WESTERN MASS CYO-CODE OF CONDUCT FORM

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun, and that the game is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the
safety of others
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5. I, my family members, and my guests will be positive role models for my child, and encourage
sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players,
coaches, officials, and spectators at every game and practice session.
6. I, my family members, and my guests will not engage in any unsportsmanlike conduct with any official,
coach, player, or parent, such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane
language or gestures.
7. I, my family members, and my guests will not encourage and behaviors or practices that would
endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or
violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect
regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never
feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every
time.
12. I, my family members, and my guests will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for
making a mistake or losing a game.
13. I will emphasize skill development and practices, and how they benefit my child, over winning. I will
also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire for
my child to win.
15. I, my family members, and my guests will respect the officials and their authority during games and will
never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game, and will take time to speak with coaches at
an agreed upon time and place.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices unless I am an official
coach.

Girls 3rd & 4th Grade
There is no pressing allowed in any game, until the 1:00 last minute of play.

Girls 5th & 5th Grade
Pressing is allowed for the entire game in the East Division (2). In all other divisions, West (3) &
North (4), pressing is only allowed for the last 2 minutes of the game.

Girls 7th & 8th Grade
Pressing is allowed for the entire game in the East Division (2). In all other divisions, West (3) &
North (4), pressing is only allowed for the last 2 minutes of the game.

Boys 3rd & 4th Grade
There is no pressing allowed in any game, until the last 1:00 minute of play.

Boys 5th & 5th Grade
Pressing is allowed for the entire game in the East Division (2). In all other divisions, West (3) &
North (4), pressing is only allowed for the last 2 minutes of the game.

Boys 7th & 8th Grade
Pressing is allowed for the entire game in the East (1), West (2) & North (3). In the South (4)
Division pressing is only allowed for the last 2 minutes of the game.

General Pressing Rules
– All pressing is suspended if the Mercy Rule is in place, even in the pressing divisions.
– If a crossover game is played, upper division and lower division teams playing against
one another, the game is played using the lower divisions pressing rules.
– No team or game is allowed to opt into pressing if they are a non-pressing game/team.
– Divisions can be confirmed by looking at the numbers in the schedule.
– Just a reminder, that the numbers do coincide with traditional division numbers;
they are just numbers used in the scheduling program.
– Coordinators are responsible for informing their coaches, teams, parents & referees. If
you are using a host gym you are responsible to inform the gym also.