Player Code of Conduct

Des Moines Defenders Player Commitment Agreement

Player Commitment Agreement

The Des Moines Defenders believe that athletics provide an opportunity not only to develop physical skills, but also to develop character, discipline, humility, perseverance, integrity, and a servant's heart.

As a player, I understand that I represent my team, my family, and the Des Moines Defenders. I commit to demonstrating good sportsmanship, strong character, respect, self-discipline, and a positive attitude both on and off the court.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." — Colossians 3:23

I agree to uphold the following standards and expectations:

1. Attentiveness & Coachability

I will listen carefully to my coaches and follow their instructions. I will remain attentive during practices, games, team meetings, and other team activities. I will accept coaching and correction with a positive and teachable attitude.

Biblical Principle: Proverbs 12:1; Proverbs 19:20; James 1:19

God calls us to be teachable, willing to listen, and willing to accept instruction and correction.

2. Effort & Diligence

I will give my best effort at all times in practices, games, and team activities. I understand that effort, attitude, and a willingness to improve are more important than being the most talented player.

Biblical Principle: Colossians 3:23; Proverbs 14:23

I will work diligently and give my best effort because ultimately I am serving the Lord through what I do.

3. Attendance & Commitment

I understand that being part of a team is a commitment. I will attend all scheduled practices, games, and team activities and will arrive on time and prepared to participate.

If I must be absent or late, I will notify my coach or team coordinator as soon as possible. I understand that repeated or unexcused absences may result in disciplinary action at the coach's discretion.

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

My word and my commitments should mean something. I will make every reasonable effort to keep the commitments I make to my team.

4. Orderliness & Dress Code

I will maintain a clean and appropriate appearance throughout the season and follow the Defenders' dress standards.

• No jewelry may be worn during practices or games.

• Clothing must be modest and appropriate at all Defenders events.

• Young men will wear shirts at all times and keep shorts properly worn.

• Young women will not wear revealing tops or midriff-baring clothing.

• Shorts must be loose-fitting and at least mid-thigh length.

• Undergarments must remain covered at all times.

• During games, headbands, undershirts, and arm/leg sleeves must match the team jersey color unless otherwise approved by a coach.

Biblical Principle: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Timothy 2:9-10

I will seek to dress in a way that demonstrates modesty, self-respect, and respect for others.

5. Positive Attitude

I will maintain a positive, coachable attitude regardless of playing time, officiating, mistakes, or game outcomes.

I will not pout, complain, make negative comments, or demonstrate poor body language when things do not go my way.

Biblical Principle: Philippians 2:14-15; Philippians 4:8

I will strive to be a positive influence rather than allowing frustration or disappointment to control my behavior.

6. Respect for Coaches

I will respect my coaches and their decisions, including decisions regarding playing time, positions, lineups, and game strategy.

I will not argue with, talk back to, mock, or disrespect a coach. If I disagree with a decision, I will respectfully accept it and, when appropriate, discuss my concerns with my coach at the proper time.

Biblical Principle: Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 6:1-3

I will respect the authority placed over me and respond to correction with humility.

7. Respect for Teammates & Opponents

I will treat teammates and opponents with respect and dignity. I will encourage others and set a positive example.

• Taunting, mocking, ridiculing, or intentionally embarrassing another player will not be tolerated.

• I will encourage teammates when they make mistakes rather than criticize them.

• I will celebrate my teammates' successes rather than being jealous or resentful.

• I will treat opponents with respect before, during, and after games.

• I will shake hands, congratulate opponents, and demonstrate good sportsmanship when appropriate.

Biblical Principle: Matthew 7:12; Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:3-4

I will treat others the way I want to be treated and will put the interests of others ahead of selfish ambition.

8. Respect for Officials

I will respect referees and other officials at all times.

I will not argue, complain, gesture disrespectfully, or make inappropriate comments toward an official. If I disagree with a call, I will accept the decision and allow my coach to address any concerns through the appropriate channels.

Biblical Principle: Romans 13:1-2; 1 Peter 2:17

I will demonstrate respect for those who have been given authority and will not allow frustration over a call to control my behavior.

9. Team First

I understand that the success of the team is more important than my individual goals.

I will support my teammates, accept my role on the team, and work to improve rather than complain about playing time, positions, or other decisions made by my coaches.

I will never intentionally put my individual interests ahead of the team.

Biblical Principle: Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

A team is made up of individuals with different roles and abilities. I will value my teammates and understand that every role is important.

10. Phones & Electronic Devices

Once I enter the gym for a practice, game, team meeting, or other team activity, my phone must be stored in my sports bag and may not be used.

I will not use my phone during practices, games, team meetings, or other team activities.

I may only take my phone out:

• To contact my parent or guardian, with permission from a coach when appropriate; or

• In the event of an emergency.

Coaches may require phones to remain stored for the entire duration of a team activity.

Biblical Principle: Ephesians 5:15-16; Philippians 4:8

I will use my time wisely and give my attention to the people and responsibilities in front of me rather than allowing electronic devices to distract me.

11. Social Media & Digital Conduct

I understand that my behavior online can reflect on me, my family, my teammates, and the Des Moines Defenders.

I will not use social media, group messaging, text messages, or other electronic communication to:

• Bully, threaten, harass, or intimidate another person.

• Mock, embarrass, or ridicule a teammate, opponent, coach, or official.

• Spread rumors or intentionally create conflict within the team.

• Post inappropriate photographs, videos, or comments involving team activities or other players.

• Represent myself as speaking on behalf of the Des Moines Defenders without authorization.

Biblical Principle: Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Philippians 4:8

I will remember that my words should build others up rather than tear them down, whether those words are spoken in person or communicated electronically.

12. Bullying, Harassment & Gossip

I will not bully, intimidate, threaten, harass, exclude, or repeatedly tease another player.

I will not participate in rumors, gossip, group exclusion, or other behavior intended to hurt, embarrass, or divide another person.

If I see behavior that could harm another player or negatively affect the team, I will bring it to the attention of a coach or another trusted adult.

Biblical Principle: Leviticus 19:16-18; Ephesians 4:29, 31-32; Proverbs 16:28

I will use my words to encourage unity and will not participate in gossip or behavior that creates division.

13. Responsibility for Equipment & Facilities

I will treat all equipment, uniforms, gyms, locker rooms, and other facilities with care and respect.

I will not engage in horseplay or behavior that could damage property or create an unsafe environment.

I understand that I may be held responsible for intentional damage caused by my actions.

Biblical Principle: Luke 16:10; 1 Corinthians 4:2

I will be responsible and trustworthy with the things that have been placed in my care.

14. Self-Control & Appropriate Language

I will control my temper and demonstrate patience and self-control.

I will use appropriate language and will not use profanity, obscene gestures, threats, or other inappropriate behavior.

I will not engage in fighting or intentionally aggressive behavior toward another person.

I understand that the use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is incompatible with representing the Des Moines Defenders.

Biblical Principle: Galatians 5:22-23; Proverbs 16:32; Ephesians 4:31-32

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. I will seek to respond to difficult situations with patience rather than anger.

15. Health & Safety

I will promptly inform a coach of any illness, injury, pain, or fatigue that may affect my ability to safely participate.

I will follow all reasonable safety instructions given by my coaches, officials, or facility personnel.

I will not intentionally engage in behavior that could endanger myself or another person.

Biblical Principle: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Proverbs 22:3

I will treat my body as something entrusted to me by God and will act responsibly to protect myself and others.

16. Teamwork & Character

The Des Moines Defenders program emphasizes teamwork, character, integrity, humility, and service to others.

I will avoid prideful attitudes, gossip, selfishness, negativity, and division. Instead, I will seek to encourage my teammates, build unity, serve others, and represent the values of the Defenders in a positive way.

I understand that how I treat people when nobody is watching is just as important as how I behave during a game.

Biblical Principle: Micah 6:8; Galatians 5:13-14; Philippians 2:3-4

My character matters more than my statistics, accomplishments, or wins.

17. Following Team & Program Rules

I will follow all reasonable team and program rules established by my coaches and the Des Moines Defenders leadership.

I understand that coaches are responsible for maintaining an environment where players can learn, compete, and grow in character.

Biblical Principle: 1 Corinthians 14:40; Hebrews 13:17

Rules and structure help create an environment where everyone can learn, compete, and work together effectively.

18. Discipline & Consequences

I understand that violations of this Code of Conduct may result in consequences determined by my coach or the Des Moines Defenders leadership.

Depending on the nature and frequency of the violation, consequences may include:

• Verbal correction or warning.

• Discussion with the player.

• Notification or meeting with the player's parent or guardian.

• Loss of practice or game privileges.

• Suspension from team activities.

• Removal from a team or the Des Moines Defenders program.

Serious violations may result in immediate disciplinary action.

I understand that coaches and Defenders leadership will consider the circumstances, severity, frequency, and attitude of the player when determining an appropriate response.

Biblical Principle: Proverbs 12:1; Proverbs 27:5-6; Hebrews 12:11

Correction is intended not simply to punish, but to help develop wisdom, responsibility, self-control, and good character.

My Commitment

By participating in the Des Moines Defenders, I understand that I am not only representing myself. I am representing my teammates, my family, my coaches, and the entire Defenders organization.

I commit to competing with effort, humility, integrity, respect, and good sportsmanship.

I will strive to be the kind of teammate and competitor who makes those around me better.

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