NFL Youth Flag Football is designed to provide a fun, educational and positive experience for all participants. We believe that those who coach within the NFL Flag Football Program are, first and foremost, teachers of the game who have a duty to ensure that they are instructing, coaching, and acting based upon the concept of sportsmanship and ethical values. We ask that parents, guardians and family members who choose to attend practices and games during the flag football season also abide by this code of conduct.
1. Trustworthiness – I will be worthy of trust in all I do, and teach players the importance of integrity, honesty,reliability and loyalty.
2. Respect – I will treat all people (parents, coaches, players, opponents, officials) with respect at all times and will require the same of my players.
3. Class – I will be a good sport, teach and model good behavior, be gracious in victory and dignified in defeat,encourage players to give fallen opponents a hand, compliment extraordinary performance, and show sincere respect in pre-and post-game rituals.
4. Referees – I will treat referees with respect. I will not complain about or argue with referee calls or decisions during or after a game. I will report referee issues to the proper authority.
5. Coaching – I will use positive coaching methods to make the experience enjoyable, increase self-esteem andfoster a love for and appreciation of the sport. I will refrain from physical or psychological intimidation, verbal abuse, and conduct that is demeaning to the players or others.
6. Effort and Teamwork – I will encourage players to pursue victory with honor, to think and play as a team, to do their best and continually strive to improve through personal effort and discipline. I will discourage selfishness and put less emphasis on the outcome of the contest than upon effort, teamwork and winning with character.
7. Role Model – I will be a worthy role model, always mindful of the high visibility and great influence I have as a coach, and consistently conduct myself in a manner that exemplifies the traits I wish to develop in my players.
8. Personal Conduct – I will refrain from profanity, disrespectful conduct, and the use of alcohol and tobacco in front of the players.
9. Competence – I will strive to improve my coaching competence and acquire increasing proficiency in coaching principles appropriate for my team’s age group.
10. Knowledge of the Rules – I will maintain a thorough knowledge of current game and competition rules and will ensure that my players know and understand the rules.
11. Integrity of the Game – I will protect the integrity of the game, playing the game according to the rules.
12. Safe Competition – I will put safety and health considerations above a desire to win. I will never permit players to intentionally injure another player or engage in reckless play that might cause injury to themselves or others.
13. Equipment (Coaches) – I will take care of and return equipment in the condition in which they’ve been given. I understand that I will be held financially responsible for any lost and damaged equipment.
