punishment.

·       Activities will always be age-appropriate, limited in duration, and never excessive.

·       Disrespectful conduct, including profanity, racial slurs, sexual comments, or inappropriate language, will not be tolerated and will be addressed immediately.

·       This step may occur more than once depending on behavior severity.

2nd Offense – Removal from Activity

·       The participant will be sidelined for the remainder of the practice, game, or performance.

·       Parent/guardian/Liaison will be notified as soon as reasonably possible.

·       Expectations and next steps will be clearly communicated.

·       Any use of racial slurs, sexual comments, inappropriate sexual language, or profanity may result in further disciplinary review.

3rd Offense – Parent Involvement Required

·       Parent/guardian will be notified.

·       A parent or designated adult must be present at all practices, games, and events until behavior improves.

·       If a parent or designated adult is unavailable, the child may not participate during that period.

·       This step will be reviewed regularly with the goal of returning the child to full participation.

·       Continued use of racial slurs, sexual comments, inappropriate language, or profanity will be documented and reviewed by the Disciplinary Board.

*****An official behavior record begins at this stage.*****

4th Offense – Suspension

·       The participant may be suspended from one or more practices, games, performances, or events.

·       Length of suspension will depend on severity of the behavior.

·       Suspension will be recommended by the Disciplinary Board and approved by the President and/or Vice President.

·       Parents will be notified.

·       Serious offenses, including racial slurs, sexual comments, harassment, or repeated profanity, may accelerate disciplinary consequences depending on severity.

5th Offense – Removal from Program

·       The participant will be removed from the program for the remainder of the season.

·       All issued equipment and/or uniforms must be returned.

·       Removal decisions are final for the season and are not subject to refund.

·       The participant may not attend remaining practices, games, or events.

·       Removal may occur sooner if behavior includes racial slurs, sexual misconduct, repeated harassment, or severe violations of conduct standards.

Violent, Threatening, or Harassing Behavior (Immediate Action)

·       Violent actions, threats of harm, intimidation, harassment, racial slurs, sexual comments, or any behavior that makes another participant feel unsafe will not be tolerated.

·       This includes physical violence, verbal threats, discriminatory language, sexual harassment, or repeated profanity directed at others.

·       Behavior occurring outside of practices or games may still be reviewed if it impacts the safety or well-being of any participant.

·       Such behavior may result in immediate suspension or removal from the program and may bypass progressive disciplinary steps depending on severity.

Disciplinary Board Structure

·       The Disciplinary Board consists of six (6) total members, including three primary leadership positions: President, Vice President, and Disciplinary Officer.

·       Three additional appointed board members will serve to ensure fair and balanced decision-making.

·       If a disciplinary matter involves a child directly coached by a Disciplinary Board member, that individual will be excused from all discussion, review, and voting related to that case.

·       An alternate board member will be appointed to serve in their place for that matter to maintain fairness and eliminate conflicts of interest.

·       All disciplinary decisions beyond the third offense will be reviewed by the Disciplinary Board.

Record Keeping & Confidentiality

·       Official records begin after the third offense.

·       Records are confidential and accessible only by the President, Vice President, Disciplinary Officer, and remaining Disciplinary Board Members as necessary for case review.

·       All discussions and documentation will remain confidential and handled with discretion.

No child should feel afraid to attend practice or games because of something that happened on or off the field.