UTAH WATER POLO COACHES AND OFFICIALS ASSOCIATIONS
SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT
High school athletics should be one of the most positive and memorable times in a person’s life. Parents
and coaches need to work together to teach not only skills, but also sportsmanship and respect for others.
This code of conduct is designed to assist parents/guardians in teaching and modeling behaviors that are
important in athletics and in life. It is written with the understanding that parents/guardians are the most
influential role models in their athlete’s lives.
Expected Behavior by Parents/Spectators:
• Display good sportsmanship by being respectful to all players, coaches, officials, and other
spectators.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of the officials without taunting or approaching them during
games, between games, or at the end of a game.
• Cheer positively for your team rather than against their opponents. Exhibit only positive behavior.
• Do not yell, swear, or say any derogatory or unsportsmanlike comments to players, coaches,
officials, or other spectators.
• Keep your emotions under control. Be objective and stay calm.
• Remain in the spectator area and stay out of either team’s bench area.
• Use items to cheer with that are of non-violent nature and that do not interfere with the game as
determined by the officials.
• Abide by federal, state, and local laws while attending any game.
• Attend water polo events alcohol and drug free.
• Communicate these standards with others that come to events with you or in association with you.
• Seek to peacefully resolve conflicts or complaints by discussing the matter with your team’s coach.
It is up to the coach’s discretion how the matter will be handled from there.
It is essential to our player’s continued enjoyment of this great game that this code of conduct is followed
and that all spectators and parents quickly discourage any behavior that is contrary to it. The officials are
directed to stop the game when a parent or spectator exhibits inappropriate and disruptive behavior. The
official will issue a yellow card to the coach and identify the violator(s) to the coaches who are obliged to
see to it that the violator(s) leave the field area. Play will resume only when the violator(s) are removed.
Additionally, repeated offenses or especially severe violations may result in loss of spectator privileges.