Elite Field Hockey Club: Parents Code of Conduct

The objectives of Elite Field Hockey Club are:

We are a volunteer organization whose primary goal is “To promote the enjoyment of, and participation in, the sport of Field Hockey.” By fostering players and coaches through teaching and governing the game among all club members. To encourage good sportsmanship and fair play by respecting the laws of the game, officials and players.

Our club is volunteer driven – the two largest groups your player will contact, coaches and managers are all volunteers. As our season begin it is important to keep in mind a few key points about our volunteer coaches' responsibilities and those of the parents and guardians responsible for each player. When parents and coaches have reasonable expectations of each other it creates the best learning environment possible for the most important people - the players!

Parents roles and responsibilities

Your role and responsibility as a parent creating the best learning environment include the following:

• Remember that your sons/daughters are involved in an organized sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage your son/daughter to always play by the rules.
• Teach your son/daughter that an honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Turn defeat to victory by helping your son/daughter to work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your son/daughter for making a mistake.
• Provide your son/daughter with plenty of encouragement because that is the best way they learn.
• Show respect and appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for your son/daughter. Do not publicly question the coaches or manager’s judgment and never question they’re honesty.
• Never openly criticize the performance of a referee or an assistant referee.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
• Celebrate effort and good play from both sides.

Coaches Are Volunteers

Coaches take on the responsibility for delivering valuable, Field Hockey BC and Field Hockey Canada managed course curriculum in a positive, encouraging, and supportive way. Coaches run practices and games with both the individual and the team in mind and communicate with parents about their child's progress or needs on the pitch when appropriate. All Coaches at Elite FHC are volunteers who have invested a great deal of time and energy into preparing the best field hockey experience possible for your child.

Referees Are Vital

Our game at the competitive level cannot be played without Referees. Respect for our Referees should always be foremost in our actions. Most importantly with your youngest Referees. All will have completed an introductory course; many will be experiencing refereeing for the first time. Most don’t continue because of negative experiences.Never openly criticize their performance and accept they may get the call wrong. Encourage them to make calls and support their decisions.

Equipment

All players must wear mouth guards and shinpads to practices and games. This is mandated by FHBC and GVJFHL, and unfortunately any player that doesn't wear both their mouth guards and shinpads will not be able to participate as they will not be insured in the event of an accident.

Parents Must Be Present

Parents must be present at all games and practices, as parents and guardians are responsible for their children's behaviour.