I understand that I must abide by the following Code of Conduct as a Staff or Volunteer in the YMCA Youth Programs.
- I am coaching/serving the children – It is not for my own gain.
- I will conduct myself in a manner to earn the respect and confidence of the athletes, students, parents and officials with positive, respectful communication and remarks.
- I will make sure that the children are having fun, learning and improving as opposed to just winning by incorporating the Y core values of honesty, caring respect and responsibility.
- I will behave in a non-abusive manner. I need to look at the special needs of each child, gifted and not gifted regardless of sex, race, religion, culture, economic level of the family, disability or skill level.
- I understand that I must be a positive influence refraining from yelling or making negative remarks to the children, referees, coaches, staff or parents.
- I will provide a safe and fun environment. I will never touch out of anger.
- I will motivate with praise and specific instruction.
- I will not permit any unsportsmanlike conduct from program participants, athletes or spectators representing the team or program I am leading.
- In a competition I will prepare athletes for the competition and will lead them to acknowledge their competitors offering congratulations to his/her opponent win or lose.
- I will lead by example and role modeling accomplishments and winning with humility and learning and losing with dignity. (Examples: don’t run up the score, provide positive announcements and team cheers, use professional verbal comments and physical actions.).
- I will strive for more knowledge through continuing education in becoming a better coach or instructor. I will honor the time and commitment of participants, athletes, parents, coaches and Y staff by being on time and being prepared.
- I will respect and follow any program policy handbook.
- I will share my feedback and concerns in a civil and tactful manner to Y Staff and other volunteer coordinators.
- I will help the Y Staff, event/program officials, fellow coaches and instructors, and any referees to control a positive atmosphere during all athletic competitions. Good Sportsmanship is priority.
- I understand as serving as a coach or instructor, I will be held accountable to the expectation I will be a positive mentor and role model to all youth participants while representing the Springfield YMCA.
- I will complete the required child abuse prevention and reporting training(s) within 30 days of signing this document and then again within every 2 years if I remain associated with the Springfield YMCA in a staff or volunteer capacity.
- I understand I play a key role in child abuse prevention and have read and will abide by the tenets of the Y’s procedures and policies related to preventing child abuse including: