LOUYAA Coach & Volunteer Code of Conduct

LOUYAA exists to provide a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate experience for children. Coaches, volunteers, officials, and all adults involved in LOUYAA activities play a critical role in shaping that experience. Everyone is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and social well-being of all participants.

LOUYAA will not tolerate any behavior by an adult that demeans, intimidates, or negatively impacts a child, official, coach, volunteer, or spectator. This includes yelling, belittling, or engaging in confrontational or unsportsmanlike conduct. Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including immediate removal from an event and potential suspension or expulsion from LOUYAA activities.

As a coach or volunteer, I understand that my words and actions directly influence the children I serve. I accept my responsibility as a leader and role model and agree to the following:

1. I will remember that youth sports are for the children, not the adults, and that the primary goals are fun, learning, and development.
2. I will model the highest standards of sportsmanship, integrity, and respect, and will promote fair play and adherence to the rules.
3. I will communicate positively and respectfully with players, fellow coaches, officials, volunteers, and families at all times.
4. I will not engage in or tolerate unsportsmanlike behavior, including arguing with officials, taunting, using profanity, or displaying hostile gestures.
5. I will treat every child with dignity and respect, regardless of ability, background, gender, race, or experience level.
6. I will manage conflict calmly and professionally and will never respond with aggression, hostility, or intimidation.
7. I will focus on effort, improvement, and teamwork, and will never ridicule or shame a child for mistakes or performance.
8. I will respect the authority and role of officials and other coaches and will address concerns through appropriate LOUYAA channels, never during games or in front of children.
9. I will adhere to LOUYAA’s 24-Hour Rule: Coaches and volunteers will not initiate or engage in discussions with parents or guardians regarding game decisions, playing time, officiating, or emotionally charged issues until at least 24 hours have passed following a game or event. This cooling-off period is intended to promote respectful, constructive communication and to ensure conversations occur in a calm and appropriate setting.
10. Social Media and Electronic Communication: I will not post, comment on, or share negative, inflammatory, or critical content related to LOUYAA, its participants, officials, coaches, volunteers, or families on social media or other electronic platforms. I will never engage in online arguments or respond publicly to complaints or disputes. Any photos, videos, or content involving youth participants will be shared only in an appropriate, respectful manner and in accordance with LOUYAA policies.
11. I will work to ensure that every child has a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience in LOUYAA programs.

Zero Tolerance Policy on Physical Altercations

LOUYAA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for physical altercations. Any physical aggression—including but not limited to fighting, pushing, shoving, striking, or threatening gestures—by players, parents/guardians, coaches, spectators, or volunteers will not be tolerated.

Violations may result in:

• Immediate removal from the event or facility
• Suspension from practices, games, or other LOUYAA programs
• Permanent dismissal from the program or future eligibility
• Notification to appropriate authorities, if necessary

All incidents will be reviewed by the LOUYAA Board of Directors. Disciplinary actions will be determined based on the severity of the incident, prior behavior, and impact on program safety and integrity.

Consequences for Violations of the Code of Conduct

LOUYAA is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all participants. Any violation of this Code of Conduct—by a player, parent/guardian, coach, volunteer, or spectator—may result in disciplinary action. The specific consequence will depend on the nature and severity of the violation, as determined by the LOUYAA Board of Directors.

Possible consequences include but are not limited to:

• Verbal or written warning
• Immediate removal from a game, event, or facility
• Suspension from one or more games or practices
• Temporary or permanent removal from a team or program
• Prohibition from attending future LOUYAA events
• Revocation of coaching or volunteer privileges
• In extreme cases, involvement of local authorities or law enforcement

All decisions regarding disciplinary actions will be made by LOUYAA leadership and are final. LOUYAA reserves the right to act quickly and decisively to protect the well-being of all participants and to maintain the integrity of its programs.

Coach/Volunteer Acknowledgment

As a LOUYAA Coach or Volunteer, I acknowledge and agree to the established LOUYAA Code of Conduct and understand that participating is a privilege, not a right. I understand that the LOUYAA Board of Directors and/or Sport Commissioners have the right to remove players, spectators, coaches, or volunteers if any behavior or conduct is deemed inappropriate. A violation of the Code of Conduct shall be just cause for my removal as a player and/or spectator.