Sports Accord
It has been a long road, but the Character and Ethics Project Board and Sports Project Leader, Bob MacKay made certain that the path was properly laid. The consideration on Tuesday, June 11 of the Sports Accord is the culmination of two years of labor in the community.
In Fall 2000, the Character and Ethics Project hosted a Youth Sports Conference. Coaches, athletes, and parents gathered to discuss how sports programs could help equip youth with values to meet life’s challenges, on and off the field. As a result of this conference, thirty-nine (39) coaches and athletic directors from the three area comprehensive public high schools and Glendale College were trained as trainers for the "Pursuing Victory With Honor" Sportsmanship Campaign. This focus has helped coaches, athletic administrators, counselors, sports officials and other youth group administrators discover ways to cultivate strong moral character in young athletes.
After the Youth Sports Conference, all youth sports organizations in Glendale were issued the Glendale Sports Accord. Student athletes and their parents are asked to abide by the code of conduct contained in the Accord. The City of Glendale offers a two (2) hour training program and Code of Conduct for all coaches who utilize the fields and facilities supervised by the City of Glendale. The program was adapted from the "Character Counts" curriculum. Coaches and their assistants are asked to complete training each year. It is estimated that there are 400 sports teams with two adults per team. Each participating sports organization manages the distribution and return of the codes of conduct.
Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) also requires all coaches and student athletes to complete a two (2) hour training program and sign a Code of Conduct for all GUSD sports programs. It is hoped that the effort can be extended to the private schools in the area in the near future.
Parents Code of Ethics
I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics:
- I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports event.
- I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.
- I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
- I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches’ Code of Ethics.
- I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
- I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
- I will remember that the game is for youth - not adults.
- I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
- I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
- I will help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation.
- I will read the National Standards For Youth Sports and do what I can to help all youth sports organizations implement and enforce them.
Players Pledge (Ages 4-7)
- I will be a good sport, during games and practices.
- I will follow the rules, and play fairly.
- I will be friendly to my teammates, opponents and officials.
- I will not argue or fight. I will not tease other players or call them names.
- I will listen to my coaches and officials and follow their instructions.
- I am here to have fun, to learn and to enjoy being with friends.
