TVRPD's Youth Sports Program is designed to be a source of fun and enjoyment for the
community's youth, while building their character and self-esteem. We as recreation
professionals and parents are here to develop children's abilities by teaching skills and
strategies in an atmosphere that values sportsmanship and encourages positive interaction.

The primary objective of our youth sports program is to let the children have fun! Secondly,
it is to teach skills and strategies related to sports in a manner designed to develop selfconfidence
and improve physical abilities and conditioning. We are here to teach the children
how to win as a team and as individuals by building character and self-esteem. This kind of
winning is not always reflected in the score or the standings, but is seen in the development
of the child as a player and in the team as a unit.
In developing individual talents and the team as a whole, it is essential that all children be
allowed to participate in league games. This is so important that it is reflected in our rules,
insuring the player's right to play sports in each and every game regardless of their individual
talents and/or abilities.
The backbone of our program is YQ!h_the volunteer coach. Your leadership will determine,
to a large extent, whether or not the children have a good experience playing sports. This is
why we emphasize excellent sportsmanship in our program, beginning with the coaches as
primary role models.
Our goal in youth sports is to create the opportunity for a positive and productive experience
for players and coaches alike. In that sense, we as organizers are here to provide support and
structure to the program and to you as individual coaches.

PURPOSE
As a coach of a youth athletic team, you have a tremendous influence on the life of each
youth on that team. Next to the parent, you are probably one of the most important adults
in the youths' lives. Each youth on the team looks to you for guidance and leadership.
You will find yourself, at one time or another, in the position of being a father, a mother,
a teacher, a friend, and a disciplinarian; and many times all of these on the same day -your
guidance effects the youths in all situations.
It is the intent of the City to ensure that games shall be conducted with good
sportsmanship and fair play. It is our hope that the managers and coaches be the type of
individuals who our society can point to as worthy examples for youths to follow.

II. CODE OF CONDUCT
A. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FOLLOWING:
1. A coach, assistant coach, parent, spectator or player shall not at any time lay
a hand upon, push, shove, strike, or threaten to strike a referee, or they are
subject to ejection from the game, as well as, any or all games left in the
season.

2. A coach, assistant coach, parent, spectator or player shall not verbally abuse
a referee or use profane, obscene, or vulgar language in any manner or at
any time.

3. A coach shall not appear at any time in an intoxicated condition, smell of
alcohol or have in his/her possession any alcoholic beverage.
4. For the conduct of his/her own spectators or rooters on either side of the
playing area.

5. For the conduct of his/her players while they are on the field or sidelines.

6. For seeing that his/her assistant coaches and team helpers exhibit good
sportsmanship before, during and after the game.

7. Win, lose, or draw, all coaches, assistant coaches and players will be
required to show good sportsmanship by giving a cheer to the other team
and shaking hands after the game.

will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a
personal desire to win.
• I will praise my players just for participating.
• I will look for positives, and make a big deal out of them.
• I will stay calm when my players make mistakes, helping them learn from their
mistakes.
• I will treat my players with respect, avoiding put-down, sarcasm, or ridicule.
• I will remind my players not to get down on themselves.
• I will remind myself, and my players, to laugh and keep a sense of humor.
• I will emphasize teamwork, and help my players to think "we" instead of"me."
• I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.
• I will remember not to take myself too seriously during the game.
• I will maintain a "fun is #1" attitude.
• I will remember that I am a youth coach, and that the game is for children and not
adults.
• I will be a role model for good sportsmanship:
Winning without gloating
Losing without complaining
Treating my opponent and officials with fairness and courtesy

1. Aggressive confrontation with official, staff, coach, player or spectator before or during a game.

2. Ejection from game.

ACTION: 

Removal from Game and Facility

Aggressive confrontation after a game with official, staff, coach, player or spectator.

ACTION: 

One (1) Game Suspension from following Game and Facility Restriction

Any aggressive confrontation, including technical fouls, following a one (1) game suspension

Threat or engagement in physical violence towards official, staff, coach, player or spectator.

Physical/Verbal threat or abuse of a child.

ACTION: 

Termination as Coach

The Youth Sports Administration has the responsibility and authority to both interpret and
enforce these sanctions on a non-negotiable, case by case basis. Violations may be applied
to ALL TEAMS coached in the program. Persons forfeiting a game due to a disciplinary
sanction will face immediate termination as a coach. Persons whose actions have
warranted a disciplinary sanction hold the right to a written appeal to be submitted within
48 hours of notification of disciplinary sanction. Appeals will be heard by the Sanctions
Committee comprised of two Recreation Division Managers, one Veteran Official, and one
Veteran Coach. Until appeal verdict is rendered, disciplinary sanction shall be upheld.
The purpose of the City of Santa Clarita Youth Sports Program is to provide a fun, safe
and positive environment for our participants.
T agree to the above disciplinary sanctions and I understand that failure to abide by the
Code of Conduct, or any serious violation of the rules and guidelines, may result in my
removal, suspension, or termination as a volunteer coach.

The key to preventing adult misbehavior in youth sports is a youth sports culture in which
all involved "Honor the Game." Honoring the Game gets to the ROOTS of the matter and
involves respect for the Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and one's Self You don't
bend the rules to win. You understand that a worthy opponent is a gift that forces you to
play to your highest potential. You show respect for officials even when you disagree. You
refuse to do anything that embarrasses your team. You live up to your own standards even
if others don't. Here are ways that parents can create a positive youth sports culture so that
children will have fun and learn positive character traits to last a lifetime.

Before the Game:
1. Make a commitment to Honor the Game in action and language no matter what
others may do.
2. Tell your child before each game that you are proud of him or her regardless of
how well he or she plays.
During the Game:
1. Fill your children's "Emotional Tank" through praise and positive recognition so
they can play their very best.
2. Don't give instructions to your child during the game. Let the coach correct player
mistakes.
3. Cheer good plays by both teams (this is advanced behavior!)
4. Mention good calls by the official to other parents.
5. If an official makes a "bad" call against your team? Honor the Game-BE
SILENT!
6. If another parent on your team yells at an official? Gently remind him or her to
Honor the Game.
7. Don't do anything in the heat of the moment that you will regret after the game.
Ask yourself, "Will this embarrass my child or the team?"
8. Remember to have fun! Enjoy the game.
After the Game:
1. Thank the officials for doing a difficult job for little or no pay.
2. Thank the coaches for their commitment and effort.
3. Don't give advice. Instead ask your child what he or she thought about the game
and then LISTEN. Listening fills Emotional Tanks.
4. Tell your child again that you are proud of him or her, whether the team won or
lost.

Introductions - Introduce yourself to the parents and make sure you get their name
and contact information. This could also be a good time for teammates to bond.
2. Discuss Objectives and Expectations- Share with your parents the philosophy of the
program and explain your coaching philosophy and how it relates. Share your
expectations and ask parents to share their expectations. Talk about playing time
requirements, and how you will decide who plays what position.
3. Briefly explain the rules of the game as they relate to playing time and conduct of
the spectators. You may want to provide a copy of the rules at this time. Be clear that
this program focuses on positive sportsmanship and that unsportsmanlike conduct
will not be tolerated.
4. Practice Plan - Explain when/where you plan to conduct practices. Talk about what
you expect from players during practices and how they can get involved in practice
sessions.
5. Tell them where games will be played and when players should meet before games.
6. Recruit parents to help out with team tasks such as snack lists, communications and
arranging team parties.
7. Hand out appropriate literature: Philosophy and Mission Statement, Parent Code of
Conduct, Guidelines for Honoring the Game, etc.
8. Other items of discussion may include:
Car-pooling
Injuries
Illness
 

I. Net Height and serving line:
□ 3rd-4th grade: 6'6" - 3 pt line (chances to serve)
□ 5th-6th grade: 7' - Free throw line
O 7th-Up: 7' 4 1/8th
" - Regulation

II. Matches:
□ Will be best two out of three games. If first two games are won by one team, the
match is over. A third game will be played for fun, if time allows.

III. Games:
1J Will be 25 rally score points, cap at 28, with the third game going to 15, cap at 18.
Must win by two points unless the cap is reached.

IV. Rally Scoring:
CJ A point is scored on each serve.

V. Play:
~ Serves may touch the net. Serves may not be blocked or spiked. Each player will
be allowed a maximum of 5 serves at one time.
** In the third game, there will be a maximum of 3 serves per server.
***Each server will only be allowed 3 replays on their serves.
CJ Players must serve from behind the back line. Players may not touch the line until
after the ball is contacted.
**Exception: the Minor division will serve from 3 feet closer.
***Teams will not receive a warning before being penalized
CJ Each team will rotate one person clock-wise before they serve. This includes the
first serve of the game.
 

There is an optional variation available for those teams that would like to teach a
higher-level version ofrotation that slightly resembles that of high school and club
teams.
**Variation: You will still have six players on the court at one time. All of the
players will stay in the same rotation that they started the game with. Once the ball
is served, the players can move to the positions that you (the coach) want them.
They must stay on their half of the court, front row must stay front row, and back
row must stay back row.
0 No one player can play more than 6 consecutive rotations in a game.
□ Three hits maximum on a side. If the ball is touched by a blocker, it will not count
as one of the three hits.
CJ Players can step on the centerline, but not over it.
**Teams will not receive a warning before being penalized
□ Players can not touch the net during play.
**Teams will not receive a warning before being penalized
CJ If the ball hits a sideline and/or an end line, the ball will be considered inbounds.
0 2 (two) time-outs will be allowed per each of the 3 games in a match. Time-outs
will not be given once the whistle for the serve has been blown
::J Ceiling rnle:
3rd-6th If the ball hits the ceiling and it affects the play then it will be a replay. If it
is still playable, then it will not be a replay. Because every official's definition of
playable is different, the calls may vary.
*7th-Up: if a ball hits the ceiling on your side and stays on your side you can play
it, if it hits the ceiling and goes over the net to the other side then it is considered
out of bounds.
*Basketball hoops: when up will be considered part of the ceiling, when down
will be out. (We do encourage that the kids try to play the ball no matter what)
***Because we will be playing at local gyms throughout the valley this season,
this rule will only apply when playing at the Sports Complex.
0 The wearing of any type of jewelry ( ex. bracelets, earrings, etc.) during
participation is prohibited.

VI. Standings/Playoffs: All Divisions will have the opportunity to participate in
playoffs. Standings will be kept for all eight regular season games. At the end of
the regular season play, ALL teams will be seeded into the playoffs based on their
final standings. Playoffs will occur in a single elimination format. The two teams who advance in the tournament will then have the opportunity to participate in the
Championship Game. All other teams will continue to play the last two weekends
in consolation games.
VII. Sportsmanship:
□ No noise once the whistle has been blown for the serve.
• No "trash talking" through the net.
□ Be respectful of the referee.
u Only coaches and team captains can approach the referee during the game.
*If parents have a question about a call that was made, they should talk to their
child's coach rather than yell out to the referee.
• Parents need to cheer "positively" for their child's team. Please do not cheer for
mistakes made by the opposing team.
 

Dehydration and Heat Illness
Why Kids Are at Risk:
Safety in Youth Sports
1. Children absorb more heat from a hot environment than adults. The smaller the
child the faster they heat up.
2. Children release less heat through sweating.
3. Children usually don't drink enough fluids to replenish sweat losses during
prolonged exercise.
4. Young athletes may be more easily distracted when occasions allow for them to
rest and rehydrate.
Signs of Dehydration and Heat Illness
If dehydration progresses unchecked, the risk of heat illness increases. Heat illness is best
understood in three separate degrees: HEAT CRAMPS, HEAT EXHAUSTION and the
most serious and deadly form, HEAT STROKE.

Dehydration

Dehydration during exercise is a common problem. Some young athletes can begin to
suffer the consequences of dehydration if they become dehydrated by just 2 percent of their
body weight. That's why it's important to recognize the warning signs:
□ Noticeable Thirst
D Muscle Cramps
□ Weakness
□ Decreased Performance
0 Nausea
D Headache
D Fatigue
□ Lightheaded Feeling or Dizziness
□ Difficulty Paying Attention
Treating the symptoms of dehydration is crucial in preventing more serious conditions
such as heat exhaustion.
1. Rest in a cool place.
2. Consume a sports drink that contains the adequate amount of electrolytes.
3. Prevent dehydration in the future by consuming fluids before, during and after
exercise.
4. Allow for ample time to rehydrate.

Heat Exhaustion
If dehydration goes untreated, the likelihood of heat exhaustion may increase. Common
symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
i7 Dizziness and fatigue
C Chills
CJ Rapid pulse
Treatment of heat exhaustion is similar to that of dehydration and should take place
immediately. This treatment includes:
1. Rest in a cool, shaded area and place ice cold towels on the body.
2. Drink a sports drink that contains the adequate amount of electrolytes.
3. Lie down with legs elevated to promote circulation.
4. Athlete should begin to feel better relatively soon; if not, assume heat stroke.

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency! When it is not recognized promptly and treated
properly, it can result in death. If rapid cooling does not occur, damage could be extreme,
resulting in fatal consequences. Symptoms and results of heat stroke include:
_ Very high core body temperature
::::: Altered central nervous system function (i.e., confusion or unconsciousness)
□ Otherwise healthy athlete collapses during intense exercise in the heat
 

Remember that athletes get better relatively quickly with heat exhaustion, and they get
worse with heat stroke. The important thing to remember is that heat stroke must be treated
immediately by doing the following:
0 Immediate cool-down by whatever means possible
• An ice bath in a "cool pool" is preferable because of the superior cooling rates
(holding head out of bath)
• Ice packs over as much of the body as possible
• A cool shower
• Cool, wet towels
• Water spray
.- SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY (always transport a
suspected heat stroke victim to the hospital).
::::J Do not drink fluids since nausea and vomiting are extremely common.

Safety Rules
- Players must remove any jewelry (necklaces, rings, earrings, etc.) to prevent a
hazard to opponents and themselves.
- If a child has a special need, check with the parents on how to address that needw = Here is a list of suggested first-aid supplies you might want to have on hand
• Band-aids
• Gauze pads
• Ice packs
• Athletic tape
' Procedure for Serious Accidents
1. Do not move the individual if indications are that they may have a back or neck
injury.
2. Get in touch with parents and proceed from there, offering assistance in every
way.
a. If parents cannot be contacted or the situation requires immediate
medical attention, call 911. Stay with the child until help arrives.

Concussion in Youth Sports
The Facts
A concussion is a brain injury.
All concussions are serious.
Concussions can occur without luss of consciousness.
Concussions can occur in any sport.
Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent
further injury or even death.