TRAILBLAZERS YOUTH ATHLETIC MINISTRY, INC
CODE OF CONDUCT
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Trailblazers Youth Athletic Ministry is to provide an opportunity for youth to develop spiritually and physically through Track and Field. To assist youth in enhancing their academic development by providing a positive environment, with knowledgeable mentors to assist youth in their academic achievement. To foster a safe environment which nurtures, develops, and exposes youth to a competitive atmosphere that garners self confidence and self respect. To serve the public interest by allowing maximum participation for anyone who desires to reach their full potential as an athlete, student, and individual. To create an educational and competitive experience within an atmosphere of sportsmanship. We strive to develop and realize individual and team potential by promoting high standards of competence, character, civility, and citizenship.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The Trailblazers Youth Athletic Ministry believes that participation in athletics can provide students with the opportunity for personal growth. Teamwork, the mental and physical challenges of training and competition, and the experience of winning and losing graciously and respectfully are important life lessons that will serve athletes well in their future.
Character is an important component that requires time and effort. Coaches and parents can help students develop such habits by discussing, modeling, and reinforcing the desired attitudes and beliefs over time.
We also understand that participation on this team demands a commitment that involves both dedication and sacrifice. This is required of not only athletes, but also of coaches and parents.
PROGRAM GOALS
The Trailblazers Youth Athletic Ministry is aware that students participate in athletics for various reasons:
1. Competition
2. Participation
3. Personal Improvement
Therefore, as an organization, we commit to the following:
· Offer athletes a safe and enjoyable experience
· Provide the greatest possible opportunity for athletes to participate in both practice and competitions
· Promote personal improvement in skills, physical condition and knowledge of the sport; and
· Promote programs of excellence that accomplish the above and lead to success on and off the track.
In order to achieve these goals, we hold the following positive expectations for the primary stakeholders in our program.
COACH’S CODE
The President and Coaches are leaders, dedicated to more than the X’s and O’s of competition. As educators, leaders and role models for students, the Trailblazers Youth Athletic Ministry, Inc will:
Exemplify the highest character as a role model for young people.
Recognize the individual worth and reinforce the self-image of each team member.
Establish a realistic team goal or vision for each season and communicate that to the athletes and parents.
Encourage and assist team members to set personal goals to achieve their highest academic and athletic potential.
Create a set of training rules for athletes that reflect the positive values of abstaining from the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Strive to develop the qualities of competence, character, civility and citizenship in each team member.
Provide a safe, challenging and encouraging environment for practice and competition.
Gain an awareness of the importance of prevention, care and treatment of athletic injuries.
Respect the integrity and judgment of the track officials.
Teach and abide by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit.
Build and maintain ethical relationships with coaches, athletes, and parents.
Strive for excellence in coaching skills and techniques through professional improvement.
Promote personal fitness and good nutrition.
Teach winning with humility and losing with dignity
NOT accept responsibility for the transportation of athletes to/from practice, track meets, or hotel accommodations. If a coach chooses to assist in this capacity, the coach accepts the responsibility.
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PARENT’S CODE
Parents play a vital role in the development of student athletes and the success of the Trailblazers Youth Athletic Ministry program. Therefore, we expect parents to do the following:
Be a positive role model through their own actions to make sure their child has the best athletic experience possible.
Be a "team" fan, not a “my kid” fan.
Weigh what their children say; they will tend to slant the truth to their advantage.
Show respect for the opposing athletes, coaches, spectators and support groups.
Be respectful of all officials’ decisions.
Don’t instruct their children before or after a game, because it may conflict with the coach’s plans and strategies.
Praise athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes and as people.
Gain an understanding and appreciation for the rules of track and field.
Show appreciation for an outstanding performance by either an individual or team.
Help their child learn that success is experienced in the development of their skills, and that they can feel good about themselves through their effort.
Take time to speak with coaches in an appropriate manner, to include proper time and place. If there is a concern, be sure to follow the designated chain of command. (Parents Group, Coach, President).
Please reinforce our alcohol, tobacco and other drug-free policies by refraining from the use of any such substances before and during athletic contests.
Remember that admission to a track meet is a privilege to observe the contest.
The approved uniform is the standard! Any athlete not meeting this criteria will not be allowed to compete.
SUPPORTER’S CODE (other adult fan)
The larger community has an interest and investment in the success of our Program. These adults play a key role in reinforcing the goals of our program. Therefore, we expect these important program supporters to do the following:
Remember that admission to a track meet is a privilege to observe the contest.
Be a positive role model through their behavior at track and field meets.
Show respect for the opposing athletes, coaches, spectators and support groups.
Be respectful of all officials’ decisions.
Show appreciation for an outstanding performance by either an individual or team.
Praise athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes, and as people.
Gain an understanding and appreciation for the rules of track and field.
Reinforce our alcohol, tobacco and other drug-free policies by refraining from the use of any such substances before and during athletic contests.
ATHLETE’S CODE
Given our belief that athletics provides a unique opportunity for the development of physical conditioning, athletic skill, and character traits, we expect every Trailblazer Youth Athletic Ministry athlete to strive for the following:
Competence
To develop the skills necessary to participate competently in the game.
To demonstrate knowledge of the rules and conventions of the game.
To demonstrate knowledge of track and field.
To demonstrate a level of physical conditioning and fitness sufficient to participate competently in the sport.
To demonstrate knowledge of healthy behaviors including nutritional issues.
To understand the necessity of abstaining from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in order to achieve the positive benefits of participating in track and field
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Character
To be dependable in fulfilling obligations and commitments.
To accept responsibility for consequences of actions, to not make excuses or blame others.
To strive for excellence.
To be committed.
To persevere, give 100% effort and not give up in the face of adversity.
To demonstrate truthfulness.
To play by the rules of track and field.
To control anger and frustration and refrain from displays of temper and bad language.
To accept losing and winning graciously; by congratulating opponents and by not sulking or displaying other negative behaviors.
Civility
To practice good manners on and off the field.
To refrain from “trash talk” and other put-downs of opponents and teammates.
To treat all persons respectfully, regardless of individual differences or talent level
To show respect for legitimate authority (e.g., Coaches, Officials, Parents).
To be fair and treat others as one wishes to be treated.
To listen to and try to understand others.
To be compassionate and sensitive to others.
To actively support teammates and others.
Citizenship
To be faithful to the ideals of the sport, including sportsmanship.
To keep commitments to the team.
To show team spirit, encourage others and contribute to good morale.
To put the good of the team ahead of personal goals.
To set a good example for teammates, younger athletes, fans, and the community.
We also expect every athlete in our program to abide by all track and field rules and regulations developed by the AAU, and USATF governing bodies. For any violation of the Code of Conduct or any other rule or regulation established by the Board of Directors, athletes and parents may be subject to discipline, including but not limited to exclusion from practices and track meets, extracurricular activities, suspension, and/or expulsion, consistent with the Code of Conduct, track and field regulations, and/or Board of Director policy.