Sports can and should be a setting in which personal character, including integrity, respect, responsibility and fairness, are built. To assure that sports is a constructive social force, principles of sportsmanship and fair play must be held high above all other values to be gained through sports participation. The essential elements of ethics in sports are honesty and integrity. Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one.
In keeping with these goals, I do hereby pledge:
—To place the emotional and physical well being of the participants ahead of any personal desire to win.
—To demonstrate adherence to both the spirit and the letter of high, proper sportsmanship through positive support for all participants, coaches and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports event. Sportsmanship will be the No. 1 priority.
—To display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
—To respect fundamental rights, dignity and worth of the participants and their family members, coaches, officials, volunteers, and administrators and spectators.
—To strongly discourage booing and other discourteous conduct and cheer only in a positive manner.
—To assist all participants in gaining confidence and developing self-esteem.
—To demonstrate commitment and support by attending every practice and game possible.
—To respect and care for the facilities used in games and practices.
—To use only fair and honest means in a desire for personal achievement and count the goodwill of my peers far above any achievement unfairly gained.
—To report any infractions of these principles to my coach, League Chairman, Program Commissioner, and/or the Executive Director of Wayne PAL.
We have discussed the importance of these goals and agree to honor this pledge and understand that this is a condition of participation in our PAL programs.
I accept the philosophies of the Wayne PAL Code of Ethics and Conduct policy and hereby pledge my full support as a condition of membership.