SPORTSMANSHIP

Organized Sports Philosophy:

Organized sports provide a unique benefit for all who play by enhancing self-esteem, building collaboration and problem-solving skills, developing perseverance, and supporting personal passions.  MTR’s sport programs prioritize interpersonal and intrapersonal development over victories.  Our activities are open, inclusive, and welcoming to all who join regardless of preexisting skill or ability.  We expect respect, encourage civil discourse, and want to see everyone aiming for enjoyment.  Let’s not forget, it’s just a game.  There are no scouts in the bleachers.

Sportsmanship:

MTR promotes good sportsmanship by athletes, coaches, and spectators. We request your cooperation during play (game, scrimmage, or practice) by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. 

MTR welcomes all fans to attend our events and support our players and coaches.  We insist that players, coaches, and spectators abide by the following sportsmanship code: 

Profanity, racist/sexist/hate speech comments, or other intimidating actions directed at any human, whether an official, player, coach, or spectator is not allowed and will not be tolerated.

Anyone who is at the field can only have one job: you can be the player, the coach, the official, or a spectator.  All persons at sporting events are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship. This includes positive and supportive cheering for individual players, either or both teams, and good plays or competition.  Remember the coaches are volunteers and they are all there to share their love of the game.  The officials are a crucial piece in the order of the game and in educating players.  They are often volunteer as well.  Harassment of our coaches and/or officials is simply not tolerated. 

There will be zero tolerance for fan misbehavior at any sporting events. This includes but is not limited to booing, shouting at officials, arguing any call, or voicing your concern about coaches’ choices. Expressing any negative behavior or comments, threats or obscene gestures to players, coaches or officials is also unacceptable. The officials' calls are nonnegotiable. Any incident of this kind will result in the immediate halting of the game.  Officials will determine next steps which could include asking the persons involved to leave, clearing all spectators, or canceling/rescheduling the match for another time. 

The Rec. Director and/or an official has the right to eject anyone who does not comply. If the decision is made for the spectator to leave, play will not resume until they have left the facility. If they refuse to leave, their team will forfeit, and the game will be over. That individual will need to attend a meeting with the MTR Advisory Committee to be allowed to participate in sporting events going forward.

Any questions or discrepancies should be brought to the Mountain Towns Recreation Director.  If they are not present, they can be contacted at 802-824-3356 ex. 8 or at recdirector@londonderryvt.org

Spectators are not allowed on the field/court, the scorekeepers table, or on the athlete benches at any time. 

Consumption or possession of alcohol, illicit drugs, or tobacco products is prohibited.

Youth Sports:  Coaches will make efforts to ensure that all athletes have playing time during competitions with the understanding that playing time may be affected by athlete behavior, attendance, and the circumstances specific to each competition.   

If your child is having a problem at practice or with a coach, please encourage them to talk to the coach directly.  If they need your help or want to speak to the coach personally, please do not approach the coach during practice.  Please wait until after practice or reach out in advance to set up a meeting time.  If you feel that your issue is not being resolved, please reach out to the Recreation Director at 802-824-3356 ex. 8 or recdirector@londonderryvt.org

Incident Reports:  Communication and collaboration are essential for the success of our programs.  Any incident that occurs, even if not considered significant at the time or something that would necessarily require a follow up, should be documented and reported via email or phone to the MTR Director.  Examples include (but not limited to):  injuries, conflicts during practices or games, unusual behavior from spectators, damage to fields/property, etc.  The report should include the date, time, and objective description of the concern.