The Players, Parents or Guardians (collectively referred to as "Participants"), must agree to this Code of Conduct (Code) as condition of membership in the Niagara Minor Football Association (NRMFA). At the start each season, each of the Participants must sign this Code and submit it to the Player's Head Coach prior to the beginning of the season.

Governing Standards of Conduct

  1. We, the Participants, understand that being allowed to play football with NRMFA is a privilege and that full compliance with the Code at all times is required.
  2. I, the Player agree to abide fully by the rules of the game applicable to the level of play in which my team participates.
  3. We, The Participants, understand that we must set an example, and conduct ourselves in accordance with all Federal, Provincial, and Municipal laws while attending fields for both practice and games. We will be respectful and courteous towards everyone associated with the game and that our team, the organization and myself will be judged by our behaviour.
  4. We, the Participants, understand that any irresponsible or disrespectful behaviour at any centre facility and/ or toward any Coach, Official, player or parent whether before, during or after a game or practice is inappropriate and will not be tolerated.
  5. We, the Participants, understand that yelling, taunting, use of obscene gestures or language, racial or ethnic slurs, striking or attempting to strike (except allowable on body contact under league rules) or otherwise abusing another player, Official, Coach, or spectator will not be tolerated.
  6. We, the Participants, understand that we must abide by and respect the Officials and their authority during any and all games. We will not question or confront Officials whether before, during or after a game.
  7. We, the Participants will not publicly criticize or question Coaches, teammates, opponents or Officials and shall only raise our concerns privately in a civil and respectful manner.
  8. I, the Player, understand that I am expected to attend every practice or game to the best of my ability and participate in all skill development sessions where applicable. It is my responsibility to notify my coach if I am unable to attend.
  9. I, the Player, understand that winning is not everything and that having fun, improving skills, making friends and learning sportsmanship is the primary goal of the NRMFA. Winning or losing will be done with equal grace and dignity.
  10. We, the Participants, understand that failure to abide by the Code will result in disciplinary actions as set out in this Code. I have reviewed this Code of Conduct, and if I am a Player I have discussed its contents with my Parent or Guardian, who also agree to be bound by the standards outlined above.

NRMFA's Drug and Alcohol Policy

The Niagara Regional Minor Football Association enforces a "Zero Tolerance" policy with respect to the use of drugs and alcohol by all NRMFA players, coaches, parents, and bench staff Any player, coach, parent or bench staff member found to be consuming or under the influence of drugs or alcohol during practices or games will be subjected to an automatic l game suspension or In the case of a parent/ guardian, immediate suspension of rights to attend all team activities until further notice. Multiple violations of this policy will be severely dealt with by the NRMFA Board of Directors and will lead to multi-game suspensions, and ultimately removal of NRMFA membership privileges.

NRMFA's 24 Hour Rule

The best way to avoid situations that can lead to a violation of the NRMFA Code of Conduct is to use the "24 Hour Rule". The NRMFA endorses this rule and mandates its application to all its sanctioned events.

Simply put, if an incident occurs at a game or practice that is likely to create a conflict, everyone involved must step back and reflect on the situation for a period of at least 24 hours. After 24 hours have passed the Participant having an issue must first raise the concern with the team Parent Representative. The Parent Representative will discuss the issue with the Team Coach who will render a decision on the matter.

Where the Participant remains dissatisfied with the Coach's resolution of the matter, the issue must be reduced to writing with full particulars and submitted to the Centre Convener for further deliberation in accordance with NRMFA policy and procedure.

Disciplinary Actions Resulting from a Breach of the NRMFA Code of Conduct

First Offense

  • Verbal warning to the player and/or parents/guardians by head coach who will also provide a written notice to the city centre convener.

Second Offense

  • Written warning by head coach to the player and/or parents/guardians along with an automatic one game suspension. The head coach will provide a written notice to his city centre convener who will provide a copy to the NRMFA Board of Directors.

Third Offense

  • In the case of a player, immediate suspension from all team activities until further notice. The head coach will provide a written notice to his city centre convener who will provide a copy to the NRMFA Board. The Board will initiate a Disciplinary Committee review of the player's conduct and issue a formal written response along with details of the term of suspension.
  • In the case of a parent/guardian, immediate suspension of rights to attend all team activities until further notice. The head coach will provide a written notice to his city centre convener who will provide a copy to the NRMFA Board. The Board will initiate a Disciplinary Committee review of the parent's/guardian's conduct and issue a formal written response along with details of the term of suspension.

Fourth Offense

  • In the case of a player, immediate suspension from all team activities until further notice. The head coach will provide a written notice to his city centre convener who will provide a copy to the NRMFA Board. The Board will initiate a Disciplinary Committee review of the player's conduct and issue a formal written response informing the player of his suspension for the remainder of the season. At the Board's discretion, the player may also permanently lose his/her right to membership in the NRMFA.
  • In the case of a parent/guardian, immediate suspension of rights to attend all team activities. The head coach will provide a written notice to his city center convener who will provide a copy to the NRMFA Board. The Board will initiate a Disciplinary Committee review of the parent's/guardian's conduct and issue a formal written response informing the parent/guardian of their suspension for the remainder of the season. At the Board's discretion, the parent/guardian and therefore the associated player may also permanently lose their right to membership in the Niagara Minor Football Association.

The NRMFA Board of directors will maintain a permanent record of all breaches of the NRMFA Code of Conduct and will take into account historical information when ruling on disciplinary action.