Stampede Code of Conduct
Howard Stampede puts players first. We create safe, positive places where learning and growing—while having fun—matters more than winning. Parents, coaches, and fans should act as positive role models and support players’ development. Players must respect teammates, coaches, officials, and organizers. The main reason kids play sports and keep playing is because it’s fun.
Failure to adhere to the code of conduct may result in dismissal from the program without refund. Parents/guardians that register their player(s) must sign and abide by the following:
General Behavior:
Alcohol and Drug Use: There will be no possession or use of alcoholic beverages at an event site by anyone under the legal drinking age; or anyone, regardless of age, if prohibited by the event venue. There will be no possession or use of any illegal substances.
Discrimination of any kind including based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or mental or physical disability will NOT be tolerated.
Sportsmanship and Fair Play: In all practices, games, and Stampede-sponsored events, players are expected to perform to the best of their ability, within the context of specific rules of field hockey. Sportsmanship and fair play to teammates, opponents, coaches and officials should be in the forefront of a team’s basic philosophy and attitude.
Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated, including but not limited to:
Any act considered to be an offense under federal, state, local and MYFHL laws and rules.
Vandalism, damaging of property, unauthorized use of equipment or property, or theft.
Inappropriate horseplay or other misbehavior which physically endangers any person or property.
Verbal, physical abuse or hostility towards a player, teammate, opponent, coach, official, administrative staff, or person of the public.
Any person observing or having knowledge of an activity, which may result in serious bodily harm to a program participant, must immediately report such activity to Stampede leadership or its representatives.
Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in:
Participant(s) responsible for property loss being liable to pay all replacement/repair costs.
Expulsion from any practice, game, or Stampede-sponsored event.
Immediate dismissal from a Stampede program without refund, including loss of opportunity to participate in future Stampede seasons.
Parent/Guardian Expectations
Be present. Parents or guardians are expected to stay with their child for the duration of practices, games, or events. If this is not possible, a designated responsible parent or guardian will remain within the vicinity for the duration of the practice, game, or event in place of the parent or legal guardian (e.g., carpool situations).
Be prepared. Ensure that your player arrives to practices and games on time and with all necessary equipment (stick, shin guards, mouthguard, and water bottle). Players will not be allowed to practice or enter games without a stick, shin guards, or a mouthguard.
Be respectful. We expect all parents/guardians/spectators to display appropriate and respectful behavior towards all athletes, referees, and coaches/staff including those outside of our organization. Be a positive role model for good sportsmanship. Parents/guardians and other spectators will refrain from “coaching from the sidelines.” If you are not on the coaching staff, do not provide instruction of any kind.
Be considerate. Stampede coaches are volunteers. They have busy lives and family obligations, yet they willingly devote their time and effort to coach your player. Please notify the head coach if your player will not be able to attend a practice or game.
We appreciate your cooperation.