Northborough Youth Basketball (“NYB”) has adopted the following Policy for ALL age
groups and teams. As a member of the MetroWest Basketball League, for any policy or procedure not addressed within this Code of Conduct or otherwise addressed on the NYB website or registration, the NYB adopts the policies and procedures of the MetroWest
Basketball League for all its age groups. If there is a conflict between the NYB policies and the policies of the MetroWest Basketball League the NYB policy will govern. The MetroWest Policies can be found at: https://www.metrowestbball.com/launch.php

Coaches, players, parents and all members of the NYB Community are expected to uphold this policy and respect the officials, fellow coaches and spectators no matter the circumstances.

The Organization will take any violations of the blow code of conduct very seriously and will result in warnings, suspensions, or removal from all NYB related activities and events, including but not limited to practices, scrimmages, games and tournaments.

Coaches, parents and players should read and familiarize themselves with the following policy and will be expected to understand and follow the same throughout the duration of the season.

NYB ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Every coach and all spectators shall support the Officials. Failure to do so undermines the Officials authority and has the potential to create a hostile environment for players, the official, and all the other participants and spectators. Consequently, NYB has adopted the following rule:

Spectators are prohibited from yelling, heckling or speaking in a derogatory manner in anyway towards any Officials before, during or after a game.

Coaches and players are also prohibited from yelling, heckling or speaking in a derogatory
manner in anyway towards any officials at any time. Coaches should instruct their players that unless spoken to by the official, all communications between the team and the official should go through the coach or assistant coach.

COACH BEHAVIOR AND RESPONSIBILITY
Coaches are responsible for ensuring that all members of the team and their fans practice good sportsmanship before, during and after the game.

Support the officials and refrain from making derogatory comments towards them.

Refrain from actions or words that undercut the self-esteem of players from their own team and opposite teams.

Do not allow your players to make derogatory comments towards other players, officials,
coaches or spectators.

NO trash talking.

Support post-game nice game exchange between players and coaches.

Good sportsmanship includes avoidance of unnecessary rough and dirty play. Players, coaches and officials should all strive in this regard. Dirty play will not be tolerated.

Record all game results online, and provide feedback on the game officials and spectators at the end of the game

Update all rosters prior to the start of the season. Understand the consequence if this is not done.

Notify your team of any schedule change.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT:

Treat your teammates and your opponent as you would like to be treated.

Be a good sport at all times and remember you represents your parents, your team, and your team.

Play by the rules.

Control your behavior at all times. Use of bad language is unacceptable.

Do not do anything that would endanger your opponents, your teammates, your coaches,
yourself, or officials.

Compete and prepare to win, never cheat to win.

PARENT/SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT:
Always keep in mind that the players are grade school children trying to learn a game, the team concept, improve their skills, and learn life lessons. They are NOT playing for the entertainment of the spectators. Applaud good performances from both teams. Congratulate all players regardless of the outcome.

Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during competition. Be positive. Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches or players. Be part of the solution NOT the problem when it comes to criticism and possible violence. Show respect for your teams’ opponents. Encourage players to obey the rules and decision of officials. Demonstrate appropriate social behavior by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches, or officials.
Calmer heads always prevail.

SPORTSMANSHIP:
All players, coaches and parents should support and encourage the following:

• NO trash talking.
• Support post-game nice game exchange between players and coaches.
• Good sportsmanship includes avoidance of unnecessary rough and dirty play. Players, coaches and officials should all strive in this regard. Dirty play will not be tolerated

OFFICIALS ARE AUTHORIZED TO GOVERN THE CONDUCT OF ALL PLAYERS COACHES AND SPECTATORS WITH THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:

Coach Misconduct:
If a official determines that a coach is in violation of proper behavior, both officials will stop play and inform the coach that he/she is not in line with proper conduct. The officials will continue to utilize technical fouls for inappropriate behavior, and all rules pertaining to coach suspension for two technical fouls will be in effect, officials will enforce Federation Rules when a coach or assistant coach receives a technical foul.

If, in the judgment of the officials, a coach’s conduct is extremely out of line, they will file a
report to the head of officials who in turn will contact the league commissioner to review the situation. The town coordinator will be consulted and a determination will be made whether further action needs to be taken.

Coaches should not contact league officials, game officials, opposing coaches or players. Please contact your town administrator.

Spectator Misconduct:

If, in the judgment of the officials, spectator behavior is out of line with respect to the code of conduct, the officials will call a stoppage of play, and confer with the game coaches. The coach will in turn be responsible to contact the spectators for the purpose of correcting the inappropriate.

If the inappropriate conduct is not corrected, the offending spectator may be asked to leave the gym. Failure on the part of the spectator(s) to comply may result in the official calling a premature end to the game.

If the inappropriate behavior is not readily resolved, the game officials will file a report to the head of officials who, in turn, will contact the league commissioner. The town coordinator (s) will be contacted, and a determination will be made whether further action is necessary.

Spectators should not contact league officials, game officials or opponent coaches and players. Please contact your town coordinator.

Player Misconduct:
If an official determines that a player is exhibiting inappropriate behavior, the officials will stop play and confer with the coach to correct the inappropriate behavior. The use of technical fouls will continue as in the past, including mandatory suspension of a player for game ejection.

If, in the judgment of the officials, a player’s conduct is extremely out of line, they will file a
report to the head of officials who in turn will contact the league commissioner to review the situation. The town coordinator will be consulted and a determination will be made whether further action needs to be taken.

ADDITIONAL ACTIONS AND/OR SANCTIONS

The NYB Board reserves the right to issue any additional sanctions it deems necessary for the betterment of the organization against any player, coach, spectator or parent.

Social Media guideline Social Media Policy:
Coaches, Players, Parents, Officials and Coordinators are prohibited from posting anything on social media – direct or implied– that could be implied as negative, critical, or derogatory in reference to any NYB or MetroWest affiliated team, player, coach or official other than his or her own self or children. Positive comments are of course fine.

Posting critical comments on officiating on a social media platform is prohibited by anyone affiliated with a MetroWest team, including but not limited to any parent of any player. Much like professional sports, college sports, or MIAA (Massachusetts HS sports), commenting on officiating via any media platform (print, electronic, social, or otherwise) is not allowed. And suspensions are given for any such activity. Any offensive of this guideline will result in a gam suspension for the first offense and removal from the league for a 2nd offense. This includes spectators, parents, coaches, coordinators, and players.