Player-Parent Code of Conduct

We require exemplary behavior from our parents and players. As you read our Code of Conduct, please think about whether or not you can enforce this Code with your child/children. Ask yourself this question.

"Am I able to understand the SBU Code of Conduct and enforce their policies with my children? If not, perhaps this isn't the Club for you.  

In the rare case that a player does slip up, like all kids, we will work with them to help correct the behavior. If the behavior persists we'll take disciplinary action. 



Athletes are ambassadors of the South Bay United Water Polo Club (hereinafter "SBUWPC") and shall maintain high standards of moral and ethical conduct, which includes self-control and responsible behavior, as well as consideration for others’ physical and emotional well-being. By registering with SBUWPC, athletes acknowledge that they will: 

1. Treat others with respect and expect to be treated with respect in return; 
2. Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background, religion, or sexual preference; 
3. Uphold the standards of fair play and exhibit a high level of team spirit; 
4. Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing, or otherwise offensive language and gestures, in any form of communication (verbal, electronic, etc.); 
5. Engage in sportsmanlike conduct and act respectfully towards officials, coaches, players, and parents. Athletes should not boo, taunt, refuse to shake hands, or use profane language and/or gestures. Athletes shall be gracious, respectful, and humble in victory and defeat; 
6. Refrain from posting on the internet or any social media site (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, etc.,) any offensive or unauthorized statements, material, or visual images regarding any player, coach, parent, administrator, or individual affiliated with SBUWPC; 
7. Respect all water polo officials and/or coaches and their authority during, before, and after games, and refrain from questioning or confronting officials or coaches; 
8. Inform their coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of the athlete or the safety of others; 
9. Take care of and be respectful of all equipment and facilities, both at our facilities and at other practice or game venues; 
10. Ensure the pool deck is free from trash after practices, scrimmages, games, or any SBUWPC related event; 
11. Remain at the pool until equipment is secured, pool covers are in place, trash is removed, and the coach has given the athlete permission to leave; 
12. If feasible and within the athlete’s maturity, communicate directly with a coach regarding issues. While younger players may lack the ability to communicate with coaches about issues, older players (middle school and above) will be expected to address issues without parental interference; 
13. Otherwise comport themselves in a respectable, conscientious, and supportive manner.

Parents/Guardians of athletes represent the SBUWPC and have a duty to comport themselves in a dignified and respectful manner during practices, games, and tournaments, and throughout the duration of any travel tournament. By registering with SBUWPC, parents/guardians acknowledge that they will: 

1. Respect the coaching staff and not criticize coaches in public; 
2. Respect the authority of water polo officials and/or referees by not making harassing, abusive, or berating statements to officials or referees before, during, or after matches; 
3. Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all athletes regardless of gender, ability, cultural background, religion, or sexual preference; 
4. Respect the field of play (i.e., the pool and the immediate pool deck surrounding the pool) and not enter the area unless there is an emergency or asked to do so by a staff member or referee; 
5. Respect the coaching staff and other team members by not coaching from the sidelines, both during games and at practice. Such behavior includes directions for athletes to "swim," "shoot," drive," or "get open." This behavior is distracting and disruptive to spectators and parents. Most importantly, it interferes with a coaches' ability to communicate with the team. Parents who repeatedly coach from the sidelines may be asked to not attend games; 
6. Respect all athletes on a team and make only positive comments about the athletes. Never make disrespectful or demeaning statements directed towards any athlete, or publicly question a player's decisions during a game; 
7. Respect any opposing team, its players, and its coaches. Do not make disrespectful comments about an opposing team or players; 
8. Refrain from the use of foul, offensive, or abusive language; 
9. Report in a timely manner to a coach or official any situation regarding the safety or well-being of any athlete (i.e., a player having chest pains, etc.); 
10. And otherwise comport themselves in a respectable, conscientious, and supportive manner.