Hampton Roads Hokies will not tolerate verbal abuse of its volunteer coaches from any Fan, Parent or Spectator.
Fans, as well as the players and coaches, are expected to abide by a code of conduct at all Hokies Events. While 99% of the adults in the program will abide by this code without being told, this code is being published to protect the children and volunteers (which includes all coaches and board members) from the 1%.
FANS' CODE OF CONDUCT
Fans will abide by a Code of Conduct which includes the provisions which follow. If any of these rules are broken, Hampton Roads Hokies shall have the authority to impose a penalty.
Fans shall:
- Not criticize the players/cheerleaders or coaches in front of the other spectators in the stands, but reserve constructive criticism for later, in private.
- Accept decisions of the game officials (including referees and coaches) on the field as being fair and called to the best ability of said officials.
- Not criticize an opposing team, its players, coaches, or fans by work of mouth or by gesture.
- Refrain from using physical or verbal abuse or profane language at any time at the game, practice field, or other Hokie functions.
- Abstain from being under the influence of or in possession of and/or drinking alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substance on both the game and practice fields.
- Not be allowed on the sidelines during a game.
- Not interfere/interrupt the coaching staff before, during or after games or at practice.
- Not express complaints about coaches in stands or to coaches in front of or around the children (i.e. right after a game or practice).
VIOLATION
Any parent or fan who violates the code of conduct risks the further participation of the child in the program. The procedure is as follows:
- Any fan who violates the code of conduct or becomes a nuisance will be asked to leave by the head coach and can be suspended from all team activities.
- If the fan fails to leave upon request, the child may be suspended from further participation in team activities by the head coach.
- The head coach along with the executive board will decide if the duration of the suspension is to be longer than one to four weeks or if the child will be dropped from the program. That decision will depend on the attitude of the parents.
- Any parent or fan who violates the code of conduct risks the future participation of his/her children in the program. Depending on the severity of the incident the board of directors may decide to ban future participation in the program for up to three years.
CONDUCT OF ALL PLAYERS - PARENTS
All players are guaranteed minimum plays in each Regular Season or Playoff game. Everything beyond that must be earned in the opinion of the coaching staff whose decisions are final.
Athlete’s Code
I will: emphasis the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play. Show courtesy to my opponents and officials. Recognize athletic contests are serious educational endeavors. Give complete allegiance to my coaches who are the instructional authority for my team. Discourage fans, fellow players and parents from undercutting my coach’s authority.
I will not: Use profanity or talk “trash” before, during or after any game. Use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Criticize my teammates. Act in any way that may incite spectators.
Parent’s Code
I will: Support my child’s team/squad and teach the value of commitment to the team/squad - emphasis the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play. Help my child and the Hampton Roads Hokies make athletic contests a positive educational experiences. Show courtesy to opponents and officials. Direct constructive criticism of my child’s athletic program to the athletic director or association officials and work toward a positive result for all concerned.
I will not: Criticize officials, direct abuse or profane language toward them, or otherwise subvert their authority. Undermine, in work or deed, the authority of the coach or administration. Intrude onto the field, stand on the sideline, or yell from the bleachers at or to the coaches, referees or administration.