Our Parent's Code of Conduct and Ethics

GOVA SPORTS athletic programs are based on certain beliefs and philosophies: Valiant Leadership, Respect for Others, and Fun Competition. In order to best execute on these beliefs, we require all parents and visitors to abide by our Code of Conduct. We strive to provide a positive youth sports experience by encouraging parents, coaches, officials, and other league players to demonstrate good sportsmanship at practices and games. Please understand that all GOVA SPORTS functions are private events. Your attendance is subject to adherence to our Code of Conduct. All parents and their guests are to conduct themselves in an orderly and positive fashion towards all players, coaches, officials and city staff. Failure to meet or abide by these rules at the discretion of the league director may be cause for removal from the game/practice field or court. We thank you for participating and being amongst the most professional and ethical youth sports organizations in the country.

1. I will be responsible for my behavior as well as for the behavior of those who attend the game/practices as my guest.

2. I will not leave trash, debris, literature, or any other items on the field/courts and will respect the venue rules.

3. I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parent’s Code of Ethics Pledge.

4. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports events.

5. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win.

6. I will be in control of my emotions and will remain in the spectator area during games/practices.

7. I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.

8. I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all. I will not advise the coach on how to do their job.

9. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events. I will not drink alcohol at a game/practice or come to one having consumed too much.

10. I will remember that the game is for our youth – NOT ADULTS – and that participation in youth sports is a privilege, not a right. I will show respect for all participants at all times.

11. I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child. I will not instruct him to harm any other participants.

12. I will not coach my child during the game/practice. Coaching is done by the certified coach.

13. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability. I will not make insulting comments to players, parents, officials, or coaches of either team.

14. I promise to help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectable fan, assisting with volunteer needs, or providing transportation.

15. I will thank coaches, officials, and other volunteers who have conducted the event.

16. I (and my guests) will be positive role models and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice, or any other related event.

17. I (and my guests) will not encourage any unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent, such as booing and/or taunting, or using profane language or gestures.

18. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed-upon time and place. If I find I am not satisfied after speaking with my coach, I understand I should then contact the league commissioner.

19. I will emphasize practices and skill development and how they benefit my child by ensuring he/she arrives and is retrieved in a timely fashion at all scheduled practices and games.

20. I will inform the GOVA SPORTS office and my coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child and/or the safety of others.

21. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is most important, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or by his/her performance.