Code of Conduct

Our Promise to Families

Grit + Grace Sports Academy commits to:

• Providing a positive, age-appropriate training environment.
• Prioritizing athlete safety, including appropriate warm-ups and conditioning.
• Teaching fundamentals, game IQ, leadership, and sportsmanship.
• Treating every athlete with respect, regardless of skill level, background, or identity.
• Communicating schedules, expectations, and changes as clearly as possible.

Faith & Values

Grit + Grace Sports Academy is a faith-based program. At times we may open or close sessions in prayer, share short encouragement rooted in Christian values, or invite families to optional activities such as youth group nights or family events.

Participation in any faith-related activity is always voluntary. Athletes and families are free to sit out or observe quietly, and doing so will never affect playing time, training attention, or how any athlete is treated.

Athlete Code of Conduct

All athletes are expected to:

• Give their best effort at each session and be coachable.
• Show respect to teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials at all times.
• Use positive language; no trash talk, bullying, or teasing.
• Keep hands to themselves and avoid unsafe play or intentional contact.
• Arrive on time, ready to work, with proper gear and water.
• Listen when coaches are speaking and follow instructions the first time.
• Take care of the facility, equipment, and shared spaces.

Parent & Spectator Code of Conduct

We ask parents/guardians and spectators to:

• Encourage effort, learning, and teamwork over scores and stats.
• Use positive, supportive language from the stands.
• Allow coaches to coach; avoid yelling instructions at athletes during drills.
• Refrain from negative comments toward officials, other athletes, coaches, or families.
• Discuss concerns privately with staff before or after sessions, not in front of athletes.
• Ensure athletes arrive and are picked up on time, and communicate when running late.

Coaches & Staff Standards

Coaches and staff at Grit + Grace Sports Academy agree to:

• Model the effort, discipline, and respect we ask of athletes.
• Use age-appropriate instruction and conditioning progressions.
• Give constructive feedback without yelling, belittling, or using harmful language.
• Respond to safety concerns, injuries, or behavior issues promptly.

Communication, Discipline & Consequences

When behavior does not meet this Code of Conduct, we will aim to coach first and correct quickly, using age-appropriate consequences. Depending on the situation, steps may include:

• 1. Verbal reminder – clear explanation of the issue and expected behavior.
• 2. Temporary removal – short break from a drill or scrimmage to reset.
• 3. Parent/guardian conversation – brief discussion after the session.
• 4. Suspension or removal – for repeated or serious violations, including bullying, harassment, threats, or unsafe conduct.

Grit + Grace Sports Academy reserves the right to remove any athlete, parent, or guest from a session or program if behavior compromises safety, well-being, or the learning environment. Refunds in these cases will follow our Refunds Policy.

Reporting a Concern

If you or your athlete ever feel unsafe, disrespected, or uncomfortable, please reach out as soon as possible so we can address it quickly.

• Talk to a coach on-site before or after a session when appropriate.
• Use the contact form on our website.
• Email us directly at hello@gritandgracesports.com.

We will review every concern in good faith and respond as promptly as possible, with your athlete’s privacy and safety in mind.