Children’s sports are supposed to be fun for the children. Unfortunately, many parents, fans, and coaches don’t realize that their actions—verbal or nonverbal—can have a lasting effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly taken away by adults. The following Code of Conduct is for MSSL parents to abide by.

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and 6 core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "6 pillars of character." I therefore agree:

1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the sport is for youth, not adults.

2. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

3. I will learn the rules of the sport and the policies of the Maverick Summer Swim League.

4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by displaying positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials, and spectators at every meet, practice, or swim event.

5. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, swimmer, or parent such as booing, taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.

6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the swimmers.

7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

8. I will demand that my child treat other swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability.

9. 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 race or his/her performance.

10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and will make my child feel like a winner every time.

11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

12. I will emphasize skill development and how it benefits my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize meets and competition with the younger age groups.

13. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the swimmer ahead of any personal desire I have for my child to win.

14. I will respect the officials and their authority during meets and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches or officials at the meets. I will take time to speak with them at an agreed upon time and place.

15. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all meets.

16. I will refrain from coaching my child or other swimmers during meets and practices UNLESS I am one of the official coaches of the team.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

• Verbal warning by official, head coach and/or head of the league
• Parental meet suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by the league
• Meet forfeit through the head official
• Parental season suspension

The basis for this code of conduct is produced by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation