Player Supervision and Behavior Policy
Purpose
Hopkinton Youth Sports Association (HYSA) is committed to providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable recreational experience for all participants. As a volunteer-run organization, our programs depend on parents, coaches, and community members who generously give their time to teach and mentor young athletes. To maintain a supportive and safe environment for every child, this policy outlines
Expectations regarding player behavior, supervision, and parental involvement:
1. Behavioral Expectations
All players are expected to:
Demonstrate respect for teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents at all times.
Follow coaches’ directions promptly and participate safely in all team activities.
Refrain from any form of physical aggression, bullying, intimidation, or conduct that disrupts the practice or game environment.
Represent HYSA in a manner consistent with sportsmanship, respect, and community standards.
Repeated violations of these expectations may result in temporary or permanent removal from team activities, at the discretion of the coach and/or the HYSA Board.
2. Supervision and Support Requirements
HYSA teams are led by one or two volunteer coaches and are not equipped to provide individualized or one-on-one behavioral supervision or support. If a player’s behavior requires a level of supervision or support beyond what volunteer coaches can reasonably provide, the following applies:
The head coach and/or HYSA Board may determine that a player requires additional supervision or behavioral support in order to participate safely and appropriately.
In such cases, a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult must remain on site during all practices and games to assist as needed.
The head coach and/or HYSA Board may require that a parent or guardian serve as an assistant coach or team helper for the duration of the season to provide consistent guidance and supervision.
The parent or guardian is responsible for ensuring that their child’s participation does not compromise the safety or enjoyment of other players or the team as a whole.
Failure to meet these supervision requirements may result in suspension or removal from the program until the necessary supervision arrangements are in place.
3. Communication and Problem Resolution
HYSA encourages open, timely communication between parents, coaches, and program commissioners. If behavioral or safety concerns arise:
The coach or the commissioner of the specific sport will communicate concerns directly with the parent or guardian.
The coach and/or HYSA Board may require that a parent remain at practices and games or serve as an assistant to support participation.
Continued behavioral or safety issues may be referred to the HYSA Board for review and potential disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the program.
All decisions regarding player participation are made collectively, with consideration for player safety, team welfare, and program integrity.
4. Scope and Application
This policy applies to all HYSA programs and participants, including but not limited to soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, T-ball, tennis, golf, and any other recreational sports or activities administered by HYSA now or in the future. It complements the HYSA Code of Conduct for players, parents, and coaches and is intended to be read in conjunction with that document.
5. Acknowledgment
During registration, parents or guardians must acknowledge the following statement:
“I understand that if my child is determined by the head coach and/or HYSA Board to require additional supervision or behavioral support in order to participate safely and appropriately, I may be required to attend all practices and games or assist coaches as needed.”
Approved by: HYSA Board of Directors
Effective Date: March 13, 2025
Contact: president@hopkintonyouthsports.org
