Millard Athletic Association Policy Manual
Approved 2/16/2011
Millard Athletic Association Policy Manual Millard Athletic Association provides sports leagues to the area’s youth between the ages of 4 and 18 years old. The program is designed for young children and teens to involve themselves in recreational sport activities in order to promote sportsmanship, fair play, and to educate participants on the importance of involving themselves in positive and healthy physical activity.
Mission Statement The mission of Millard Athletic Association (“MAA”) is to provide the highest quality youth sports programs that serve players of all abilities in the metro area. Athletic competition helps young people grow in confidence, loyalty, teamwork, sportsmanship and skill. MAA is a not for profit, volunteer organization committed to promoting an appreciation for the programs offered, through quality coaching, ethical conduct and parental involvement.
Conduct General Conduct Youth sports are an important way to introduce children to organized sports, teamwork, and competition within a fun environment. MAA believes that sportsmanship is an expectation so please let the players play, let the coaches coach, let the officials officiate, and let the spectators be positive. It is important for all players, coaches, and spectators accept victory with grace and defeat with dignity. Officials will issue warnings to all coaches, players, or spectators whose behavior violates our code of conduct policy. If, in the opinion of the official, the actions do not warrant a warning, the individual may be ejected immediately.
Coach Conduct Coaches are who players look to as a model for how to behave on and off the field. Do not take this responsibility lightly. Coaches represent Millard Athletic Association, and as such, are expected to maintain a high level of integrity and responsible behavior. Inappropriate conduct includes but is not limited to:
Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 1 of 5
Approved 2/16/2011
Engagement of an official after the game Violation of sport specific rules (i.e. playing time, etc.) Any physical contact of any sort with a player, opposing coach or player, official, or spectator Use of foul or demeaning language Inappropriate gestures Violations of local, state or federal law Knowingly playing an ineligible player The conduct of the players, coaching staff, and parents is the responsibility of the coach. If necessary, the coach may ask a player or spectator to leave the field, and that decision will be documented by the official and reported to the Ethics Committee. Player Conduct Players must respect all aspects of the game including coaches, officials, teammates, opponents, and fans. Players should always uphold the highest standard of sportsmanship. The use of foul language, inappropriate gestures, or taunting will not be tolerated and are all strictly prohibited. Players are not allowed to throw equipment in or out of the dugout or field. This includes helmets, gloves, bats or other equipment. Players are not allowed to question or challenge the judgment decisions of the official. As in all team sports, you win and lose as a team. Team members should continue to be positive and supportive of each others. Negative comments or attitudes will not be tolerated. Players having inappropriate physical contact or verbal exchanges with a teammate, coach, official, or opponent will be subject to the player discipline rules below. A player may be ejected by an official, or if the player is in violation of the rules listed above, their coach may suspend the player in accordance with our discipline policy. Spectator Conduct It is vital that spectators remember that they are there to support the team, coaches, and officials. Remember that this is a game that is meant to be a fun, learning experience for children. Spectators are to cheer positively. The use of profanity or degrading language is prohibited. Avoid actions that offend teams, players, officials, league representative or other spectators. Accept the judgment of coaches, officials and league representatives. Encourage the coach players, and other spectators in the spirit of good sportsmanship. The use of or being under the influence of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco at all MAA facilities is prohibited. Accept victory with grace and defeat with dignity. Athletic competition helps young people grow in confidence, loyalty, teamwork, and skill. Millard Athletic Association is committed to promoting the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play. Remember that your children play for their own fun and enjoyment. Show appreciation and respect for your team’s opponents for without them, there would not be a game. Leave the officials out of it. They do not care who wins. Any Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 2 of 5
Approved 2/16/2011 mistakes are honest ones, and your children need to know that you believe this. Being an official is a difficult job – please respect this. Maintain self-control. Refrain from disrespectful conduct of any sort. All parents are required to remain away from the players and coaches’ sideline for football and away from the dugout for baseball and softball, with the exception only to attend an injury if directed by the coach. At no point before, during, or after are any parents allowed on the playing field or player and coaches’ sideline or dugout.
Discipline Coach Discipline Any coach or manager who is ejected from a game will be subject to a one game suspension. Two ejections during the course of a season will result in requiring the coach or manager to go before the Ethics Committee before reinstatement. Metro Baseball, Metro Softball, and Tackle coaches that regularly participate in non-MAA events are subject to the discipline process of that tournament or playoff, and are subject to the conduct policy and discipline process of MAA. Player Discipline Any player who is ejected from a game will be subject to a one game suspension. The player must serve their suspension in the dugout or sideline area with their team. They are expected to support their team. If the player doesn’t report to the next game, they will serve their suspension at the next game they are present. The coach will inform the official and opposing coach of the suspension and why the player will not be participating. A second ejection will result in the player being required to go before the Ethics Committee before reinstatement. Spectator Discipline A spectator or parent that is ejected from a game by either the player’s coach or official, must leave the field immediately. If ejected a second time during the season, they will go before the Ethics Committee before being allowed to attend another MAA event.
Communication We value the input of our coaches and parents. To that end, whether you are a player, coach, or parent, MAA asks that if there is an issue that comes up, that you speak with the parent, player, or coach about the issue at least 24 hours after it happens. If there isn’t resolution, the next step is to contact the Director for that age or division of the league. Following that, you may contact the sport president or Ethics and Education representative, or the General Manager.
Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 3 of 5
Approved 2/16/2011
Alcohol and Tobacco Policy Coaches and players are prohibited from using tobacco during games and practices. This includes the use of smokeless tobacco. Coaches are prohibited from consuming alcohol and illegal drugs immediately before, during, and immediately following team practices and games, while at the current facility. Coaches are also prohibited from consuming alcohol between games on the same day (i.e. tournament games). First offense: coach or player is suspended for 2 home games. Second offense: coach or player removed from participating in MAA baseball, softball, and football programs.
Eligibility Coach Eligibility All coaches are required to complete a background check every other year. This background check is required to be completed prior to the first game of the season. Coaches will be trained according to the guidelines established by each individual sport. Player Eligibility The League that is appropriate for the player is based on either date of birth or grade in school. Each sport has different cutoff dates and guidelines that must be adhered to. Players may play up, in accordance with that sport’s policy, but they may not play “down”. For player safety, liability, and insurance purposes, there will be no exceptions to this rule. The eligibility for players participating in Metro level programs (Select, Power, Sizzle, and Heat) and Tackle football is determined by the governing body for that sport. Official Eligibility Millard Athletic Association or an organization that MAA selects, will hire and train officials for all games. Officials receive classroom and game experiences as part of their training. Millard Athletic Association or its designated officiating organization is responsible for scheduling, training, observing, and evaluating all officials, and all officials must complete the officiating training program for their sport prior to officiating a game.
Games All in-house baseball, softball and flag football games are scheduled by Millard Athletics Association, and may not be scheduled between coaches. Rescheduling games is up to the Age Director for that sport and only for valid reasons. Please refer to the sport specific rules regarding game scheduling of Metro level and Tackle football games.
Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 4 of 5
Approved 2/16/2011
Uniforms and Equipment Players are required to wear their MAA uniform at all games. The in-house jerseys are provided by MAA. Metro teams are required to purchase and wear at all games uniforms with MAA or Millard as one of the two most prominent graphics. For specific uniform guidelines, refer to the Metro Director for that sport. All athletes and officialsare also required to wear all the appropriate protective equipment when on the playing field. Equipment should be in good working condition and appropriate for the sport and the age of the players.
Fundraising and Finances In-house baseball and softball teams, and all football teams are not allowed to fundraise specifically for their team, unless it is for a MAA sanctioned tournament. A list of available tournaments for in-house teams is available at the MAA office. For Metro level baseball and softball teams, please refer to the Metro Directors for specific policies and guidelines for fundraising and financial guidelines.
Authority of Policy Manual Individual sports and levels within those sports may have additional or more specific policies that are not included in this manual. Please refer to www.millardathletics.com for those specific policies. In the event there is potential policy or procedural conflict between an individual sport’s manual and this manual, this manual will prevail.
Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 5 of 5
Millard Athletic Association Policy Manual Millard Athletic Association provides sports leagues to the area’s youth between the ages of 4 and 18 years old. The program is designed for young children and teens to involve themselves in recreational sport activities in order to promote sportsmanship, fair play, and to educate participants on the importance of involving themselves in positive and healthy physical activity.
Mission Statement The mission of Millard Athletic Association (“MAA”) is to provide the highest quality youth sports programs that serve players of all abilities in the metro area. Athletic competition helps young people grow in confidence, loyalty, teamwork, sportsmanship and skill. MAA is a not for profit, volunteer organization committed to promoting an appreciation for the programs offered, through quality coaching, ethical conduct and parental involvement.
Conduct General Conduct Youth sports are an important way to introduce children to organized sports, teamwork, and competition within a fun environment. MAA believes that sportsmanship is an expectation so please let the players play, let the coaches coach, let the officials officiate, and let the spectators be positive. It is important for all players, coaches, and spectators accept victory with grace and defeat with dignity. Officials will issue warnings to all coaches, players, or spectators whose behavior violates our code of conduct policy. If, in the opinion of the official, the actions do not warrant a warning, the individual may be ejected immediately.
Coach Conduct Coaches are who players look to as a model for how to behave on and off the field. Do not take this responsibility lightly. Coaches represent Millard Athletic Association, and as such, are expected to maintain a high level of integrity and responsible behavior. Inappropriate conduct includes but is not limited to:
Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 1 of 5
Approved 2/16/2011
Engagement of an official after the game Violation of sport specific rules (i.e. playing time, etc.) Any physical contact of any sort with a player, opposing coach or player, official, or spectator Use of foul or demeaning language Inappropriate gestures Violations of local, state or federal law Knowingly playing an ineligible player The conduct of the players, coaching staff, and parents is the responsibility of the coach. If necessary, the coach may ask a player or spectator to leave the field, and that decision will be documented by the official and reported to the Ethics Committee. Player Conduct Players must respect all aspects of the game including coaches, officials, teammates, opponents, and fans. Players should always uphold the highest standard of sportsmanship. The use of foul language, inappropriate gestures, or taunting will not be tolerated and are all strictly prohibited. Players are not allowed to throw equipment in or out of the dugout or field. This includes helmets, gloves, bats or other equipment. Players are not allowed to question or challenge the judgment decisions of the official. As in all team sports, you win and lose as a team. Team members should continue to be positive and supportive of each others. Negative comments or attitudes will not be tolerated. Players having inappropriate physical contact or verbal exchanges with a teammate, coach, official, or opponent will be subject to the player discipline rules below. A player may be ejected by an official, or if the player is in violation of the rules listed above, their coach may suspend the player in accordance with our discipline policy. Spectator Conduct It is vital that spectators remember that they are there to support the team, coaches, and officials. Remember that this is a game that is meant to be a fun, learning experience for children. Spectators are to cheer positively. The use of profanity or degrading language is prohibited. Avoid actions that offend teams, players, officials, league representative or other spectators. Accept the judgment of coaches, officials and league representatives. Encourage the coach players, and other spectators in the spirit of good sportsmanship. The use of or being under the influence of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco at all MAA facilities is prohibited. Accept victory with grace and defeat with dignity. Athletic competition helps young people grow in confidence, loyalty, teamwork, and skill. Millard Athletic Association is committed to promoting the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play. Remember that your children play for their own fun and enjoyment. Show appreciation and respect for your team’s opponents for without them, there would not be a game. Leave the officials out of it. They do not care who wins. Any Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 2 of 5
Approved 2/16/2011 mistakes are honest ones, and your children need to know that you believe this. Being an official is a difficult job – please respect this. Maintain self-control. Refrain from disrespectful conduct of any sort. All parents are required to remain away from the players and coaches’ sideline for football and away from the dugout for baseball and softball, with the exception only to attend an injury if directed by the coach. At no point before, during, or after are any parents allowed on the playing field or player and coaches’ sideline or dugout.
Discipline Coach Discipline Any coach or manager who is ejected from a game will be subject to a one game suspension. Two ejections during the course of a season will result in requiring the coach or manager to go before the Ethics Committee before reinstatement. Metro Baseball, Metro Softball, and Tackle coaches that regularly participate in non-MAA events are subject to the discipline process of that tournament or playoff, and are subject to the conduct policy and discipline process of MAA. Player Discipline Any player who is ejected from a game will be subject to a one game suspension. The player must serve their suspension in the dugout or sideline area with their team. They are expected to support their team. If the player doesn’t report to the next game, they will serve their suspension at the next game they are present. The coach will inform the official and opposing coach of the suspension and why the player will not be participating. A second ejection will result in the player being required to go before the Ethics Committee before reinstatement. Spectator Discipline A spectator or parent that is ejected from a game by either the player’s coach or official, must leave the field immediately. If ejected a second time during the season, they will go before the Ethics Committee before being allowed to attend another MAA event.
Communication We value the input of our coaches and parents. To that end, whether you are a player, coach, or parent, MAA asks that if there is an issue that comes up, that you speak with the parent, player, or coach about the issue at least 24 hours after it happens. If there isn’t resolution, the next step is to contact the Director for that age or division of the league. Following that, you may contact the sport president or Ethics and Education representative, or the General Manager.
Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 3 of 5
Approved 2/16/2011
Alcohol and Tobacco Policy Coaches and players are prohibited from using tobacco during games and practices. This includes the use of smokeless tobacco. Coaches are prohibited from consuming alcohol and illegal drugs immediately before, during, and immediately following team practices and games, while at the current facility. Coaches are also prohibited from consuming alcohol between games on the same day (i.e. tournament games). First offense: coach or player is suspended for 2 home games. Second offense: coach or player removed from participating in MAA baseball, softball, and football programs.
Eligibility Coach Eligibility All coaches are required to complete a background check every other year. This background check is required to be completed prior to the first game of the season. Coaches will be trained according to the guidelines established by each individual sport. Player Eligibility The League that is appropriate for the player is based on either date of birth or grade in school. Each sport has different cutoff dates and guidelines that must be adhered to. Players may play up, in accordance with that sport’s policy, but they may not play “down”. For player safety, liability, and insurance purposes, there will be no exceptions to this rule. The eligibility for players participating in Metro level programs (Select, Power, Sizzle, and Heat) and Tackle football is determined by the governing body for that sport. Official Eligibility Millard Athletic Association or an organization that MAA selects, will hire and train officials for all games. Officials receive classroom and game experiences as part of their training. Millard Athletic Association or its designated officiating organization is responsible for scheduling, training, observing, and evaluating all officials, and all officials must complete the officiating training program for their sport prior to officiating a game.
Games All in-house baseball, softball and flag football games are scheduled by Millard Athletics Association, and may not be scheduled between coaches. Rescheduling games is up to the Age Director for that sport and only for valid reasons. Please refer to the sport specific rules regarding game scheduling of Metro level and Tackle football games.
Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 4 of 5
Approved 2/16/2011
Uniforms and Equipment Players are required to wear their MAA uniform at all games. The in-house jerseys are provided by MAA. Metro teams are required to purchase and wear at all games uniforms with MAA or Millard as one of the two most prominent graphics. For specific uniform guidelines, refer to the Metro Director for that sport. All athletes and officialsare also required to wear all the appropriate protective equipment when on the playing field. Equipment should be in good working condition and appropriate for the sport and the age of the players.
Fundraising and Finances In-house baseball and softball teams, and all football teams are not allowed to fundraise specifically for their team, unless it is for a MAA sanctioned tournament. A list of available tournaments for in-house teams is available at the MAA office. For Metro level baseball and softball teams, please refer to the Metro Directors for specific policies and guidelines for fundraising and financial guidelines.
Authority of Policy Manual Individual sports and levels within those sports may have additional or more specific policies that are not included in this manual. Please refer to www.millardathletics.com for those specific policies. In the event there is potential policy or procedural conflict between an individual sport’s manual and this manual, this manual will prevail.
Millard Athletic Association MAA Policy Manual Feb 2011
Page 5 of 5
