Parent/Fan Code of Conduct
I recognize the promotion of sportsmanship as a primary goal of the EPWBA. I will encourage my son/daughter to display good sportsmanship, and will set an example of good sportsmanship by my own conduct toward players, officials and other fans.
In signing the registration form for a child’s participation in the EPWBA program, every parent agrees to honor the above principles, and most do so. However, to be more explicit about its expectations in this regard, the EPWBA board provides the following code of conduct and, if necessary, its means of enforcement. (Coaches and players operate under a similar code, consistent with the standards of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the author of the basketball rules followed by the EPWBA.)
Code:
All attendees of EPWBA basketball games are invited to cheer in a positive manner for their respective teams, and to avoid all negative commentary, gestures or other behavior towards referees, players and other persons attending the game. Most often, in practice, this means refraining from disrespectful conduct towards game officials. The purpose of this prohibition is to avoid creating an atmosphere of hostility that is detrimental to the enjoyment of the game for participants and fans and that undermines our efforts to teach principles of good sportsmanship to the boys and girls who make up our teams.
Sanction:
Attendees who violate this code of conduct will be:
(1) reminded to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner for the first instance;
(2) asked to leave the gym for the remainder of the game for the second instance. Refusal to leave when asked can result in ending the game.
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Nothing in the above policy should be construed as limiting your freedom to cheer for and encourage your team. Make all the noise you want in support of your kids. Just eliminate all negative behavior. For most of you, that should be easy-exactly what you’ve been doing anyway. If, however, you feel this policy is too restrictive or the sanctions too extreme, we suggest that you simply not take part in the EPWBA.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PARK AUTHORITY
SPORTS SERVICES DIVISION
WINTER GYM AND RENTAL PROGRAMS
Conduct and Procedures for Participants and Spectators
1. All participants and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
2. Player, coaches and spectators will not be admitted to the gymnasium until contract start time and must leave by contract end time.
3. No food or beverages (except water) are permitted in the gymnasium. If the facility has vending machines, food and beverages must be consumed in that vicinity.
4. Participants and coaches should hand carry their playing sneakers into the facility. Court shoes should only be worn inside the gym.
5. Juvenile spectators must be seated and supervised by a parent or other responsible adult.
6. There is no "child play space." Children are not permitted to play under or on top of the bleachers, nor in the hallways, doorways or restrooms.
7. Out of concern for safety and proper maintenance of floors, the Park Authority has advised us that the use of wheeled tennis shoes ("heelies") is NOT allowed inside the schools.
8. Dribbling and bouncing balls outside the court area is prohibited. The court is for use by participants and coaches.
9. Possession and /or use of alcohol are prohibited.
10. Smoking is prohibited inside or near the doorway of the public facility.
11. Parking is permitted only in designated parking areas. Vehicles parked along the fire access zones or other designated no parking areas will be reported to the police and may be towed at the owner’s expense.