EYAA Coach Expectations & Code of Conduct

First, thank you. Our coaches are the heart of EYAA. Your time, energy, and care make an enormous impact—not just on your team, but on our entire community. A great coach can inspire confidence, teach life lessons, and spark a lifelong love of sports.

At EYAA, our goal is to provide a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where kids can learn, grow, and enjoy sports. This includes giving each child the opportunity to participate and contribute as much as they’re able throughout the season.

Our Coaching Philosophy

Focus on Fun

While learning and competition are part of the game, the number one thing we want is for every child to leave each practice or game smiling, feeling like they belong, and excited to play again. When fun is the foundation, everything else—skill, teamwork, confidence—naturally follows.

Prioritize Development

EYAA is designed as an introductory and skill-building program—not a travel or competitive league. Winning isn’t the primary goal. The real success lies in seeing kids improve, grow more confident, and try new things. Help them explore all the sport has to offer, and make sure every player gets time to develop on the field or court.

Coach the Whole Team

Every player deserves attention and support. Balance your energy across the whole roster, offer opportunities to try different positions, and avoid favoritism. Make an effort to ensure all players get meaningful playing time, to the extent they are able to participate safely and comfortably.

Build Confidence Through Positivity

Kids build confidence when they feel safe to try and fail without judgment. Celebrate effort and improvement. When a player struggles, keep encouraging them. When they succeed, help them understand why. Improvement and enjoyment go hand in hand.

Be a Model of Respect

Everyone—coaches, officials, parents, and players—is here to create a positive environment. Mistakes will happen on and off the field. Stay calm under pressure. Disagreements should be handled professionally and privately.

Communicate Concerns

If you experience a challenge—whether it’s about gameplay, behavior, or anything else—please bring it to the attention of the league directors or an EYAA board member. We’re here to support you. Open communication helps us make the program better for everyone.

Promote Healthy Competition, Not Rivalry

Friendly competition is a valuable part of sports—but it should never come at the cost of respect or community. EYAA players may compete against each other in one season and play together in the next. Avoid encouraging rivalries between teams or players. Emphasize mutual respect and shared goals. The relationships kids build now shape how they experience sports for years to come.

These guidelines are vital to maintaining a safe, informed, and unified environment across all EYAA teams. Thank you for helping us uphold these standards.

Required Responsibilities: Training, Checks & Meetings

To ensure a safe, consistent experience for everyone, all coaches must:

• Complete a background check

• Complete abuse prevention training

• Attend coaches’ meetings. If unable to attend, please contact the director(s) to get required materials.

We Do Not Tolerate:

• Abusive, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior

• Yelling at or belittling referees, players, or spectators

• Violence, obscene language, or disruptive conduct

Disciplinary Action

While our goal is to support and guide, repeated or serious violations may result in:

• A written warning

• Temporary removal from practices/games

• Suspension or removal from coaching, as determined by the EYAA Board

• In severe cases, law enforcement may be contacted.

Let’s Make It a Great Season!

Your example sets the tone for every athlete. Your commitment to their growth, safety, and enjoyment is what makes EYAA such a special place. Let's make it a great season—together. Thank you for helping make EYAA a place where kids can grow, learn, and love the game.

Coaches Code of Conduct

As an EYAA coach, I commit to the following values and responsibilities:

• I will create a positive and supportive learning environment for all athletes.

• I will respect officials and accept their decisions with professionalism.

• I will model and promote fair play, good sportsmanship, and safety at all times.

• I will treat all players, parents, officials, fellow coaches, and opponents with respect.

• I will lead by example—on the field, on the sidelines, and in our community.

• I will encourage teamwork, responsibility, and the development of new skills.

• I will shake hands with officials and opponents after each game, win or lose.

• I will foster positive communication between players, coaches, and spectators.

• I will help athletes learn from both their successes and their setbacks.

• I will represent EYAA with integrity, enthusiasm, and care for every child.