WGYBA Code of Conduct

Updated: 10/04/23

This document presents the expectations for conduct from athletes, care givers, spectators and coaches of Waltham Girls Basketball Association, Inc. We hold athletes, parents, coaches and community members to a high standard of sportsmanship. Enforcing this Code of Conduct allows us to promote a safe, rewarding, and fun experience for our community.

Please read the document carefully before registering this season. Each participant and coach is required to acknowledge the Code of Conduct before the season begins and must abide by the Code of conduct throughout the entire season.

Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action including suspension – either temporarily or permanently as determined by the League Directors.

Parent / Care Giver Code of Conduct

• I will put the emotional and physical well-being of youth participants ahead of a personal desire to win.
• I will respect players, coaches, officials, spectators, and families at all times.
• I will respect the decisions of officials and coaches and will not engage in arguments or discussions of any kind with officials and coaches immediately following a game.
• I will not engage in any violence, verbal threats, physical altercations, or use any profanity.
• I will not yell advice to my child during a game.
• I will model good sportsmanship for all youth participants.
• I will not belittle or ridicule anyone involved in a youth sporting event–in public, private, in-person, or online.
• I will communicate promptly with the coach about injuries, illness and other conflicts that may impact their ability to attend or participate fully in games and practices
• I will do my part to keep sports fun and positive for every youth participant.

Athlete Code of Conduct

• I will show respect to players, coaches, officials, opponents, spectators and parents/care givers at every game and practice, no matter win or lose.
• I will learn the value of commitment by participating in as many practices and games as I can.
• I will encourage my teammates and praise good efforts.
• I will be honest, fair, and respectful to others at all times.
• I will arrive at practice on time and be ready to dedicate my attention to my coaches.

 Coaches Code of Conduct

• I will coach with the goal of creating a positive learning experience for athletes. Winning games is secondary to building a positive youth sports experience for my players, parents of my players, and opposing teams.
• I will follow all safety protocols of the league.
• I will under no circumstances engage in an argument with a referee or official. Any discussions or conversations with officials or referees will be in a respectful tone.
• I will treat opposing coaches, athletes, spectators, and parents/care givers with respect.
• I will ensure all athletes are aware of team rules and expectations at the beginning of the season and that all athletes are treated equally and fairly in enforcement of those rules.
• I will report any violations of the code of conduct by parents, athletes, or other coaches to the League Directors

Code of Conduct Enforcement

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 coach will be contacted by a League Director
2. The League Director 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. League Directors will issue a verbal warning for first minor offenses. A second offense may merit a written warning. 
4. League Directors may issue single or multi-event suspensions for ongoing offenses or serious violations (even if the violation is a first time offense).
5. League Directors may suspend someone for the duration of the season or from the league at their discretion for grave violations.

 POLICY AGAINST HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING

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

 Waltham Girls Youth Basketball prohibits and has a zero tolerance policy against acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying (including cyber-bullying). “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents that:

• 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
• By any other distinguishing characteristic; and that
• Takes place in relation to any program function or team; and that
• 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
• Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any player or group of players; or
• 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 League Director. 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 a League Director.
2. The League Director 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. League Directors will evaluate and offer an opinion to the Board for a Vote – this could result in penalties, up to and including expulsion, or suspension from the program depending upon the infraction.
4. Upon a vote from the Board, the accused will be notified of the Board’s position and the appropriate action will be followed.