Coaches Code of Conduct

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Player Safety

• The coach must never put the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players. Winning should be the result of preparation and discipline with emphasis placed on the highest ideals and character traits.

• Coaches agree to adhere to all executive board member decisions in regards to safety. A decision made that is erring on the side of caution is not up for debate. The highest ranking board member available makes the final call.

• HEAT INDEX: (THESE ARE CENTRAL TEXAS AYF HEAT INDEX RULES AND MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED)

  • HEAT INDEX of 104 and ABOVE = NO PRACTICE

  • HEAT INDEX of 103 to 101 = NO HELMETS, NO PADS, 1 MINUTE BREAK EVERY 10 MINUTES... once heat index drops below 101, they can put their pads and helmet on and go back to normal breaks.

  • HEAT INDEX of 100 or less = BUSINESS AS USUAL

• Lightening

  • NCAA, UIL, and AYF lightning rules are the same

  • Postpone or suspend activity if a thunderstorm appears imminent before or during an activity or contest (irrespective of whether lightning is seen or thunder heard) until the hazard has passed. Signs of imminent thunderstorm activity are darkening clouds, high winds, and thunder or lightning activity

  • Any of the following requires an immediate suspension of practice or play:

    1. Lightning within 8 miles of your location

    2. When thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a visible lightning strike

    3. A cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen. (This indicates the storm is close enough to strike your location with lightning)

  • Once activities have been suspended, you must wait at least 30 minutes from the last (most recent) occurrence of any of the above three conditions before resuming outdoor activity.

• Player Injury

  • Players should be directed to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician’s instructions regarding treatment and recovery.

  • Each organization has on-site medical staff (EMT / Trainer) for home games and those medical personnel have the final say on whether or not a player returns to the game after injury.

  • At no time should a player be put at risk by returning from injury prematurely or by being allowed or forced to play while injured.

  • BE ALERT: Watch for signs of dehydration.

  • BE AWARE: Quite often, coaches are not informed of injuries sustained outside of games and practices. If a player seems "off" - check on their situation.

• Field Safety

  • Every time you arrive at a field, check for anything that could affect your players.

  • Look for rocks and other foreign objects... get rid of them or mark them with a cone.

  • Check for ant hills and mark them with a cone.

  • Check for "potholes", damaged mats, or similar safety concerns.

  • GAME DAY: Only personnel with an AYF badge (with the exception of uniformed police, fire, or EMTs) should be on the field. ("On the field" is defined as beyond the field checkpoint or outside of the normal spectator area.)

    • Note: In order to have an AYF badge, they had to pass a background check. (Except for day-of MPR or CHAIN GANG volunteers)

    • The on-duty board member for the hosting organization will make all judgement calls.

Coach with Class

Above teaching football, we are raising young men and women. Their character growth is more important than any football score ever.
Coaching with class is hard work. We can always strive to be better. Think about how you present yourself in coaching situations and compare it to how someone who you think of as a "class act" presents themselves. Be a positive role model. Raise the bar.
Here are some items that are required of you as a CPYFA coach:

• Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the spirit of the game at all times.

• Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.

• Coaches should not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.

• Coaches shall not "RUN UP" scores. This is a CPYFA mandate. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.

• Coaches shall not publicly punish players during games. (Examples of this include: Up downs at halftime, push ups after a bad play, running laps during game play)

• Officials must have the support of coaches, players, and spectators. Criticism of officials undermines their purpose in the game. Coaches are allowed to ask questions, but strive to refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players.

  • NOTE: Official complaints / comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the CPYFA Board via the Coach Coordinator. Escalations will be made by the board to the appropriate organization assigning the official will be notified.