Parent/Guardian's Code of Conduct

Des Moines Defenders Parent Code of Conduct

Parent/Guardian Commitment

The Des Moines Defenders believe that youth sports are an opportunity to develop not only athletic ability, but also faith, character, discipline, humility, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership.

As a parent or guardian, I understand that my behavior has a significant influence on my child and on the entire team. By allowing my child to participate in the Des Moines Defenders program, I agree to support the mission, values, coaches, players, and families of the organization.

I understand that I am not simply watching a sporting event. I am modeling character for my child.

"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31

I agree to the following:

1. Support of the Defenders Mission

I will support the mission and Christian values of the Des Moines Defenders.

I understand that the goal of the program is not simply to win games, but to provide homeschool students with an opportunity to glorify and honor God through competitive sports.

I will reinforce with my child that character, faith, sportsmanship, and how we treat others are more important than the scoreboard.

Biblical Principle: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:23

2. Academic Responsibility

I will ensure that my child maintains satisfactory academic performance, defined as a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

If my child's academic performance falls below this standard, I will promptly communicate with the appropriate coach, advisor, or program director.

I understand that participation in athletics should complement—not replace—the responsibility to pursue academic excellence.

Biblical Principle: Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 16:3

3. Support of Team Standards

I will encourage my child to follow all team rules, program guidelines, and the Player Code of Conduct.

I will not encourage my child to disregard a team rule simply because I disagree with it.

If I have a legitimate concern about a rule, I will address it through the appropriate adult channels rather than asking my child to challenge the coach.

Biblical Principle: Hebrews 13:17; Romans 12:18

4. Model Positive Behavior

I understand that my child is watching me.

I will model the same qualities expected of Defenders players:

• Respect

• Self-control

• Humility

• Sportsmanship

• Encouragement

• Integrity

• Patience

• Responsibility

I will not demand behavior from my child that I am unwilling to demonstrate myself.

Biblical Principle: 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 4:9

5. Positive Sideline Behavior

I will model self-control and sportsmanship before, during, and after practices and games.

I will:

• Encourage players positively.

• Cheer for the team.

• Respect officials and opposing teams.

• Allow coaches to coach.

• Refrain from criticizing players.

• Refrain from yelling instructions at players from the stands.

• Refrain from arguing with officials.

• Refrain from negative or inappropriate language.

I understand that the stands are not the place to settle disagreements with coaches, officials, players, or opposing fans.

Biblical Principle: James 1:19-20; Galatians 5:22-23

6. Let the Coaches Coach

I will allow the coaching staff to coach the team.

I will not:

• Give my child tactical or strategic instructions from the sidelines.

• Second-guess coaching decisions during games.

• Tell my child where to play or what play to run while the coach is directing the team.

• Attempt to coach other players.

• Undermine a coach's authority in front of players.

I understand that having multiple adults giving a player conflicting instructions can create confusion and frustration.

Biblical Principle: 1 Corinthians 14:40

7. Respect for Coaches

I will treat coaches with respect and recognize the time, effort, and sacrifice they make to serve the players.

I will not criticize, belittle, threaten, or confront a coach in front of players, other parents, or spectators.

If I disagree with a coaching decision, I will address the concern privately and at an appropriate time.

Biblical Principle: Ephesians 4:29; Romans 12:10

8. Understanding Competitive Play & Playing Time

I understand that the Des Moines Defenders is a competitive athletic program.

Playing time, positions, lineups, and game strategy are determined by the coaching staff based on what they believe is best for the team and its players.

I will not approach a coach during or immediately following a game to question my child's playing time.

I will not encourage my child to compare his or her playing time with another player.

If I have a legitimate concern, I will follow the established communication process.

Biblical Principle: Philippians 2:3-4; Proverbs 3:5-6

9. Player-Focused Perspective

I understand that the game is for the players.

I will allow my child to experience both success and failure, learn from mistakes, receive coaching, and develop independence.

I will not live vicariously through my child or make my child's athletic accomplishments a reflection of my own success.

I will ask questions such as:

"Did you have fun?"
"What did you learn?"
"How can you improve?"
"How did you encourage your teammates?"

rather than focusing exclusively on wins, losses, points, or playing time.

Biblical Principle: Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 6:4

10. Encouragement of All Players

I will support and encourage all Defenders athletes, not just my own child.

I will celebrate effort, improvement, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.

I will never intentionally embarrass, criticize, or ridicule another player.

I will also show appreciation for good play and sportsmanship from opposing teams.

Biblical Principle: 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:32

11. Respect for Officials and Opponents

I will respect referees, opposing coaches, players, parents, and fans.

I understand that officials will make mistakes, just as players and coaches do.

I will not yell at, insult, threaten, or confront officials.

I will not make negative comments about opposing players or their families.

I will model the sportsmanship I want my child to demonstrate.

Biblical Principle: Matthew 7:12; Romans 12:18

12. Social Media & Digital Conduct

I understand that what I post online can affect my child, other families, coaches, and the reputation of the Des Moines Defenders.

I will not use social media, group texts, email, or other electronic communication to:

• Publicly criticize or attack a coach, player, official, or family.

• Spread rumors or gossip.

• Question or debate playing time publicly.

• Create division within the team.

• Post inappropriate photographs or videos involving other players without appropriate permission.

• Misrepresent the position of the Des Moines Defenders.

If I have a concern, I will address it directly through the appropriate communication process rather than posting it publicly.

Biblical Principle: Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 16:28; Colossians 4:6

13. Protecting the Player from Adult Conflict

I will not place my child in the middle of an adult disagreement.

I will not ask my child to:

• Deliver a complaint to a coach.

• Confront another player or parent on my behalf.

• Explain or defend my disagreement with a coaching decision.

• Carry messages between adults regarding a conflict.

If an issue needs to be addressed, I will address it directly with the appropriate adult.

Biblical Principle: Ephesians 4:2-3; Romans 12:18

14. Character Development

I will take an active role in developing my child's character.

I will reinforce that:

• Attitude matters.

• Effort matters.

• How you treat others matters.

• Winning is not everything.

• Losing does not define you.

• Mistakes are opportunities to learn.

• Character is more important than statistics.

I will encourage my child to take responsibility for his or her own actions rather than always blaming coaches, officials, teammates, or circumstances.

Biblical Principle: Proverbs 22:6; Galatians 5:22-23

15. Attendance, Commitment & Responsibility

I will make every reasonable effort to ensure that my child arrives on time and prepared for practices, games, and team activities.

If my child will be absent or late, I will communicate with the coach as soon as possible.

I understand that participation on a team is a commitment and that frequent absences affect teammates and coaches.

Biblical Principle: Matthew 5:37; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

16. Program Support & Volunteer Responsibilities

I understand that the Des Moines Defenders is a volunteer-driven organization.

I will complete required forms, pay required fees on time, and fulfill volunteer commitments agreed upon during registration or pay the designated waiver fee, as applicable.

I recognize that the quality and growth of the Defenders program depends upon families being willing to serve and contribute.

Biblical Principle: Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10

17. Health, Safety & Communication

I will promptly communicate relevant injuries, illnesses, medical concerns, transportation issues, or other circumstances that could affect my child's safe participation.

I will encourage my child to communicate honestly with coaches about injuries and health concerns.

I will support coaches in maintaining a safe environment for all players.

Biblical Principle: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Philippians 2:4

18. Conflict Resolution

I agree to follow the Defenders' established process for addressing concerns.

Step 1 — Direct Communication

Whenever appropriate, I will first communicate directly with the individual involved in a respectful and private manner.

I will not attempt to resolve a significant disagreement during a game, immediately following a game, or while emotions are high.

Step 2 — Coach/Director Involvement

If the concern cannot be resolved, I will request a conversation with the appropriate coach, Athletic Director, program director, or advisor.

Step 3 — Leadership Review

If the matter remains unresolved, the program director or advisor may determine whether the issue should be brought before the appropriate Defenders leadership or advisory board.

I will approach conflict with the goal of finding a solution rather than proving that I am right.

Biblical Principle: Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:2-3

19. Respect for the Defenders Community

I understand that the Des Moines Defenders is more than an individual team. We are a community of families working together.

I will strive to build unity rather than division.

I will welcome new families, encourage other parents, support coaches, and contribute to an environment where players can grow athletically, spiritually, and personally.

Biblical Principle: Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:3

20. Accountability & Consequences

I understand that my behavior affects my child, the team, and the entire Defenders organization.

Failure to comply with this Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct may result in consequences determined by the coaching staff and/or Defenders leadership.

Depending on the nature and severity of the conduct, consequences may include:

• Verbal or written warning.

• Meeting with the coach or program leadership.

• Restrictions regarding sideline or team participation.

• Suspension from attending games or team activities.

• Suspension of the parent's participation in the program.

• Removal of the parent/family from the Des Moines Defenders program.

Serious or repeated violations may result in immediate action.

I understand that the Defenders reserves the right to take appropriate action when parent behavior negatively affects players, coaches, officials, families, or the mission of the organization.

Biblical Principle: Galatians 6:7; Proverbs 12:1

My Commitment as a Defenders Parent/Guardian

By allowing my child to participate in the Des Moines Defenders, I acknowledge that I have an important role in creating the culture of our program.

I commit to:

Support my child.
Respect our coaches.
Respect officials and opponents.
Encourage every player.
Let the coaches coach.
Handle concerns privately and appropriately.
Model self-control and good sportsmanship.
Build unity rather than division.
Support the mission of the Defenders.
Help my child use sports to glorify God.

"Let all that you do be done in love." — 1 Corinthians 16:14

Parent/Guardian Agreement

I have read and understand the Des Moines Defenders Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct. I agree to follow these standards and support the coaches and leadership of the Des Moines Defenders in providing a positive, competitive, Christ-centered athletic experience for all players.