Coaches and Parents Handbook

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MACDILL YOUTH SPORTS AND FITNESS 1

Table of Contents Welcome to the Youth Sports Program .....................................4 Coaching Sports Programs ........................................................5 Coaches Philosophy ....................................................................6 Coaches Code of Ethics ..............................................................7 Parents Code of Ethics and Players Code of Ethics .................................................................. 8-9 Reinforcement ............................................................................10 Bill of Rights for Young Athletes ..............................................11 Helpful Hints ...............................................................................12 First Aid and Injuries .................................................................13 The Positive Approach to Coaching Young Athletes ..............................................14 Mistakes – Stepping Stones to Achievement ..........................15 Equal Playing Time ....................................................................16 Creating a Positive Learning Atmosphere ..............................17 Motivating Your Athletes ...........................................................18 Coaching Your Own Child .........................................................19 A Note About Parents ................................................................20 Child Abuse Prevention, Identification, and Reporting ....................................... 21-22 Mission Statement .....................................................................23 Tobacco & Alcohol Policy .........................................................24 Inclusion Policy ..........................................................................25 Key Contacts ..............................................................................26 Emergency Procedures, Inclement Weather, and Fire Alarm Procedures .................................................. 27-28 Sportsmanship and Excused Absences ..................................29 Guidance and Discipline ............................................................30 Removal Procedures ..................................................................31

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Welcome to the Youth Sports Program

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Youth Sports Needs Volunteer Coaches in the Following Sports and Activities: ACTIVITY SPORTS Basketball Cheerleading Baseball Girls Softball Soccer Flag Football

AGES 5-18 5-18 5-12 9-15 5-12 9-18

SEASON beginning Dec beginning Dec beginning Feb beginning Feb beginning Sep beginning Sep

-late Feb -late Feb -late May -late May -late Nov -late Nov

SPECIAL EVENTS Operation Night Hoops 13-18

beginning June

-late July

START SMART PROGRAMS Basketball 3-4 Baseball 3-4 Soccer 3-4

beginning Jan -early Feb beginning Apr -early May beginning Oct -early Nov

For more information please contact Youth Sports DSN 968-7956/7957/COMM 828-7956/7957 4

Coaching Sports Programs Dear Volunteer Coaches, The Youth Sports Program would like to thank all volunteer coaches for their time and efforts. We appreciate all the enthusiasm and dedication you contribute to the sports program. As you are aware, a coach has many responsibilities. We have devised an outline of some of these responsibilities.

Help with the assessments and the selection of the teams. We like to make all of the teams as equal in talent/skill level as possible.

After completion of the assessments and the teams are formed, you should notify your players and parents as soon as possible. Once you have notified all families assigned to your team, contact the Youth Sports Director that you have done so.

A list of the names of the players on your team, including their phone numbers, should be distributed to the parents with a short letter stating your team goals.

These goals should mirror the Youth Sports and Fitness goals, such as: • Having fun-making new friends-developing skills-playing in different positions • Learning the rules of the sports Due to the fact that our programs are recreational, winning should not be emphasized. Good effort by each player should be continually acknowledged and each child should be encouraged to do their best.

Have you ever officiated a game? If so, you know how hard it is. Do not scream or yell at the officials, even if they make a questionable call. Children will learn from you. You have to be a good role model.

Do not run up the score. A close game is more exciting than a blow-out.

Follow all of the rules of the sport.

Rule books will be issued from the Youth Sports Program.

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Coaches Philosophy Youth Sports programs are oriented towards recreation and social learning experiences for children. You have an important responsibility to your players to provide competent instruction and guidance in the techniques and strategies of the sport and to create a psychologically healthy situation in which they can obtain the positive benefits of sports participation.

Most coaches tend to underestimate the influence they have on the players who play for them. Many children are able to hide their true feelings, especially in settings where the traditional strong athlete image dominates. Your actions and attitudes are observed and shape their view of the world and of themselves. It is very important that your actions be of a positive nature.

Unfortunately, in Youth Sports programs, coaches and parents get caught up in the “winning is everything” philosophy. Some call it the “Little League Syndrome” in which adult goals for the child’s athletic achievements exceed the child’s ability and replace the joy of participation with tension and anxiety. There is no better way to turn a child off an activity than to make its pursuit unpleasant. Exercise should be its own reward; if it’s not fun, it will soon be abandoned.

Emphasis should be placed on making the program enjoyable for the children. In this regard, criticism should be of a constructive nature and handled in a manner that does not embarrass or berate the child. Disagreements between officials and coaches should be handled in a calm and professional way. Children receive no enjoyment from having two adults get into a shouting argument and will learn to present their views in the same nonconstructive manner.

“Although it is more fun to win, not winning is also a part of the game; while happy players don’t always win, they never lose.”

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Coaches Code of Ethics I hereby pledge to live up to my certification as a NYSCA Coach by following the NYSCA Coaches Code of Ethics: I WILL

place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.

I WILL

treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.

I WILL

do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.

I WILL

promise to review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries to my players.

I WILL

do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.

I WILL

lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.

I WILL

provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

I WILL

be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to my players.

I WILL

use those coaching techniques appropriate for each of the skills that I teach.

I WILL

remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for children and not adults.

Š National Alliance For Youth Sports

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Parents Code of Ethics •

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I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics Pledge.

I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports event.

I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win.

I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.

I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.

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 remember that the game is for youth-not for adults.

I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.

I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials, with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.

I promise to help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectable fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation.

I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches’ Code of Ethics.

I will read the NYSCA National Standards For Youth Sports and do what I can to help all youth sports organizations implement and enforce them.

Players Code of Ethics •

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I hereby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience and accept responsibility for my participation by following this Players’ Code of Ethics Pledge.

I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.

I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.

I will expect to receive a fair and equal amount of playing time.

I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.

I will treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.

I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun!

I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it’s important to me.

I will do my very best in school.

I will remember that sports is an opportunity to learn and have fun.

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Reinforcement Use reinforcement liberally since coaches have “reward power”.

Look for good things and reward them. You will see them increase. Mention the behavior when you reward, as an instructional reminder, such as: “Good job, Joe or Susan, Nice level swing.”

Psychological rewards are effective reinforcements. A coach can reward a player with a verbal response, or with physical response like a high five, a smile, or a thumb up sign.

Have realistic expectations geared to individual abilities and be consistent in reinforcing achievement. When learning new skills, reinforce each time. Reward closer and closer approximations of the new skill. Once a skill is learned, rewarding once in a while is most effective.

To reinforce right away is more effective. But later is better than not at all.

Don’t reward athletes if they really haven’t earned it. They’ll know when your praise isn’t sincere.

Reinforce and encourage effort as much as results. Whether the play is made or not, if you reward athletes when they try hard you are encouraging maximum effort.

Do you want to see teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship increase? Rewards and reinforcement encourage these behaviors, too.

Let your players know you appreciate them! The positive things you say and do stay with them and help their selfesteem.

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Bill of Rights for Young Athletes Right ....to participate in sports.

Right ....to participate at a level commensurate with each child’s maturity and ability.

Right ....to have qualified adult leadership.

Right ....to play as a child and not as an adult.

Right ....of children to share in the leadership and decision making of their sports participation.

Right ....to participate in a safe and healthy environment.

Right ....to proper preparation for participation in sports.

Right ....to an equal opportunity to strive for success.

Right ....to be treated with dignity.

Right ....to have fun in sports.

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Helpful Hints First of all thanks again for volunteering as a Youth Sports coach. Unfortunately, there are only a few people, such as you, who volunteer their time. Here are some helpful hints to assist you in the organization of your team. Since you are coaching and spending your time on the field, other responsibilities should be given to your player’s parents. Some of these responsibilities are as follows Telephone Calls: Due to weather or other circumstances games and/or practices get canceled. Instead of making 10-20 phone calls, organize a telephone tree so that you only have to make limited calls.

Drinks and Snacks: Select two players per game as your captains. Make one captains’ parent in charge of bringing the drinks for the team and the other captain’s parent in charge of bringing snacks such as oranges. Rotate so that every parent has the responsibility at least once.

Team Parent: Before you start your practices appoint one parent to set up the telephone tree and drink/snack schedule.

Youth Sports Assistance: Youth Sports will assist you as much as possible. Youth Sports will provide the necessary equipment such as balls, cones, First Aid kits and uniforms. In some instances the uniforms have to be returned to Youth Sports after the conclusion of the season, in others the players will keep them. Youth Sports Director will inform you about the uniform status prior to the season starting date. The equipment has to be returned after the conclusion of the season.

All players will receive, from Youth Sports, a participation award at the end of the season. We will provide the location of the end of season banquet. Each team will be required to provide a dessert or any other dish they so desire.

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First Aid and injuries All major injuries must be reported to the Youth Center staff as soon as possible.

If a major injury occurs, call 911.

Call Parents.

Do Not Leave the Injured Player Unattended.

First Aid Kits Will Be Provided By Youth Sports.

Coaches need to be 1st Aid and CPR Trained. The coach must complete an accident report form, have the parent sign the form, and return the accident report form to the Youth Sports Director. Accident report forms must be filled out for minor and major injuries.

Treat Only Minor Injuries!

Return First Aid Kit to the Youth Sports After the Conclusion of the Season.

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The Positive Approach to Coaching Young Athletes When working with young athletes, there are two different methods coaches can use to influence their players.

The NEGATIVE APPROACH uses punishment and criticism to eliminate undesirable behaviors.

The POSITIVE APPROACH uses reward and encouragement to reinforce behavior the coach wants to see continued.

Why should you, as a youth coach, use the Positive Approach?

1. It works better with today’s young athletes.

2. It creates a more enjoyable climate for both players and coaches.

The Positive Approach to coaching youth sports has two parts: 1. A philosophy of winning (Emphasizing that all youth are winners) 2. An emphasis on encouragement and rewarding effort, not just performance. Punishment and criticism are avoided.

Though some very visible college and pro coaches rely on the negative approach, young athletes have not yet developed the self-confidence to cope with it. Used with young athletes, it actually lowers self-esteem, confidence, and motivation.

The Positive Approach does work, and you won’t be making sacrifices in the win column to use it. Put it to work for you and for your players.

Apply the Positive Approach to Coaching!

This is the single most important influence on young athletes motivation!

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Mistakes – Stepping Stones to Achievement Athletes will make mistakes as it is part of learning the game. As their coach, how you react is important. Punishing them for mistakes can lead to fear of failure, lower self-esteem and harm a player’s future performance. Your reaction to mistakes can effect how they feel about themselves, sports, and you.

When a Mistake Occurs…

Give encouragement immediately; even if they don’t show it, most players are embarrassed and need the support. If your player knows how to correct the mistake, encouragement is enough.

If it’s needed, give corrective instruction in an encouraging, positive way. After a mistake, some athletes prefer immediate feedback, while others may need some time. Just be sure not to embarrass them further by pulling them from the game to correct the error.

Experts recommend a three-part approach to giving corrective instruction. This approach will help you give corrective instruction. This approach will help your athletes want to do things right, rather than try to avoid failure and disapproval.

Reward: Find something the athlete did right and compliment him or her to reinforce that behavior. “Way to hustle!”

Give a Constructive Suggestion: Emphasizing not the error, but the good things that will happen if they follow the instructions. “Next time follow the ball all the way to the glove. Soon you’ll be catching them all.”

Encourage: “Stay with it! You’ll improve even more if you work at it.”

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Equal Playing Time One of Youth Sports most important rules for the intramural sports program is that the youths have fun. In most instances, having fun is directly related to playing time, regardless of winning or losing. For this purpose, Youth Sports established a rule that each child will play half of the game. Knowing how hard it is to keep track of who and how much time team members have played, Youth Sports recommend the following: Play one line-up during a period, not substituting players unless they are unable to continue play and/or injured; or Play one line up, substituting after a number of innings REMEMBER: Having Fun While Learning is Our Primary Goal – Winning is Secondary Players on the same team can vary a lot in size and ability. They still have a right to play half of the game.

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Creating a Positive Learning Atmosphere Coaches are teachers too. A positive learning atmosphere will help you develop your players’ athletic skills, an all-important goal of young athletes. Your ability to help them improve their skills is a key to winning their respect.

Recognize each player at least once during a practice or game.

Usually the top athletes or the goof-offs get plenty of attention.

Make sure the others do too.

While teaching a skill, make sure the players can see you.

Then demonstrate the skill; tell them what to look for, give a brief explanation, and have your players practice the skill. A complex skill may need to be broken down into parts to be taught.

Be patient. Young athletes think slower than adults. Also, expect gradual skill improvement, with some leveling-off periods.

Communicate with consistency. Telling your young athletes to be self-confident, and then yelling at them, destroys their confidence in themselves, and is confusing.

Avoid using sarcasm with young athletes. You may not intend it to be harmful, but it is often misunderstood.

During a game, wait for a break in play or a time-out to give coaching instructions. Otherwise you may break their concentration and hurt their performance.

Be a good listener and be open to your athletes. An athlete who has a bad game or practice needs support and encouragement.

Be sure to give it before the player leaves.

And last, remember to encourage effort and reward individuals progress. Use the Positive Approach!

Your athletes will learn from you in other ways, too. You are a role model for your players, who have very high regard for you. Set a good example for the behaviors you want to encourage. By showing respect for others, being positive and confident, and accepting your own mistakes, you will be teaching your young athletes to do the same.

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Motivating Your Athletes As the coach, you have a major role in your player’s motivation.

Though motivation should come from within, learning why kids participate can help you maintain and enhance your player’s natural enthusiasm for sports. Young people participate in sports for many reasons. According to the Handbook for Youth Sports coaches, the top four are: 1. To have fun 2. To Improve and learn skills 3. To be with your friends 4. To succeed or win With this in mind, how can you enhance your player’s motivation?

Know your players as individuals, and why they are playing. This could give you the key to what will work with them, or why they are having problems.

Teach them that success and winning are not the same. Success is improving and mastering skills, striving to win, and trying to do one’s best. If you encourage and reward effort, you can help your athletes experience success, regardless of ability.

Make practices fun by involving all your players as much as possible, with lots of active time. Use short, snappy, varied drills. This will cut down on misbehavior, too.

Idle time gives them time to get into trouble.

Tailor skills to ability levels. Activities should be challenging without being boring or too difficult.

By giving your athletes a chance to play, you will be giving them a better outlook on sports.

In several studies, 90% of the children chose playing and losing over winning and warming the bench.

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Help them learn and improve their skills in the sport, a major goal of young athletes. Even if an athlete will never be a “star” (and most won’t) he or she will feel pride in improving.

Help them set realistic individual performance goals. Athletes with personal goals will work harder and longer. Find out from your players what they want to work on. You will find short-term goals most effective.

Be sure to give feedback and when they meet their goals, reward them.

Coaching Your Own Child Sixty percent of you coach your own child, which is not always the easiest task. Parent-coaches usually handle their own children in one of two ways.

Sometimes they are easier on their own children, giving them more privileges than teammates. But all too frequently, coaches expect more and demand more of their own children, who become resentful and stressed out.

If you are coaching your own child, have someone observe you as you work with the team, to give you feedback on how fairly you are treating your child. It isn’t always easy to receive this type of feedback, but it can be helpful. Research shows most coaches aren’t very aware of their own coaching behaviors.

In fact, in these studies, players saw their coaches more accurately than the coaches saw themselves.

While you are at it, have your observer check out how often you encourage and reward the rest of your team, too.

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A Note About Parents Parents play a big part in their children’s sports experience. Many have genuine concern and interest, but it’s no secret that some parents put too much pressure on their children, behave inappropriately at games, and in general cause headaches for coaches.

What can you, as a coach, do about these “problem” parents: Before the season begins, share your philosophy and program goals with them. Describe the Positive Approach, why it works, and how it helps young athletes. Ask them to help reinforce and support what you are trying to do with your team. You can do this by holding a brief meeting for parents.

Though you won’t be totally successful in getting through to everyone, some understanding of the sports psychology of young athletes will be helpful to parents in dealing with their own children in sports.

Secondly, model the appropriate behavior for parents. When you show respect for officials, encourage athletes instead of yelling at them for mistakes, and stress skill improvement, maximum effort, and striving to win, you will teach others to do the same.

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Child Abuse Prevention, Identification, and Reporting Definitions/Terms: Air Force Family Advocacy Program A program designed to address prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, follow-up and reporting of child or spouse maltreatment. This includes physical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse and neglect, sexual abuse and physical neglect of children.

Child Emotional Maltreatment An act of commission (such as intentional berating, disparaging, or other abusive behavior) or omission (such as passive or aggressive inattention to a child’s emotional needs) on the part of the caretaker. Maltreatment causes low self-esteem in the child, undue fear of anxiety, or other damage to the child’s emotional well-being.

Child Physical Abuse The intentional, non-accidental physical injury to a child inflicted by a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare.

Child Sexual Abuse The involvement of a child in any sexual act or situation, the purpose of which is to provide sexual gratification or financial benefit to the perpetrator; all sexual activity between a caretaker and a child is considered sexual abuse. The sexual act or situation may be physical or non physical. Physical sexual abuse includes genital fondling and oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse and child/mutual masturbation. Nonphysical abuse includes voyeurism, exposure and obscene telephone calls.

Identification of Abuse Neglect Repeated Injuries: Bruises, welts, burns. Neglected Appearance: Neglected children are often badly nourished, inadequately clothed, are left alone or are wandering at all hours; always seem as if nobody cares.

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Disruptive Behavior: Very aggressive, negative behavior constantly repeated can signal a desperate need for attention and help.

Parents Who Are Super-Critical: Critical parents who discipline their children frequently and severely may begin to abuse when their unrealistic standards are not met.

Families That Are Extremely Isolated: Parents who don’t share in school or community activities and resent friendly contacts may be distrustful of people, afraid of their help.

Responsibilities Every paid and non-paid staff member of MacDill Youth Program is charged with the responsibility of reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to their chain of command. Coaches should use caution and good sense in identifying child abuse. Every parent makes errors in judgment and action at some time but when it becomes plain that this is a PATTERN or is becoming one, then it is time for help.

All coaches have a responsibility to see that child abuse is reported to the people who can help. Youth Sports Directors have a legal responsibility to report alleged abuse or neglect. By law, you cannot be prosecuted for doing so in good faith. Coaches should never inspect or check a child’s body beyond what is visible when the child is fully clothed, if abuse or neglect is suspected. Only official sources within the chain of reporting may do so legally.

Procedure for Reporting Youth Sports coaches will report alleged suspected cases to the Youth Sports staff. The Security Forces will be called immediately in situations requiring assistance in the maintenance of control and in any case in which criminal behavior is suspected. The chain of command to be utilized in reporting child abuse is as follows: 1. Youth Sports and Fitness Director 2. Youth Programs Director 3. Chief, Airman and Family Services Flight 4. Department of Children & Families/Family Advocacy Program 5. Security Forces

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If the youth is obviously injured and in need of medical attention and the above contacts are unavailable, the youth should be transported to the nearest medical facility for documentation. Attempts must continue to reach the appropriate authorities.

For More Information If you would like more information on any Child Abuse issue or would like to discuss concerns you may have without making an official report, please call the Youth Center at 828-7956/7957.

Mission Statement Our objective is to teach sport fundamentals and instill in each player a spirit of good sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork. The program provides youth a means of learning and experiencing the principles of leadership, fellowship and independent action in a fun environment that ensures safety and fair play.

Learning the fundamental skills of sports and playing a variety of positions is a physically and mentally rewarding experience for our youth. The emphasis of each sports league is on individual and group involvement, not on winning.

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Tobacco & Alcohol Policy (PER AFMAN 34-804 1 MAY 1996) A2.4. Standard #3--Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol-Free Environment: A2.4.1. Background. Pressures and opportunities for children to be involved in drug, tobacco and alcohol abuse have increased to crises proportions during the past decades. Unsupervised social interaction and unknowledgeable adult leadership have contributed to the problem.

A2.4.2. Rationale. Coaches and parents must be educated about all drugs, including performance enhancement chemicals. Leagues should have policies dealing with drug, tobacco and steroid use and emphasizing prevention through education. Parents, league administrators, and coaches should be taught what to look for in abuse of these drugs and know how to access community resources for assistance on drug-related problems. Parents must encourage a drug, tobacco and alcohol-free environment for their children. Air Force youth sports programs will assist parents in this effort by offering youth sports programs in which: A2.4.2.1. Leagues adopt rules prohibiting the use of alcohol, illegal substances or tobacco by coaches, league administrators, or game officials at all youth sports events.

A2.4.2.2. Leagues provide coaches and parents educational information on identifying signs and symptoms for substance use by children.

A2.4.2.3. Leagues establish policy and implementation procedures for immediately dealing with substance use by coaches and players and communicate these policies to coaches, players, and parents.

A2.4.2.4. Leagues continually encourage dialogue between coaches, players and parents about the need for an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free environment for children.

A2.12. Standard #11--Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol-Free Adults: A2.12.1. Background. Sports participation has long been characterized as a means of developing character and positive values. Recent information indicates that competitive pressures, negative sports peer group associations and unhealthy adult role models may actually increase the risk of drug, tobacco and alcohol use among youth participants.

A2.12.2. Rationale. Because of the influence they exert, parents involved in youth sports should understand that they must refrain from substance use, including smoking, alcohol consumption, chewing tobacco, and illegal drugs at games, practices and other youth sports events. Healthful role modeling should lead the way in influencing youngsters to avoid drug, tobacco and alcohol use. Parents as coaches, fans, and league administrators must be drug, tobacco and alcohol-free at youth sports activities. To help parents meet this standard Air Force youth sports programs must ensure: A2.12.2.1. Leagues require coaches, league administrators and game officials to refrain from the use of alcohol, illegal substances and tobacco at youth sports events.

A2.12.2.2. Leagues require that alcohol will not be sold or allowed to be brought into youth sports games and practices.

A2.12.2.3. Leagues encourage spectators not to use tobacco at youth sports events.

A2.12.2.4. Leagues develop an enforcement plan for removing coaches, parents and spectators who are under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.

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Inclusion Policy A2.11. Standard #10--Equal Play Opportunity: AFMAN 34-804 1 MAY 1996 A2.11.1. Background. The cost of participation in youth sports has risen dramatically during the past several years as have the number of single parent families. Although sports opportunities for girls and racial minorities have improved, many adults still fail to recognize the contribution of the youth sports experience for all children.

A2.11.2. Rationale. All children must have the opportunity to play regardless of race, creed, sex, economics status or ability. The coaches and league officials should recognize sex/role stereotyping and demand that racial prejudice of any type be prohibited. Every effort should be made to provide financial assistance to those youngsters unable to afford participation, including the cost of safe equipment. Adult youth sports leaders must teach tolerance of, and respect for, people of all abilities, sizes, shapes, colors, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Youth sports should be a growth rather than a limiting experience. Parents, coaches and league administrators must provide equal sports play opportunity for all youth regardless of race, creed, sex, economic status or ability. Toward that end Air Force youth sports programs must ensure: A2.11.2.1. Leagues adopt a non-discrimination policy that ensures participation for all youngsters regardless of race, creed, sex, economic status or ability.

A2.11.2.2. Leagues make provisions so that all youngsters may be able to participate regardless of their financial ability to play.

A2.11.2.3. Leagues are encouraged to provide co-recreational programs through age 12.

A2.11.2.4. Leagues adopt an affirmative action coaching recruitment policy that provides for the recruitment and selection of qualified women and minorities.

The MacDill AFB Youth Sports Program is open to all youth eligible to participate in 6th Force Support Squadron programs. The Youth Sports Program offers a variety of organized and league youth sports for both boys and girls. It supports all children’s youth sports experience needs including appropriate age levels and developmental levels for participation. In each sport, there is a minimum play rule for all children regardless of ability.

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Key Contacts YOUTH CENTER STAFF YOUTH SPORTS & FITNESS DIRECTOR PETE SCHMIDT (813) 828-7956/57 YOUTH CENTER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CYNTHIA WASHINGTON (813) 828-7956/57 YOUTH PROGRAMS DIRECTOR CHARLES LECHNER (813) 828-7958

COMMUNICATION PYRAMID SPORTS DIRECTOR NOTIFIES THE COACHES OF THE NEWS COACHES

NOTIFIES ASSISTANT COACH & TEAM HELPER OF THE NEWS ASSISTANT COACH, TEAM HELPER, AND COACH CONTACT ALL THE PLAYERS WITH THE NEWS PLAYERS HAVE RECEIVED THE NEWS ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE COACHES COACHES CONTACT THE SPORTS DIRECTOR (813) 828-7956 26

Emergency Plan Mission The primary mission of the Youth Center emergency plan is to save lives through the dissemination of procedures and information regarding actions to be taken in various emergency situations.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS Security (Emergency) ......................................911 Security (Non-emergency) .................... 828-3322 Fire Department ..............................................911 If you dial 911 on base from a land line, your call will be routed to the MacDill AFB 911 operator. If you dial 911 from a cell phone, you may get the City of Tampa or Hillsborough County 911 operator in which case you will need to tell them that you are calling from MacDill AFB and the call should then be routed to the MacDill AFB 911 operator.

In any emergency situation, you need to remain calm, provide all the information requested by the 911 operator, and remain on the line until told to hang up or emergency assistance arrives at your location. In the case of injuries, one person should always remain with the injured person(s), while another person phones for or goes to get assistance.

If the Youth Sports Director is not at the practice facility or game site at the time of the emergency, take all necessary steps to protect all persons from the immediate situation and notify the Youth Sports Director or the Youth Programs Director immediately of the nature of the emergency and steps taken during the emergency. If parents are not present during the emergency situation, they should be notified immediately, especially if injuries have occurred.

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Inclement Weather Procedures Severe weather conditions consist of heat and cold extremes, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, and thunderstorms. Severe weather conditions will limit the activity of an outdoor sports league. These extreme conditions will be monitored by the Youth Sports & Fitness Director or a designated youth programs staff member and he/she will relay all pertinent information to coaches. Rain cancellations of practices or games will be made at the time of the practice or game, unless weather conditions have already created unplayable fields whereby the Youth Sports & Fitness Director will contact all coaches about the advance cancellation.

During heat conditions that are not severe enough to cause cancellation of a practice or game, players should stay hydrated before, during and after the event. If lightning is visible before any warning is received, all coaches, players and parents should seek shelter immediately.

All parents should please follow the communication pyramid.

All cancellations for inclement weather will be dictated by the command post information unless playing area is already unplayable.

All practice times, during inclement weather, will be reviewed with the coach by the Youth Sports & Fitness Director.

All game time cancellations will be decided by the game official (referee or umpire) with the approval of the Youth Sports & Fitness Director.

Fire Alarm Procedures When using the Youth Center Gymnasium for sporting events or banquets, the following procedures should be used in the event of a fire alarm or actual fire: 1. Please remain calm 2. Walk to the nearest exit 3. Continue to walk outside the building in the direction of the Child Development Center.

4. Please remain in the area of trees outside the Youth Center until it is safe to enter the building.

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Sportsmanship The highest standard of conduct must typify all behavior in the youth sports program. Behavior inappropriate for programs serving youth by coaches, managers, players, parents, and administrators will not be tolerated. Poor sportsmanship, use of profanity, or obscene gestures is not allowed by any individual. Misuse or abuse of playing equipment; negative comments about coaches, players or officials; prolonged disputes with officials; and the throwing of objects onto or into the playing area will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Good sportsmanship is exhibited by appreciating the efforts of all players, coaches, and officials.

Any coach ejected from a game due to lack of sportsmanship must leave the playing area immediately and will be removed as a coach from the Youth Sports Program. Any parent or adult removed from a playing area due to inappropriate behavior or poor sportsmanship must leave the playing area immediately and will not be allowed to be a spectator at any remaining games of that league and must attend training in order to be allowed to attend any other league games. Any player who is ejected from a game must leave the playing area immediately and will be suspended for at least one game. Longer suspensions will be determined by the severity of the offense.

Excused Absences All coaches must be present at all practices and games to ensure proper supervision of all the youth involved in the Youth Sports Program. If you as a coach are unable to attend a scheduled practice or game, you must contact the Youth Sports Director so that he can arrange for proper supervision of the practice or game.

Part of the responsibility of joining a sports league is to attend practices which helps develop basic skills, builds teamwork, and to receive information pertaining to games. Missing practices is not fair to teammates and to the coaches who volunteer their time to work with the children.

Youth will be excused from practice if they are sick, and if they are sick with an extended illness it would require a doctor’s note to resume playing; if they are injured, which would again require a doctor’s note to resume playing; or if they have a school function. Parents should try not to schedule family outings during the season so their child can get the full experience of participating in a team sport. The Youth Sports Program tries to avoid conflicts by not scheduling games on holiday weekends or if there is a base-wide event.

Please communicate any schedule concerns with your coach who can elevate it to the Youth Sports & Fitness Director for any clarification.

Youth participating on sports teams must be able to attend practices in order to participate in the games. Players that miss three (3) consecutive practices or games without sufficient reasons will be removed from the active roster. The Youth Sports Director will determine what reasons are acceptable.

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Guidance and Discipline The Youth Fitness & Sports Program follows the guidance in AFI-34-801 and local written discipline policy for the youth programs (Youth Center Code of Conduct). The youth program staff and volunteers must follow the guidance policy.

The behavior of any youth program staff or volunteer that is not in compliance with the guidance policy will be reviewed by the Youth Fitness & Sports Director and the Youth Programs Director and a recommendation made on their continuing in the program to the Airmen & Family Services Flight Chief. Any youth program staff member or volunteer who are under investigation for child abuse or neglect are to be restricted from contact with youth until the investigation of the allegation is completed. Any youth staff member or volunteer who is found to have been involved in a substantiated allegation of child abuse or neglect may not participate in the youth sports program in any position which involves contact with youth. The Youth Programs Director, with the approval of the Airmen & Family Services Flight Chief, establishes procedures for temporary and permanent suspension of youths who do not follow the written rules of conduct. Procedures include working with the parent(s) to try to resolve misbehavior. When it is necessary to remove a child from a team for disciplinary reasons, the action must be approved by the Youth Programs Director. The action will be based on the recommendation of the child’s coach and the Youth Fitness & Sports Director, and should be consistent with other similar actionS. Youth staff and volunteers must demonstrate the use of positive guidance techniques and require that parents assisting them in the conducting of practices and games also use positive guidance techniques. Coaches are to use positive guidance techniques which helps youth develop self-control, self-esteem, and respect for the rights and property of others. Techniques include talking with the youth, helping the youth use negotiation to resolve conflicts, temporarily removing the youth from the situation for a few minutes, and limiting the youth’s participation in the activity.

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Removal Procedures All players, coaches and parents must display good sportsmanship at all times.

Failure to act appropriately could lead to dismissal from the entire playing area.

Games could be terminated if poor sportsmanship continues after one warning to coaches and parents. The Youth Fitness & Sports Director and the Youth Programs Director can remove any adult from the playing area due to inappropriate behavior. Any problems that need extended resolution will be referred to the Airmen & Family Services Flight Chief. Coaches receiving a technical foul or have been ejected from the game must leave the entire playing area immediately.

The coach will then need to meet with the Youth Fitness & Sports Director to see if he/she can be reinstated as coach for future games. Players that commit technical fouls or have been ejected from a game will be removed immediately from the game they are participating in and will also receive a one game suspension. A second technical foul received during the season will lead to the player being permanently suspended for the remainder of the season. Parents who act inappropriately at games will be asked to leave the entire playing area and will also need to meet with the Youth Fitness & Sports Director to seek attendance at future games.

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MacDill Youth Center 7813 Bayshore Blvd., Bldg 382 MacDill AFB, FL 33621 828-7956/7957

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