
Mississauga Minor Football Association Parents’ Code of Conduct
As a parent or guardian of a participant in the Mississauga Minor Football Association (MMFA), you play a vital role in creating a positive, supportive, and respectful environment for all players. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for parent behavior to ensure that the program remains focused on the well-being and development of every child involved.
- Support Your Child’s Development
- Encourage Effort, Not Just Results: Focus on supporting your child’s growth, both on and off the field. Celebrate their efforts, progress, and learning, rather than just the outcome of games or individual performances.
- Promote Fun and Enjoyment: Remember that youth sports are about having fun, building friendships, and developing life skills. Help your child enjoy the experience and remain motivated to participate.
- Be a Positive Role Model
- Show Respect for All Participants: Treat players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and other parents with respect. Model good sportsmanship by demonstrating patience, understanding, and kindness.
- Maintain Good Sportsmanship: Display appropriate behavior at all times, both during practices and games. Avoid negative comments, gestures, or attitudes towards players, coaches, or officials.
- Respect the Role of Coaches and Officials
- Trust the Coaches: Understand that coaches are trained and experienced individuals who are there to help your child develop. Do not coach from the sidelines or interfere with the coaching process. Trust that they are making decisions in the best interest of the team.
- Support the Officials: Understand that officials are an essential part of the game. Respect their decisions and avoid engaging in arguments or inappropriate comments regarding their calls. Encourage your child to do the same.
- Promote a Safe and Respectful Environment
- Ensure a Safe Atmosphere: Never engage in behaviors that could jeopardize the safety or well-being of your child, other players, or participants. Support the program’s policies on health, safety, and injury prevention.
- Foster Inclusivity: Respect the diversity of the team. Encourage an inclusive environment where all players feel welcome, supported, and valued, regardless of their background, skill level, or experience.
- Avoid Negative Interactions
- Control Your Emotions: In moments of frustration or disappointment, maintain self-control. Avoid yelling, criticizing, or making derogatory comments about players, coaches, or officials. Model the kind of respectful behavior you want to see in your child.
- Encourage Constructive Communication: If you have concerns, address them privately and respectfully with the coach or team manager. Avoid discussing concerns in public or in front of players.
- Commit to Team and Program Values
- Respect Team Goals and Program Policies: Support the goals of the team and the overall mission of the MMFA. This includes adhering to league policies, codes of conduct, and other program guidelines.
- Encourage Teamwork and Cooperation: Remind your child of the importance of being a team player and supporting their teammates. Promote collaboration, respect, and unity within the team.
- Respect Practice and Game Schedules
- Be Punctual: Ensure your child arrives on time for practices, games, and other events. Punctuality helps foster discipline, respect for others, and a consistent routine.
- Communicate in Case of Absence: If your child cannot attend a practice or game, inform the coach in advance. Clear communication ensures the team can function effectively and helps coaches plan accordingly.
- Commit to a full season of participation: By registering your child to play in the MMFA, you commit to ensuring they participate for the entire season, unless unforeseen circumstances arise (ie. injury, relocation, etc.) You understand that on-field performance is dependent on the participation of all players for the full season.
- Be Supportive of All Players
- Celebrate Every Player’s Contribution: Encourage your child to appreciate the efforts of all team members. Support teammates, regardless of their performance or skill level, and acknowledge their contributions to the team.
- Maintain Perspective: Keep the focus on development and growth, rather than pressuring your child or others to perform at unrealistic levels. Be patient with the process and remember that each player’s journey is unique.
- Encourage a Positive Relationship with Other Parents
- Foster a Collaborative Community: Build a positive, respectful relationship with other parents. Support one another in fostering a positive team environment for all players and families.
- Avoid Gossip or Complaints: Refrain from engaging in gossip or negative discussions about coaches, players, or other parents. Address any issues directly with the appropriate individuals in a constructive manner.
- Adherence to Program Policies
- Follow MMFA Guidelines: Abide by all rules, policies, and procedures established by the Mississauga Minor Football Association. This includes respecting the decisions made by program leadership and following any disciplinary measures set in place by the MMFA.
- Promote a Safe and Healthy Environment: Adhere to guidelines related to player safety, health, and behavior. Respect the program’s commitment to ensuring all players have a positive and healthy experience.