About Waterloo Region Minor Football

Codes of Conduct / Discipline

Appropriate conduct is critically important in youth sport. Rowdy behavior at youth sporting events has made headlines for years. Parents who are upset with coaches or referees have taken out their frustrations in a public and sometimes even dangerous manner. So have coaches and players. In order to prevent these incidents from occurring, WRMFA makes all parties involved sign codes of conduct that will help promote good behavior at sporting events. 

A code of conduct is a signed promise to behave in a mature and sensible manner. The code of conduct is provided to players, parents and coaches prior to the start of each season and requires their signature. This gives all involved parties an outline on how they should behave during games and practices.

Waterloo Region Football Player Code of Conduct

Parent Code of Conduct

Coach Code of Conduct

The code of conduct demands that coaches not argue with officials and that they cannot criticize them. Players must respect officials, coaches, teammates and opponents. Fans may not criticize officials, coaches or players. They can cheer for their own player, but they may not deride members of the opposing team.

When it is reported in writing that a member has broken their own code of conduct, league officials will investigate and discuss with all parties. Disciplinary actions can include, but are not limited to:

  • Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or head of league organization
  • Written warning
  • Game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file
  • Game forfeit through the official or coach
  • Parental, Player or Coaching game or season suspension
  • Lifetime ban.

The code of conduct is an educational tool for all parties involved. Not only does it give players, coaches and parents a baseline when it comes to behavior at sporting events, but also it lets them know that they are being watched. When people know that their behavior is being examined, they are less likely to behave irresponsibly. If you have a concern, please email the WRMFA Vice-President - all matters are dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

Harassment and Abuse Policy

WRMFA believes in the principle of respect for all participants in football regardless of their connection to the sport. Fundamental to this principle is the basic assumption that each person has value and is worthy of respect. As a member of the Ontario Football Alliance (OFA), we follow the same Harassment and Abuse Policy adopted by the OFA from Football Canada. It can be found here