The Skills Center Basketball League strives to provide an opportunity for all interested youth in Tampa to develop and have fun in the game of basketball. Emphasis is placed on teaching and reinforcing positive basketball fundamentals. Youth are encouraged to gain an understanding of teamwork, proper sportsmanship, and the rules of the game. Highest priority is given to making the experience an enjoyable one for young athletes. The following Codes of Conduct for all players, parents & coaches have been set forward to achieve these goals.
These Codes of Conduct are an agreement between Skills Center players, parents, and coaches to abide by the rules and regulations of the game, as well as maintain a cooperative attitude and uphold the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship. The Codes of Conduct can be summarized in the following three principles: (1) Demonstrating a positive attitude; (2) Setting a good example; and (3) Abiding by rules & regulations of the game.
1. Demonstrating a positive attitude
Players, parents, and coaches are expected to show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches, or fans undermine the purpose of sport and encourage behavior contrary to the spirit of the game and the mission of The Skills Center.
2. Setting a good example
Each person associated with The Skills Center is always accountable for his/her own behavior on or off the court. Parents, coaches, and other adults should remember that children learn by example ‐ it is up to the adults to set good examples. The Skills Center will not tolerate conduct that is detrimental to the sport, the participants, or the community. Such conduct includes Vulgarity by coaches, players, or parents; harassment or belittling of officials, coaches or players; verbal abuse, threats or physical violence toward anyone before, during or after a game; and the taunting of opposing players, coaches and parents. We require thorough self‐restraint by all participants ‐ both players and adults. Teams must exercise appropriate control over those who fail to control themselves.
3. Abide by rules & regulations of the game
The referee's job is a difficult one. Parents or players who believe their team has been treated unfairly should speak to their coach after the game. Coaches should inform the appropriate league or tournament officials about blatant officiating problems. Players and coaches are required to maintain a sense of fair play and be respectful of officials, opposing players, coaches, and fans always. Sportsmanship begins with respect.
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in:
- A Parent being suspended and/or removed from practice/game/tournament.
- A Coach being suspended and/or removed from practice/game/tournament.
- A Player being benched by the team’s coach for player or parent misconduct before, during, or after game(s).
- A Player, Parent, Coach, or family member could be released from the League
Any violations of the code of conduct will be reviewed by the Director of The Skills Center League to determine the outcome of the violation. Player, parent, or coach will be indefinitely suspended during this review period.