Code of Conduct SMYFFL

Mission and Purpose: 
 
The South Miami Youth Football League (SMYFFL) is dedicated to raising the standard of service to youth in sports through the creation and enforcement of the Code of Conduct.  The Code of Conduct defines the expectations for coaches/parents/spectators/officials/players in our league and explains the tools to be used by SMYFFL when necessary, to check behavior and to respond with resolve to protect children from any psychological, emotional, physical, or social abuses that can be perpetrated against them during their participation in youth sports.  
The SMYFFL firmly believes that for the sports experience to be positive, safe, fun, and an enjoyable learning experience for youth, coaches/parents/officials/players (hereafter,participants) must be held accountable for their behavior when working with and around youth.  

DISCIPLINE 

Any player, coach, assistant coach or parent/guardian of a player who is a discipline problem, uses foul language, or any other actions detrimental to the SMYFFL will be removed from the game and required to leave the park.  This rule may be enforced by the player's coach (where applicable), Referee, Commissioner, or Managing Directors  as applicable. 
Any mischievous behavior or inappropriate conduct on the field will also result in removal from the game.  Examples include:

• Players will direct all cheering towards their own teammates and shall refrain from taunting, criticizing or jeering at opposing players. Badgering, name-calling or use of foul language by a coach, whether directed at an Referee, coach, player or spectator will not be tolerated. Violation of this rule will result in a warning to the coach followed by Suspension  from the game.
• Cursing or fighting is cause for immediate removal from the game, and repeated offenses will result in player(s) or coach(es) being barred from participating in future games or practices.

SUSPENSION RULES 
Coach 

Coaches shall have the authority to temporarily suspend a player on his/her team from activity for a period not to exceed beyond the next game, when in the coach's view a player's conduct during a team activity warrants such action. The coach will immediately report such action in writing to the League Commissioner. 

Referees

The game Referees shall report to the Managing Director or League Commissioner within twenty-four hours after the game the reason(s) for the removal of a participant from the game and/or park.

Managing Director & League Commissioner

When the Managing Director or League Commissioner has been informed by a game referee that a participant was removed from a game and/or park, he may require the participant to provide an explanation. The player's coach shall appear to supply additional information. The Managing Director or League Commissioner shall impose such penalty as he feels is warranted. 

Control of Team 

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents, and assistant coaches.  If, at the request of the referee, a coach refuses to exercise control of players, parents, and assistant coaches, the coach may be removed from the playing field and the park along with any and all offending spectators and/or players. 
 
  Coaches Code of Conduct:

• I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
• I will treat each player as an individual, and expect age-appropriate skills from all my players. 
• I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players. 
• I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players on and off the field. 
• I will respect the decisions of referees and coaches. 
• I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for children and not adults.
• I will adhere to the Coaches Code of Conduct while participating in any SMYFFL Activities.

Inappropriate Behavior by Participants, Coaches and Parents:

• Taunting, criticizing or jeering of opposing players and officials. 
• Cursing or fighting.   
• Critical, insulting, foul, or discriminating actions before, during or following games or practices. 
• Inappropriate behavior is cause for immediate removal from the game and/or park. 
• Any conduct incident with a coach or volunteer involving SMYFFL will be subject to review by the Managing Director or League Commissioner of the SMYFFL.  

Procedures for Implementation of Code of Conduct:

The right to discipline a participant remains with the Managing Director or League Commissioner of the SMYFFL
Procedures for discipline will involve the Managing Director or League Commissioner conducting an investigation within 14 days of the Managing Director or League Commissioner receiving notification. The Managing Director or League Commissioner may not necessarily request input from the involved participants.  The Managing Director or League Commissioner of the SMYFFL has the final word.  There is no appeal.