Football Code of Conduct

Coaches CONDUCT

The Optimist Youth Football Program is an excellent indoctrination program into football. To set a fine example, all coaches and staff members MUST conduct themselves in a SPORTSMAN-LIKE manner at all times when they are in the
presence of the boys & girls in the program.

To insure the success of the program, guidelines have been adopted concerning the behavior of coaches and their staffs. The following are grounds for immediate dismissal from the program:

1. Swearing or using abusive language in the presence of the players either at the practices or in the games.
2. Unsportsmanlike conduct.
3. Deliberate violation of any of the rules prescribed by the Optimist Youth Football Committee.
4. Conviction of any crime involving drugs, domestic violence, violence or injury to a child.

The primary goal of the Optimist Youth Football Program is development of boys & girls to be better citizens. This is primarily accomplished by the coaches as they work with the boys & girls. The players must be taught sportsmanship and fair play, and these teachings should always govern their behavior while at practice and at games. Most boys & girls desire to be fair and just in their actions, but it is up to the coaches to make the word SPORTSMANSHIP have a very clear meaning.

Unsportsmanlike conduct of any nature has a tendency to reflect adversely upon the coaching staff. Teaching the proper fundamentals of the game is also very important, as improper playing can result in:

1. Injuries to the player.
2. Lack of interest in the game.

This does not mean that the coaches must know all the plays, positions and how to play them. They do however, owe it to the players to have a staff that can give them the guidance and instruction needed to play the game properly. Most boys & girls want to learn to play the game by the rules. The correct way is the only way that they should be taught.

Remember, always, that this program is for the boys & girls.