Parents Code of Conduct

The Hegewisch Bulldogs Organization has established the following Parent Code of Conduct to emphasize the important role parents play in supporting their child's involvement in sports. By signing your child up for the Hegewisch Bulldogs, you acknowledge these rules and agree to follow them.

Any parent found engaging in inappropriate behavior at a game or practice will be asked to leave the premises and will be suspended from the next game. Repeat offenses may result in a multiple-game suspension or a complete season ban from attending games. Additionally, any parent who speaks ill of the organization may be asked to leave and may face further disciplinary action.

Preamble

Sportsmanship and ethics are fundamental in character-building, and they are best embodied through six core principles: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Good Citizenship. The true value of sports is realized when these principles guide competition and behavior.

Therefore, I agree to the following:

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I recognize that children participate in sports to have fun, and the primary focus of games is their enjoyment, not the interests of adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical conditions or injuries that may affect my child's safety or the safety of others.
4. I will familiarize myself with the rules of the game and the league's policies.
5. I (and my guests) will serve as positive role models for my child, fostering sportsmanship through respect and courtesy, while offering positive support to all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at all events.
6. I (and my guests) will refrain from engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct such as booing, taunting, or using offensive language or gestures toward any official, coach, player, or parent.
7. I will not encourage behaviors or actions that endanger the health and safety of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and resolve conflicts peacefully, without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will insist that my child treat all players, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, ensuring that they do not feel defeated by the outcome of a game or their performance.
11. I will assist during games if help is needed for set-up or clean-up after the game.
12. I will never ridicule or shout at my child or other participants for making mistakes or losing.
13. I will emphasize the importance of skill development and practice over the focus on winning, particularly in the younger age groups.
14. I will prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes above any personal desire for my child to win.
15. I will respect the authority of the officials during games and will not question or confront coaches at the game site. I will speak with coaches at a mutually agreed time and location.
16. I will ensure a drug-, tobacco-, and alcohol-free environment for my child, refraining from using these substances at the game fields.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices unless I am an official coach of the team. I agree to the "24-hour rule," which means I will wait 24 hours after a game or competition before addressing any concerns about game play, performance, or playing time with the coach.
18. I acknowledge that coaches are volunteers who generously donate their time, and I will ensure that my child is on time for practices and games and is picked up promptly.

By adhering to this Parent Code of Conduct, we ensure that our children enjoy a positive and respectful sports experience.