Sports Contact Information

Guidelines

The Park and Recreation Commission asks that everyone visiting a Needham park or field follow these guidelines:

  • Pick up trash and dispose of properly. Coaches please remind all players to take water bottles with them when departing the field.
  • Report any unsafe field conditions immediately to a league supervisor or the Park and Recreation Department.
  • Park in designated area. Parking in crosswalks and in front of fire hydrants is illegal and unsafe. Be considerate of neighbors, leaving enough room for access to driveways, and do not park on their lawns.

Sport Parent Code of Conduct

Created by more than 30 representatives of Massachusetts' chapters of national sports and medical associations, educational associations, and professional associations for the Massachusetts Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, Inc.

  • I will not force my child to participate in sports.
  • I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
  • I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
  • I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
  • 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.
  • I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of un-sportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
  • I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
  • I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
  • I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability.
  • I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his / her performance.
  • I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
  • I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
  • I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Your child thanks you!