Code of Conduct (Overview & Enforcement)

HYAA Basketball is committed to fostering a positive environment built on sportsmanship, respect, and fair play. All participants – including players, parents/guardians, coaches, volunteers, officials, and spectators – are expected to adhere to the principles outlined in the specific HYAA Codes of Conduct (provided separately and/or posted online). These Codes detail expected behaviors and outline the consequences for violations. Upholding these standards is essential for maintaining the integrity of the program and ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved. Enforcement procedures are managed by Commissioners and the Director, with potential escalation to the Board or a designated committee for serious infractions.

Parent & Spectator Code of Conduct

As a HYAA parent or spectator, I commit to creating a positive and supportive environment by agreeing to the following:

• Be a Positive Role Model: I will show respect and courtesy to all players, coaches, officials, and opponents always.
  
  
• Focus on Positivity: I will cheer positively for my child and their team, emphasizing effort, improvement, and teamwork rather than focusing solely on mistakes or the score.
  
  
•  Let Coaches Coach: I will refrain from yelling instructions or criticism from the sidelines during games or practice; I will let the coaches guide the players.
  
  
•  Respect Officials: I will respect the decisions of game officials, even when I disagree. I will not engage in confrontational behavior, yell at, or demean officials.
  
  
•  Respect Coaches: I will respect the coach's authority and decisions regarding strategy and playing time during games.
  
  
•  Communicate Constructively: If I have a concern (including playing time), I will approach the coach privately and respectfully, observing a 24-hour "cool-down" period after a game before initiating contact, if needed.
  
  
•  Support Team Commitment: I will do my best to ensure my child attends practices and games on time and is prepared, and I will notify the coach in advance of any unavoidable absences.
  
  
•  Prioritize Development & Fun: I will help my child focus on enjoying the game, learning skills, and being a good teammate, rather than putting excessive pressure on winning.
  
  
•  Maintain Safe Environment: I will help ensure that HYAA events remain free of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products.
  
  
•  Report Concerns: I will report any unsafe conditions or violations of this Code of Conduct to the coach, commissioner, or HYAA leadership promptly.
  

Player Code of Conduct

As a HYAA Basketball player, I represent myself, my team, and the association. I agree to uphold the spirit of HYAA by committing to the following:

• Practice Good Sportsmanship: I will always show good sportsmanship to my teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and fans – win or lose.
  
  
• Show Respect: I will treat everyone involved in the game – including teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and spectators – with respect, regardless of their background or ability.
  
  
•  Be Committed: I will do my best to attend all practices and games on time and prepare, and I will let my coach know as soon as possible if I cannot make it.
  
  
•  Be Coachable: I will listen carefully to my coaches' instructions, try my best to learn the skills they teach, and ask questions respectfully.
  
  
•  Play Fairly: I will learn and play by the rules of basketball and the specific rules of the HYAA league.
  
  
•  Control My Actions: I will control my emotions and actions on and off the court. I will avoid arguing with officials or coaches, using bad language, or engaging in any fighting or overly aggressive play.
  
  
•  Have a Positive Attitude: I will encourage my teammates, focus on effort and improvement, and remember that playing basketball should be fun!
  
  
•  Support a Healthy Environment: I will help keep HYAA events safe and positive by staying away from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
  
  
•  Understand Playing Time: I understand that my effort, positive attitude, attendance, and teamwork contribute to playing time decisions made by my coach, which are also guided by HYAA's rules ensuring all players get opportunities to participate and develop.

Coach Code of Conduct

As a HYAA Basketball volunteer coach, I understand I am a role model and leader with significant influence on young athletes. I agree to uphold HYAA's values and provide a positive developmental experience by committing to the following:

• Prioritize Player Well-being: I will always place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of any personal desire to win.
  
  
• Create a Safe & Positive Environment: I will strive to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere where every player feels respected, valued, and encouraged to participate.
  
  
•  Treat Players Fairly & Individually: I will treat each player as an individual, recognizing different rates of physical and emotional development, and providing positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to all.
  
  
•  Plan Engaging Practices: I will organize practices that are fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for the age group, focusing on teaching fundamental skills and teamwork.
  
  
•  Know & Teach Rules/Policies: I will learn, follow, and teach both the official rules of basketball and all HYAA-specific rules and policies, including ensuring adherence to the minimum playing time requirements.
  
  
•  Model Sportsmanship & Respect: I will lead by example, demonstrating good sportsmanship and unwavering respect for officials, opposing coaches, players, and fans always, regardless of the situation.
  
  
•  Communicate Effectively: I will communicate clearly, respectfully, and constructively with my players and their parents/guardians regarding expectations, schedules, and any concerns (observing the 24-hour rule post-game when appropriate).
  
  
•  Maintain Professionalism: I will maintain self-control, composure, and a professional demeanor during all practices, games, and HYAA-related events.
  
  
•  Promote Healthy Environment: I will ensure all team activities under my supervision remain free of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, and I will refrain from their use during any HYAA event.
  
  
•  Uphold Safety Procedures: I will familiarize myself with and adhere to HYAA's safety guidelines and Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including basic first aid principles for common injuries.
  
  
•  Focus on Development & Fun: I will remember that youth sports are primarily about player development, learning valuable life lessons (like teamwork and resilience), and fostering a love for the game in a fun environment.

Officials’ Code of Conduct

As an official contracted or approved to work HYAA Basketball games, I understand my critical role in ensuring fair play, safety, and a positive developmental environment for young athletes. I agree to uphold the integrity of the game and HYAA's values by always adhering to the following principles:

• Rules Mastery & Application: I will thoroughly learn, understand, and correctly apply both standard basketball rules (NCHSAA/NFHS base) and all HYAA-specific rules, division modifications, and league policies (including timing, playing time, substitutions, pressing, mercy rules, etc.), ensuring consistent application appropriate for the recreational setting and age group.
  
  
• Impartiality & Integrity: I will officiate all games fairly, consistently, and without bias or favoritism towards any team, player, coach, or spectator. I will uphold the highest standards of integrity.

•  Professionalism: I will arrive punctually for all assignments, maintain a professional appearance in approved attire, and conduct myself with a calm, confident, consistent, and respectful demeanor towards all participants (players, coaches, spectators, volunteers, HYAA staff, and fellow officials).
  
  
•  Game Management: I will manage the game effectively according to the rules and HYAA guidelines, ensuring proper game flow, correctly handling substitutions and supporting playing time requirements, communicating calls clearly, and working cooperatively with my partner(s).
  
  
•  Safety Focus: I will prioritize the safety of all participants, remain vigilant about potentially hazardous situations, enforce rules intended for player safety (e.g., illegal contact, swinging elbows), and be familiar with and prepared to follow HYAA's concussion protocol and basic emergency procedures.
  
  
•  Sportsmanship Promotion: I will actively promote good sportsmanship through my actions, presence, and fair rule enforcement, helping to create a positive atmosphere for learning and competition.
  
  
•  Appropriate Communication: I will communicate clearly, calmly, and respectfully. I will confine discussions with coaches primarily to rule interpretations, avoiding arguments regarding judgment calls. I will interact constructively with fellow officials and designated HYAA personnel.
  
  
•  Continuous Improvement: I will be receptive to constructive feedback provided through HYAA channels and commit to ongoing learning to improve my officiating knowledge and skills.
  
  
•  Adherence to Policies: I will strictly adhere to all relevant HYAA policies and administrative requirements communicated by HYAA or its contracted officiating provider, including those regarding background checks, required training, and the prohibition of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances at all HYAA events.