Codes of Conduct

Guardian Code of Conduct

The Greater Okotoks Football Association (GOFA) works to provide a positive environment for all players, coaches and guardians. Our program is bigger than any one player, coach, guardian, spectator or league. As a guardian of an Eagle player, we require the following:
  • I will encourage sportsmanship and fair play. I will keep all my comments positive on and off the practice field, game field, and on all social media. I will encourage all children, including the members of opposing teams. Criticizing, abusive language or cursing of coaches, referees, players, spectators, opponents or fans will not be tolerated. I understand that this is youth football and our goal is to have fun.
  • I will be supportive of the players, coaching staff, and board member with my public comments and remarks. I understand that creating drama or stirring controversy in person or on social media will not be tolerated. If I have an issue or suggestion I will bring it up with the head coach or volunteer to coach next year's team.
  • I will accept all decisions made on the field by coaches and officials as being fair and called to the best of their ability at that time. All decisions are final. If I have any concerns/issues I will allow a 24-hour cooling off period before discussing my concerns with the head coach.
  • I understand playing time and positions are at the discretion of the coaches and determined by what is best for the player and team; all kinds of kids play for the Eagles - big, small, fast, slow, athletic, clumsy, aggressive, and passive. Football is a team sport and every person and position is of equal value and requires the contribution of ALL players.
  • I will accept the coach’s decision on how players can best contribute, for example, positions, playing time, offense and defense, practice structure, etc.
  • I understand that a coach’s job is to point out mistakes. This might be perceived as criticism but is always done for a reason and never to belittle my child.
  • I will not bring or use drugs and/or alcohol on or near the practice field, game field, or in the parking areas.
  • I understand that, for insurance reasons, only players, coaches, and trainers are allowed on the field, no exceptions.
  • I understand that practices and games will be very organized and planned down to the minute, that the system of teaching football is a technique and timing-based system that is taught in a set progression. I will ensure my player arrive at the field, equipment on and ready to play at least 15 minutes before practices and 60 minutes before games. I understand that if a player is late or misses any practices they miss key instructions which will affect their playing time.
  • If my child cannot make a practice or game, I will notify the head Coach at least 24 hours in advance. I realize that players who attend practices may get priority in the game starting line-up.
  • I understand that my volunteering support is essential for the Eagles to be successful. My involvement re-enforces the proper attitude that creates the atmosphere for success of the team.
GRIEVANCE
GOFA is a non-profit organization committed to the development of youth. As an organization, we rely on the dedication and commitment of volunteers to act in the best interest of your player, the community and the sport of football. All grievances will be taken seriously. Decisions from the GOFA executive ensure that the environment we create, on and off the field, are guided by safety, respect and teamwork. If you have questions/concerns regarding the actions or conduct of our volunteers we ask you to please follow the process outlined below.
STEP 1
Contact the Head coach directly. The Head Coach is available in person before or after practice to discuss issues or concerns that you may have. You may also contact the coach via e-mail or cell phone to schedule a time more convenient to both parties. Please maintain respectful communication. Do not contact assistant coaches, all team issues should be directed to the head coach.
STEP 2
If you have not received the support or assistance from the Head Coach to resolve your issue or concerns, please contact the General Team Manager who will liaise with the GOFA Executive directly.
STEP 3
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of steps one and two, then you may request an in-person meeting with the GOFA Executive to present your concerns. You may make this request through the General Team Manager via email. Once all of the facts have been collected and reviewed the executive will convene privately so a resolution can be reached. The decisions made by the GOFA Executive will be final and not open to further discussion and will be communicated to all parties involved.
ENFORCEMENT
Guardians will be given one warning for inappropriate activity.
Guardians that continue with inappropriate activity will be asked to leave all fields of play and the player of the guardian will be removed from the practice or game.
Additional sanctions as deemed necessary by the coaches and/or GOFA board may be enforced including;
Reduce the playing time of the player; and/or
Suspend the player for a period of time,
Remove the child from the team.

 

 

Player Code of Conduct

  • I will play football because I want to, not because others want me to.
  • I will play by the rules of football, and in the spirit of the game.
  • I will show respect at all times for all coaches, all officials, all players, all spectators, and all parents.
  • I will control my temper and be respectful. I will not fight, use foul or abusive language, obscene gestures or display any inappropriate behavior at any time towards anyone.
  • I will be a team player.
  • I know that winning isn't everything - having fun, playing fair, improving my skills, making friends and doing my best are all important.
  • I will acknowledge all good play - that of my team-mates and of my opponents.
  • I understand that Coaches are there to coach and not to improve my behaviour. If I am found to be behaving badly, my coach is permitted to remove me from any team event. Furthermore, the responsibility of my behaviour outside of team-sanctioned events is not that of team coaches but is the responsibility myself, and of my family or guardian.
  • I will never take part in a practice, game or team event while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • I will not take part in any form of bullying, either to an opposing player or to a player on my team. I understand that bullying in any form, whether in person or electronically will not be tolerated.
GAMES AND PRACTICES
  • I recognize that practices are more important than games even though games are important.
  • I will arrive at the field with all my equipment on and ready to play at least 15 minutes before practices and 60 minutes before games.
  • If I cannot make a practice or game, I will notify the head Coach at least 24 hours in advance.
  • I realize that players who attend practices may get priority in the game starting line-up. Starting line-ups are based on several factors including my attendance at practices, my effort, my attitude, and the respect I show toward teammates and coaches.
  • I realize that playing time is not always going to be equal despite my coaches attempt to equalize.
  • I will turn off all electronic devices before arrival at my practice, game or team event and leave them off until I am finished.
  • I will leave all venues as neat and tidy as I found them and will remove all refuse from the field, clubhouse and change rooms.
ACADEMICS
  • I will do my best in school, devoting time and effort to my studies to ensure I complete all my assignments.
  • I recognize that if I am expelled or suspended from school that I will not be eligible to participate in practices or games.
 EQUIPMENT
  • I will respect, protect and maintain my equipment. I will never throw or purposefully drop my helmet.
  • I will remove all jewelry for practices and games (except for medically approved bracelets and eye wear).
  • I will wear all my football equipment, appropriate footwear, mouth guard and bring my own water bottle to all games and practices.
  • I will ensure my uniform is clean and my jersey is tucked in at all times during a game.
  • I will wear appropriate attire for the weather conditions at practices and games.
  • I will return all equipment at the end of the football season or immediately upon dismissal from team.
DISCIPLINE
  • I recognize that team coaches will handle infractions that occur at times other than during a game.
  • I recognize that infractions that occur during the game will be decided by the Referee.
  • I recognize that serious infractions will result in discipline to be determined by the Head Coach.
INJURIES
  • I am required to inform my coaches of any injuries or hurts prior to play that may inhibit my performance.
  • I am required to inform the coaching staff of any injuries sustained and seek medical treatment when requested by the coaching staff, team trainers or on-field trainers.
  • I understand that injuries requiring medical treatment must be accompanied by a physician’s note and also cleared by the coaching staff or team trainers in order to return to play.
  • I understand that any suspected or confirmed concussion related injuries must be accompanied by a physician’s note and also cleared by the coaching staff or team trainers in order to return to play. This is in accordance with the “Return to Play” policy as established by the Coaching Association of Canada and GOFA.
CONSEQUENCES
If for any reason the Code of Conduct is not followed by the player, any [one or more] of the following steps may be taken by the coaches or the GOFA organization:
Reduce the playing time of the player; and/or
Suspend the player for a period of time,
Remove the child from the team.