PARENTS & SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

It is vital that spectators remember that they are there to support the team, coaches, and officials. Remember that this is a game that is meant to be a fun, learning experience for children.

• Spectators are to cheer positively. The use of profanity or degrading language is prohibited.
• Avoid actions that offend teams, players, officials, league representative or other spectators.
• Accept the judgment of coaches, officials and league representatives.
• Encourage the coach players, and other spectators in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
• The use of or being under the influence of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco at all MUS facilities is prohibited.
• Accept victory with grace and defeat with dignity.

Athletic competition helps young people grow in confidence, loyalty, teamwork, and skill. Millard United Sports is committed to promoting the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.

Remember that your children play for their own fun and enjoyment. Show appreciation and respect for your team’s opponents for without them, there would not be a game. Leave the officials out of it. They do not care who wins. Any mistakes are honest ones, and your children need to know that you believe this. Being an official is a difficult job – please respect this. Maintain self-control. Refrain from disrespectful conduct of any sort.

All parents are required to remain away from the players and coaches’ sideline for football and away from the dugout for baseball and softball, with the exception only to attend an injury if directed by the coach. At no point before, during, or after are any parents allowed on the playing field or player and coaches’ sideline or dugout.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

A spectator or parent that is ejected from a game by either the player’s coach or official, must leave the field immediately. 

If ejected a second time during the season, they will go before the Ethics Committee before being allowed to attend another MUS event.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

Millard United Sports (MUS) is emphasizing the importance of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND ETHICAL CONDUCT. The one thing we need to realize is that many people have not had GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP explained to them. Hopefully the following will help everyone understand their responsibilities at a MUS sporting event:

1. GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION FOR THE RULES OF THE SPORT. Know the rules. If you are uninformed, refrain from expressing opinions on officials or coaches. The spirit of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP depends on conformance to a rule's intent as well as to the letter of a given rule.
2. EXERCISE REPRESENTATIVE BEHAVIOR AT ALL TIME. The true value of competition relies upon everyone exhibiting behavior which is representative of a sound value base. Your behavior influences others whether you are aware of it or not.
3. RECOGNIZE AND APPRECIATE SKILLED PERFORMANCES REGARDLESS OF AFFILIATION. Applause for an opponent's good performance displays generosity and is a courtesy that should be regularly practiced. This not only represents GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP but also reflects a true awareness of the game by recognizing and acknowledging quality.
4. EXHIBIT RESPECT FOR THE OFFICIALS. The officials of any contest are impartial arbitrators who are trained and who perform to the best of their ability. Mistakes by all those involved in the contests are a part of the game. The rule of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP is to accept and abide by the decisions made by the official/umpire. This is critical for young athletes to learn for later applications in life.
5. DISPLAY OPENLY A RESPECT FOR THE OPPONENT AT ALL TIMES. Opponents should be treated cordially and accorded tolerance at all times. Be a positive representative for your team and family.
6. DISPLAY PRIDE IN YOUR ACTIONS AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY. Never allow your ego to interfere with good judgment and your responsibility as a League representative. Regardless of whether you are an adult, player, coach, or official, this value is paramount since it suggests that you care about yourself and how others perceive you.

PLAYERS' CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

Players must respect all aspects of the game including coaches, officials, teammates, opponents, and fans. Players should always uphold the highest standard of sportsmanship. The use of foul language, inappropriate gestures, or taunting will not be tolerated and are all strictly prohibited. Players are not allowed to throw equipment in or out of the dugout or field. This includes helmets, gloves, bats or other equipment.

Players are not allowed to question or challenge the judgment decisions of the official. As in all team sports, you win and lose as a team. Team members should continue to be positive and supportive of each other’s. Negative comments or attitudes will not be tolerated.

Players having inappropriate physical contact or verbal exchanges with a teammate, coach, official, or opponent will be subject to the player discipline rules below. A player may be ejected by an official, or if the player is in violation of the rules listed above, their coach may suspend the player in accordance with our discipline policy.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Any player who is ejected from a game will be subject to a one game suspension. The player must serve their suspension in the dugout or sideline area with their team. They are expected to support their team. If the player doesn’t report to the next game, they will serve their suspension at the next game they are present. The coach will inform the official and opposing coach of the suspension and why the player will not be participating. A second ejection will result in the player being required to go before the Ethics Committee before reinstatement.