The Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, in conjunction with Huguenot Little League, has adopted the following Code of Conduct as a result of its concerns for good sportsmanship in co-sponsored youth activities. Youth sports can be used as an opportunity for young people to learn how to engage in healthy competition while maintaining respect for their opponents. All parties to the athletic competitions should adhere to the highest standards of positive support for the contestants. By participating in Chesterfield County Youth Sports Programs, all parties must abide by the Code of Conduct.  Violations may result in the loss of privileges at county facilities.

Preamble

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: • Trustworthiness, • Respect, • Responsibility, • Fairness, • Caring, and • Good Citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character."

I therefore agree:

I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my children and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice or sporting event.

I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.

I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league. I will respect the officials and their authority. I will refrain from questioning, discussing or confronting coaches during the game, and will take the time to speak with the officials or coaches at an agreed upon time and place.

I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for the youth, not the adults. I will not force my child to participate in sports.

I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

I realize that the purpose of my attendance is to observe a contest and support recreation activities, not a license to verbally assault others or be generally obnoxious.

I will respect the athletic facility in which I am visiting and will not damage or deface Park or School property.

I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or others.

I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.

I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.

I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.