You volunteered because you care about kids. This code exists to make sure every player, every season, feels that.
Charm City Athletics is committed to making this a positive, fun, and healthy experience for every player, family, and coach. Winning is a bonus — never the point. When kids feel safe, supported, and excited to show up, everything else takes care of itself. This Code of Conduct enforces that standard with zero tolerance for violations.
on the field, on the sideline, and in the parking lot.
I will prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of every player. A positive experience for each child is the measure of a successful season.
I will treat each player as an individual, expect age-appropriate skills, and do my best to ensure playing time is equitable and inclusive for every member of the team.
I will strive to provide a safe playing environment and will never encourage a player to return to play after injury without appropriate clearance.
I will demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship at all times. I understand that my behavior sets the tone for every player, parent, and coach watching.
I will respect referees and their calls. Judgment calls cannot be argued. One coach per team may request a rules clarification per play, using a timeout.
I will always remember that I am a youth sports coach and that this game is designed for children — not adults.
I will maintain knowledge of the Charm City Athletics and NFL Flag rules and will teach these rules to my players throughout the season.
I will maintain appropriate boundaries with players and immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or safety concern to League leadership and, when required, law enforcement.
- Judgment calls by officials are final and may not be questioned or argued under any circumstances.
- On-field coaches (Pee Wee, Sophomore, and Junior divisions) must focus on assisting players only and may not disrupt game flow or interact with officials.
- Profanity is never tolerated — from any coach, parent, player, or sideline personnel.
- All co-coaches share responsibility for the conduct of parents and spectators on their sideline.
- Parents and spectators must remain outside the sideline boundary during play and may not interact with officials.
- If a spectator disrupts play or abuses an official, coaches are expected to intervene. Continued disruption may result in a forfeit.
- Players are not permitted to speak with referees unless the referee initiates the conversation.
- Teach players to respect officials even when they disagree with a call.
- Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Model the behavior you want to see.
- Encourage players to give opponents a hand, compliment good play on both sides, and compete with character.
- Never use intimidation, humiliation, or psychological pressure as coaching tools.
- Teach your players the fundamentals and give every player a chance to try different positions over the course of the season.
- Verbal abuse, taunting, trash-talking, or threatening language directed at players, officials, opposing coaches, or parents
- Physical contact with or intimidation of any official, player, coach, or parent
- Arguing with, disputing, or attempting to intimidate referees
- Encouraging players to commit intentional fouls or injure opponents
- Any grooming behavior or inappropriate contact with youth participants
- Providing alcohol, drugs, or tobacco to any participant
- Allowing a player to return to play after injury without proper medical clearance
- Conduct that brings Charm City Athletics, the League, or NFL Flag into disrepute
Charm City Athletics enforces a progressive discipline policy. The League reserves the right to escalate to any level of consequence immediately based on the severity of the conduct.
By coaching with Charm City Athletics, you acknowledge and agree to the following as outlined in the full Volunteer Coach Agreement:
- You are participating as a volunteer, not as an employee or contractor of Charm City Athletics. You are not entitled to wages, benefits, workers' compensation, or employment-related benefits.
- Coaching involves inherent risks including physical exertion, contact with players or equipment, and weather or field conditions. You voluntarily assume all such risks.
- The League does not provide medical insurance for volunteer coaches. You are responsible for your own medical care.
- Charm City Athletics may photograph or record you during League activities and use those images for promotional, marketing, and social media purposes. This release is mandatory for participation.
- Charm City Athletics reserves the right to suspend or remove any volunteer at any time, with or without cause, without notice, at its sole discretion.
We're here to help you succeed on and off the field.
chris@charmcityathletics.com
Thank you for volunteering. Charm City Athletics doesn't happen without you.
