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2018 Grove City Knights

2018 GCKA Knights Football Guidelines and Rules

Rev. 2 GCKA 7/03/2018


Rule 1 - Participation

Prior to participating in any League practice or game, all players must have on file with the League, a completed player application (including a parent/guardian signature) and all applicable participation fees must be paid to the satisfaction of the League.

There are no geographic based (school attendance area, city, township, etc.) eligibility restrictions for participation in the League. Players who meet the requirements are eligible and encouraged to participate regardless of the school district, attendance area or city in which they reside.

Rule 2 – General Registrations

ART. 1

Volunteers are essential to the successful operation of the League. The involvement of everyone is encouraged, supported, and appreciated.

a. “Official” volunteers include anyone working in an authorized capacity with the League and/or directly in the supervision or instruction of our youth players. This includes, but is not limited to: coaches, commissioners, league chairs, or other League administrative staff.

b. “Unofficial” league volunteers include parents or other individuals who, from time to time, may assist in the setup or tear down of field equipment, operation of line-to-gain equipment or field clocks, or other activities. “Unofficial” volunteers are not directly involved with the supervision or instruction of youth players.

c. Game officials are independent contractors hired by the league, and are neither Official nor Unofficial League volunteers.

ART. 2

Official volunteers must complete a GCKA volunteer application and must pass an individual background check on a schedule as directed by the GCKA Board of Directors, prior to interacting directly with our youth players.

ART. 3

Anyone may volunteer to become a coach in the League regardless of football playing or football coaching experience. Candidates must comply with Rule 2.1.2 in order to be considered for a coaching position.

a. Head coaches must be 21 years of age.b. Assistant coaches must be at least 21 years of age.c. Coaching assignments, as approved by the League Board, are valid from the date of the assignment until 90 days

after the conclusion of the last game of the season, or until such earlier time as may be determined by the League Board in accordance with the remainder of these rules.

d. All coaches must submit a new volunteer application for each season.e. Before each season, the League Board will review all volunteer coaching applications, may conduct interviews with

candidates, and will make the final decision on the makeup of all coaching staffs.

ART. 4

The League enforces GCKA’s Code of Conduct sportsmanship policy in its entirety. Volunteers (both official and unofficial), players, spectators, game officials and other visitors to League events are expected to conduct themselves in a positive,

Rev. 2 GCKA 7/03/2018


sportsmanlike manner at all times, in the best interests of the League and our youth players. All volunteers and visitors to League sponsored events are subject to this policy.

“GCKA fully endorses and supports good sportsmanship and fair play and is interested in providing a healthy learning and supporting environment for all players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators. Participants of all ages should not be subjected to spectators that are negative or coaches that cannot maintain a positive environment before, during or after practice and games. It is important that we behave towards others with courtesy, respect and professionalism and instill sportsmanship to all who participate in GCKA sponsored sports.”

Violation of GCKA’s policy may result in removal from the grounds, suspensions, and/or legal action.

Section 2 – Coaching Requirements, Conduct and Code of Ethics

ART. 1

Coaching in the League is a privilege, not a right. Coaches may serve in the League only with the expressed consent of the League board. Coaches are recognized as representatives of the League and GCKA as a whole, whether on the field or off.

The League expects that all coaches will conduct themselves in an ethical manner at all times in support of the best interests of our youth participants and the League. The League board reserves the right to review and take appropriate action upon the status of the relationship between any coach and the League for any on or off field behaviors or actions, brought to the attention of the League board, which are found to be contrary to the League ethical standards and code of conduct, or otherwise found not to be in the best interests of our youth participants or the League.

ART. 2

The following League ethics and code of conduct shall be adhered to by all the League coaches, whether on or off the field: See appendix.

ART. 3

Coaches and/or teams shall attend any meeting or event deemed required by the League, unless officially excused by the League board. In situations where only one coach per team is required by the League board to attend, the head coach shall be the coach to attend the meeting unless otherwise approved or directed by the League board.

PENALTY: Suspension of coaching privileges for a specified period of time as determined in writing by the League board.

Section 3 – Game Officials

ART. 1

All League games will be officiated by a minimum of two currently certified OHSAA football officials, aged 18 or older.

a. At the officials’ discretion, should a third certified OHSAA football official not be available to officiate a contest, a person aged 18 or older who does not currently hold a valid OHSAA football certification may be selected by the officials to assist in officiating the contest.

b. If at least two OHSAA certified officials are present to work a contest, no non-certified officials may be used in that contest.

ART. 2

All Game officials, whether currently certified or not, shall carry out their duties in accordance with approved OHSAA and NFHS officiating mechanics and codes of conduct.

ART. 3

The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts.

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ART. 4

The officials’ jurisdiction extends through the referee’s declaration of the end of the fourth period or final overtime.

NOTE: Although the officials’ jurisdiction ends at the conclusion of the game, the officials are obligated to report to the League board any unsporting behavior or acts exhibited by team personnel after the conclusion of a game. Such unsporting behavior or acts will be handled by the League board in accordance with the provisions of these rules in the same manner as if the behavior or act has been committed during the game.

ART. 5

The officials shall have the sole authority to make decisions for infractions of the rules. The use of any audio or video replay or monitoring equipment by the officials in making any decision relating to the game is prohibited.

ART. 6

League personnel (i.e. commissioners, chairs, coordinators, etc.) shall not enter the field of play or restricted areas to discuss the officials’ application of rules during a game unless specifically requested to do so by the referee. Such discussions on the applicability of rules with League personnel are restricted to clarifications of the LOCAL RULES only.

ART. 7

The officials’ decisions during contests are final, subject to the applicable provisions of NFHS Rule 3-6-11. There are no appeals of officials’ calls made during games.

Section 4 – Tobacco, Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use

ART. 1

League administration, coaches, game officials, volunteers, or other team personnel (including game-day chain crews, etc.) shall not use tobacco products (smoke or smokeless), or use or be under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, during League sponsored or organized events. This restriction applies to evaluations, equipment handouts, practices, games, parades, and any other League events where youth players may be present.

Section 5 – Game Day Team Responsibility

ART. 1

Field setup – the head coach of the home team for the FIRST game of the day on each field shall be responsible for ensuring that the field is ready for play at least one hour before the scheduled starting time. This includes:

a. Putting up the field boundary ropes.b. Placing yard line markers on the sidelines (markers should be at least 6 feet outside of the side line).c. Installing the goal post pads.d. Placing the team benches on each sideline.e. Putting the down indicator and line to-gain-equipment (“the chains”) on the visiting sideline.

ART. 2

Chain Crew – The head coach of the visiting team in each game shall be responsible for supplying at least 3 individuals to operate the line-to-gain equipment for their game. At least one member of the line-to-gain crew must be at least 18 years of age. No person under the age of 14 shall operate the line-to-gain equipment.

ART. 3

Clock – When a field clock is in use, the head coach of the home team in each game shall be responsible for supplying personnel to run the clock for the game immediately following theirs on that field.

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a. For the first game of the day on a field, the head coach of the team playing the last game of the day on that field shall supply a clock operator for the first game.

b. Individuals may not operate the clock for games in which their own team in participating.c. Clock operators must be at least 15 years of age.

ART. 4

Sideline Cleanup – The head coach for each team is responsible for ensuring that their respective sideline has been cleared of all trash at the conclusion of their game.

ART. 5

Field Tear Down – The head coach of the home team for the LAST game of the day on each field shall be responsible for ensuring that the field equipment is put away at the conclusion of the final game. This includes:

a. Removing and putting away the field boundary ropes.b. Removing and putting away yard line markers.c. Removing and putting away the goal post pads.d. Removing and putting away the team benches.e. Putting away the down indicator and line-to-gain equipment (“the chains”)

ART. 6

Last Game Cleanup – At the conclusion of the last game of the day on a field, the head coaches for both teams are responsible for ensuring that the areas surrounding their field (bleacher areas, etc.) are cleared of all litter at the conclusion of their game.

ART. 7

Concessions - Each team will be required on occasion to staff and work the concession stand.

a. Concession stand scheduling will be the responsibility of the League Commissioner in conjunction with the Team Mom Liaison, and Cheer Commissioner (schedules the games) or their designate.

b. Prior to the season starting, Head Coaches will be provided a schedule for concession stand responsibilities:a. Dateb. Hours

c. At no time can a team switch dates and time unless approved by the commissioner or the designated person and noted on the schedule by the Team Mom Liaison.

Section 6 – Fundraising

ART. 1

The League may conduct official fundraising activities at various points throughout the season. These fundraisers are for the benefit of the entire League. All teams are expected to participate in League sponsored fundraising events.

ART. 2

Individual team fundraisers or solicitation of funds from players’ families, outside of official League fundraising events, are strictly prohibited unless explicitly approved in writing by the League board. A five-week suspension will be given to the head coach of the offending team for violation of this rule on the first offense; a one calendar year suspension will result for any subsequent violation in the same season. In addition, all proceeds raised from such unauthorized fundraising should be transferred to the League for the benefit of the entire League. Violations of this rule may also result legal action, if appropriate.

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Section 7 – Player Team Assignments, Evaluations and Draft

ART. 1

All players meeting the eligibility requirements will be assigned to teams within the league, subject to this rule. Players will play in the appropriate division based upon their grade and age as established by the league. Waivers to play up or down a division will not be entertained except in extreme circumstances and will be decided upon by the board.

ART. 2

The league will not place players on teams based on requests to play with specific players, or for transportation reasons, or to play for a particular coach, or for other reasons not specifically supported in this section.

ART. 3

Players may return to the team they were on the previous year, as long as the following criteria is met:

1. The player is remaining in the same division.2. The player has registered prior to the first scheduled evaluation period, and draft.3. The player has selected on their registration form that they wish to return to their previous team.

Any player not meeting the above criteria, who is not a “Protected Player” is not guaranteed to return to their team and could be placed into the draft, or any future supplemental or blind drafts for selection to a team – see Art. 8.

ART. 4

PROTECTED PLAYERS: Each team is allowed up to three (3) protected players. Two (2) of those players must have a parent/guardian involved with the team (coaching, play tracking, etc...) the third does not.

a. Involvement is defined by participating in a minimum of one (1) practice per week as well as the weekly game.

Each team is allowed one (1) additional protected player who DOES NOT need to have a parent/guardian be involved with the team.

a. If you only have one (1) protected player the parent/guardian does not need to be involved. b. If you have two (2) protected players one (1) of the players must have a parent/guardian must be involvedc. If you have three (3) protected players then two (2) players must have a parent/guardian involved.

Protected players must be designated, named, and turned over to the Advisory Board Members no later than seven day prior to the date of the draft. The players must be currently registered to participate in the league.

a. The player must be eligible to participate in the division in which the parent or step-parent is coaching.b. In subsequent seasons, players placed on a team via this rule may return to the same team in the same division if

they choose to do so or they may elect to be placed in the general league draft pool.

ART. 5

Every effort will be made by the league to place players on the same color team with siblings in accordance with the following:

a. Players who have siblings playing in the same division will be placed on the same team, unless otherwise requested by the players’ parent/guardian.

b. Any siblings in two different divisions ARE NOT guaranteed to be on the same team color but we will try our best.c. There is no guarantee that even on the same color team that siblings in different divisions will play at the same

location on game days.

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ART. 6

The league will hold evaluation sessions after the conclusion of the registration period, and prior to the league draft. All players who will not be automatically placed on a team, as prescribed previously in this rule, are strongly encouraged to attend the league’s evaluation sessions. Evaluation sessions are not a “try-out.” The purpose of evaluation sessions is to collect basic information about participants (such as quickness, agility and football skills) that can be used by the league and coaches during the player draft.

ART. 7

The Draft The league will hold a player draft to assign players to teams in all divisions for all players who were not otherwise assigned to a team and specified earlier in this rule. To be eligible for the draft, a player must have registered before the start of the draft. The purpose of the draft is to attempt to provide as even a distribution as possible of player age, size, and skill among all teams, while allowing coaches significant input into the makeup of their team. The goal is to create a competitive league from top to bottom for the football and personal developmental benefits of our youth players.

a. The league commissioner, or his appointee, shall act as the draft administrator and shall be assisted by at least one other person of the commissioners choosing. However, no individual who is a member of a coaching staff or has a vested interest in any team in any division of the league shall act as the draft administrator.

b. Only one representative from each team may sit at the draft table. One additional team representative may attend the draft for each team. Should a team representative not yet available, the draft administrator will pick for that team.

c. The draft order will be established at the beginning of the draft. d. The “snake” rule will be used in the draft, in that the draft order will be reversed in each round (i.e. in round one

the order is Team 1 through Team 3, in round two the order is Team 3 through Team 1)e. Players in the draft pool shall be listed by “control number” and organized by grade (or age) and their identity, vital

statistics, and evaluation data shall be made available to all teams, with the following exceptions if available:I. Only the control number, grade (or age), and sign-up weight shall be made available for players who did

not attend at least one of the evaluation days.II. All players who are draft eligible and who are qualified to participate and will be listed by control number

only. This is to help ensure that the selection of such ‘older but lighter’ players is as “by chance” as possible.III. If agree to, the control numbers of all players listed in this “blind” portion of the draft will be randomized

by the draft administrator prior to the draft. The identities of the actual players drafted from the “blind” pool will remain masked until the conclusion of the draft.

f. The draft administrator shall determine the maximum number of players per team prior to beginning the draft and shall also determine the maximum number of players in each grade/age grouping per team.

g. Teams may make their selections from any section of the draft in any round so long as they do not exceed the maximum number of players on their roster for any grade/age grouping.

h. A team may not select a player who has chosen a “non-returner” status until all other draft picks for that team have been exhausted, and only non-returners for that team remain to be selected.

i. Teams selecting a player with a sibling in the same division will be required to select the sibling with their next sequential pick, unless the parents have indicated in writing that the players may be assigned to separate teams.

j. There shall be no trades of drafted players without the consent of the draft administrator. Every effort will be made to resolve issues that prompt a trade request before any trade will be approved. There shall be no trades made after the conclusion of the draft.

k. If a Head Coach moves up from one level, if they choose to do so, they maintain only:I. No more than 3 protected players.

II. Assistant Coaches if they choose.III. Team Colors, unless all ready established with an existing tenured coach in that division.

Rev. 2 GCKA 7/03/2018


ART. 8

All players who register and pay to participate after the date of the league draft will be placed on teams, as space permits, via the same order of draft unless a team is deficient in the numbers of players. In no situation, unless approved by the Football Board will a player failing to sign up and participate in evaluation on time, may be placed back on a team they participated in the immediately preceding season or family affiliation with a specific coach. The draft order and roster grade/age balancing will be considered when placing late sign-ups, but may not be the sole determining factors under this rule. How late players are selected to teams will be determined by the advisory board, albeit a blind draw, or a sequential evaluation, then selection.

Section 9 – Practices and scrimmages

Art. 1

Practice will begin on the designated before the start of each season by the League Board. No team shall practice before that date.

Art. 2

Practice at GCKA’s Murfin field complexa. The League will designate a practice location for each team. The League b. Facility and Equipment Manager will be the point of contact for any field issues etc.c. All teams must practice on their designated fields unless engaged in a scrimmage with another teamd. Teams MAY practice outside of GCKA facilities with the consent of the League Board, the location must be:

a. A public facility – school, park etc… b. A practice or game type of designated area.c. Field or location must be safe and free of obstacles.

Art. 3

Practice Days and Times

a. Practices may only be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, unless otherwise stated in writing by the League Board.

b. Practices are limited to four per week prior to the first week of school, and three per week during the first week of school and every week afterwards, unless otherwise expressed in writing by the Football Board.

c. Practices are strictly limited to 2 hours or less. Practice may not begin prior to 5:45, and must conclude by 8:15, or when darkness prevails and unsafe light is determined.

a. Teams may not practice by the light of vehicles; only approved lighting may be used for after dark practice.

d. Teams may practice on bye weekends if field space is available.e. Only the Football League Commissioners or the Football Board can cancel practice. If a team/coach needs to cancel

practice, they must contact the Football Commissioner.Art. 4

Closed Facilities

a. Teams are prohibited from practicing at GCKA Murfin when GCKA facilities are closed either by direction of GCKA Facilities Dept., GCKA Executive Board, or the Football Board.

a. GCKA will make every effort to post to social media the status of the facilityb. Head Coaches will be responsible for communicating to their teams the status of any practice or games.c. Teams may practice off facility with permission and must provide the location they are at.

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Art. 5

Five days of conditioning are required prior to a player starting their equipment acclimatization period. Each player will be required 5 days of equipment acclimatization prior to participating in any contact drills. Acclimatization is required and GCKA will follow OHSAA rules with regards to acclimatization period.

a. Days 1 and 2 – Players may perform drills without contact in shorts, shirts, and helmet.b. Days 3 and 4 – Players may perform drills without contact in shorts, shirts, shoulder pads, and helmet.c. Day 5 – Players may perform drills without contact in full padsd. Day 6 – Full pads and contact are permitted.e. Any player missing any one day of the acclimatization period is restricted from wearing full pads and contact until

the acclimatization period is met.f. All acclimatization practices must be conducted under the direct supervision of a league approved coach during

league approved practices.g. Head coaches must maintain a record of each player’s acclimatization and provide that record to the League

Board/Commissioner prior to a team/player starting contact or playing in games.

Art. 6

Cooperative/Competitive scrimmages are encouraged and provide opportunities for instructional practices in a game type scenario.

a. Pre-season scrimmages may be either cooperative (instructional) or competitive (live play)b. In-season competitive scrimmages should be limited.c. Teams may schedule competitive scrimmages on bye weekends either home or away with the expressed written

permission from the Football Board or Commissioner.d. Teams may not schedule cooperative or competitive scrimmages with teams from other leagues without the

expressed written consent of the Football Board or the Commissioner.a. Teams must provide location of the scrimmage by address, time, the team(s) involved and opposing

team(s) coaches contact information.b. Teams scrimmaging should be of the same division and age/grade range.

Section 9 – The Season and Game Schedule

Art. 1

Unless otherwise directed by the Football League Board, all games will be played at GCKA Murfin Fields.

Art. 2

A schedule of games and opponents will be produced and presented by the Football Board to all Head Coaches and the GCKA Office for posting to the main GCKA Website.Any games changes must be at the direction of the Football Board and resolved by the Asst Commissioner who is in charge of the league schedule.

Art. 3

All teams must participated/show up for all of the games on their schedule.

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a. If a team is not able to compete in a game the head coach must contact a Football Board member and notify them. Any Football Board member aware of a situation of a team not able to compete in an upcoming game, must bring it to the attention of the Asst. Commissioner and the Commissioner

b. The Asst. Commissioner or the Commissioner will contact the opposing team.

Section 10 – League Standings

Art. 1

The Mini-OCC will provide league standings will be kept based upon a point system. Every attempt will be made to keep all league standings will be update on the GCKA Website. The League Secretary or his/her designate is responsible for keeping the league standings

Section 11 – Equipment and Uniforms

Art. 1

The league will provide each player with the following:

1. Helmet2. Shoulder Pads3. Practice Jersey4. Game Jersey5. Game Pants6. Mouth Piece

This equipment may not be altered, changed, or replaced without the consent of the Football Facility and Equipment manager.

Note: Equipment alterations that are not approved - may include changing of the facemask, stickers, markings etc.

Items that Equipment alteration that are acceptable – Visors, back plates, chin straps, neck rolls, cowboy collars, etc… Head Coaches are responsible to verify the fit and finish of these types of items. All items must be OHSAA and NFHS complaint.

Art. 2

All equipment will be issued by the Head Coach and the Football Facility and Equipment Manager and tracked via the “Equipment Log” see appendix.

a. At equipment issue the Head Coach will ensure that an Equipment Log is filled out and copies are provided to the following:

a. Football Facility and Equipment Manager b. Football Board Secretaryc. Themselves

b. All equipment except the mouthpiece is considered GCKA property and it is the Head Coaches responsibility to track and ensure all issued equipment is returned to GCKA at the end of the season.a. Any equipment that is missing, damaged, etc… must be noted by the Head Coach.

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b. A Football Board member must be present when equipment is removed or returned to the equipment facility.

Art. 3

Players must supply their own approved by OHSAA/NFHS:

1. Cleats2. Girdles or pads3. Practice pants

Art. 4

The League Board will provide footballs for games and practice that will be used by each division. Only those sized balls are approved for play by each respective division.

ART. 5

The league will determine the size of footballs that will be used in each division and will supply the balls that will be used during games. Teams are not permitted to use their own ball during games.

Section 13 – Suspensions, Ejections and Reinstatement

Art. 1

Suspension from League activities shall include the following:

a. Coaches – Suspended coaches shall be prohibited from football related contact with their team and coaching staff, in practice or game settings, for the duration of the suspension. Any attempts by the suspended coach to engage in coaching activities (either verbally or non-verbally) will result in an extension of the suspension to a minimum period of one calendar year.

b. Players – Suspended players shall be prohibited from active participation with their team for the duration of the suspension. Coaches may require suspended players to attend practices and games, but such players may not wear equipment of participate with the team until the suspension has ended.

c. Non-Players/Coaches – Non players/coaches who have been suspended by the league may not attend and league sponsored functions (games, practices, etc.) until such time as the suspension has ended. This prohibition extends to all league functions regardless of the team with which the offender may be affiliated.

Art. 2

Coach Ejections – Any coach ejected from a game by the game officials will be automatically suspended for a minimum of one game from the date of the ejection.

a. The board will only consider reducing the term of suspension upon hearing an appeal.b. The board holds the right to suspend any coach longer than one week, up to the entire year based on the extent of

the violation.

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Player Ejections – Any player ejected from a game by the game officials will be automatically suspended. The League board will review all ejections.

a. On the first ejection in a season, a player will be suspended for a period of one calendar week or until their team plays its next game, whichever is longest.

b. On the second ejection, a player will be suspended for a period of 2 calendar weeks or until their team has played its next 2 games, whichever is longest.

c. On the 3rd ejection, the player circumstance will be reviewed with the Head Coach and the Advisory Board.

Art. 4

Non-Player/Coach Ejections – Any non-player/coach ejected from a game officials or League board will be automatically suspended for a minimum of one calendar week from the date of ejection. The League board will review all ejections and may impose a suspension longer than the minimum on the first offense. Subsequent suspensions will result in a minimum one year suspension.

Art. 5

Individuals who have been suspended, and request to return early, must apply to the League board for reinstatement prior to participation in any League activities. Applications for reinstatement must be in writing and will not be accepted until the entire suspension period has passed.

Rule 3 – Playing Rules

Section 1 – General Rules

Art. 1

Unless otherwise specifically stated herein, the currently effective Official Football Rules, as published by the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations (NFHS), with amendments adopted by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), shall govern all games.

Section 3 – Player Participation

Art. 1

All active players will play in a minimum of 10 plays per game. Punt/Dead Ball plays do not count.

a. Coaches may hold a player out of an entire game for disciplinary reasons (missing practices, etc.). However, a player shall in no way be punished for missing practices for pre-arranged academic or religious related functions. Guidance is that, for players who miss practice time, they should also miss game time.

Art. 2

Each head coach will provide a player tracker to the League Commissioner after each game.

a. Failure to turn in a copy of a player tracker will result in the loss of one Fair Play point.

Art. 3

Mini-OCC League Rules

TBD

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Appendix:

2017 GCKA Football League Parent’s Code of Conduct

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I will be responsible for my behavior as well as for the behavior of those who attend the game/practices as my guest. I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parent’s Code of Ethics Pledge.

1. Abide by a doctor’s decision in all matters of players health and injuries and physical ability to play.o I will become familiar with the recommended ‘Heads Up’ concussion information provided by the CDC @

http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/index.html2. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and official at every

game, practice or other youth sports events. 3. I will place the emotional and physical well-being for all players ahead of a personal desire to win. 4. I will be in control of my emotions, and will be a respectable fan.5. I will remain in the spectator area during games/practices. 6. I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment. 7. I will support coaches and official working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience

for all. 8. I will not advise the coach on how to do their job, and I will address any issues before or after practice.9. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and will refrain from

their use at all youth sports events. I will not drink alcohol at a game/practice or come to one having drunk too much.

10. I will remember that the game is for our youth – NOT ADULTS – and that participation in youth sports is a privilege, not a right.

11. I will show respect for all participants at all times. 12. I will not coach my child during the game/practice. 13. I will ask my child to treat all other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect. 14. I will not make insulting comments to players, parents, officials, or coaches of either team. 15. I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sport coach and that the coach

upholds the Coaches Code of Ethics. 16. I will make sure that all issued equipment is maintained and returned in the best possible condition.

I agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Documented verbal warning by ANY game day official, head coach, any Advisory Board Member.2. Written warning by ANY game day official, head coach, any Advisory Board Member to be kept on file.3. Suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved based on an incident

review by the Football Advisory Board.4. Game forfeit based on an incident review by the Football Advisory Board.5. Season suspension, based on an incident review by the Football Advisory Board.6. Permanent expulsion from GCKA based on an incident review by the Football Advisory Board, and the GCKA

Personnel committee.

I have read the above Code of Conduct and agree to uphold the agreement.

Signature:______________________________________________ Date:_____________________

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http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/index.html


GCKA Football Coach Code of Ethics and ConductIn an effort to promote good sportsmanship, the Grove City Kid’s Association Football Commissioner and Advisory Board has pledged to enforce a Code of Ethics and Conduct that will ensure the physical, mental and emotional well being of all of its participants and coaches. Our goal is to ensure that all of our participants and coaches will thrive in an environment where respect and camaraderie abound.

Grove City Kid’s Association Football organization recognizes the physical and competitive nature of the sport and as such we recognize the need for control of all participants as well as coaches. Therefore, all coaches are responsible to read and sign the Code of Ethics and Conduct and insure that they adhere to it. Any coach who is deemed in violation of this code will be referred to the GCKA Football Advisory Board for a resolution.

Ethics Introduction:

All GCKA football coaches must realize the game is played for the benefit of the participants. An emphasis will be placed on developing lifelong values.

Coaches are role models and will set positive examples for the organization, the players, the officials, the parents, and the spectators.

The Code of Ethics has been developed to stress proper behavior that brings credit to the team and organization.

Article One – Responsibilities to Players

The primary function of the coach is to educate players through participation in the game of football. A coach must be aware of the influence they have on the players and at time the spectators. All actions are expected set the examples of proper sportsmanship and will show respect for their players and the opposition at all times.

All coaches are to ensure a safe environment of participation for their players, and will review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of players. All coaching techniques and decisions will be with the player’s best interest and safety in mind. Practice and drills should be conducted safely and for the benefit of the team.

Coaches will set a good example at all times and stress that players are expected to follow their parents and school policies. Players will be reminded that academic success is more important than on the field success.

A coach will organize practices that are fun and challenging for all players, and ensure that all league rules are followed during games. A Coach will provide a sports environment that is free of profanity, drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.

Article Two - Responsibility to the Organization

All coaches are expected abide by all league policies and rules uniformly, to show respect to the participants, the spectators, the Officials, the Commissioner and the Advisory Board at all times. A coach is a volunteer and is expected to conduct them self in a manner that brings credit themselves and to the organization and to handle all grievances and complaints in a professional manner. The coach must be sensitive to the fact that he is responsible for promoting a positive image for the program. The coach will continuously promote sportsmanship and respect for the opponent, the officials and the fans. The coach is responsible for the behavior of their staff, their players, and their sidelines at all times, including practices and other organized events.

Rev. 2 GCKA 7/03/2018


Coaches must be willing to provide time to assist with, but not limited to the following:

1. Staffing Fund-raising activities2. Sponsorship3. Field Maintenance4. Equipment Maintenance5. Equipment Inventory6. Assisting the Advisory Board and the Commissioner as needed

Article Three - Rules of the Game

Every coach has a responsibility to know and teach the rules of the game and to teach them to their players. Through proper techniques, coaches will teach their team proper blocking, tackling, alignment, and other fundamentals of the game through maintaining high ethical standards in practice and games.

Article Four - Officials

Officials should be treated in a courteous manner at all times.

Coaches and officials are required to attend Rules Interpretation Meetings and stay informed on rule changes. Players should be made aware how rules are interpreted. Officials will have the respect and support of the coaches and players, comments during and after the game must focus on the players, not the officiating.

Any complaints about officiating should be documented and directed to the proper resource on the Football Advisory Board.

Article Five – Parent/Public Relations

Coaches will act as the first line of communications with parents and other supports of their team and or the organization.

Communications

1. Use courtesy, honesty, and respect in all dealings.2. Coaches should instruct their players as to what proper conduct is.3. Professional, school, and family matters must be kept private.4. Comments about upcoming games should be limited to promoting the contest.5. Treat others as you would expect to be treated.

Coaches should help to improve inter-sports relationships by working with the advisors to the cheerleaders.

Any complaints about parents or spectators should be documented and directed to the proper resource on the Football Advisory Board.

Article Six – Equipment Responsibilities

As a coach you will ensure that every player is properly outfitted in order to safely participate in the game of football, at no time should a participant’s safety be compromised with unsafe equipment. Players should be taught to respect their equipment all times. As a coach you should not condone any activity that leads to the damage or destruction of GCKA equipment.

Rev. 2 GCKA 7/03/2018


Coaches have to responsibility to maintain an accurate roster and list of equipment issued to their players. Coaches have the task to collect equipment from players at the following times:

1. If a player decides to leave the team prior to the end of the season.2. At the end of the season, after the last game.

All equipment should be returned in the same manner it was issued, clean and in good order. Damaged equipment should be noted in the roster and turned over to the designated equipment manager and the Advisory Board will provide direction.

The following Code of Conduct rules are set forth by the GCKA Football and will be enforced:

1. Set an example of good sportsmanship as well as have a positive attitude and show enthusiasm for all participants.

2. Strive to make every practice serve as a training ground for life and a basis for good mental and physical health.

3. Emphasize that winning is the result of “team work”.

4. Emphasize that athletes strive to be good students and that both are physically and mentally challenging.

5. Remember that each participant has responsibilities to his/her family, education and religion that come before his/her team.

6. Remove from a game, practice or competition any participant when even slightly in doubt about their health.

7. Do not criticize participants in front of spectators. Reserve constructive criticism for private or in the presence of team participants if others might benefit.

8. Do not criticize an opposing team, its participants, coaches or fans by word of mouth or gestures.

9. Do not deliberately incite unsportsmanlike conduct.

10. Together with game officials be jointly responsible for the conduct and control of the team, fans and spectators.

11. Accept decisions of the game or conference officials on the field and at competitions as being fair and called to the best of said officials.

12. Do not permit an ineligible participant to participate in a game or competition.

13. Refrain from using abusive and profane language.

14. Refrain from striking any other Coach, Board Member, Official, spectator or participant in the GCKA.

15. Do not receive any payment in cash of any kind for any services provided as a Coach.

16. Abstain from drinking alcohol on game and practice fields. Abstain from drinking at any coaching function while players are present.

17. Coaches are to set a good example for the participants. They will display a high standard of behavior both on and off the field.

18. Coaches will respect the rights, dignity and worth of each other and every person involved in our organization.

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19. No favoritism will be tolerated. Every participant is to be treated equally and fairly.

20. The personal feelings of coaches should never interfere with the coaching of any participant.

21. Fair and consistent coaching should be expected at all times from each coach.

22. Differences between coaches are to be settled after practices/games and away from participants and parents.

23. Arguing with other coaches in front of players/parents will not be tolerated.

24. Disrespect and verbal abuse will not be tolerated, including trash talking, arguing, use of foul language, ethnic slurs or references, towards any player, official, other coach, team representative, any opposing city or spectator.

25. Parent/participant issues that cannot be resolved in a reasonable manner should be referred to the Football Advisory Board. The GCKA Executive Board will only be contacted if an issue cannot be resolved by the GCKA Football Advisory Board.

26. Coaches should be approachable by parents. Your parents need to be able to feel they can talk with you. This should be done either, before or after practice or a game, not during practice, a game, or in front of the players.

I hereby agree to adhere to the GCKA Football Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct and fully understand if I do not uphold them I will be held accountable for my behavior. Any violations will result in immediate action by the Advisory Board and Football Commissioner.

____________________________________ Coach Signature

____________________________________ Team Name

________________________ Date

Rev. 2 GCKA 7/03/2018

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