JYA Code of Conduct 

Dear JYA Coaches, Parents, & Athletes, 

We are thrilled to welcome you to JYA, where we strive to provide a positive and enriching experience for all participants. As we embark on another exciting season, we want to take a moment to introduce you to our Code of Conduct and emphasize its importance to our organization.

Our Code of Conduct serves as a guiding set of principles for coaches, parents, and players alike, outlining the behaviors and attitudes that we expect from everyone involved in our programs. It is founded on the values of respect, sportsmanship, integrity, and safety, all of which are fundamental to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

We believe that adherence to our Code of Conduct is crucial for several reasons:

1. Promoting Positive Behavior: By setting clear expectations for behavior, we aim to cultivate a culture of respect, kindness, and fairness among all participants. This not only enhances the experience for everyone involved but also contributes to the overall success of our programs.

2. Ensuring Safety and Well-being: The safety and well-being of our athletes are of of upmost importance. Our Code of Conduct includes guidelines to ensure that all participants prioritize safety, follow proper procedures, and maintain a supportive environment that minimizes the risk of injury or harm.

3. Building Character and Leadership: JYA youth sports provide invaluable opportunities for personal growth and development. By adhering to our Code of Conduct, participants learn important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and responsibility, which will serve them well both on and off the field.

4. Fostering a Positive Community: JYA is more than just a youth sports organization, it is a community. We aim to strengthen the bonds between coaches, parents, players, and volunteers, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the field of play.

We ask that each of you familiarize yourselves with our JYA Mission Statement and Code of Conduct and commit to upholding its principles throughout the season. Together, we can create an environment where every participant feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed! 

Sincerely,

Joe Duffey: JYA President & JYA Board of Directors 

JYA Mission Statement:

Jenkintown Youth Activities (JYA) consists of Jenkintown Abington Little League (JALL), Jenkintown Abington Travel Baseball (JA Bulldogs), Jenkintown Abington Softball (JAS), Jenkintown Abington Quickball (JAQ), JA Connie Mack Baseball, JYA Travel Soccer (JYA Jaguars), JYA U10 Inter-Community Soccer, JYA Intramural Soccer, Jenkintown Youth Basketball (JYB), and all of our camps and clinics, including Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, Softball Camp, Baseball Camp, Tennis Camp, Flag Football, and Pickleball Camp. 

Established in 1961, Jenkintown Youth Activities is a non-profit, volunteer-run youth sports organization serving the families of Jenkintown and Abington by providing a high-quality team sports experience to area youth. The mission of JYA is to develop our athletes to their full potential and to promote the participation in youth sports in our community. 

JYA achieves its mission through:

1) The principles of positive coaching.

2) Providing a fun and safe environment for players, coaches, and families at practices and games.

3) Ensuring all players are an important part of the team, regardless of athletic performance.

4) Teaching lessons of sportsmanship and community service to all youth athletes.

5) Teaching skills, tactics, and strategies of the game to improve our players. 

Being part of JYA means JYA coaches, players and parents are held to the highest standard of conduct to foster sportsmanship, integrity, self esteem, discipline, and ethical behavior. Travel teams are set up to be a "High School Feeder" model youth program and are committed to providing an opportunity for every athlete. 

JYA will achieves its mission through our dedicated volunteers, caring parents, and committed sponsors who wish to partner with our great youth sport organization.

Code of Conduct:

This comprehensive code of conduct outlines the expectations for the behavior of coaches, parents, and players involved in JYA, promoting a positive and respectful environment for all participants. Violations may be reported to JYA our email address: [email protected] 

Code of Conduct for Coaches:

1. Positive Role Modeling: Coaches must exhibit positive behavior, including good sportsmanship, respect for opponents, and adherence to fair play principles.

2. Safety First: Coaches must prioritize the safety of players at all times, ensuring that equipment is properly maintained and that players receive appropriate instruction on safe play techniques.

3. Fair Treatment: Coaches must treat all players fairly and with respect, regardless of skill level, and provide equal opportunities for participation and development.

4. Professionalism: Coaches must maintain a high level of professionalism in all interactions with players, parents, officials, and other coaches, refraining from engaging in inappropriate language or behavior.

5. Conflict Resolution: Coaches play a vital role in upholding the standards and values of our youth sports organization. As such, they are responsible for enforcing all rules and regulations outlined in this Code of Conduct. Coaches should address conflicts or disputes in a constructive and respectful manner, seeking resolution through open communication and mediation when necessary. Report any serious breaches of conduct to the board for further action. The JYA Board is committed to supporting coaches in these efforts. 

Code of Conduct for Parents:

1. Supportive Behavior: While engaged in JYA activities, parents should support their child's participation in youth sports in a positive and encouraging manner, avoiding negative criticism or pressure to perform.

2. Respect for Officials: Parents should respect the authority of officials and refrain from engaging in disrespectful or confrontational behavior towards them.

3. Sportsmanship: Parents should model good sportsmanship by applauding good play, regardless of the outcome, and refraining from disparaging remarks towards opponents or their supporters.

4. Communication: Parents should maintain open and respectful communication with coaches, expressing any concerns or questions in a constructive manner and allowing coaches to address them at an appropriate time. 

5. Safety Awareness: Parents should prioritize the safety of their child and others, ensuring that their child is properly equipped and prepared for participation in youth sports activities.

6. Role Modeling: Parents should serve as positive role models for their child, demonstrating good behavior, respect for others, and adherence to the principles of fair play.

Code of Conduct for Players:

1. Respect: Players must show respect towards coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators at all times, both on and off the field.

2. Sportsmanship: Players must demonstrate good sportsmanship by playing fairly, following the rules of the game, and accepting victory and defeat graciously.

3. Safety: Players must prioritize their own safety and the safety of others, following all safety guidelines and instructions provided by coaches and officials.

4. Teamwork: Players must work together as a team, supporting and encouraging each other, and putting the needs of the team above individual interests.

5. Fair Play: Players must compete with integrity, refraining from cheating, dishonesty, or unsportsmanlike conduct.

6. Continuous Improvement: Players should strive to improve their skills and knowledge of the game through practice, training, and participation in their JYA activities.

Consequences for Code of Conduct Violations: 

These potential consequences are designed to uphold the standards of behavior outlined in the Code of Conduct and ensure a safe and positive environment for all participants involved in JYA. A violation of the above Code of Conduct will result in the following actions. 

Coaches:

1. Verbal Warning: A verbal warning may be issued for minor infractions or first-time offenses, reminding the coach of the Code of Conduct they promised to uphold, as well as the consequences of further violations.

2. Probation: Coaches may be placed on probation, during which their conduct will be closely monitored, and any further violations may result in more severe consequences, including permanent removal from coaching roles.

3. Suspension: For more serious or repeated violations, a coach may be suspended from coaching activities for a specified period, during which they are prohibited from participating in any coaching-related activities.

4. Removal from Coaching Position: In cases of serious misconduct or repeated violations, a coach may be permanently removed from their coaching position within JYA, with no opportunity for reinstatement.

5. Banishment: In extreme cases involving egregious misconduct or behavior that poses a risk to the safety or well-being of participants, a coach may be banned from all activities associated with JYA indefinitely.

Parents:

1. Verbal Warning: Similar to coaches, parents may receive a verbal warning for minor infractions or first-time offenses, reminding them of the Code of Conduct they promised with uphold, as well as the consequences of further violations.

2. Probation: Parents may be placed on probation, during which their conduct will be closely monitored, and any further violations may result in more severe consequences, including restricted attendance at games or events.

3. Restriction of Attendance: In cases of repeated or severe misconduct, parents may be restricted from attending games or events hosted by JYA for a specified period.

4. Suspension of Membership: Parents may have their membership or involvement in JYA suspended for a specified period, during which they are prohibited from participating in any JYA-related activities.

5. Permanent Banishment: In extreme cases involving egregious misconduct or behavior that poses a significant risk to the safety or well-being of participants, parents may be permanently banned from all activities associated with JYA.

Players:

1. Verbal Warning: Players may receive a verbal warning for minor infractions or first-time offenses, reminding them of the expected behavior and consequences of further violations. 

2. Probation: Players may be placed on probation, during which their conduct will be closely monitored, and any further violations may result in more severe consequences, including removal from the team.

3. Suspension from Games: Players may be suspended from participating in games or events for a specified period as a consequence of serious misconduct or repeated violations of the Code of Conduct.

4. Removal from Team: In cases of serious misconduct or repeated violations, players may be permanently removed from their JYA team, with no opportunity for reinstatement.

5. Banishment: In extreme cases involving egregious misconduct or behavior that poses a risk to the safety or well-being of participants, players may be banned from all activities associated with JYA indefinitely.

BY REGISTERING WITH JYA, YOU PLEDGE TO UPHOLD THE JYA CODE OF CONDUCT. YOU WILL TREAT EVERY PLAYER, COACH, OFFICIAL, AND PARENT WITH RESPECT. THIS IS A GAME AND WE ARE ALL HERE TO HAVE FUN.