Bradley Knights Code of Ethics and Conduct

This document provides the rules, guidelines, and expectations for all members of the Bradley Knights Sports Co-op: Players, Parents/Guardians, Coaches, and Directors.

🌟 Purpose and Philosophy

The Bradley Knights Sports Co-op is a ministry of the Body of Christ, providing a stable opportunity for homeschooled students to play on a Christ-centered team. We strive to instill confidence, love for the game, and the ability to deal with competition in a healthy way.

Core Values: Fundamentals, Safety, Effort, Attitude, and Biblical Integrity.

1. Player Expectations and Eligibility

A. Eligibility Requirements

• Homeschool Status: The program is focused on homeschooled players in the Greater Bradley County area. Non-homeschool players may be included on a case-by-case basis by the Athletic Directors (ADs).

• Academics: All players must present their most recent report card demonstrating passing grades and grade level.

• Conduct: Players are required to sign this Code of Conduct and acknowledge the disciplinary actions for violating the standards below. While the program is Christ-centered, not all players must be Christian, but all must conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner at all times.

B. Expectations (Discipline may include loss of playing time, extra exercise, and/or dismissal)

1. Conduct: Conduct yourself in a Christ-like manner at all times.

2. Attitude: Player attitude will be recognized by the coaching staff. Successful teams are built around attitude.

3. Responsibility: Each player is responsible for taking care of their equipment, practice gear, and game uniforms.

4. Attendance & Punctuality: Be on time for practices and games. Players must strive to show up, dressed and ready to play, 10 minutes before practice and 30 minutes before games for warm-ups.

5. Addressing Issues: If a player has a problem, they must first approach one of the coaches to discuss the issue. This is an important part of growing into an adult.

6. Zero Tolerance: Criticizing the officials, coaches, opponents, or the fans, as well as the use of foul language or unsportsmanlike/derogatory statements, will not be tolerated. A warning will be issued, and removal can occur immediately or on the second offense depending on severity.

2. Parent/Guardian Expectations and Responsibilities

Parents play a vital role on the team, from volunteering to setting the attitude and speech at home. Your Christ-centered conduct will be an expectation of this team as well.

A. Expectations

Rule

Description

Support

Support your child, their teammates, the coaches, and the organization.

Punctuality

Help your child get to the practices and games on time, fully dressed and ready to start.

Absence

If your child must miss a practice or game, let the staff know as soon as possible so they can prepare.

Field Access

Only the coaching staff is allowed on the field or court during practices, games, and scrimmages.

Hydration

Please have your child bring a minimum of 32 oz. of unfrozen liquids to drink during games and practices. Water or sports drinks are great choices.

Mandatory Volunteerism

All parents volunteer some time on game days. This is required for your child to play. You may be asked to assist with concessions, scorekeeping, ticket sales, or other game-day needs.

Conduct

Parents and guardians are responsible for the actions of friends and family invited to attend games and scrimmages.

"24-Hour Rule"

We request that you follow the 24-Hour Rule. If an issue of concern arises after the game, please wait 24 hours before contacting one of the Head Coaches.

B. Playing Time and Player Development (Information)

• Coaches decide player position and playing time.

• Varsity Goal: While all players are involved, the major emphasis in a Varsity game is on winning. Substitution may be limited in close games.

• JV Goal: The emphasis in a JV game is on player development. JV teams will substitute more even in tight games.

• Positioning: Every player should have an equal chance to prove themselves. No one player is pre-ordained to a position. Coaches will always evaluate players based on where they are best suited for team and personal success. Coaches teach more than one position to aid versatility and player development.

3. Coaching Staff Roles and Conduct

Coaches are the central figure of a sports program and must embody the organization's characteristics.

A. Core Requirements

• Must pass a background check.

• Must sign the Bradley Knights Homeschool Sports Coop Statement of Faith.

• Must be of good reputation, temperate, self-controlled.

• The use of screaming, humiliation, intimidation, and any type of "laying of hands on a player" is inappropriate and can result in immediate removal.

B. Head Coach Responsibilities

1. Know and understand TSSAA rules and regulations (if applicable) for their sport.

2. Teach players skills, rules, strategies, and what it takes to be successful.

3. Prepare the team budget and practice plans.

4. Communicate with parents at regular intervals, often utilizing a consolidated team management app (like Dick's Sporting Goods Team Manager).

5. Decide player positions and playing time based on an evaluation process, team goals (JV vs. Varsity), and player development.

C. Assistant Coach Responsibilities

• Assistant Coaches are expected to be prepared for games and assist the Head Coach with coaching responsibilities.

• They may also be utilized for scheduling parent volunteers, communications, and other logistical help to allow the Head Coach to focus on the team's primary needs.

4. Organizational Roles

A. Athletic Directors (ADs)

ADs are accountable to the Board of Directors and manage the everyday needs of common sports administration.

Responsibilities:

1. Propose the best coaches available at the time of need.

2. Ensure continuity on teams between players, parents, and coaches.

3. Insist on consistency between all teams.

4. Be a point of contact for coaches.

5. Coordinate practice and game facilities.

6. Report all financial and program well-being information to the Board of Directors.

B. Board of Directors

The Co-op is a nonprofit corporation, and all proceeds are used to fund operations and equipment.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide leadership to the program.

2. Appoint new Athletic Directors.

3. Approve coaches.

4. Approve and oversee budgets and pricing for all teams.

All revisions to this document shall be unanimously approved by the Bradley Knights Homeschool Sports Coop Board of Directors.