Codes of Conduct & Policies

Excellence on the Field. Character in the Community.

The Red Wolves Junior Football Association believes that success is measured by the growth of our youth, not the numbers on a scoreboard. By participating in the RWJFA, every player, parent, and coach pledges to provide positive support, maintain a constructive attitude, and uphold a culture of mutual respect. We recognize that our collective conduct—both on and off the field—is the foundation of our program.

  • I hereby pledge to provide positive support, attitude and respect and accept responsibility for my participation by following the Red Wolves Jr. Football and Cheer Association Player Code of Conduct.  

    I will have fun and be a good sport (win or lose).  

    I will place the emotional and social concerns of my team ahead of my personal desire to win.  

    I will be honest, fair and always demonstrate good sportsmanship to all coaches, players, officials, parents and fans at all games, practices and related events.  

    I will learn the value of commitment to the team. I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.  

    I will put personal goals aside for the betterment of the team.  

    I will show courtesy and respect to teammates, opponents and coaches.  

    I will realize that athletic contests, including practice sessions, are educational experiences and opportunities.  

    I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct.  

    I will not engage in bullying, harassment, hazing, intimidation, or cyberbullying of any kind. I understand that bullying includes physical actions, verbal comments, social exclusion, threats, or online behavior intended to harm, embarrass, or intimidate another person. 

    I understand that my conduct on social media reflects on my team and organization. I will not post negative, inappropriate, or harmful comments about teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, or the program. 

    I will give 100% effort at practice and in games. I realize that if I do not give my best effort it affects all members of my team.  

    I will not engage in rude behavior that could negatively impact the team, system or program.   

    I will treat everyone, including coaches, parents, players and officials, with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, nationality or gender.  

    All persons associated with Red Wolves Jr. Football and Cheer Association are expected to avoid conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the Red Wolves Jr. Football and Cheer Association. This requirement applies to all players, coaches, parents and other volunteers in the RWJFA.   

    I understand that if I do not follow the code, system action may be taken that could impact my participation in the program. 

A football player wearing a uniform breaks through a banner held by cheerleaders.
Red Wolves Cheerleaders
Football game showing two teams in a crouched offensive and defensive line at the line of scrimmage.
Red Wolves Cheerleaders
Young children in football gear playing on a football field during daytime, with one child running with the ball and others pursuing.

  • As the parent or guardian of a Red Wolves Junior football or cheer participant, I hereby pledge to encourage and support our Red Wolves children by adhering to the following Parent Code of Conduct. 

     I will always encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support of all coaches, players, and officials at every sports event, including practices.  

     I will place the emotional and physical well-being of our youth ahead of a personal desire to win. 

     I will support the coaches and officials working with our youth and promote a positive and enjoyable experience for all. 

     I will make every effort to ensure that my child arrives on time to all practices and games. I understand that tardiness impacts the entire team and may affect my child's playing time.   

     I will notify the coach if my child will be late to a scheduled event, including practice. 

     I will notify the coaching staff if my child will miss a scheduled event due to illness or other family/school obligation. 

     I understand that excused absences include: mandatory school function, illness, and serious injury. Players who have minor, non-debilitating injuries must attend practice to be eligible to play in that week's game, even if such injury prohibits participation in practice.  

     I will demand a sports environment for our youth that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events. 

     I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, and officials with respect, regardless of race, sex, creed or ability. 

     I will help my child enjoy the Junior football experience by adhering to the values listed here and in the PCA Parent Pledge. 

     I will not coach from the sidelines or interfere with coaching decisions; I will not confront coaches, players, officials during games. Concerns will be addressed respectfully at an appropriate time (after 24 hours of the incident) 

    I will volunteer for the program when needed. 

     I will set an example in personal conduct at all times, both on and off the field. I will not put negative comments about players, coaches, officials, or the league on social media or share confidential team information. 

    I understand that violation of this Code of Conduct will not be tolerated and that GEJFA and/or RWJFA will take appropriate action to remedy violations. Any violation of GEJFA or RWJFA rules and regulations is subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to verbal warnings, suspensions, or expulsion. 

Red Wolves Football Player in Action
Red Wolves Football Player in Action
Youth football game on a field with players in black and white jerseys, helmet, and pads
Red Wolves Football Player in Action
Red Wolves Cheerleaders

    1. As a coach of the Greater Eastside Junior Football Association, I acknowledge the following to be guidelines of the Association Council and I, by my signature, accept and agree to abide by the following guides:

    2. That this program is solely for the young people participating. It is not for any coach or parent. It is not for anyone's ego, but is designed to teach the basic principles of sportsmanship, camaraderie and football skills.

    3. That winning is not the foremost object of the program, but by competent coaching and positive reinforcement of goals, these young people learn how to win, how to lose and how to do both well.

    4. That I have received a copy of the rules and regulations of the Greater Eastside Junior Football Association and that I further agree to comply fully with all rules therein and those specifically outlined herein. I, and as many of my staff as possible, shall attend the GEJFA All Coaches Clinics.

    5. That, although I coach for one system, I recognize my loyalty and conformity to the association and its rules.

    6. That I am responsible not only for my conduct and performance, but also that of my assistants, players, and parents of players. I realize that my team may be penalized and that I may be subject to disciplinary action by the Junior Football Council for failing to do my utmost to control inappropriate behavior by assistants, players, or parents.

    7. That I will not knowingly allow any player to participate on my team who is not from within the GEJFA approved boundaries for my System, or who is presently playing for any junior or senior high school team; nor will I allow a player whom I know to have altered his date of birth, or any other date which would show him eligible to compete in our program when he should not; and that I am subject to game forfeitures, suspension or termination for playing such ineligible players.

    8. That no team shall beat an opponent by more than 32 points and that every effort will be made to insure that no team feels demoralized by the running up of any score, and every effort will be made to insure to prevent same.

    9. That I understand the league substitution rule. Upon the change of possession I must empty my bench and replace all players on the field, if possible, and that each of those players must remain on the field for four consecutive plays, unless the ball changes hands. After four consecutive plays I may substitute freely, but when the ball changes hands I must again empty my bench and replace all players on the field, if possible. I must play all players at least twelve plays during the game. I will not take any action that will cause any eligible player to become ineligible for, or miss any game. However, for disciplinary reasons I may restrict a player's participation.

    10. I understand that I am governed by the Association Council and their agents and that my final form of appeal in any matter is the GEJFA Grievance Committee and I will accept their final judgment in any matter in which I may be involved.

    11. That I will run my practices and games in a sports environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, alcohol and the use of profanity.

    12. That at least one of my coaching staff shall hold current First Aid certification.

    13. That violation of the rules can result in forfeiture of the game and my suspension or termination.

Red Wolves Football Coach Talking to Team
Red Wolves Football Coaches Celebrating with Players
Red Wolves Football Coach High-Fiving Player
Red Wolves Football Coach Talking to Team
Red Wolves Football Coach Talking to Player

  • Players are expected to arrive on time to every practice unless they have been excused by the head coach in advance.

    Because football is a team sport, tardiness and missed practices can impact the entire team. If you are uncertain if your child can attend practice or any related football event, please contact the head coach as soon as possible.

    Game Eligibility
    When reviewing the practice policy, keep in mind the following game eligibility requirements.

    • Per GEJFA rules, players may not engage in collision contact activities until they have attended at least two (2) non-collision contact practices outfitted in their practice equipment. Players must then participate in three (3) collision contact practices before participating in a game. 


    • Per RWJFA rules, first year players (those playing in the Jr Red Wolves program for the first time) must fully participate in a minimum of 10 practices to be eligible for game competition. The Jamboree counts as a practice.

    Practice Policy

    • Players are expected to be on time and to participate in the entire practice.

    • Coaches and parents should work together to avoid player tardiness. If after a coach/parent conference, tardiness remains an issue, discipline of the offending player is at the coach's discretion.

    • For your child to be excused from practice, you must contact the head coach before the scheduled event, as soon as possible after you're aware the event may be missed.

    • Acceptable excused absences include: mandatory school function, illness, and serious injury. In all cases, you must contact the head coach in advance for your child to be excused.

    • Players who have minor, non-debilitating injuries must attend practice to be eligible to play in that week's game, even if such injury prohibits participation in practice. 


    • Disruptive behavior may lead to player suspension. Head coaches must notify the child's parents and the RWJFA President in advance if any disciplinary action is to be taken. 


    • Players that are unable to participate in a game are expected to join their football or cheer team on the sideline wearing their jersey (but no helmet/pads).

    • Players who pose a safety risk to themselves or others may be withheld from games by the head coach.

    • A head coach may discipline players for violating the Player Code of Conduct.

    • A head coach may impose more severe discipline for repetitive absences or for player safety reasons with approval from Director of Football Operations or Director of Cheer.

    • If a player is going to miss game time for disciplinary reasons, the head coach must notify the parents of the affected player and the directors are still required to meet all game day requirements.

    Unexcused vs Excused Absences
    Our policy differentiates between excused and unexcused absences to maintain team accountability while understanding that unforeseen circumstances can occur.

    Excused Absences: Parents must notify the head coach in advance for an absence to be considered excused.

    Acceptable reasons include:

    • Mandatory school functions

    • Illness or doctor appointments

    • Family emergencies

    • Serious Injuries

    Unexcused Absences: If a player does not send prior notification that they will be missing practice, this is considered unexcused. In addition, the following types of activities are considered unexcused:

    • Competing sports practices/games

    • Recreational activities (parties, concerts, etc)

    • Family Vacation

    • Missing practice without prior notification

    This framework ensures fairness and maintains the safety of other players. It also emphasizes the importance of consistent practice attendance for the success of the team.

    Missing Games
    If a player misses a game, it will also be considered as an unexcused vs excused absence. In the case the absence is unexcused, it will count for the total number of unexcused absences for the season which can apply towards a penalty.

    Player attentiveness
    I will give 100% effort at practice and in games. I realize that if I do not give my best effort it affects all members of my team.

    A coach may choose not to roster a player within the first three games of the season, with prior approval from the Director of Football. A player may be considered for delayed rostering if they present any of the following risks:

    • Inability to consistently complete practices due to injury, frequent sit-outs, or other limiting circumstances.

    • Posing a significant risk of injury to themselves or to other players.

    • Demonstrating a lack of competence in understanding and executing the basic physical or mental skills required for safe and effective gameplay.

    If a player is determined to be unrostered due to any of the above concerns, a formal Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) will be developed. This plan will outline the specific criteria and expectations the player must meet to become eligible for rostering. The Performance Improvement Plan will be clearly communicated to both the player and their parent or guardian to ensure transparency and support for the player’s development.

    Penalty for Unexcused Absences For the Season
    The following serves as a guideline for disciplining players for unexcused absences. Head coaches may impose lighter

    • One unexcused absence: Player is suspended for the first quarter of the upcoming game.

    • Two unexcused absences: Player is suspended for the first half of the upcoming game.

    • Three or more unexcused absences: Player is suspended from the entire upcoming game.

    Only 3 excused practices are allowed in a season (typically used due to: sick, injury or family emergency). If 4 or more unexcused absences occur throughout the season, a mandatory meeting with the player, parents, coach, and corresponding director. 5 unexcused absences removal from team

    Penalty for Excused Absences For the Week
    Players missing practice time for any reason, even when excused, may also be suspended from playing in the upcoming game. Head coaches may impose lighter penalties depending on the situation, though exceptions should be applied fairly to all players on the team.

    • One excused absence: No penalty.

    • Two excused absences: Player is suspended for the first half of the upcoming game.

    • Three or more excused absences: Player is suspended from the entire upcoming game