Parents Code of Conduct
As with our players, parents also represent the Mustang Youth Football program.
We expect parents to act with a higher set of standards than we expect from our players. Parents are role models.
- Act as a leader. Leaders are people whose actions inspire others. A leader treats their children’s teammates, your peers, the coaches, opponents and officials in the same manner you would like to be treated. That means respect, dignity, and total sportsmanship at all times. If you set the example the players will follow.
- Do not draw attention from the players. Youth football is for the kids. If you find yourself becoming too emotionally involved in what’s happening on the field, take a step back.
- Value your child’s commitment. Get your kids to practice and games on time. Make sure they have their uniform, equipment and water. Encourage proper sleep and nutrition. The more your children see you acting responsibly, the more they will do the same.
- Act in a respectful manner. Nothing is better for a young player than having their parents on hand to watch them play. And nothing is worse for a player than hearing a parent using foul language, booing, taunting, screaming or making comments at, or about, players, coaches, fans or officials (that includes your team as well as your opponent). Cheers, applause and encouragement are great!
- Never question an official or express your feelings at a call. Officials are part of the game. Please demonstrate proper behavior to the players. You may not agree with a call, but it’s not your job (or the players or coaches either) to officiate the game. Accept the call and move on. Remember being an official is not an easy job and mistakes happen and are part of the game.
- Total motivation through confidence. Try and identify a positive from every game or practice to help build confidence. A young player’s sense of achievement is the greatest motivator. Don’t analyze your young player’s performance following every game. They know how they played and if you give them the opportunity and situation they will open up to you. Let your children come to you for advice.
- Football is fun. So help make it that way. Keep smiling. Encourage enjoyment, effort and participation over results.
- Good communication is key. If you must, talk with the coach after the game. Or better yet, wait until the next day if you have an issue to discuss. Let the heat of the moment pass. Never make a scene in front of the team, as it’s embarrassing for you, your children and the coach, and chances are nothing will get resolved. This is a two way street!
- Enjoy the journey and put winning and losing into perspective. Games have winners and losers. Keep reminding your child about this reality and the need to deal with both outcomes.