POLICY STATEMENT 19

ATHLETIC PROGRAM DISCIPLINE POLICY

 Prepared by: William Davis, Athletic Manager

Supersedes: 5/26/2005

Adopted by Council: 9/27/2012

Effective: 9/28/2012

Purpose

To adopt an official policy for the control of individual behavior at athletic activities for the purpose of maintaining a proper recreational atmosphere at events.

Coverage

This policy, upon adoption, shall be applicable to all individuals participating in athletics as players, coaches, officials, or spectators and shall remain in effect until such time that it is altered, modified, or rescinded by the Town Council.

Policy

The Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department hereby establishes the following Athletic Discipline Policy:

1.         Unsportsmanlike Conduct, to include, but not limited to the following:

            a.         Harassment of participants or officials, or

            b.         Profane language and/or gestures, or

            c.         Public threat or physical violence, or

            d.         Disruptive or malicious behavior.

2.         Any individual (includes players, coaches, officials, and spectators) displaying unsportsmanlike conduct, whether before, during or following a game, will be subject to partial or permanent program suspension at the discretion of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department.

3.         Ejection from Game - Adult Participant (including youth coaches)

a.         Any adult ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct will automatically remain suspended from participating in at least the next game to be played by their team. (Exception:  Slapping the backboard or dunking in basketball will not be considered a discipline offense, but all violations of safety rules will be enforced through the athletic program discipline policy). 

 b.         Any adult ejected from a second game for unsportsmanlike conduct during any one season will automatically be suspended from a minimum of the next two games to be played by their team and may not participate in any game with their team until they have a personal conference with the appropriate athletic staff.

 c.         The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department will review all ejections and may extend any suspension beyond the minimum game suspension as noted in 4(b) as it deems appropriate for the offense.

4.         Any coach displaying unsportsmanlike conduct, violating any coach’s code of conduct rule, or refusing to abide by rules and regulations established by the department will be subject to partial or permanent program suspension at the discretion of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department.

a.         The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department staff may meet with the coach in violation and will issue a partial or permanent suspension from the program.

b.         A coach may request a conference appeal before the appropriate athletic committee on any suspension taken by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department.

c.         Any coach or assistant coach who has been dismissed by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department may not return as a coach in the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department.

5.         Ejection from Game - Youth Participant

a.         Any youth ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct will automatically remain suspended from participating in at least the next game to be played by their team. (Exception:  Slapping the backboard or dunking in basketball will not be considered a discipline offense, but all violations of safety rules will be enforced through the athletic program discipline policy). 

b.         Any youth ejected from any two games within one season will automatically be suspended from participating in at least the next two games to be played by their team and may not return to their team until their parent(s)/guardian has a personal conference with the team’s coach and appropriate athletic committee.

6.         Rules for individual leagues may include provisions for disciplinary action above and beyond those listed in this policy.

7.         Any individual, whether youth or adult, suspended from a game after having a conference as outlined in 4(b) and 5(b) may be suspended for the remainder of the regular season and any tournament games.