- May 27, 2013
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Just read through this thread. Much thanks to @RADcatcher for the thought provoking thread. Thankfully my organization is adopting a Code of Conduct for parent or guardians. This has to be signed by all parent who register children across all rec and competitive teams. With parents hopefully having a guide to base their actions on it is easier to focus on the important part, the players. For my rec team the Players Code of Conduct is 4 simple rules 1. Have fun. 2. Be a good teammate. 3. Sportspersonship is required. 4. Have fun. The finer points of these rules are discussed as the season happens. The level of opt-in at rec varies. It my job as coach to provide opportunities and remove barriers for players to enjoy the sport. My Player Code of Conduct is much more developed for our completive team and underlines requirements of participation and dedication as well as confirming the guiding principals from my rec team. It is my job as coach to challenge these players to be better in all facets of the game including hard skills, IQ and life lessons. I do not have either group sign a form as the principle of putting your name to paper is not fully recognized in this day and age and especially by this age group. I truly believe that the leading by example combined with personal interactions and refinements offered by a coach are the key to obtaining the behaviors that you seek. The issue is polishing your coaching craft to be able to seize the vast majority of these opportunities in a compressed and time limited environment.
These Codes of Conduct are definitely different than what was mentioned as a “Player Contract” in the OP. I believe LIttle League already has a Parent Code of Conduct in place. There might be one for players, as well. I can definitely be on board with “Codes of Conduct” vs a “Player Contract” as described in the OP.