El Pomar Youth Sports Park Code of Conduct

In addition to potential legal and administrative implications, failure to adhere to the following Code of Conduct may result in temporary or permanent expulsion from the El Pomar Youth Sports Park. The below Code of Conduct is separated into three sections, focused on Coaches, Spectators, and Players.

Coaches

Coach actions have significant influence on the youth athletes I coach. Coaches pledge to uphold the highest standards of conduct and professionalism by adhering to the following Coaches Code of Conduct:

Commitment to Conduct and Respect

1. Coaches will conduct themselves in accordance with this Code of Conduct at all times, understanding that failure to do so will result in consequences.

2. Coaches will treat all athletes, opposing coaches, parents, and officials with respect and dignity, regardless of Disability, Race, Creed, Color, Sex, sexual orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Marital Status, National Origin, or Ancestry.

3. Coaches will not use abusive or profane language toward anyone, including players, officials, coaches, parents, or spectators.

Standards of Behavior

Coaches understand that the following actions are expected of them to maintain a positive and safe environment:

1. Coaches will not use or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at any event, nor will they coach, officiate, or participate while impaired.

2. Coaches will not encourage or participate in physical or verbal altercations, including initiating fights or arguments with any coach, parent, player, participant, official, or attendee.

3. Coaches will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or verbal/physical threats or abuse directed at any participant, including coach, parent, player, official, or attendee.

4. Coaches will not encourage or allow behavior that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of any participant, official, or attendee.

5. Coaches will aim to prevent and take action if parents, guardians, or spectators representing their team verbally assault or intimidate participants at any time before, during, or after games.

6. Coaches and staff members will maintain professional relationships at all times, ensuring interactions remain appropriate, respectful, and within the context of sport, focused on fostering a safe and supportive environment. This includes in- person, virtual, and social media interactions.

Prohibited Conduct

The following Prohibited Conduct outlines unacceptable actions at El Pomar Youth Sports Park:

1. Child Abuse: Including physical, emotional, sexual, medical abuse, or neglect.

2. Substance Provision: Offering or providing players alcohol, tobacco (including vaping), or illegal drugs. Parents/guardians' approval is required and advice from medical professionals is recommended before consuming or incorporating any over-the-counter or supplements including weight loss/dietary supplements.

3. Profane or Abusive Behavior: Any verbal, visual, physical, or virtual behavior involving profanity or abuse that impacts minor athletes.

4. Unlawful Behavior: Breaking any Federal, State, or Local laws.

5. Misconduct: Emotional and physical misconduct, including stalking, bullying, hazing (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-9-124), and harassment.

6. Reporting Failures: Failing to report child abuse or neglect as required by law.

7. Retaliation: Retaliating against individuals for disclosing or making a report of child abuse or for participating in the resolution of such a report is strictly prohibited and will result in serious disciplinary action.

8. Aiding and Abetting: Supporting or enabling prohibited behaviors.

9. Sexual Misconduct: Sexual assault or unlawful sexual contact. Displaying, providing, or exchanging sexually explicit or pornographic material with players. Engaging in massages, intimate physical contact, or romantic relationships with minor athletes. Holding uninterruptible or unobservable coaching sessions or meetings. Best practices include ensuring another adult, coach, parent, guardian, or trusted mandatory reporter is present.

Preparation and Fair Play

1. Coaches will be prepared for all practices and games and will focus on teaching fundamental skills to ensure all athletes have an opportunity to improve through active participation.

2. Coaches will uphold the authority of officials and assist them in conducting a fair and impartial contest.

3. Coaches will comply with all El Pomar Youth Sports Park rules and regulations and will promptly report any suspected violations.

Transportation Guidelines

Coaches should only transport players when transportation is sanctioned by their organization (e.g., provided by the program), and such transportation should include more than one player or an additional adult to ensure accountability and maintain a safe environment for all participants.

Considerations for valid licenses, insurance, liability, and accountability should be made for all transportation.

Carpooling or rides by parents/guardians outside of organizational oversight are not included but should be encouraged to be held to the same standards of safety.

Mandatory Reporting

As a mandatory reporter under Colorado law, Senate Bill 24-113 (SB24-113), and other applicable statutes, including Section 19-3-304 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), coaches are legally obligated to report any suspected or known instances of child abuse or neglect. Reports must be made when there is reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or has been observed in circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.

In emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, contact 844-CO-4-KIDS.

Good-faith reporting provides immunity from liability, civil or criminal, or termination of employment unless it is determined that the report was made recklessly or misreporting requirement changes, highlighting the disproportional reporting rates for minority communities.

Stay informed about updates or additions to the mandated reporter laws as appropriate under 19-3- 304 (C.R.S.)

Compliance and Accountability

Coaches will complete all required certifications and training as mandated by their club and the league. Coaches that fail to abide by this Code of Conduct, may face disciplinary actions, including but not limited to:

-Verbal warning from an official, head coach, club, or league.

-Written warning from my club or league.

-Suspension or ejection from a game by an official, club, or league.

-Game forfeiture as determined by an official or coach.

-Suspension from coaching in the league, with reinstatement subject to current league and club rules.

-Temporary or permanent expulsion from the El Pomar Youth Sports Park.

Documentation of Incidents

Any incidents related to coach conduct will be documented and kept on file by the appropriate organizations for accountability purposes.

Spectators (Including Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers)

Spectators play a vital role in creating a positive, supportive, and respectful environment for all athletes, coaches, and officials. Spectators agree to uphold the following standards:

Commitment to Respect and Positive Behavior

Spectators will:

-Encourage and support all athletes, regardless of team affiliation.

-Promote sportsmanship and respect for coaches, officials, players, and fellow spectators.

-Applaud effort, improvement, and fair play.

-Allow coaches to coach and officials to officiate without interference.

-Address any concerns privately and appropriately, following a 24-hour cooldown period if needed.

Any adult who observes or suspects child abuse is encouraged to report it to 1-844-CO-4-Kids or 911. If you see something, please say something and feel empowered to intervene and keep children safe. This includes actions that are physical, emotional, sexual, and neglectful abuse. You do not need eyewitness evidence to report.

Game Day and Event Conduct

To ensure a positive experience for all participants, spectators will:

-Remain at least two yards from the playing field or designated competition area.

-Refrain from coaching from the sidelines or distracting players during games.

-Respect officials' decisions and avoid arguments, criticism, or disruptive behavior.

-Follow all El Pomar Youth Sports Park rules and safety guidelines.

-Avoid physical or verbal altercations with anyone at program events.

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the event:

-Using abusive, profane, or inappropriate language at any event, including practices, games, tournaments, team meetings, or fundraisers.

-Providing or offering illegal substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine (including vaping) to any athlete. An athlete may not be given over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, or supplements without prior parental/guardian consent.

-Taunting, intimidating, or harassing players, officials, coaches, or other spectators.

-Consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any program event.

-Engaging in behavior that jeopardizes the safety or well-being of an athlete or any other participant.

Compliance and Accountability

Spectators acknowledge that:

-Any spectator who fails to adhere to this Code of Conduct may be required to leave the El Pomar Youth Sports Park, with play suspended until compliance is restored.

-Repeated or extreme violations may result in temporary or permanent expulsion from the El Pomar Youth Sports Park

Players

Players understand that their actions reflect on themself, their team, and their organization. Players commit to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and effort by adhering to the following Player Code of Conduct:

Commitment to Respect and Sportsmanship

Players will:

-Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials with respect.

-Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and good sportsmanship, whether winning or losing.

-Follow all team, league, and program rules, including safety-related rules.

-Take responsibility for their behavior, on and off the field.

-Tell an adult, coach, professional, or Safe2Tell for the safety of themself and others if they am aware of any person, player, coach, or adult breaking the code of conduct, laws, or rules.

-Call 911 or contact law enforcement if they or another child is in danger. They can notify 1-844-CO-4-Kids

Practice and Game Expectations

To ensure a positive and competitive experience, players will:

-Attend all practices and games on time and be prepared to participate.

-Give their best effort at all times and focus on improving my skills.

-Listen to their coaches' instructions and follow their guidance.

-Support their teammates with positive encouragement.

-Accept officials' decisions without arguing or showing unsportsmanlike behavior.

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:

-Using abusive, profane, or inappropriate language at any event at El Pomar Youth Sports Park, including practices, games, and team functions.

-Providing or offering alcohol, illegal substances, nicotine (including vaping), medications, or supplements to any athlete at any program event or facility. Drugs or supplements may not be taken without prior parent/guardian consent.

-Engaging in taunting, intimidation, bullying, hazing (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-9-124), or harassment of other players, coaches, or officials.

-Cheating, intentionally harming others, or engaging in dangerous play.

-Engaging in fights, arguments, or disrespectful behavior toward any participant.

Compliance and Accountability

Players understand that if they fail to abide by this Code of Conduct, they may face disciplinary actions, including but not limited to:

-Verbal warning from a coach or official.

-Loss of playing time.

-Suspension from practices or games.

-Removal from the team or league for severe or repeated violations.

-Temporary or permanent expulsion from the El Pomar Youth Sports Park.