PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

PGP Ascend NELA is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all athletes, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers, and spectators. Participation in any PGP Ascend NELA or PGP Ascend Gridiron event is contingent upon adherence to the following Parent Code of Conduct.


By signing below, I acknowledge and agree to the following:



  1. I will conduct myself in a respectful and professional manner at all PGP Ascend NELA events.
  2. I understand that abusive, threatening, hostile, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
  3. I will respect the decisions of officials and will not approach, confront, or argue with officials before, during, or after a game.
  4. I will let coaches coach. I will cheer from the sideline and not give instructions that conflict with the coaching staff.
  5. I will cheer positively for all players, including players on the opposing team, and will never criticize or ridicule any child.
  6. I will wait 24 hours after a game before raising a concern with a coach, and will do so privately and calmly, never in front of players.
  7. I will stay in designated spectator areas and off the field of play.
  8. I will not bring or use alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, illegal substances, or weapons at any PGP Ascend NELA event.
  9. I will not post negative, harassing, or disparaging content about players, coaches, officials, or other families on social media or in group chats.
  10. I am responsible for my child's supervision before and after games and practices, including timely drop-off and pickup.
  11. I am responsible for the conduct of any family members or guests I bring to PGP Ascend NELA events.
  12. I will report safety concerns or conduct issues to league staff at info.nela@pgpflag.com.

Consequences. Violations may result in, at the league's discretion: a verbal warning, removal from the event, suspension from future events, or removal from the league. Serious violations, including threats or physical altercations, may result in immediate removal without prior warning. The league may skip steps depending on severity.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

PGP Ascend Gridiron expects every player to represent their team, their family, and our community with respect and good sportsmanship. Parents and guardians of younger players, please read this code aloud with your child before signing.


All players promise to:


  1. Listen to and respect my coaches, teammates, officials, and the other team.
  2. Accept the referee's calls without arguing or complaining.
  3. Play safe. I will pull flags, not jerseys, and never push, tackle, or guard my flag.
  4. Use kind words, even when I'm upset.
  5. Be a good teammate and cheer for my team whether we win or lose.
  6. Take care of league equipment and fields.
  7. Shake hands and say "good game" after every game.
  8. Tell a coach or trusted adult if I see someone getting hurt or treated unfairly.
  9. Try my best, give MAXIMUM EFFORT and have fun!
  10. No profanity, trash talk, or taunting.
  11. No bullying, threats, or excluding anyone, in person, in group chats, or on social media.
  12. Show up on time and ready to play.
  13. Understand that playing time and positions are decided by my coaches.
  14. 

Consequences. Breaking this code may result in a talk with my coach, sitting out part of a game, a meeting with my parent/guardian and league staff, suspension from games, or removal from the league. Consequences will match the player's age and the seriousness of the behavior. The league may skip steps for serious behavior like fighting or threats.


ACCOUNTABILITY AT EVERY LEVEL


At PGP Ascend, our Code of Conduct isn't just something we ask families to read—it's a standard we expect everyone involved in our league to uphold.


Coaches and officials will be evaluated throughout the season, with feedback from their peers helping us maintain a positive, fair and respectful environment for every player and family.


As the stakes get higher, so do our standards. Our highest-rated officials will earn the opportunity to officiate playoff games and The Ascend Championship, helping ensure that our most important games are led by officials who have demonstrated consistency, professionalism and respect throughout the season.



Because accountability shouldn't stop with the players. Coaches, officials and league leadership should be held to a high standard, too.