NFL Flag at Gateway Coach Code of Conduct

We would like the reputation and integrity of the Gateway Flag Football League to be free from the effects of irresponsible conduct of teams, managers, coaches and other parties. The pressure that some teams, managers and coaches feel to win, even at the expense of fair and ethical behavior, produces actions that set a terrible example for our kids. When such conduct goes unchecked, pressure mounts on other teams and coaches to respond in kind.

Coach's Responsibility and Code of Conduct

Managers and coaches are responsible for their own conduct, and for the conduct of their players, parents and fans at all games. Abusive or obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, use of drugs or alcohol, or other behavior detrimental to the game or players will not be tolerated. The failure of a manager or coach to control his or her players, parents and fans will result in action against him or her by Gateway Flag Football. 

Coaches should set the example regarding the officials. Explain to parents that, however the officials may appear, he or she is trained in the rules of the game, and is almost always better positioned than a spectator to see what actually happened. Point out that much of officiating is judgment and that the officials are neutral; while coaches, parents and fans are not. It is your responsibility to set the tone for the conduct of your parents and fans. 

If a manager, coach, parent or fan becomes abusive in any way and you cannot quiet them, ask them to leave before the official or league has to do so. They are all your responsibility from the time you come on to the field until you leave. 

Gateway Flag Football will review all reported incidents of behavior considered detrimental to the league. All decisions by the GFFL are final and will attempted to be made as quickly as possible after any incidents that are under review. Any coach that has been ejected from a game must leave the playing fields for the rest of the game and retire to the parking lot. A coach that is ejected from a game is automatically suspended for his/her next game including playoff games. Any threat made by a manager/coach to an official, player, manager/coach, parent or any other person will not be tolerated. Threats will draw additional punishment up to and including a ban from coaching in the league. Anyone throwing a punch or threatening another person is subject to a lifetime ban from GFFL.

A coach's most important role in our league is teaching young men and women about life. This involves setting standards and a code of conduct. A coach in the Gateway Flag Football League must agree with the idea of being a role model for the players and their parents.

Here is what we are hoping to strive for from our coaches:

- Remember this is recreational league first and foremost! 
- Keep in mind at all times that you are a youth sports coach and that children participate to learn the game and have fun.  
- Use positive coaching methods to make the experience enjoyable for ALL players (including your child). Player development and understanding of the game comes first, winning is second.
- At NO TIME will it be allowed to use excessive yelling or negative words towards any player during practices or games.
- At NO TIME will a coach be allowed to argue with or engage any parent or guest before, during, or after the game.
- Give all players the opportunity to play at least half of the game

- Give all players the opportunity to touch the ball at least once per game
- Treat officials with respect and dignity, and ask players and their parents to do the same.
- Treat opposing coaches and players with respect and dignity and encourage your players and parents to do the same.
- Be responsible for the actions of your players, parents, fans and guests. 

Gateway Flag Football has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy regarding the code of conduct for coaches.

This includes cheating by coaches. Coaches that comprimise the draft process with false ratings or encourage parents to try and manipulate their child's rating or team placement will be punished up to and including being banned from coaching in the league.

Coaches that show poor sportsmanship including running up the score may also be banned from coaching. Examples of poor sportsmanship include continuing to use their best players once the game winner has already been decided, calling timeouts when ahead late in the game just to score more points, throwing long passes when well ahead in the score late in the game, and refusing to shake hands with the other team after the game.

The referee on the field and/or league commissioner has the authority to enforce this policy.