Player & Parent Code of Conduct

Cambridge Jr. Bears Basketball is a developmental basketball program designed to improve the skills of players and prepare them for high school basketball. By acknowledging this, you are affirming your understanding that playing time is not guaranteed and agreeing to abide by both the player and parent code of conduct outlined below. 

Player Code of Conduct: 

• I will always give my best efforts and attitude at all practices and games. Players will be expected to show up to training/ practice and competitions on time. Players are expected to arrive early before every scheduled game. Players should be in full uniform and prepared to warm-up at that time.
• I will attend every practice and game and notify my coach if I cannot or know I will be late.
• I understand that I wear a Cambridge uniform and that I am representing my teammates, family, coaches, the Cambridge community, and myself. I will represent my team and myself through good sportsmanship, support and hard work.
• Players will be expected to adequately represent Cambridge Jr. Bears Basketball with class and consideration, including on and off-field activities.  
• I understand that my teammates and I are responsible for the care of our gym, equipment and supplies and I will do my part to take care of our gym and equipment. Players are expected to pick up not only their trash, but others' trash as well. Players are expected to extend this courtesy to visiting gyms.
• I will always be honest about my physical condition and tell my coaches if I have an injury.
• I will respect and listen to my coaches and will feel comfortable to question them one-on-one. If I have a concern with playing time, it is my job to address it with coaches. If I do not feel my skills are being properly assessed or developed, I will alert coaches. We will not discuss playing time with parents! This is a responsibility of the player and will be handled/discussed in a player to coach conversation ONLY!
• I will respect our referees and never argue with them. Assuring a fair game is the coach’s job.
• I will always respect an opponent and avoid words or actions that display unsportsmanlike conduct.
• I will always use appropriate language around my team.
• I will refrain from making derogatory remarks or inappropriate comments on social media pertaining to Cambridge Jr. Bears Basketball or opposing teams and associated programs.
• Policy violations and poor sportsmanship will affect playing time and can lead to expulsion.

Parent Code of Conduct: 

• Are expected to encourage their child’s skill development and attendance at practices.
• Are expected to familiarize themselves with the rules and encourage their child to play by the rules.
• Parents or family will refrain from abusive, obscene, or profane language or gestures.
• Parents Should NOT coach from the sideline. Parents and/or family members are to NEVER address any coach, personnel, and/or administration through abusive or profane language, gestures, or emails. Violation of this rule is grounds for immediate dismissal of player and family from the organization.
• Parents should support the program by learning and reinforcing the “Player Code of Conduct” with your player and by actively participating in the volunteer activities (e.g. concessions, gate, score keeping, etc.) which is critical to the ongoing operations of the program.
• Parents should support the coaches by: 
•  Understanding that Cambridge Jr. Bears Basketball is a competitive developmental program where playing time is earned and not guaranteed as in many youth programs.
• Not entering the court or communicating with your player while they are on the court for games or practices (except in the case of injury or emergency situations).
• Having your player address concerns about playing time, position or role directly with the coaches. This valuable life skill can be developed by encouraging your player to ask:
• “What do I need to be working on to help the team?”
• “What suggestions do you have so I can get better?”
• “What do I need to do to earn more playing time?”
• Providing constructive feedback to coaches via face-to-face meetings only after waiting 24 hours to allow for ample time for reflection and for emotion to subside with all involved. Do not provide feedback via email as intention and perception are easily misunderstood.
• Understanding and appreciating that coaches are unpaid volunteers who typically contribute 15-20 hours each week to teach the kids. They are partners, not employees, of the program and participating families.
• Demonstrate respect for all program participants, opponents, officials, and others by:
• Always exhibiting good sportsmanship and support.
• Put the family’s and player’s personal goals aside for the betterment of the team and program.
• Demonstrate positive support for all players, coaches and officials. Do not criticize your player or other players during a game or practice. Never complain to your player or other parents about the team, coaches, positions, or playing time.   

I (we) understand and agree that if I (we) fail to abide by these rules and guidelines, I (we) will be subject to disciplinary action that could result in, but is not necessarily limited to, suspension for one or more games, ban from all program events (practices, games, other), and player removal from the program without refund.