The Guardians Hub

At Valley Sports Academy/Guardians, we are committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where athletes can develop their skills, build character, and enjoy the game. To ensure this, we ask all players and parents/guardians to uphold the following standards of conduct:

Player Code Of Conduct

As an athlete representing VSA/Guardians, I will:

1. Respect the Game
   • Play by the rules and demonstrate sportsmanship at all times.
   • Respect officials, coaches, teammates, opponents, and facilities.
2. Commit to Effort and Growth
   • Give 100% effort in practices and games.
   • Take responsibility for my own improvement and development.
   • Be coachable, open to feedback, and strive to get better every day.
3. Represent My Team with Integrity
   • Wear my team gear with pride and maintain a positive attitude.
   • Avoid negative behavior such as trash talk, arguing, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
   • Support my teammates and celebrate their successes.
4. Prioritize Team Over Self
   • Place the success of the team above personal statistics or recognition.
   • Show up prepared and on time for practices, games, and team functions.
   • Communicate with my coach if I cannot attend a practice or game.
5. Be a Positive Role Model
   • Display leadership, accountability, and good character on and off the field/ice/court.
   • Avoid harmful behavior, including the use of drugs, alcohol, or inappropriate language.

Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

As a parent/guardian of a VSA/Guardians athlete, I will:

1. Support the Team Environment
   1. Encourage my child and all athletes with positive cheering.
   2. Allow coaches to coach, officials to officiate, and athletes to play.
   3. Respect all coaches, referees, players, and families.
2. Model Good Sportsmanship
   1. Demonstrate composure, respect, and fairness at practices and games.
   2. Refrain from negative comments, arguing, or criticizing coaches, players, or officials.
   3. Recognize effort and improvement, not just results.
3. Communicate Respectfully
   1. Weekend Policy Rule
      1. Parents cannot contact a coach about a game or scrimmage until the Tuesday after a playing weekend.
   2. 24 Hour Policy
      1. Parents cannot contact a coach addressing a concern about anything sport related that isn't an EMERGECY within 24 Hours. If it is a weekend tournament or games the parent cannot contact the coach until the Tuesday following the tournament/games as described in our weekend policy rule.
4. Promote Commitment and Responsibility
   1. Help ensure my child attends practices, games, and team events on time.
   2. Support my child in balancing academics, athletics, and personal responsibilities.
5. Create a Positive Experience
   1. Remember that sports are for the athletes, not the parents.
   2. Help foster a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for all families.
6. Sideline Expectations
   1. Cheer Positively: Encourage all athletes with supportive and uplifting comments.
   2. Respect Officials: Do not yell at or argue with referees, umpires, or game officials. Their decisions are final.
   3. Let Coaches Coach: Avoid giving instructions to players during practices or games. Trust the coaching staff to guide the team.
   4. Avoid Negative Behavior: No criticizing players (your child, their teammates, or opponents). No disruptive language or behavior.
   5. Encourage Team Spirit: Celebrate effort, teamwork, and improvement—not just the scoreboard.
   6. Model Sportsmanship: Treat other spectators, athletes, and staff with respect at all times.

BOTH PLAYERS AND PARENTS

Social Media Policy:

As representatives of VSA/Guardians athletes, parents, and families are expected to use social media responsibly. Online actions reflect not only on the individual, but also on the team and community.

Expectations

• Be Respectful: Post content that reflects positivity, sportsmanship, and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and the organization.
• Protect the Team: Do not share confidential information about the team, strategy, or internal matters.
• Think Before You Post: If you wouldn't say it in person at a game or practice, don't post it online.
• No Negativity: Avoid negative, hostile, or inappropriate comments about players, coaches, referees, parents, or organizations.
• Promote Positivity: Use social media to celebrate effort, teamwork, and success.

Consequences

Inappropriate use of social media may result in warnings, suspension, or removal from the team/program.

Escalation Policy:

To maintain a positive and respectful environment, all concerns should be addressed in the following order:

1. Player to Coach: Athletes are encouraged to speak directly with their coach first about any questions or concerns.
2. Parent to Coach: If additional support is needed, parents may schedule a time (not during or immediately after games/practices) to discuss the concern with the coach.
3. Coach to Program Director: If the concern remains unresolved, the matter will be brought to the Program Director or designated leadership staff.
4. Final Review: The organization's leadership team will make the final decision on the issue.

Key Expectations

• All conversations must remain respectful and solution-focused.
• Concerns should not be raised in the heat of the moment (during/after games or practices).
• Anonymous complaints will not be addressed.