Parent Code of Behavior

ALSO SEE http://www.carolinaregionvb.org/Juniors/behaviorpolicy.html

Reprinted from IMPACT Manual

USA VOLLEYBALL is committed to creating and upholding traditions of excellence through volleyball based upon the existence of supportive and nurturing environments in which individuals can become successful. Age-group volleyball programs (5 through 18 years of age) can provide such environments. We, who are associated with these age-group programs, aspire to display behaviors which foster beneficial growth and development of children and improvement of motor skills through volleyball which follows in its Codes of Behavior:

PARENT CODE OF BEHAVIOR:

As a parent, I will aspire to:

	Be positive in attitude toward volleyball and emphasize the cooperative nature of the sport;
	Encourage hard work and honest effort that will lead to improved performance and participation;
	Encourage athletes to participate in volleyball alcohol- and drug-free;
	Encourage and respect referees and officials and their integrity;
	Encourage athletes to participate for their own enjoyment;
	Applaud fair play and good play during games and/or matches;
	Be supportive of all attempts to remove verbal and physical abuse from organized volleyball activities, including language;
	Meet the required administrative and programmatic rules if in some cases the athletes are not able to do so;
	Protect athletes from sanctions and/or suspension by producing accurate documentation;
	Attend age-group (5-18) volleyball events alcohol- and drug-free;
	Use only designated smoking areas that are clearly posted at age-group (5-18) volleyball events.

USAV also developed a Spectator Code of Behavior that is applicable to parents as well as they comprise the majority of spectators at Junior Volleyball tournaments.

SPECTATOR CODE OF BEHAVIOR:

As a spectator, I will aspire to:

	Respect the rights of others and treat the visiting team and their spectators courteously;
	Attend age-group (5-18) volleyball events alcohol- and drug-free;
	Abide by federal, state, and local laws while attending any match;
	Cheer positively for my team, rather than against them or their opponents, using socially acceptable language;
	Respect the integrity and judgement of the officials without taunting or approaching them between games or at the end of the match;
	Applaud good performances by all teams;
	Use items to cheer with that are of a non-violent nature;
	Discourage all forms of violent behavior;
	Use only designated smoking areas that are clearly posted;
	Use litter receptacles to properly dispose of trash.

Sportparent's Creed

By Marty Miller - Iowa/USAV Region

I understand my child is unique. She has her own gifts and develops at her own pace.

I understand that my child has her own goals in sports as in other aspects of her life. I will support those goals and keep them separate from my own.

I understand that I am a mirror to my child's feelings about herself. If I value her, show her respect and compassion, then she will know I love her for who she is - not what she does.

I understand that my behavior off the playing court or field is as important as my child's behavior on the court or field. My actions and my words have an impact on my child's behavior.

I understand my child has her own inner voice. My job as parent is to help her recognize it, listen to it, and act on it.

I understand that the coach needs to hear my feelings, feel my support, and understand that our common interest is the well-being of my child - not the scoreboard.

I understand that attaching blame to outside factors - luck, fate, officials, teammates - teaches a lack of responsibility in one's own actions.

I understand that youth sports should enhance and not dominate my child's life. Overemphasis of sport reduces the balance of her life and creates undue pressure to perform and excel.

I understand that the other children on the playing court or field are equally important and as special as my child. They deserve my love, support, encouragement, respect, and blessing too.

I understand that I can change any negative patterns that have developed between myself and my child.

As a sportparent, I pledge to continue to see my child as a whole person. I want to understand her emotionally, socially, mentally, physically, and spiritually.