Sharon Board of Recreation & Youth

Guidelines

Coaches:

The viability and success of the individual programs is dependent on the willingness of parent volunteers who coach the various sports. We have established some basic guidelines for our volunteer coaches which we hope will promote consistency in our athletic programs.

The SBRY is grateful to all persons who have selflessly given their time in trying to provide a positive athletic experience for all interested children. In an attempt to continue in this fine tradition, the coaches and assistants are asked to observe the following basic guidelines while working with youth:

• "Safety First" is the primary consideration. A coach or assistant needs to insure that all children are behaving in a safe manner. Coaches will have first aid equipment available, and should have some basic knowledge of rudimentary first aid. If you are interested in volunteering, and would like first aid instruction, please ask the Recreation Director to put you in touch with persons or programs who can provide the proper instruction.

• Children may NEVER be left unattended, and the coach needs to stay until the last child is picked up.

• Sportsmanship is essential. Coaches and helpers should stress teamwork, positive attitudes and respect for all other players, both on your team and competing teams.

• Skills enhancement should be the foundation of what is taught. Consistency in approach to skills training among all volunteers in a particular program is important to insure successful progress of the young athletes.

• Discipline, if required, should be age appropriate, and always directed towards the act, not the individual, Disruptive behavior on an on-going basis should be brought to the attention of the parent or guardian.

• Coaches will work with the recreation director to obtain a game or meet schedule, and that schedule must be distributed to the children and their parents.

• Equipment should be returned to it’s appropriate storage place at the end of any practice or game. The Coach must insure that the storage facility is secured. Locker Rooms and/or public restrooms opened during the practice or game must be checked and/or locked as required prior to leaving the gym or field.

• If for whatever reason a coach cannot attend a practice or game, it is the coach’s responsibility to arrange for a stand-in, or to cancel the activity by calling the participants.

• Lastly, coaches and volunteers are asked to exemplify personal behaviors which will insure the safety, emotional well-being and personal growth of the children under their care. Children will reflect the attitudes and style of their coaches, and we strive to present the best possible role models for their benefit.

For additional details, please contact Matt Mette at 364-1400 or e-mail Matt.

Parents:

• As with all our recreation programs, we hope parents do not use the activity as a baby-sitting service. There is no doubt that multiple obligations occur, but please be aware that a parent or guardian must be available if there is an emergency.

• Parents are encouraged to promote the values the SBRY aspires to - namely, regular attendance, prompt arrival for practices, games and meets, good sportsmanship and a sense of fair play.

• Parents are encouraged to offer help, especially at the younger levels. Even if you are not an expert in the sport, there are many ways to be involved at the practices, games and meets.

• We ask that you monitor siblings who come to watch practices and/or games.

• Please arrange transportation for your child to and from away games as well as practice sessions. Coaches are not responsible for transporting players.

• If a parent has a complaint concerning how a child is being dealt with in one of the recreation programs, the procedure for resolution is as follows: 1. First, talk to the coaches to attempt to resolve an issue. 2. If you feel you haven’t resolved the problem, contact the recreation director. 3. If you are still unsatisfied, ask to be put on the Recreation Committees agenda, and appear before the Board of Recreation and Youth to voice your complaint.

• Parents are asked to complete all registration forms required, and pay the nominal fee (typically $15) for participation in the program. Children must be provided with equipment when necessary, such as baseball gloves, shin guards, cleats, mouth guards and swimsuits.

• Parents may be asked to help with the concession stand at Veterans' Field during an athletic event. SBRY appreciates parents' cooperation in this effort as this is a main source of funding for SBRY programs.

• Parents must inform coaches when a change occurs in a phone number or medical status.

• Please listen to WKZE or WQQQ for cancellation information due to inclement weather. Please do not call the school for information.

• When uniforms are presented to participants, we ask that the parents insure that these are properly maintained, and unless directed to do otherwise, returned to the coach at the completion of the activity.

• Lastly, we encourage parents or guardians to support and encourage their children’s efforts by attending their games, matches and events. There is probably no greater support you can give than to attend your child’s activities.

We urge parents to refrain from expressing negative comments about volunteer coaches and/or recreation programs. Nothing is resolved by expressing discontent to friends and neighbors. Please keep in mind that adult attitudes affect children. The SBRY will openly and swiftly deal with any inappropriate behavior that may arise, regardless of the source.

Children

• Participation in any organized activity requires a commitment from the child to attend practices and games. We ask that children who sign-up for an SBRY-sponsored program make the decision to do so primarily on their own.

• Participants should not over-extend themselves by taking on too many sports activities in any one season. This is particularly true during the school year.

• When a child is participating in a sport, we ask that the child recognize their commitment to themselves as well as the team, and not take on after school activities which will interfere with practice or game/match schedules.

• We ask that all participants do their personal best, and they should not be concerned about what others may or may not be able to do. We ask that all children encourage each other and help out each other, as all team participants should.