_Travel Basketball Sportsmanship Guidelines
_Sportsmanship for all players, coaches and parents is essential in all youth sports activities. The Mahwah Travel Basketball program sends players to other towns through leagues and tournaments. The players, coaches and fans not only represent themselves and their teams but also the town of Mahwah. We are asking for support from everyone to help us demonstrate good sportsmanship during our season.
Please remember that children participate in sports because it is fun. Please help us keep it fun. Winners are developed from kids who try their best. Placing too much pressure on children can detract from their fun and can affect their self-esteem. Coaching from the stands takes away from what the coach is trying to teach during the game.
We ask that everyone follow the guidelines outlined below for good sportsmanship.
Our travel leagues have set forth guidelines regarding inappropriate behavior. Any coach, player or fan that is ejected from a game will be subject to suspension from the following game. Non-player suspensions (i.e. coach or fan) are for two games. Failure to comply could result in a forfeiture of game.
Please remember that children participate in sports because it is fun. Please help us keep it fun. Winners are developed from kids who try their best. Placing too much pressure on children can detract from their fun and can affect their self-esteem. Coaching from the stands takes away from what the coach is trying to teach during the game.
We ask that everyone follow the guidelines outlined below for good sportsmanship.
- Pledge to use positive encouragement to a child and his/her teammates. Encourage and praise all players for trying their best. Do not be loud or negative towards coaches, players, referees or other spectators.
- Do everything possible to get the child to practices and games on time and also be on time to pick the child up from basketball events. This shows respect for the coaches and the team.
- Honor the game. Set a good example for the children. Regardless of what others are doing, demonstrate respect and avoid confrontations with others who may be displaying poor sportsmanship.
- Understand that officials make mistakes and respect the officials call. Do not approach the referees regarding calls made during the games.
- Be tolerant of mistakes that are made during the game by players and coaches. Mistakes are opportunities for learning and everyone has different abilities. Winners are those who make the maximum effort and learn from their mistakes.
- Refrain from yelling instructions from the stands. Let the coach do his/her job. Children get confused if they are trying to follows directions from multiple sources.
- Refrain from making negative comments about the coach and players in front of your child. This will only plant the seed of negativity which will affect the overall experience.
- Gossip is not an effective form of communication. Any questions, concerns or comments should be directed to the head coach of your team and should follow the path up to the travel director and commissioners.
- Respect school property while at games and practices. Ensure that the area is clean and neat for the next group. This is important as a host team as well as a guest team.
Our travel leagues have set forth guidelines regarding inappropriate behavior. Any coach, player or fan that is ejected from a game will be subject to suspension from the following game. Non-player suspensions (i.e. coach or fan) are for two games. Failure to comply could result in a forfeiture of game.