Football played at the youth level is a highly emotional game for players, coaches and the families of players. As coaches work with players during the week in practice, a lot of effort is spent for players to get better and enjoy the game. On game day, everyone wants to win. While this is understandable, coaches, parents and players have to keep their emotions in check. This is not high school, college or professional football. Sportsmanship is the lesson that players are supposed to learn, and disputes with officials, the opponents and parents are not permitted. All parties sign a code of conduct at the start of the year pledging to behave properly.
Code
A typical code of conduct in youth football prevents coaches from swearing at or in the presence of youth football players. It does not allow unsportsmanlike conduct. Coaches are not allowed to intentionally violate any rules to get an edge on their opponents. No one associated with youth football can be convicted of any crime involving drugs, domestic violence, violence or injury to a child. The violation of any of these rules will result in dismissal from the program. While each football organization can have its own standards, most write their code with a forceful tone to prevent incidents.
Impact
All parties must sign the code of conduct at the start of the year. It outlines what is expected from coaches, parents and players. It points out the type of behavior that is not permitted. It explains what will happen if there are any violations of the code of conduct. This knowledge helps all parties have an understanding of what will happen if anyone violates standards of behavior.
Goals
Youth football players are there to enjoy and learn their sport. They are there to become better citizens and students. Talented players are encouraged to continue their development. However, youth football is not professional football. It is not about the winning and losing. The goal of most youth football leagues is to get players to strive to win and fight to improve, but not to win at all costs.
History
The impetus behind signing a code of conduct in football and other youth sports leagues can be found in the Massachusetts "Hockey Dad" incident in 2000. In that event, parents of two hockey players on a youth hockey team got into a brawl following a practice session. Thomas Junta was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the beating death of Michael Costin and was sentenced to six to 10 years in prison. Football leagues and other youth sports leagues want to remove the possibility of that happening again and make all parties sign the code of conduct.
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