The Parent Code of Conduct in Organized Sports

According to the Rutgers University Athletic Department, the participation of young people in organized sports promotes physical, social and emotional development throughout childhood. Parents and other adults play a key role in showing a good example of good sportsmanship in sporting events.

  1. History

    • On Sept. 23, 2000 the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSFF) and various national and local organizations in Massachusetts met to draw up a Parental Code of Conduct for organized youth sports. The result was a 17 point code of conduct revolving around the value of good sportsmanship.

    Values

    • The NYSSF reports the Parental Code of Conduct reflects six pillars of character. These six ideals are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship.

    Contract

    • The Parental Code of Conduct drawn up by the NYSSF is designed to be signed by each parent and act as a contract between the adult and a league organization. The 17 rules include not forcing a child to participate in an activity and respecting the authority of officials.

    Role Models

    • According to Rutgers University the code of conduct was drawn up to encourage parents and adults involved in youth sports to act as role models for young people. A good example should be set by adults showing self-control and respect for others involved in the organized activity.

    Rules

    • The NYSSF explains that failing to abide by the Parental Code of Conduct can result in punishments for both the parent and the youth sports team. Warnings and suspensions can be enforced on the parent and, in extreme cases of breached rules, a game can be forfeited by the team on the authority of the coach or other officials.