Code of Conduct
Diocese of Pittsburgh Football - 2024 Season
Offensive Actions Top
No coach or player is to:
- Refuse to abide by an official’s decision or use profane language or gestures which results in a technical foul or ejection from game.
- Exhibit objectionable behavior, (e.g., throwing equipment or any other forceful action).
- Verbally abuse an official for any real or imagined unjust decision or judgment, or verbally abuse a Player, Opposing Coach, or Spectator.
- Physically touching, pushing, shoving, striking, or threatening to strike an Official, Coach, or Spectator.
- Physically attacking any player by another player.
For any of the above occurrences, a report can be submitted to the League Coordinator by the game officials, Athletic Director, or coach. Once this report is received, the League Coordinator will notify the school’s principal. Videos will be allowed where appropriate.
Penalties for the above Offensive Actions include:
- Violation of Articles A, B or C - one (1) to five (5) game suspension. No one may serve as a coach in a different class (varsity or junior varsity) of the same sport while under suspension. Nor are they permitted access to gym facilities. (NOTE: Clarification of the above suspensions: one (1) technical foul - The League Coordinator will contact offending coach to give warning. Two (2) technical fouls which result in a coach be ejected from a game/gym - Penalty as follows: 1st offense is a one (1) league game suspension with letters being sent to School's principal; 2nd offense is a five (5) league game suspension; 3rd offense is a one (1) calendar year suspension. If a person coaches both JV and Varsity teams the suspension goes for both teams.)
- Violation of Articles D by a coach or player - suspension of offending coach or player for one full calendar year.
- Violation of Article E by a player - suspension for 1 game.
- If suspended coaches or players disregard stated penalties, when properly notified by the League Coordinator, the team is to be permanently suspended from league competition for one full calendar year beginning immediately after the violation.
- If necessary, suspensions will carry over into the next season.
Use of Tobacco, Alcohol, or Illegal Drugs Top
Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and using illegal drugs are forbidden and are grounds for immediate termination.
Coaches: Must have appropriate clearances for coaching:
Parent or Fan Behavior Top
- Any parent or fan whose behavior is deemed objectionable (i.e., offenses similar in nature to those in the coaches and players code of conduct) by any game official, pastor, school principal, or appointed person in authority at that event, should be asked to leave the premises. The Pastor/Athletic Director/Coach/Principal of the school(s) involved should then make a further determination as to whether the individual(s) should be banned from additional games. (Severe situations).
- If objectionable parent or fan behavior becomes a continuing occurrence it can result in the League Coordinator having the offending team(s) conduct their games with a closed gym/field. This means that only team members, their coaches, and chaperons are permitted on the premises.
Updated Sunday, August 11, 2024