GRAA PARENT, GUARDIAN AND ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT

Preamble

Interscholastic and youth sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social and emotional development of children. It is therefore essential for parents, guardians, coaches and officials to encourage youth athletes to embrace the values of good sportsmanship. Moreover, adults involved in youth sports events should be models of good sportsmanship and should lead by example by demonstrating fairness, respect and self control.

Source, State of New Jersey Model Athletic Code of Conduct

I understand that I must follow the Parent Code of Conduct to stay in good standing.

School Work

GRAA’s goal is the development of scholastic athletes. Your child’s primary focus and goal should be to do their very best in school. Academics and good grades take precedence over sports.

Fun

• Youth sports are an opportunity for athletes to learn, develop and have fun.
• Placing too much pressure on athletes to perform well creates stress that can distract from their enjoyment, performance and can affect their self esteem.
• Recognize that athletes will not be great at everything and parents and guardians should help contribute to a positive atmosphere by relaxing and enjoying the game.

Winning

• Striving to win, rather than winning itself, is what is important in youth sports.
• Striving to win means your child is playing the best they can.
• Athletes need to know that if they are trying their best, they are winners.

Participation

Athletes need to attend and be on time for all games and practices. If an athlete cannot attend a game or practice, or will be late, or need to leave early, athlete or parent, guardian will notify the coach ahead of time.

Sportsmanship

• Treat coaches, athletes, parents, guardians, officials (referees, umpires) and fans with respect.
• Never engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, guardian, athlete, official or any other attendee.
• Be courteous to opposing team’s athletes, coaches and opposing spectators. Treat any coach, parent, guardian, athlete, participant, official or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability, and encourage your child to do the same.
• Be a good fan. Applaud good plays made by your team or the opposition.
• Never engage in negative conversation with the opposing team’s athletes, coaches or spectators.
• Never argue with an official (referees, umpires).
• Control your temper. Physical or verbal abuse (foul language, racial slurs, intimidation) of anyone is not acceptable behavior. This applies to all athletes, spectators, officials and coaches.
• Never use or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while participating at a youth sports event (as a spectator, coach, official, etc.).
• Never provide unsolicited instructions to the athletes during games. Instructions shouted to athletes during the game are distracting, often too late to have an impact and sometimes are inaccurate or in conflict with what the coach is teaching.
• Spectators and other non athlete, coach, official attendees are to remain on the sidelines during warmups and games. They should not step onto the field, court, mat of play during any game or match, even when there is a stoppage in play, unless invited on by an official and, or coach. Even if an athlete appears to be injured, spectators should wait on the sidelines until invited onto the field, court, mat by an official or coach.

Providing Constructive Feedback

GRAA greatly values open, respectful and positive communication and feedback among parents, coaches, players and officials to create the best possible experience for our young athletes. Our coaches and board members are dedicated individuals who give their time to support your children - mutual respect is essential for a thriving program. To ensure it is productive:

• Use polite, respectful language focused on specific actions, processes or outcomes (not personal attacks).
• Avoid harassment, derogatory remarks or disrespectful tone. Such communication may not be addressed and could result in limits on participation or engagement.

We strive to respond to all respectful feedback and appreciate your partnership in making GRAA better.

Channels for Feedback

To ensure concerns are addressed efficiently and fairly, please follow GRAA’s communication protocol.

1. Start with the coach or assistant coach for team-specific issues.
2. If unresolved, escalate to the sport board or the sport commissioner.
3. If still unresolved, contact the GRAA Board sport liaison.

Contact information is available on our sport pages and at graa.org/contact..

We recognize that some parents/guardians may feel more comfortable starting higher in the chain (for example, for non team-specific issues or if uncomfortable approaching the coach directly). In those cases, please reach out to the sport commissioner or GRAA Board sport liaison.

Please also observe GRAA's 24 Hour Rule before raising concerns. This provides a cooling off period for constructive dialogue.

Accountability

If you fail to abide by this Code of Conduct you may face actions that could include but not limited to:

• Asked to leave the field or facility.
• Suspension from future attendance.
• Suspension for the remainder of the season.
• No response to feedback that violates guidelines, with repeated issues leading to further limitations.

Closing Note

By upholding this Code of Conduct, we foster a supportive, inclusive community where every athlete can grow, have fun and build lifelong skills and friendships. Thank you for being an essential part of GRAA’s positive impact on our young athletes.

Updated December 2025