Kelowna Minor Football Association

I agree to Kelowna Minor Football Association (KMFA) publishing:

-photographs
-print material/stories
-videos
-recordings
Of the my registered child(ren).

I agree to:

-use the loaned equipment for the specified season or event only (noted below).
-to return the equipment at the scheduled date/time.
-make it my responsibility to make alternate arrangements to return equipment if I am unable to attend the scheduled time (contact the Director of Equipment).
-ensure borrowed equipment is returned in good, clean, laundered shape.

If any of the above policies are violated, I may be deemed a “Member not in good standing” and this may affect my child’s ability to participate in future programs.

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
-Headaches
-“Pressure in head”
-Nausea or vomiting
-Neck pain
-Balance problems or dizziness
-Blurred, double or fuzzy vision
-Sensitivity to light or noise
-Feeling sluggish or slowed down
-Feeling foggy or groggy
-Drowsiness
-Change in sleep patterns
-Amnesia
-“Don’t feel right”
-Fatigue or low energy
-Sadness
-Nervousness or anxiety
-Irritability
-More emotional
-Confusion
-Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays)
-Repeating the same question/comment

Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include:
-Appears dazed
-Vacant facial expression
-Confused about assignment
-Forgets plays
-Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
-Moves clumsily or displays lack of coordination
-Answers questions slowly
-Slurred speech
-Shows behaviour or personality changes
-Can’t recall events prior to hit
-Can’t recall events after hit
-Seizures or convulsions
-Any changes in typical behaviour or personality
-Loses consciousness

What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too soon?

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescents or teenage athletes will often under report symptoms of injuries and concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student-athletes’ safety.

No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours.

You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion. Remember, it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season and…when in doubt, sit them out.

Parent Code of Conduct
The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
7. I will not encourage any behaviours or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of culture, creed, colour, sex, or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one's best is winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.
18. I will respect and show appreciation for the trained volunteer coaches and staff who give their time to provide sport activities for my child, understanding that I have a responsibility to be a part of my child’s development.

Please make sure your child is available for all practices and games. If you know you will be away, let the coach know in time to enable him/her to re-organize. Also, your child is your responsibility. KMFA encourages you or a guardian is at the field at practices and at games at all times. The coaches are not responsible for looking after your children; they will not wait at the field for you to pick up your child from games and practices.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the above rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

-Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or head of league organization
-Written warning
-Parental game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved
-Game forfeit through the official or coach
-Parental and/or child season suspension

Players code of Conduct
Players are expected to:

1. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
2. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in any sport.
3. I will not use drugs or alcohol or be a part of that activity at any practices or games.
4. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully, or take unfair advantage of another player.
5. I will respect my opponents.
6. I will do my best to be a true team player.
7. I will remember that having fun, improving skills, making friends, and doing my best are just as important as winning a game.
8. I will acknowledge all good players/performances – those of my team and of my opponents.
9. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.
10. I will be on time for practices and games.
11. I am responsible for the gear and uniforms that I am given to use. I will take care of it so that it is returned in the good condition it was given to me. I will clean gear and uniform before returning it at the end of the season.
12. I also agree that if I fail to abide by the above rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:
- Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or head of league organization
- Written warning
- Game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved
- Game forfeit through the official or coach
- Season suspension