Code of Conduct

The following Code of Conduct Policy is in place to keep and withhold the program to the highest ethical standards and is required and expected by all participants and athletes.

The Code of Conduct Policy States

1. I hereby pledge to provide positive support and encouragement for my athlete and coaches in the Macomb County Cougars Program, by following these ethical policies.
   1. Code of Ethics Pledge:
      1. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all athletes, coaches and officials at every game, practice and special event.
      2. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my athlete ahead of a personal desire to win.
      3. I will insist that my athlete play in a safe and healthy environment.
      4. I will support coaches and officials working with my athlete, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience. 
      5. I will demand a sports environment for my athlete that is free of drugs, tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all Cougars events, games, practices or gatherings.
      6. I will remember that the game is for youth - not adults.
      7. I will do my very best to make this experience fun for my athlete and other participants.
      8. I will, along with my athlete, treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, ability.
   2. Social Media Pledge 
      1. I will, along with my athlete, use discretion while using social media (i.e. Facebook, twitter, snapchat, instagram...) with respect to Cougars program and its participants.
      2. I will not post comments, pictures, opinions, reviews, remarks or any other degrading or judgmental information regarding any team, player, coach, referee, judge or other participant within the entire Cougars program.
      3. I will, as a parent or guardian, do my best to ensure that these practices are restricted by myself and or my athlete.
      4. I will as a parent, guardian, coach or other authoritative person attempt to address and inform athletes, squads, teams or individuals regarding these actions with respect to social media.
   3. Photo & Video Policy integration
      1. The above pledges also include the photographs and videos that are described in the Photo & Video Policy.

Video & Photo Release Policy

Parents, Cougars staff (Coaches, Team Moms, etc.) may Video and/or Photograph athletes participating in any Cougars game, practice, gathering or other league/tournament event or activity individually or in groups.  The videos and/or photographs may appear in Cougars promotion, publicity or web site content.
 
The Video & Photo Release Policy States:

1. All participants, registered parents or guardians, athletes and related persons to the Cougars Program:
   1. Consent to having their picture or video taken or appear (unbeknownst to them) in said photos or videos.
   2. Release the Cougars Program from any claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, infringement of moral rights or copyright of all photographs and/or videos in question.
2. The Cougars Program and its appointed officials shall not use any photo or video for uses other than promotion, publicity or web site content of the program.
3. IMPORTANT: Policy Integration
   1. This policy runs parallel to the Code of Ethics Policy.

Player Placement Policy

The objective of the player placement process is to assign each athlete to a team that is suitable to his or her individual talent level. Each athlete will go through an evaluation process (usually during combine/workouts/tryouts) conducted by all level head coaches. Based on these evaluations the players will be placed on the appropriate level.

 

The Player Placement Policy States:

A.     By registering my athlete to participate in the Macomb County Cougars Travel/League Program, I understand he or she will be placed on a team following tryouts (if applicable).

1. I acknowledge the Cougars coaching staff will make all final decisions related to team placements.
2. IMPORTANT: ELITE/BEGINNERS Selection
   1. I acknowledge and understand that should my son or daughter could be selected to participate at a grade level higher or lower based off of players skill level or if circumstances that could prohibit full participation, as a parent I can request to “Opt Up”, or move from the current level to the next higher level of play. Note Coaches will determine final placement of all players.

Healthy Player Policy

It is imperative that all health concerns regarding the athlete that you are registering are known by the Macomb County Cougars Program. In cases where an emergency comes up, knowing as much as possible about the athlete may save his or her life.

 

The Healthy Player Policy States:

1. I will, as a parent or legal guardian of the athlete I am registering, regardless of level, make known to the Macomb County Cougars program all medical issues, conditions, medications and other pertinent information regarding the health and physical wellbeing of the athlete.
2. I understand that all medical information that I provide will be kept confidential by the program and will not be used for any purpose other than to provide critical information to the staff upon medical emergencies or observed indications.

Waiver and Release Policy 

As parent/legal guardian of a participant or athlete, you will be waiving and releasing all claims for injuries and or sickness your athlete might sustain arising out of this program.

The Waiver and Release Policy States:

1. Acknowledgment of Risk of Injury Clause
   1. As parent/legal guardian of this participant or athlete in the program, I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury and I agree to assume the full risk of any injuries, including death, damages or loss which the participant may sustain as a result of participating in any and all activities connected with or associated with such program
       
2. Waiver of Claim for Injury Clause
   1. As parent/legal guardian of this participant or athlete, I agree to waive and relinquish all claims the participant may have as a result of participating in the program against the Macomb County Cougars and its officers, agents, volunteers and employees.
       
3. Release from Liability Clause
   1. As parent/legal guardian of this participant or athlete, I do hereby fully release and discharge the Macomb County Cougars and its officers, agents, servants and employees from any and all claims from injuries, including death, damage or loss which the participant may have or which may occur to me on account of my participation in the program. 
       
4. Indemnity and Defense Clause
   1. As parent/legal guardian of this participant or athlete, I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless and defend the Macomb County Cougars and its officers, agents, servants and employees from any and all claims resulting from injuries, including death, damages and losses sustained by me and arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with the activities of the program.