Youth sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social and emotional development of children. It is therefore essential for parents, 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. In an effort to ensure your child has a positive experience in our program, participants in the Manteno Wildcats Youth Football and Cheer programs are required to abide by the following Rules and Code of Conduct.
ADOPTION OF ILLINOIS EIGHT YOUTH TACKLE FOOTBALL RULES: MANTENO is a member of the ILLINOIS EIGHT YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE. Accordingly, in addition to the by-laws, codes and rules promulgated by the MANTENO WILDCATS shall be governed by the by-laws of I8YTFL LEAGUE as may be amended from time to time. A copy of the most current version of the I8YTFL LEAGUE by-laws can be accessed through the I8YTFL LEAGUE website.
PARENT ISSUES: If a parent has an issue or concern about their child’s participation in the Wildcats program, they should first address it with the Head Coach away from a game or practice setting. A 24-hour cooling off period is requested in order to avoid any conflict that may occur in front of the children or parents. If needed, after addressing the issue with the Head Coach, the parent(s) can request a MEETING with the Athletic Director to come to an equitable solution. If the issue is not resolved to the parent’s satisfaction, the parent may address the issue to the MANTENO WILDCATS GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS in writing to be presented to the board. The decision of the Board shall be final.
PLAYER EQUIPMENT/CHEERLEADING UNIFORM: It will be the responsibility of the parents to ensure that all player football equipment/cheerleading uniforms are turned in on the designated date. After December 15, the respective player/cheerleader will be charged an equipment replacement fee for all football (approx. $250.00) and/or cheerleading (approx. $300.00) equipment not turned in.
GAME SITUATIONS (BOTH HOME & AWAY): To ensure that all players and coaches are completely focused on the task at hand, parents will NOT be allowed on the football field at any time. In the case of an emergency, such as an injury, a parent may be called down to the field by the Head Coach. The football field consists of the entire playing field and the sidelines. After the game, parents can meet their son/daughter at the field entrance.
SPORTSMANSHIP/CODE OF CONDUCT:
By executing this form, I pledge to be responsible for my words and actions while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a youth sports event and shall conform my behavior to the following code of conduct:
1. I will not engage, or encourage any other person to engage, in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.
2. I will not engage, or encourage any other person to engage, in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety or well-being of any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.
3. I will not use drugs, tobacco, or alcohol while at a youth sports event and will not attend, coach, officiate or participate in a youth sports event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. INCLUDING PRACTICE FIELDS OR PARKING LOT
4. I will not permit my child, or encourage any other person, to use drugs, tobacco, or alcohol at a youth sports event and will not permit my child, or encourage any other person, to attend, coach, officiate or participate in a youth sports event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
5. I will not engage, or encourage any other person to engage, in the use of profanity BOTH PLAYERS AND PARENTS.
6. I will treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.
7. I will encourage my child to treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.
8. I will not engage, or encourage any other person to engage, in verbal or physical threats or abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.
9. I will not initiate, or encourage any other person to initiate, a fight or scuffle with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.
I hereby agree that if I fail to conform my conduct to the foregoing while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a youth sports event I will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following in any order or combination:
1. Verbal warning issued by a WILDCAT official.
2. Suspension or immediate ejection from a youth sports event issued by an official who is authorized to issue such suspension or ejection by the MANTENO WILDCATS.
3. Suspension from multiple youth sports events issued by an official who is authorized to issue such suspension by the MANTENO WILDCATS.
4. Season suspension or multiple season suspension issued by the MANTENO Board of Directors.
By signing below, I agree to abide by the terms of the Manteno Wildcats Rules and Code of Conduct and I am committed to working with the Manteno Wildcats to support the goals of the program.