ALLEN SPORTS ASSOCIATION PHILOSOPHY
The mission of the Allen Sports Association (ASA) is to provide the youth of Allen and surrounding areas with affordable opportunities for participation in a variety of sports within a safe, organized, and enjoyable environment. ASA believes that these opportunities not only help improve skills but assist in the enhancement of building self-esteem and character.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Universal Code of Conduct (UCC) is designed and implemented to support the overall mission of ASA to ensure the well-being and safety of those whom the association serves: our children. The UCC is applicable to all ASA sports programs and provides guidelines for behavior and responsibilities to players, parents, volunteers, coaches, and spectators. This includes, but is not limited to, ASA facilities, events, activities, and extends to social media platforms. The following five areas of emphasis are highlighted:
I. Youth Protection / Child Abuse
II. Sportsmanship
III. Alcohol, Tobacco, Illegal Drugs, and Other Prohibited Items
IV. Safety and Health
V. Fairness and Honesty
The Board and Executive Director of ASA aim to expose children to a variety of sports within a fun and safe atmosphere. ASA hopes that providing these opportunities will foster a deeper appreciation for sports and maintains that adherence to the UCC will assist in the achievement of this goal. For questions or comments regarding the Universal Code of Conduct, please contact the Sports Commissioner for the sport in which you are registering.
I. YOUTH PROTECTION / CHILD ABUSE
ASA maintains a zero-tolerance policy when it concerns child abuse. Abuse in sports is defined as any action taken by an adult which results in the direct or indirect physical and/or emotional harm to a child. All participants with ASA, are required to report any suspected abuse. Abusive behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:
a. *Physical – a grab, strike, shove, spank, shake, slap, excessive exercise, or denial of water as means of punishment.
b. Verbal – any spoken words that humiliate, degrade, and/or threaten, including swearing, name calling, hurtful comments regarding performance and/or overall appearance of a player.
c. *Sexual – any sexually implicit or explicit touching, exposure, or comment.
d. Mental – conveyance of unrealistic expectations of a child (i.e., winning every game, never making a mistake, performing like a pro)
*Texas law requires that all citizens report the suspected sexual, physical, or mental abuse or neglect of a child to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (www.txabusehotline.org) and/or to their local law enforcement agency. Participants in ASA programs should understand that allegations of abuse are taken seriously, and that ASA will not only report such allegations, but will also cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation of such reports.
A substantiated allegation of abuse will result in the immediate suspension of the accused individual(s) pending notification of the proper legal authorities and an investigation by the Association.
All volunteers for ASA will be subject to a background investigation which includes a criminal records check. The Association’s website should be consulted for a summary of the criteria used to evaluate eligibility for coaching with respect to the outcome of the criminal records check.
II. SPORTSMANSHIP
ASA’s stance on good sportsmanship is secondary only to its emphasis on child safety. Each player, parent, coach, volunteer and spectator share a responsibility to practice good sportsmanship to allow for increased enjoyment and competition for all. Players, coaches, parents, volunteers and spectators are all expected to conduct themselves with respect and dignity and abide by the following general principles:
• always display a positive attitude on both the practice and game fields
• demonstrate respect to coaches, parents, volunteers, officials, and players without regard to race, religion, nationality, or gender or ability at all times
• abstain from the use of vulgar, obscene, offensive, profane, or derogatory comments or gestures
• no physical violence such as fighting or wrestling, and including but not limited to a grab, strike, shove, spank, shake, slap, punch, kick, choke, etc.
• not argue with an official, know the rules of the game and support all officials on and off the field
• not demean or belittle a participant by yelling or reprimanding any player, coach, official, or other parent or spectator
• applaud effort in both victory and defeat, and encourage and acknowledge sportsmanship and good play by all players, regardless of team
• help to provide a safe and fun environment
• remember that the game is for the kids, not the adults
• do not confront, antagonize, threaten or berate a player, coach, official, volunteer, parent or spectator
COACHES are also required to adhere to the following:
• be responsible for the conduct of his/her players, as well as his/her team’s parents and spectators at all times
• submit to a criminal background check, meet all coaching requirements as defined by ASA, to include obtain and, on request, display the ASA coaching credential/badge and obtain the necessary coaching licenses and/or certifications applicable to the sport
• remain aware of any special considerations regarding members of the team
• incorporate and ensure frequent water breaks as needed
• avoid any circumstance which places them alone with a child other than their own
• provide consistent, adequate communication
• adhere to all facility and City of Allen Field use guidelines
• adhere to all rules pertaining to ASA practice and game participation
• Head Coach is responsible for ensuring that all assistant coaches or other on-field/on-court volunteers are properly credentialed/badged
• Illegal player/coach/participant - All coaches are responsible for ensuring that all players and other participants on the team roster are properly registered and approved to participate in the sport and on the team according to the rules and regulations established by the Association and the individual sport
• Not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior or overly aggressive play to players
• Coaches are reminded that they have special responsibility and authority as part of their position and should endeavor to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that brings respect and honor to the game
III. ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, ILLEGAL DRUGS, AND OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS
The use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and/or illegal drugs by players, coaches, volunteers, parents, and spectators during any ASA sponsored event is prohibited. Consuming alcohol and/or using drugs prior to an ASA event which causes the user to be impaired while at the event is also prohibited. Player and Coach uniforms and team fan/spirit wear cannot display advertisements of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, profanity, or sexually oriented language or images. Violations of this policy will result in an immediate suspension from participation in ASA activities pending a review by the Board and/or Ethics Committee. Coaches, volunteers, parents, and spectators should remember they are role models for our youth and their actions should be congruent with ASA’s philosophy.
IV. SAFETY AND HEALTH
ASA regards safety and health as top priority. The following guidelines should be observed by coaches and volunteers as precautionary measures to ensure the physical safety and well-being of ASA participants:
- inspect all fields and courts prior to any practice or game
• utilize equipment that is ASA approved, age-appropriate, and free from any defect
• ensure children have access to plenty of water
• stop any practice or game in which weather conditions pose a hazard
• provide basic first-aid as needed
• discourage violent play
• follow coaching guidelines set forth by each sport
• keep practice times within the recommended guidelines
• notify ASA and your local law enforcement agency of any predatory activity associated with ASA sponsored events
¬ Parents are urged to be aware of the potential dangers of child predators within our communities. Please be vigilant in monitoring your children at practices and games. A parental escort should be provided when kids go to the restrooms, concession stands, and/or other facilities that are long distances from the game vicinities. The primary responsibility for the wellbeing of your child(ren) on and off the field lies with the parent/guardian, so please be proactive in watching over your loved ones. A list of registered sex offenders in your area may be accessed online at the following website:
https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/SexOffenderRegistry/Search
V. FAIRNESS AND HONESTY
ASA believes the sports environment is highly conducive to teaching children fairness and honesty. These virtues must be present in every aspect of our roles as coaches, parents and volunteers, including:
• Managing team finances
• Adequate playing time for all players, per the ASA By-Laws, and according to the individual sport’s rules, including abiding by the notice requirements established by the sports rules and the Association By Laws
• Strive to develop all players, regardless of talent level