As a member of USA Deaf Basketball, I understand that I represent myself, my team, my coaches, my family, USA Deaf Basketball, and the United States of America both on and off the court. I recognize that my behavior reflects on the entire program at all times, including during practices, games, training camps, team meetings, travel, lodging, meals, competitions, and all other team-related activities.
I commit to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, responsibility, discipline, teamwork, and integrity.
Sportsmanship & Teamwork
- I will demonstrate respect for my teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers, and spectators at all times.
- I will display good sportsmanship in victory and defeat.
- I will support, encourage, and work cooperatively with my teammates.
- I will put the success, unity, and reputation of the team above personal recognition.
- I will contribute to a positive team environment and treat every team member with respect.
Commitment & Responsibility
- I will attend and fully participate in all practices, games, meetings, training sessions, team functions, and required activities unless I am officially excused by the coaching staff or team administration.
- I will arrive on time, prepared, and ready to give my best effort.
- I will follow all instructions, team rules, schedules, curfews, and expectations established by coaches and staff.
- I will take responsibility for my actions, choices, behavior, and performance.
- I understand that representing USA Deaf Basketball requires commitment, preparation, and accountability.
Respectful Conduct & Behavior
- I will maintain a positive attitude and conduct myself in a mature, professional, and respectful manner.
- I will not use abusive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, or inappropriate language, gestures, or behavior.
- I will not engage in bullying, harassment, fighting, intimidation, hazing, or disruptive conduct of any kind.
- I will demonstrate self-control and respect in all settings, including on the court, in public, online, during team activities, and while traveling.
- I will treat others with dignity regardless of differences in background, identity, ability, culture, or personal beliefs.
Travel & International Representation
- I understand that when traveling with USA Deaf Basketball, I am representing USA Deaf Basketball and the United States of America.
- I will follow all team travel rules, itineraries, schedules, curfews, and instructions from coaches, chaperones, team leaders, and staff.
- I will behave respectfully and responsibly in airports, on airplanes, buses and vans, in hotels, restaurants, competition venues, and all other public places.
- I will comply with applicable local, national, and international laws, regulations, rules, and customs while traveling.
- I will carry myself in a professional manner and show respect for different cultures, communities, countries, and environments.
- I understand that inappropriate conduct while traveling may affect my eligibility to participate in team activities or future USA Deaf Basketball events.
Property, Facilities & Equipment
- I will respect all property, facilities, uniforms, equipment, and transportation used during team activities and travel.
- I will not intentionally damage, misuse, steal, or deface property, including hotel rooms, airport property, airplanes, buses, vans, locker rooms, gyms, training facilities, restaurants, or other team-related venues.
- I understand that I may be held financially responsible for damage or loss caused by my actions, when appropriate.
- I will properly care for uniforms, equipment, credentials, and other items issued to me by USA Deaf Basketball.
- I will keep team spaces, lodging areas, locker rooms, and shared facilities clean and orderly.
Communication & Respect for Authority
- I will communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully with coaches, teammates, staff, officials, and administrators.
- I will respect coaching decisions and the decisions of game officials and will not engage in inappropriate arguing, threatening behavior, or disrespectful reactions.
- I will address concerns, disagreements, or conflicts in an appropriate and respectful manner through the proper team channels.
- I understand that disagreements may occur, but I am expected to handle them maturely and professionally.
- I will cooperate with reasonable instructions provided by USA Deaf Basketball coaches, staff, and team leadership.
Health, Safety & Substance-Free Expectations
- I will help maintain a safe and healthy environment for myself, my teammates, coaches, staff, and others.
- I will not unlawfully use, possess, distribute, or be under the influence of tobacco, nicotine products, alcohol, illegal drugs, or prohibited substances during team activities, competitions, or team travel.
- I will comply with applicable anti-doping rules and regulations governing USA Deaf Basketball competitions and international events.
- I will follow team medical, training, safety, injury-reporting, and wellness expectations.
- I will promptly report injuries or health concerns that could affect my safe participation to the appropriate coach, athletic trainer, medical professional, or team staff.
- I understand the importance of making safe and responsible choices that protect my health and the well-being of my teammates.
Social Media, Electronic Communication & Public Image
- I understand that my words, images, videos, messages, and actions on social media and in public can affect the reputation of myself, my teammates, and USA Deaf Basketball.
- I will use social media and electronic communication responsibly and respectfully.
- I will not post, share, create, or send content that constitutes bullying, harassment, threats, discrimination, or other conduct prohibited by this Code.
- I will not disclose confidential team information, private team communications, strategies, medical information, or other internal matters that are not intended for public distribution.
- I will respect the privacy of my teammates, coaches, staff, and other individuals.
- I understand that my online conduct may be addressed under this Code when it directly affects the team, its members, or USA Deaf Basketball activities.
Accountability & Consequences
I understand that failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.
Depending on the nature, severity, and circumstances of the conduct, consequences may include:
- Verbal or written warning.
- Loss or restriction of team privileges.
- Restriction or suspension from practices, games, competitions, meetings, or other team activities.
- Financial responsibility for damage or loss caused by my actions, when appropriate.
- Removal from or restriction of team travel activities.
- Suspension from USA Deaf Basketball activities.
- Removal from the team or program.
I understand that serious misconduct may also be reported to parents or guardians when applicable, USA Deaf Basketball leadership, event or governing authorities, law enforcement, or other appropriate authorities when required or appropriate.
I understand that disciplinary decisions will be based on the circumstances and seriousness of the conduct and will be handled by the appropriate USA Deaf Basketball coaches, staff, or organizational leadership.