Good morning,

We'd like to take an opportunity to send a reminder to everyone about our Code of Conduct for players, coaches and parents as we approach the first game of the season.

Sportsmanship Policy
It will be the practice of Guelph Minor Football Association to ensure that all players, coaches, officials and spectators are treated in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Certain types of behaviours and actions are unacceptable and offensive to many people. With this in mind the club will institute the following policy:
• Each player will respect the property and personal rights of teammates, coaches, opponents, spectators and reporters. The use of profanity, taunting, "trash talking" and any other action that denigrates opponents, officials, teammates, coaches, spectators and reporters will not be tolerated.
• Any such actions will result in sanctions taken against the player. Severe infractions or continual disregard of this policy by a player could lead to suspension or dismissal from the team.
• Any player involved in incidents that result in the team being fined by the League will be responsible for the payment of that fine. The player will remain on suspension until the fine is paid.

Parents also play a pivotal role in setting the stage for good sportsman behaviour in youth football.

Below is a checklist for parents and spectators with children in Guelph Minor Football Association to abide by to develop healthy sportsman like behaviour in children:

1. I maintain a "Fun is No. 1" attitude.
2. I treat officials, coaches, my kids, their teammates and their opponents with respect and avoid ridicule or sarcasm.
3. I praise my kids, their teammates and opponents just for participating, regardless of their athletic skills.
4. I remember to look for positives with my kids, their teammates and their opponents.
5. I remain calm when my kids or their teammates make a mistake and help them learn from their mistakes.
6. I remind my kids and their teammates not to get down on themselves when things don't go well.
7. I try not to take myself too seriously when it comes to my involvement in youth sports, reminding myself that there is life beyond youth sports.
8. I remind myself and my kids to laugh and keep a sense of humour.
9. I emphasize teamwork in team sports with my kids, teaching them to think "we" instead of "me".
10. I teach my kids by giving them a good example of good sportsmanship: winning without gloating and losing without complaining.

Thank you everyone for being such an amazing support system for your own child and also all the other children in our organization! Proud to be a Gryphon!