In an effort to maintain the integrity of this program, which is based on teamwork, discipline, respect, commitment and good sportsmanship, the following are to be observed and obeyed by all. One of the goals of the Northville Youth Football Association (NYFA) program is to provide a safe and fun learning environment for the youth of our community. We strive to create an opportunity for our kids to work together as a team toward common goals. We emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for authority figures (officials and coaches), players and other spectators. NYFA will not tolerate verbal or physical abuse of its volunteer coaches, game officials or players from any parent, player or spectator. Parents and spectators, just as players and coaches, are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct described here at all NYFA events. While most of the adults and children in the program will abide by this code without being instructed, it is being published to protect the children, the integrity of our program and to emphasize the values of the NYFA.
As a parent or spectator, I will:
Support the coaches, players and/or cheerleaders and help teach the value of commitment to the team, sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play;
Support my child’s team and help my child and NYFA make athletic contests a positive and educational experience;
Direct constructive criticism of my child’s team's program to the head coach and/or NYFA Board members at an appropriate time. I will work towards a positive result for all concerned;
Accept decisions of the game officials (including coaches) on the field as being fair and called to the best ability of said officials. The officials are in charge of all games and their decisions are final;
Exhibit exemplary sportsmanship at all times;
Emphasize to my child that good athletes strive to be good students;
Strive to make every football activity serve as a training ground for life;
Abstain from being under the influence of or in possession of alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substance on both game and practice fields;
Stay behind the designated spectator line during a game;
Be responsible for the actions and conduct of any guests that I bring to any NYFA event.
As a parent or spectator, I will not:
Interfere/interrupt the coaching staff during the games or practices;
Criticize officials or coaches, direct abuse or profane language toward them or otherwise subvert their authority;
Criticize an opposing team, its players, coaches or spectators by word of mouth, by gesture or by deliberately inciting unsportsmanlike behavior
In any way, at any NYFA game or practice or any NYFA event, conduct myself in a manner which fails to demonstrate good sportsmanship and compliance with the spirit of this Code of Conduct.
Consequences of Behavior
At any NYFA event, practice or competition, any adult who verbally abuses, attempts to intimidate, is flagrantly rude to, or does not control his/her language or actions with a player, official, coach, spectator, will be asked to leave the event by a NYFA Board member. If the spectator fails to leave upon request, law enforcement authorities may be called to remove the spectator.
Any adult that conducts himself or herself in a manner not consistent with the spirit of this Code of Conduct may be banned from NYFA events for the remainder of the season and any future season.
Any adult who physically assaults an official, coach, NYFA Board member, player, participant or another spectator will be banned from the NYFA. After one year, the parent may apply for reinstatement. NYFA may, at its discretion, lift the ban. The term physical assault includes, but is not limited to: hitting, slapping, pushing, spitting, kicking or striking in any way with any part of the body or any physical implement.
