Purpose: A Code of Ethics is an essential tool with which to protect and promote competition in the best interests of athletes, coaches, spectators, Game Officials, and the State Games program.

 

Ethics is defined as: "the basic principles of right action or good conduct."

I. The ASF Foundation has designated the State Games Officials as the persons with full authority to see

that this code of ethics/conduct and competition is conducted as outlined and within the highest principles.

II. It is the duty of the Coach to be in control of his/her players at all times in order to prevent any unsportsmanlike act toward opponents, officials, volunteers or spectators.

III. Coaches are expected to comply wholeheartedly with the intent and spirit of the rules. To deliberately teach players to violate the rules is indefensible and a Coach will be subject to suspension for a period of time.

IV. Coaches should confine their discussion with State Games Officials to the interpretation of the rules and not constantly challenge official decisions involving judgment. A continuing practice of challenging judgment of an official could result in the Coach being suspended for the remainder of the game and being required to leave the competition site. Failure to leave the competition site will result in a forfeiture of the game.

V. Coaches should expect a courteous and dignified attitude toward both players and themselves from Game Officials. If this attitude is not apparent, a written letter should be delivered to the Alabama Sports Festival Chief Executive Officer.

VI. It is the responsibility of Coaches and State Games Officials to place the welfare of the athletes ahead of all other matters. Coaches and State Games Officials are obligated to seek immediate medical attention for any athlete who is injured during the course of competition.

VII. State Games Officials have the responsibility of conducting the contests in a dignified, professional and unbiased manner and shall deal with all situations in the spirit of good sportsmanship and in the best interests of amateur athletics and the Alabama Sports Festival.

VIII. Unruly behavior by spectators towards players, coaches, officials and/or volunteers will not be tolerated. Such behavior may result in the dismissal of the offending spectator from the competition site by the State Games Officials and enforced by the Tournament Director.

IX. Abusive or insulting language by athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers and/or spectators will not be tolerated. Such behavior may result in the dismissal of the offending person from the competition site by the State Games Officials and enforced by the Venue Director.

X. It is the responsibility of the athlete to be familiar with the rules of play governing their competition and to adhere to these rules. The willful violation of any rule of play by an athlete or coach may result in their dismissal for the remainder of tournament play by the State Games Officials.

XI. The responsibility of upholding the ideals of the Olympics, the foundation of the ASF Foundation's State Games, is to be held in the highest regard by all parties associated with this event and any violations will be dealt with by the ASF Foundation office.

XII. Each venue or facility has rules and regulations (either posted or contained in a book) that all athletes, coaches, parents and spectators must abide by and adhere to in order to ensure safety and sportsmanlike conduct. If these rules are violated by anyone, then the venue or facility manager, director or owner has full authority to ask those persons to leave the premises. All violations will be brought to the attention of an ASF Foundation staff person and then proper action, such as disqualification or dismissal, will be taken. Repeat violations of venue or facility rules will result in loss of privilege to participate in the ASF Foundation's State Games. The judgment or ruling of the ASF Foundation staff member and venue or facility manager, director or owner is final.