Player's Code /  Parent's Code /  Coach's Code

• All Players must follow the OYAA rules before, during and following games and practices.
• Players must remain respectful toward other players, coaches, referees and spectators. No foul language, fighting or obscene gestures are allowed.
• Players should come to practices and games with proper equipment (appropriate protective and sport specific equipment, shoes, shirts, strap for glasses, no jewelry, water bottle, etc.).
• Signup up to play is a commitment to the team. Every effort must be made to attend all practices and games and to be on time for both. Multi-sport athletes must recognize the effect they create on a team when two sports compete for the athlete's time. Players, Parents and Coaches must work together, communicate and remember OYAA philosophy and goals.
• Sportsmanship and integrity are fundamental components of the game
• No drugs, alcohol or tobacco use is appropriate at any OYAA function.

• Make athletic participation for your child and others a positive experience.
• Strive to relieve the pressure of competition, not increase it.
• Be kind to your child's coach and respectful to the officials. The coach is a volunteer, giving of personal time to provide a positive sports experience for your child.
• Opponents are necessary friends who also enjoy the game. Without them, your child could not participate. Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
• Do not openly question the judgment or honesty of the referee/umpire. They are a symbol of the game, fair play, integrity and sportsmanship. All referees follow the same creed to call the game to the best of their ability.
• Accept the results of each game. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory and turn defeat into a learning experience by working towards improvement.
• It is unacceptable for Parents to berate or degrade a player, coach or referee. These actions are subject to disciplinary action by the OYAA Board.
• Parents are responsible to arrange safe transportation to and from practices and games. Be cognizant that coaches are volunteers giving freely of their time. Parents should always let the coaches know where they can be reached if they can not attend practices or games (safety issue) and should never expect coaches to automatically assume responsibility for their children outside the designated hours of a practice or game
• Alert coaches of any player health concerns.
• Notify the coaches in advance (preferably in writing) of any absences (practices or games). Practices are an integral part of the program; they are where players learn the rules, strategy, skills and tactics of the game. OYAA encourages players and parents alike to make an honest effort to participate in all aspects of the program.
• Learn (or make an attempt to learn) the rules of the game.
• Parental behavior is noticed by and carries a great deal of weight with a child. The behavior of parents at games toward players, coaches and officials influences the child's values and behavior in sports. Criticism and/or disrespect for officials or opponents and behavior bent on immediate success undermine the purpose of sports and the long range benefits. These actions cause undue stress on the children beyond normal competition.
• No foul language, drugs, alcohol or tobacco use is appropriate at any OYAA function.

• Remember: Sports should be fun!
• Visiting teams and spectators are honored guests.
• Officals and opponents should be regarded as honest in intention.
• Officals' decisions must be accepted.
• In sports, as in life, treat others as you wish to be treated.
• Inappropriate behavior towards a player, coach, official or a spectator is subject to disciplinary action by the OYAA Board.
• No foul language, drugs, alcohol or tobacco use is appropriate at any OYAA function.

Coaching Philosophy

• Every coach approaches the game differently, and every age group demands a different emphasis. Ask your players why they are participating? What do they expect to get from this experience?
• Talk to your team. Talk about what you want to accomplish. Include skill development, personal goals, tactical growth, fitness, socialization and team goals in the discussion.
• Winning is desirable, however winning at any cost defeats the purpose of the game. Losing can be a triumph when a team has given its best and learns valuable lessons.

Pre-injury Planning

• You should have a plan of action to deal with injuries. Who will evaluate the injury? Who will call for help and how will the call will be made? Who will help with transportation?
• Before each season, coaches or team managers should be certain emergency medical kits are available. Kits must be brought to all games and practices. Ice should also be available.

Responsibilities

• Learn and know the rules of the game. Strive to continuously improve as coach, instructor and role model. Youth coaches should look to prepare their players for the next level of play.
• Tell the parents what you expect of them and their children - punctuality, cooperation, courtesy and effort.
• Each team's parents share a different chemistry. Build a supportive network by encouraging parents to attend games/practices whenever possible.
• Provide schedules (both practice and game) as well in advance as possible. Provide accurate directions, arrange departure times, and safe transportation when travel is involved.
• Travel and select coaches should keep accurate records of all expenses. When parents are asked to contribute over and above normal OYAA dues, a preseason team meeting to discuss pertinent issues is suggested. Since there is a higher level of commitment from all parties involved, that commitment should be discussed as well.
• Multi-sport athletes are a reality. OYAA encourages young athletes to experience as many sports as they can handle. For youths under the age of 14, OYAA does not believe a child should be asked to choose one sport over another. League schedules between sports overlap. Often players are committed to two teams at the same time. Coaches need to remember why the athletes are there in the first place and be guided accordingly. Good communication between two coaches in this situation won't solve every conflict, but can make a difficult situation much easier. Compromise is the guiding principal. Consult your commissioner if you have questions.
• Assess playing conditions (weather, field conditions, equipment, etc.) making your team's safety a priority.
• Distribute uniforms, equipment and OYAA information to your team on a timely basis.

Practice Schedules

• Be consistent with your practice schedule to eliminate conflict and confusion.
• Insist on punctuality and stress it with your parents and players. One of the most important concepts you can instill in your players is discipline; in sports that begins with getting to practice on time. Set an example. Get to practices early and have all practices planned out in advance. End practices on time.
• Come prepared, not only with a practice plan, but with all the necessary equipment as well. OYAA recommends that coaches have an assistant coach or parent volunteer at all games and practices.

Be a Positive Role Model

• When you must discipline your players, be consistent and fair. Be supportive and praise your player's accomplishments, effort and attitude. Criticism should be constructive -- remember they are children. Where possible, praise in public and criticize in private. Encouragement works best.
• Do not talk ill of other coaches, players or officials.
• Dress appropriately. No torn jeans, cut-off sleeves, etc. Do not take off your shirt on the sidelines to cool off. Clothing should not contain obscene sayings, pictures or slogans.
• You are a representative of OYAA and should conduct yourself accordingly.