I, as a coach, parent, spectator, official, pledge to conduct myself in a manner that "Honors the Game" and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators and fans. In becoming a member of the sport of football, and the community, an individual assumes certain obligations and responsibilities to the game and participation of football & cheer and its participants. The essential elements in this "Code of Conduct" are HONESTY and INTEGRITY. Those who conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these elements will bring credit to the sport of football and themselves, their team and their organization. Accordingly, I pledge to:

1. “Honor the Game”

R.O.O.T.S. = “Honoring the Game" is a Positive Coaching Alliance principle about sportsmanship encouraging leaders, coaches, parents, and athletes to respect all aspects of their sport. The ROOTS of Honoring the Game is an acronym which stands for better respecting: Rules, Opponents, Officials Teammates and Self.

Rules

The rules of a sport have been developed and modified for a reason. Rules keep the game fair, and they also keep athletes safe. Don't ty to work against the rules or bend them; respect the role they play in your sport.

Opponents

As you want respect, give respect to your opponents. As Jim Thompson suggests in his book, "fierce and friendly" opponents are what we should strive to be and have in competition.

Officials

Officials are doing the best they can to enforce the rules and maintain a safe environment for play. They are people too, doing the best they can, and there is never an excuse for disrespecting officials.

Teammates

Make your teammates proud by doing the best you can (on and off the field) and by supporting them in all their efforts.

Self

Finally, and most importantly, you must respect yourself in order to uphold an honorable approach to sports. Set high standards and live up to them.

2. Demonstrate respect to other players, coaches, parents, officials and spectators.

3. Uphold the essential elements of the “Code of Conduct” which are HONESTY and INTEGRITY.

4. Demonstrate and encourage good sportsmanship and the concepts of fair play

5. Focus on fun and participation.

6. Know and abide by the Rules of football/cheer, the established guidelines, and all eligibility requirements.

7. Understand that the safety and welfare of all concerned is the top priority.

8. Support the drug, alcohol and tobacco-free environment that is important for all youth sporting events.

It is only through such conduct that our sport can continue to earn and maintain a positive image

Further I pledge NOT to:

1. Ever use profanity at a youth event

2. Harshly criticize coaches, officials or players and only provide constructive feedback, ensuring that the criticism is delivered thoughtfully and with respect

3. Touch an opposing player, coach, or game official in a threatening manner.

This contract and pledge must be signed by any player, parent, coach and official who want to participate in any NH MVYFC event.   By signing this document, I agree to abide by and uphold the above stated ‘Code of Conduct’ and understand that violating this Code wither by commission or omission will be subjected to penalties as stated in the ‘Code of Conduct’ which had been provided to all NH Youth Football/cheer coaches and officials. I also give consent for my child to be photographed, videotaped and/or filmed while participating in activities and for the resulting images to be used by Merrimack Valley Youth Football and Cheer for teaching, promotional and website purposes.”