We ask that all families to review the RYSI policy against Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying with their children. Together we can ensure that all of our children and RYSI participants have a better understanding of the issue and can help make all RYSI programs enjoyable for all.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

Youth sports play a vital role in encouraging physical, social and emotional growth of children.  It is therefore essential for parents, coaches and officials to encourage their youth players to embrace the values of good sportsmanship, discipline and character development.  All compliance infractions will be reviewed by the Executive Board for appropriate actions.

•   Be a good sport (win or lose), be honest, fair and always show good sportsmanship to all coaches, players, officials and fans.
•   Learn the value of commitment to the team.
•   Put personal goals aside for the betterment of the team.
•   Show courtesy and respect to all teammates, parents, opponents and coaches.
•   Realize that athletic contests, including practice sessions are educational experiences and opportunities.
•   Players will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct.
•   Players will not engage in rude behavior on or off the field.
•   Players will treat everyone, including coaches, parents, players and officials with respect regardless of race, creed, color, nationality or gender.
•   Have fun!

PARENT/VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

Parents are vital to the development of young athletes. Whether sitting in the stands or helping out as a volunteer, parents must set a positive example. Parents and adults involved in youth sports should be models of good sportsmanship and lead by example on and off the playing field. All compliance infractions will be reviewed by the Executive Board for appropriate actions(1).

• Give constructive criticism during a private moment, never in front of other parents, players, officials, spectators, etc.
• Support your coach, and refrain from excessive “sideline coaching” from the stands.
• Refrain from using profanity.
• Abide by doctor’s decision in all matters of players health and injuries, and physical ability to play.
• Accept the decisions of officials on the field as being fair and called to the best ability of the officials. Parents must stay off the field and remain under control in order to set a good example for players and other spectators.
• Do not criticize an opposing team, its players, fans, coaches or team, by words or gestures.
• Support the coaches, players and officials and help teach the value of commitment to the teams, sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.
• Inappropriate behavior is cause for immediate ejection from the stands. Repeat offenses will result in being barred from future games and league sponsored activities.
• Parents will not encourage their child, or any other person, to engage in unsportsmanship conduct with any coach, parent, player, participants, officials or any other attendee.
• All Volunteers must adhere to the Ridge Youth Sports Code of Conduct, Mission and Philosophy.

If there is a compliance infraction of the above Code of Conduct, the procedure for remediation will be as follows:

1. The player, parent or board member will be contacted by the Trustee for Program Management or Board Member.
2. The Trustee Responsible for Program Management or board member will schedule a time to meet with the coach, player, board member to discuss the infraction. The meeting will take place as soon as possible after the infraction is incurred.
3. The Trustee Responsible for Program Management or Board Member will evaluate and offer an opinion to the RYSI Executive Board for a Vote – this could result in penalties, expulsion, or suspension from the program depending upon the infraction.
4. Upon a vote from the RYSI Executive Board, the coach, player, parent or board member will be notified of the Board’s position and the appropriate action will be followed.
   

POLICY AGAINST HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING

1. Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by either any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability; or
2. By any other distinguishing characteristic; and that
3. Takes place in relation to any program function or team; and that
4. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a player or damaging the player’s property, or placing a player in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or
5. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any player or group of players; or 6. Creates a hostile environment for the player by interfering with a player’s participation or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the player.

Notification of any alleged harassment, intimidation or bullying shall be made to the affiliated Coach or Trustee for Program Management or Board Member.The procedure for remediation will be as follows:

1. If the Coach of the alleged victim is notified, the Coach is obligated to report the allegation to the Trustee responsible for Program Management or Board Member.
2. The Trustee Responsible for Program Management or Board Member will gather all pertinent information in a fair, respectful and confidential manner regarding the alleged harassment, intimidation or bullying and review with both the accuser and the accused.
3. The Trustee Responsible for Program Management or Board Member will evaluate and offer an opinion to the RYSI Executive Board for a Vote – this could result in penalties, up to and including expulsion, or suspension from the program for the coach depending upon the infraction.
4. Upon a vote from the RYSI Executive Board, the accused will be notified of the Board’s position and the appropriate action will be followed.