All Administrators, Coaches, and Volunteers shall abide by the AYF Standard of Conduct. Any violation of these provisions may result in disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the Association, Conference, Region, or National Organization.
If any provision of this Standard of Conduct is violated during a Regional or National event, the AYF National Office shall have sole discretion to impose any penalty it deems appropriate, with no right of appeal.
By accepting membership and participating in American Youth Football, all Administrators, Coaches, and Volunteers acknowledge and agree to abide by the AYF Pledge, Code, and Standard of Conduct and shall conduct themselves in accordance with the spirit and intent of these principles.
All Administrators, Coaches, and Volunteers shall:
Refrain from smoking, vaping, or using smokeless tobacco products on the field or in the presence of participants at any time.
Abstain from the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages and the possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances during any AYF activity or in the presence of participants.
Accept the decisions of game officials, judges, and event administrators as fair and rendered to the best of their ability.
Refrain from criticizing opposing teams, players, cheer participants, coaches, administrators, or spectators through words, actions, gestures, or social media.
Share responsibility for the conduct of parents, guardians, fans, and spectators. Any individual whose behavior becomes disruptive, abusive, or detrimental to the event shall be asked to leave.
Refrain from the use of abusive, threatening, discriminatory, or profane language at all times.
Never encourage or attempt to intentionally run up the score against an opponent. In the event of a substantial lead, every reasonable effort shall be made to provide playing opportunities for all participants.
Never permit, encourage, or ignore extreme dieting, dehydration, weight-cutting, or “sweating down” practices. Any suspected instance shall be immediately reported to the participant's parent or guardian and the appropriate Association Administrator.
Not recommend, distribute, administer, or provide any medication, whether prescription, controlled, or over-the-counter, unless specifically authorized by the participant's parent or guardian and applicable law.
Refrain from deliberately encouraging, promoting, or participating in unsportsmanlike conduct.
Provide constructive instruction and correction without belittling, humiliating, intimidating, or berating participants.
Remove any participant from practice, competition, or team activities whenever there is a concern regarding the participant's health, safety, or well-being until qualified medical advice or clearance is obtained.
Comply with and enforce all provisions of the AYF Anti-Substance Abuse Policy and ensure participants understand its importance.
Ensure that all participants are properly certified and eligible and maintain all required documentation verifying participant eligibility.
Ensure compliance with all Mandatory Play Rules and Regulations and provide every eligible participant the required minimum playing opportunities.
Uphold and enforce all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures established by the Association, Conference, Region, and National AYF organization.
Discourage the display of gang colors, gang symbols, gang-related communications, or any activity associated with gangs during all team, association, conference, regional, or national events and activities.
Refrain from spreading rumors, misinformation, or unsubstantiated allegations. Concerns regarding rule violations, misconduct, cheating, or other violations shall be submitted in writing to the appropriate Association, Conference, Regional, or National official for review and investigation.
AYF Coaches, Administrators, and Volunteers are entrusted with the responsibility of developing young athletes and leaders. They shall conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the highest standards of Leadership, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, and Sportsmanship and shall always place the safety, welfare, and character development of participants above all other considerations.