Athlete Code of Conduct & Anti-Bullying Policy

Effective for all FlexWork Sports camps and events  •  All ages, all sports

Our Commitment

FlexWork Sports is built on the belief that every young athlete deserves a safe, positive, and empowering experience. We host 350+ events annually across 8+ sports, bringing together kids of all ages from early elementary through high school on the same courts, fields, and turf.

That age range matters. A 6-year-old and a 16-year-old will share the same playing surface. Language, behavior, and attitudes that might seem minor in another setting can have a real impact on a younger child here. Every participant is responsible for keeping this environment one that works for everyone.

This policy applies to all participants including athletes, parents, spectators, and staff at every FlexWork Sports camp, clinic, and event.

Standards of Conduct

All athletes are expected to:

  • Treat every athlete, coach, and staff member with respect regardless of age, skill level, team, or background
  • Use language appropriate for all ages at all times
  • Wait your turn in all lines, drills, and rotations without cutting or pushing
  • Resolve disagreements calmly and involve a staff member if needed
  • Respect shared equipment, facilities, and other athletes' personal space
  • Follow instructions from FlexWork staff and athlete coaches promptly
  • Represent your family and community with pride

A Note on Language

FlexWork Sports events are all-ages environments. At any given camp, athletes may range from 6 to 17 years old sharing the same space. Profanity, aggressive trash talk, and adult-themed language are not appropriate here regardless of intent or context.

The standard is simple: If you would not say it in front of a 6-year-old, do not say it at camp.

Language violations follow the same enforcement tiers outlined below. Severe or targeted language including slurs, threats, and hate speech is zero tolerance and subject to immediate removal.

Prohibited Behaviors

⛔ ZERO TOLERANCEImmediate Removal — No Warning

The following behaviors will result in immediate removal from the event. No warning will be issued.

  • Direct Bullying: Repeated targeting, intimidation, or deliberate humiliation of another athlete, verbal or physical
  • Physical Aggression: Hitting, pushing, shoving, or any intentional contact intended to harm or threaten
  • Slurs, Threats, and Hate Speech: Use of racial, ethnic, gender-based, or any other derogatory slur; verbal threats of harm
  • Sexual or Adult Language: Sexually explicit comments or content, especially harmful given the presence of young children
  • Cyberbullying: Using phones or social media during camp to bully, threaten, or humiliate any participant
⚠ TWO-STRIKE POLICYWarning, Then Removal

The following behaviors will result in a verbal warning on the first offense and immediate removal on the second offense.

  • Line Cutting and Rotation Disrespect: Cutting in drills, stations, or any queue; pushing past other athletes for position
  • General Profanity: Casual swearing or inappropriate language not directed at any individual
  • Disrespect of Staff Direction: Refusing or repeatedly ignoring reasonable instructions from FlexWork staff or athlete coaches
  • Disruptive Behavior: Conduct that disrupts drills, sessions, or the experience of other athletes
  • Property Disrespect: Misuse or damage of equipment, facilities, or another athlete's belongings
  • Exclusionary Behavior: Deliberately leaving an athlete out of team activities, drills, or group interactions

Enforcement

⛔

Zero Tolerance Violations — Immediate Removal

The athlete is removed from the event immediately. No warning is issued. A parent or guardian will be contacted and required to pick up the athlete. No refund will be issued. FlexWork Sports reserves the right to restrict the athlete from future events. Staff will document the incident.

1

Strike 1 — Verbal Warning

The athlete is pulled aside by a FlexWork staff member for an immediate, private conversation. The behavior is clearly identified, the expected standard re-communicated, and the athlete given the opportunity to correct course. Parents or guardians will be notified as appropriate. The warning is documented by staff.

2

Strike 2 — Immediate Removal

A second violation of any two-strike behavior results in immediate removal from the event. A parent or guardian will be contacted and required to pick up the athlete. No refund will be issued. FlexWork Sports reserves the right to restrict the athlete from future events.

Note: FlexWork Sports staff may escalate any behavior to immediate removal if, in their judgment, it poses a risk to the safety or wellbeing of any participant, regardless of category.

Reporting a Concern

If you witness or experience a conduct violation:

  • Speak to any FlexWork staff member or Camp General on-site immediately
  • All reports are taken seriously and handled with discretion
  • Athletes who report concerns will not face retaliation
  • Staff are trained to respond quickly, fairly, and with care for all parties

Parent and Guardian Responsibility

FlexWork Sports camps are shared by kids of all ages and parents set the tone. We ask that all parents and guardians:

  • Review this policy with your athlete before arriving at camp
  • Model respectful, age-appropriate behavior around staff, athletes, and other families
  • Remind your athlete that younger kids are always present and language standards apply to everyone
  • Contact FlexWork staff with concerns rather than approaching other athletes or families directly

Parents or guardians whose behavior disrupts the camp environment may also be asked to leave the event grounds.

Policy Acknowledgment

By participating in a FlexWork Sports event, athletes and their parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to the standards outlined in this policy. Registration constitutes acceptance of these terms.

FlexWork Sports reserves the right to update this policy at any time. The most current version is available at flexworksports.com and distributed at event registration.