Overview:

East Georgia Blitz (EGB) is an association dedicated to all student athletes residing in Columbia County, Georgia. EGB offers Flag Football opportunities for both boys and girls.

East Georgia Blitz is committed to the development of our community's student athletes by way of year-round accessibility and inclusivity of fundamental football principals. The goal is to promote physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship to maximize each athlete's potential. Through football principles we can teach and instill important values such as pride, accountability, commitment, discipline, leadership and determination. 

 1. Purpose

These principles are written to ensure a balanced blend of sportsmanship, recreation, skill development, and competitive activity in keeping with the EGB Mission Statement. 

2. Principles

a. All players, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators will be treated fairly and with respect.

b. Retention of athletes is a key measure of success.

c. Players will be provided with the highest quality training and coaching that EGB can supply.

d. Input from Coaches at the next level is critical in developing a progressive schedule of age-appropriate fundamental skills.

e. Players should be evaluated periodically to gauge our success in meeting targets for skills development. The results of these evaluations will be shared with both the player and the parent.

f. Parents play an extremely important role in the development of young athletes.

g. All activities and actions sanctioned by EGB will be conducted in an open and transparent manner.

h. EGB will openly accept criticism and complaints and will effectively and fairly resolve these issues consistent with our Mission Statement.

i. EGB has a goal of continuous improvement. As deviations from our mission are noted, we will look for the underlying problem and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that we are living up to the standards and goals of our Mission Statement.

Purpose

East Georgia Blitz values sportsmanship, fair play, skill development, and mutual respect among all players, coaches, officials and spectators. This Code of Conduct has been established and adopted to ensure the guiding principles of East Georgia Blitz are understood and met by all individuals associated with this organization. 

This Code of Conduct applies to all activities associated with EGB. These activities include, but are not limited to, email correspondence, registration, drafts, practices, EGB sponsored games, and any activities attended under the EGB banner, run by other organizations. The Code of Conduct for coaches, players, parents, and spectators will be thoroughly discussed at the pre-season coaches meeting. In addition, this Guiding Principles, Code of Conduct, and Disciplinary Procedures will be available on the East Georgia Blitz website for review. 

The following Codes of Conduct will be strictly enforced.

Each player will ensure that his/her playing conduct is that of a young lady or gentleman fairly competing to the limit of his/her ability. To satisfy these responsibilities, the player is expected to:

a. Know the rules and abide by them.

b. Respect the game officials and refrain from addressing them or commenting on their decisions during the play of the game.

c. Maintain control of his/her emotions, avoiding the use of abusive language or profanity, humiliating remarks, gestures of ill temper, and physical assault upon another player at any time.

d. Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team and demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of the game. Be humble and generous in victory and courteous in defeat.

e. Respect all East Georgia Blitz volunteers.

f. Follow all practice and game facility rules and regulations, always respecting the property of others.

g. Realize, accept, and practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built, not only on its playing ability, but also on the sportsmanship, courtesy and manners of each individual player.

h. Attend every practice and game that is reasonably possible and notify the coach in advance if the player is unable to attend.

The Head Coach will be provided with copies of the Code of Conduct prior to the start of the season. Each Head Coach is responsible for seeing that their assistant coaches, players, and spectators abide by the respective Code of Conduct. It is also the coach’s responsibility to review the Codes of Conduct with their assistant coaches and players.

Each coach will ensure that his/her conduct is that of a responsible adult fairly competing to the limit of his/her ability. To satisfy these responsibilities, the coach is expected to:

a. Know the rules and abide by them.

b. Instruct players in the rules and coach his/her team in such a way as to motivate each player to always compete according to the rules.

c. Place the emotional and physical wellbeing of the players ahead of any personal desire to win.

d. Respect the game officials and refrain from questioning their decisions in a disrespectful or abusive manner.

e. Ensure that all building rules and regulations are followed by the players and spectators.

f. Ensure that fans of his/her team always conduct themselves with sportsmanship and maturity while in attendance at game sites and assist the game officials in maintaining control of spectators during the games.

g. Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team both during the play of the game and at its conclusion, win or lose.

h. Respect all East Georgia Blitz volunteers.

i. Teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat.

j. Maintain control of his/her emotions and avoid actions, language, and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile and humiliating.

k. Instruct team support personnel in their responsibilities in accordance with established rules and procedures.

l. Realize, accept, and practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability, but also on its sportsmanship, courtesy, and manner.

Each parent and spectator will ensure that his/her conduct is that of a responsible adult or youth who are positively encouraging all participants to the limit of his/her ability. To satisfy these responsibilities, each parent and spectator is expected to:

a. Respect the rules of the game.

b. Respect the game officials and refrain from questioning their decisions or from addressing them in a loud, disrespectful, or abusive manner.

c. Grievances or misunderstandings between coaches, officials, parents or spectators should be communicated through the proper channels and procedures, never on or about the field of play and/ or in view of other players, spectators or participants. 

d. Cheer for their team in a positive, supportive manner.

e. Place the emotional and physical wellbeing of the players ahead of any personal desire to win.

f. Maintain control of his/her emotions, avoid the use of abusive language, profanity, and gestures of ill temper, and always refrain from making hostile or negative remarks about the opposing team.

g. Respect all East Georgia Blitz volunteers.

h. Follow all practice and game facility rules and regulations, always respecting the property of others.

i. Leave practice and game facility grounds in a timely fashion after the conclusion of a game. 

j. Demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game, win or lose. Do not interact in a negative fashion with fans, players or coaches of the opposing team or game officials.

k. Realize, accept, and practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability, but also on the sportsmanship, courtesy, and citizenship of its fans.

Any individual violating the Code of Conduct set forth above shall be subject to penalties and sanctions as set forth in the Disciplinary Procedures below. In addition to conforming to the requirements of the Code of Conduct above, the following actions are specifically prohibited.

(“Offensive Actions”):

a. Refusing to abide by an official’s decision.

b. Verbally abusing or assaulting any player, coach, official, parent, spectator, or East Georgia Blitz volunteers.

c. Physically assaulting, abusing, or threatening any player, coach, official, parent, spectator, or East Georgia Blitz volunteers.

d. Displaying personal grievances or misunderstandings between coaches, officials, parents or spectators on or about the field of play and/ or in view of other players, spectators or participants. 

e. Stalking, tailing, or attempting to intimidate any player, coach, official, parent, spectator, or East Georgia Blitz volunteers.

f. Engaging in any other type of violent behavior, such as throwing equipment or other objects.

g. Engaging in any lewd or sexual behavior, physically abusing a player, or engaging in any inappropriate physical contact with a player.

h. Unless specifically allowed by the rules of the sport, pushing, shoving, or striking any player.

i. Using drugs or alcohol while coaching, attending, or participating in any EGB sponsored event.

Reporting Improper Conduct

East Georgia Blitz provides a forum on its website to allow coaches, players, parents, spectators, and officials to report to the Disciplinary Committee any issues they observe before, during, or after practices and games. The link to report Code of Conduct violations and Offensive Actions can be found on the EGB website under the MORE dropdown tab.

a. Reporting By Coaches

i. It is the responsibility of every coach to address improper conduct observed by the coach or brought to the coach’s attention in a timely and respectful manner.

ii. In the event any coach feels that the Disciplinary Committee should be involved in addressing any improper conduct, the coach is encouraged to contact the Disciplinary Committee through the EGB website.

ii. Coaches must report any Offensive Actions to the Disciplinary Committee, including, without limitation:

1) Any report or allegation of inappropriate physical contact, violence, or threatened violence against any player, coach, official, parent, spectator, or East Georgia Blitz volunteers.

2) Any observed or reported use of drugs or alcohol by any player, coach, official, parent, or spectator during any EGB event.

3) Any situation where a player, coach, parent, or spectator is ejected from a game or removed from the premises.

iv. Coaches are encouraged to keep the Disciplinary Committee informed of any improper conduct and the steps taken by the coach to address the misconduct, even if the coach is not required to report the misconduct to the Disciplinary Committee.

v. Coaches shall promptly respond to any request by the Disciplinary Committee for information relating to any incident or violation of the Code of Conduct.

 b. Reporting by Parents and Spectators

i. Parents and spectators are encouraged to report any improper conduct to the coach and/or the Disciplinary Committee.

ii. If a parent or spectator reports misconduct to the coach and feels that the misconduct is not appropriately addressed, the parent or spectator is encouraged to contact the Disciplinary Committee through the EGB website.

Coaches and Officials

i. Coaches and officials shall promptly address any misconduct that is observed or brought to the attention of the coach or official during an EGB event.

ii. Coaches and officials have absolute authority, in their sole discretion, to issue verbal warnings and/or eject any player, parent, or spectator from any game or match if the player, parent, or spectator violates the Code of Conduct or engages in any Offensive Action.

iii. Officials have absolute authority to issue verbal warnings and/or eject any coach or spectator from any game or match if the coach or spectator violates the Code of Conduct or engages in any Offensive Action.

 EGB Disciplinary Committee

i. The EGB Disciplinary Committee will conduct a timely and reasonable investigation into any misconduct reported to the Disciplinary Committee. The scope of any investigation will be determined by the Disciplinary Committee in its sole discretion, provided, however, that the Committee will provide any person accused of misconduct with a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

ii. After a reasonable investigation, the Disciplinary Committee will determine the appropriate penalty for any violation of this Code of Conduct and any Offensive Action.

1) Penalties will be based on the nature and severity of the violation.

2) The Disciplinary Committee will strive to treat all similar offenses in a similar manner, while considering the individual facts and circumstances of each violation.

3) The Disciplinary Committee will not discriminate in any manner in determining whether to impose a penalty or in determining which penalty to impose.

iii. The Disciplinary Committee will keep reasonable and appropriate records of each reported violation and shall document each penalty and the reasons for imposing the penalty.

All decisions of the Disciplinary Committee are final and cannot be appealed.dd an answer to this item.

The Disciplinary Committee shall determine the appropriate penalty for any violation of the Code of Conduct and any Offensive Actions. Penalties may include any one or more of the following:

a. Verbal Warning

b. Suspension:

i. One game suspension

ii. Multiple game suspension, or

iii. Indefinite suspension 

d. Suspension of player(s) in accordance with BOD decision

e. Parent/Player expulsion from EGB

2. Additional Considerations

a. If a coach or parent is expelled from the league, any child associated with that person is also expelled from the league.

b. If a player is suspended from the Local School District, they cannot participate in EGB events for the duration of their suspension. If a player is expelled from the Local School District, they cannot participate in any EGB events. If they are currently on a team, they will be removed from that team.

c. There are no refunds as a result of any person being removed from the league.

The East Georgia Blitz (EGB) has instituted a Zero Tolerance Rule for all flag football season. 

This is created to encourage a positive environment for all players, coaches, officials, and family members. 

The rule states: “EGB volunteers, coaches, players, cheerleaders, family members and spectators that demonstrate behavior that is detrimental to any area program may be removed from that respective program. Detrimental behavior is defined as physical and/or verbal abuse towards any participant, coach, or official at any time.   Vulgar language, physical abuse or gestures WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Violators of this Zero Tolerance Rule during EGB functions will be ejected and may be subject to game, practice or season suspension.

1. PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE: I, the parent/ guardian of the above named participant hereby acknowledge that my child is in good general health, and I give approval for my child to participate in any and all NFL East Georgia Blitz (NFLEGB), regional, national, conference, association, team, squad activities, including transportation to and from the activities. I give my approval for and assume any and all risk of my child’s use of various playing surfaces and conditions, including, but not to limited to, dry and wet natural and artificial grass, hard dirt, and or mud, and I hereby acknowledge and understand that said surfaces may be regular or very irregular. 

2. INTENT TO INFORM: I acknowledge that I am fully aware of the potential dangers of participation in any sport, and I fully understand that the participation of flag football and any sport may result in Paralysis, brain or other serious injury, permanent disability and or death. Further, I fully acknowledge and understand that protective equipment does not prevent all participant injuries, and therefore I waive release, absolve, indemnify, and agree to hold harmless the coaches, local, league, and regional NFL Flag Football and any and all organizations, sponsors, supervisors, participants, and persons transporting the above named participant to and from activities, from any claim arising out of an injury to my/ our child whether the result of negligence or for any other cause.

3. EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION: I grant permission for emergency medical care/dental treatment or first aid to be administered to my child for any illness/injury/accident resulting from participation in any and all NFL EGB activities. 

4. EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITY: I agree to assume full responsibility for any and all equipment/ uniforms loaned to my child, and I agree to promptly return, upon request, the uniform and other equipment in good condition except for normal wear and tear. If I fail to comply, I will be responsible for the cost of such equipment. 

5. INSURANCE DISCLOSURE: I am aware that NFLEGB carries group accident medical insurance which is secondary or excess to my insurance which is considered primary insurance. Further, I agree to notify, in writing, my head coach and the NFLEGB of any medical claim from participation in NFLEGB as soon as reasonably possible. I understand that the registration fee is not premium for insurance and that deductibles may apply. 

6.SCHOLASTIC FITNESS: I confirm that my child is scholastically fit or that I have completed the scholastic eligibility form or the home school eligibility form and will adhere to all rules and regulations therein. Further, I authorize my child’s school to release grades, report cards, and all other scholastic information to a NFLEGB board member in order to comply with scholastic fitness requirements. 

7. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: I confirm that I have been advised by the NFLEGB of my rights, if any, to a refund in accordance with the local organization policies, and I have also been advised of any fundraising obligations, for the entire season and agree to fully comply with those obligations.

8. COMMUNICATIONS, PROMOTIONS, AND CONSENT: As a condition of my child’s participation, I consent to receive communications by email and mail from NFLEGB and its partners. I understand that NFLEGB will not sell its contact list. Communication may contain program information, special offers that may be “Opted out” by instruction in the email or by written request to the NFLEGB. Further, I hereby grant NFLEGB the right and permission to make, reproduce, broadcast, or otherwise use participant’s name and likeness including photographs, films, videos, recordings, or other depictions or images in any form or media throughout the universe in perpetuity for promotion materials, advertising, editorial, trade, or other purpose. To the extent that any benefit or may accrue therefrom, I forever waive any interest in or claim to such benefits and acknowledge that NFLEGB is under no obligation to exercise any rights granted herein. 

9. ADHERENCE TO NFLEGB RULES AND PROCEDURES: I understand and acknowledge that as a parent/ guardian of a NFLEGB participant it is my responsibility to comply with all rules and regulations, to include but not limited to the code of conduct and guiding principles, of NFLEGB or any of its member organizations and understand that a non-compliance may be cause for discipline and/ or dismissal of the participant, myself, and /or other personal affiliated with the undersigned and the participant. I further understand that the participant must meet NFLEGB age requirements on their official certification date as established by NFLEGB without exception and that the decision is final. I agree to furnish an authentic certified copy of a birth certificate of the participant to NFLEGB officials and understand that valid proof of age, a current calendar year’s signed medical release form, Code of Conduct and Guiding Principles, and this form must be presented by date of certification in order to participate in NFLEGB activities. I/ We hereby hold NFLEGB harmless or any financial loss as the result of any disciplinary action. 

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY SEVERABILITY: I understand and acknowledge that all disputes with NFLEGB and all affiliated parties will be subject to binding arbitration in Evans, Georgia in accordance with Georgia law. I hereby agree that this binding arbitration shall be in lieu of any litigation. I also understand and agree that if I contest any decision or ruling of NFLEGB and seek other recourse that I will reimburse NFLEGB for all legal fees and expenses it reasonably incurs. If any portion of this form shall be deemed unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect. 

RULES AND REGULATIONS:In consideration of participation in NFLEGB activities and by my signature below, I confirm I have read, fully understand, and voluntarily agree to be bound by all of the above and that all information provided by me is true and accurate.