American Youth Pickleball Organization (AYPO)

Safety Policies, Guidelines & Code of Conduct

1. General Safety Policies

·         Supervision: All players must be supervised by a coach, parent, or approved volunteer during AYPO events.

·         Emergency Preparedness: Coaches and staff will keep a first aid kit, AED (if available), and emergency contact information on hand at every practice, match, or event.

·         Medical Clearance: Parents/guardians must disclose any allergies, medical conditions, or physical limitations coaches must list on their registration list.

Players who are injured or ill should not participate until cleared by a parent/guardian or medical professional.

·         Facility Rules: All players and families must follow posted rules of courts, gyms, or community facilities used by AYPO.

2. Player Safety Guidelines

·         Proper Equipment: Players must wear appropriate athletic shoes (no open-toed footwear) and bring their own paddle and water bottle. Protective eyewear is encouraged.

·         Hydration & Rest: Frequent water breaks will be built into practices and matches.

·         Heat/Cold Safety: In extreme temperatures, outdoor play may be shortened, rescheduled, or moved indoors.

·         Safe Play Standards: No horseplay, running through courts, or swinging paddles outside of game play.

·         Respect for personal space and equipment at all times.

·         Immediate reporting of unsafe conditions (wet courts, broken nets, etc.).

3. Code of Conduct for Players

·         Respect: Show respect toward coaches, teammates, opponents, referees, and facilities.

·         Sportsmanship: Celebrate wins with humility and accept losses with grace. No taunting, swearing, or disrespectful gestures.

·         Effort & Attitude: Always try their best, arrive on time, and come prepared to learn.

·         Fair Play: Follow the official rules of pickleball and listen to referee/coach decisions without argument.

·         Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Any form of bullying, harassment, or exclusion will not be tolerated.

4. Code of Conduct for Coaches & Volunteers

·         Positive Role Models: Encourage players through positive reinforcement and mentorship.

·         Equal Opportunity: Treat all players fairly regardless of skill level, background, or ability.

·         Safety First: Prioritize physical and emotional safety over competition.

·         No Abuse or Misconduct: Absolutely no physical discipline, verbal abuse, or inappropriate contact.

·         Two-Adult Rule: Coaches and volunteers should avoid being alone with a single child whenever possible.

·         Training & Compliance: Coaches must complete background checks and any AYPO-required training.

5. Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

·         Supportive Encouragement: Cheer positively and respectfully from the sidelines—no coaching from the stands.

·         Respect for Officials: Do not argue with referees, coaches, or volunteers.

·         Timely Communication: Notify coaches if your player will miss practice or needs to leave early.

·         Role Modeling: Demonstrate sportsmanship and respect toward all players, parents, and staff.

·         Safe Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Arrive on time and follow facility traffic/parking rules.

6. Reporting & Enforcement

·         Reporting Concerns: Any safety, misconduct, or disciplinary concerns should be reported to the AYPO Executive Director or Safety Officer immediately.

·         Progressive Discipline: Depending on severity, violations may result in:

·            1. Verbal Warning

·            2. Written Warning

·            3. Temporary Suspension from Play

·            4. Removal from AYPO Participation (with no refund)

·         Zero Tolerance: AYPO reserves the right to remove any player, coach, volunteer, or parent from the program for serious violations (abuse, threats, violence, harassment).

7. Commitment Agreement

·         All players, parents, coaches, and volunteers must sign the AYPO Code of Conduct agreement before participating.