The following Code of Conduct applies to all players, parents, and coaches involved in the Mississauga Minor Football Association (MMFA). These standards of behavior ensure a positive, safe, and respectful environment for all members of the organization and are in accordance with Football Ontario’s Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct (hyperlink: https://footballontario.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/01/Football-Ontario-code-of-ethics-and-conduct-2013-new-logo.pdf) 

To ensure these standards are upheld, MMFA respectfully requires that all parties involved sign a Code of Conduct agreement before they are allowed to participate.

Player Code of Conduct https://m-f-l.ca/players-code-of-conduct/

Parent Code of Conduct https://m-f-l.ca/parents-code-of-conduct/

Coaches Code of Conduct https://m-f-l.ca/coaches-code-of-conduct/

Volunteer Code of Conduct https://m-f-l.ca/volunteerscodeofconduct/

1. General Expectations for All Members (Players, Parents, Coaches, Volunteers)

• Respect: Treat all participants—players, parents, coaches, officials, and opponents—with respect and dignity at all times. Negative behavior, including bullying, harassment, or unsportsmanlike conduct, will not be tolerated.
• Integrity: Always act in an honest and fair manner. Uphold the integrity of the game by playing and competing to the best of your ability, regardless of the outcome.
• Commitment: Be punctual and fully prepared for practices, games, and events. Support the team’s success by demonstrating dedication and responsibility.
• Safety: Ensure the physical and emotional safety of everyone involved. Report any unsafe situations or behaviors to a coach or team official immediately.
• Communication: Keep open lines of communication between players, parents, coaches, and the league. Address concerns in a respectful and constructive manner.

2. Player Expectations

• Sportsmanship: Always play with respect for your teammates, opponents, and officials. Accept decisions without argument, and demonstrate grace in both victory and defeat.
• Teamwork: Work together as a team, supporting one another both on and off the field. Be encouraging and create a positive team atmosphere.
• Effort and Focus: Give your best effort during all practices and games. Stay focused and committed to improving your skills and knowledge of the game.
• Respect for Coaches and Officials: Listen attentively to your coaches, respect their instructions, and abide by their decisions. Show respect to officials and their calls.
• Conduct: Avoid any behavior that disrupts the game or team environment, including violent actions, foul language, or inappropriate gestures.

3. Parent Expectations

• Support and Encouragement: Be supportive and encouraging to your child and all players on the team. Focus on effort, teamwork, and improvement, rather than solely on the outcome of the game.
• Positive Sidelines: Keep sideline interactions positive, respectful, and encouraging. Refrain from criticizing coaches, officials, players or any member of the opposing team’s fan base during games. Any concerns should be addressed privately and respectfully with the coaching staff.
• Respect for Coaches and Officials: Respect the authority of the coaches and officials. Do not interfere with the coaching or the officiating during practices or games.
• Role Modeling: Be a positive role model for your child and others. Demonstrate good sportsmanship, fair play, and a respectful attitude at all times.  Unruly and/or aggressive behaviour detracts from the positive experience of your child, his or her teammates and our hard-working volunteers and is to be avoided.
• Communication: Ensure that communication with coaches is respectful and timely. If there are concerns regarding your child’s participation, development, or behavior, schedule a meeting with the coach at an appropriate time.

4. Coach Expectations

• Respect and Inclusion: Treat all players, parents, and fellow coaches with respect and fairness. Foster an inclusive environment where all players feel valued, regardless of skill level or background.
• Professionalism: Maintain a professional attitude and approach in all interactions with players, parents, and officials. Exhibit leadership both on and off the field.
• Player Development: Focus on the development of each individual player, ensuring they learn the fundamentals of the game, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Provide constructive feedback and avoid criticism that is demoralizing.
• Safety and Well-being: Prioritize the safety and well-being of all players. Follow all safety protocols, including concussion protocols and management, proper warm-up and cool-down routines, and ensure the appropriate use of equipment and facilities.
• Communication with Parents: Maintain open, honest, and timely communication with parents. Share important updates, schedules, and any issues concerning player behavior, progress, or attendance.

5. Disciplinary Procedures

Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct can result in consequences, Disciplinary actions will be determined by the team’s coaches, league administrators, and MMFA board members. The severity of the behavior will dictate the appropriate action taken, ensuring fairness and consistency in all situations.

When it is reported in writing that the code of conduct has been broken, MMFA Board members and/or league officials will investigate and discuss with all parties. Disciplinary actions can include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or MMFA representative or Board member
• Written warning by official, head coach, and/or MMFA representative or Board member
• Parent, Player or Coach expulsion from game and/or sidelines, with incident report filed
• Parent, Player or Coach suspension from game(s) or balance of season with incident report filed
• Lifetime ban with incident report filed

If you have a concern or complaint, please email the MMFA President – all matters are dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

6. Acknowledgment

By participating in the MMFA, all players, parents, and coaches acknowledge and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Everyone plays a role in fostering a positive, respectful, and enjoyable football experience for all involved.

Let’s work together to make Mississauga Minor Football a community of respect, support, and excellence.