M.A.R.S. Youth Football & Cheer Mission

The sole purpose for which Mars Area Recreational Sports ("M.A.R.S.") operates is to provide organized, instructional, athletic opportunities for the youth of our community.  This is to be accomplished by promoting the ideals of good sportsmanship, competitiveness, honesty, loyalty and the basic fundamentals of the sport.

Participation in the M.A.R.S. Football & Cheer program is open to all boys and girls, ages 7 thru 12, residing in Adams Township, Middlesex Township, and the boroughs of Mars and Valencia.

Our goal is the development of our children to their fullest potential both on and off the field, while promoting school spirit and community pride.

Coaches, Parents, and Participants Responsibilities

The M.A.R.S. Board has established a code of conduct for the children involved in the program, along with the responsibilities of the parents and coaches involved in the program.

The M.A.R.S. Player Code of Conduct states the following:

1. I will contribute to the well being of our team and community.
2. I will show respect for my coaches, game officials, and my teammates, as well as my opponents and their coaches.
3. I will conduct myself properly at all times.  This includes showing good sportsmanship and not using offensive language.
4. I will maintain my team spirit and always give 100% effort.
5. I will make sure my equipment is clean and in good repair for each practice and for every game.  I will notify my coach immediately if my equipment or uniform is in need of repair.
6. I will not mistreat or damage any equipment or uniform that is provided for me by M.A.R.S. or any equipment belonging to others.
7. I will notify my coaches when I cannot make it to a practice or a game.
8. I will avoid harm to others.

The responsibilities of the M.A.R.S. coaches are to:

1. Keep the physical and emotional well being of all children ahead of any personal desire to win.
2. Treat each child as an individual, recognizing that all children do not develop emotionally or physically at the same time within the same age group.
3. Provide a safe play situation for all children.
4. Plan and organize practices that are fun and challenging.
5. Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship.
6. Know the rules of the game and teach them to all children.
7. Use proper coaching techniques for the skills taught.

It is the parent’s responsibility to:

1. Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every practice and game.
2. Place the emotional and physical well being of your child ahead of any personal desire to win.
3. Support the coaches and officials working with your child so a positive attitude is achieved.
4. Reinforce the game in a safe and healthy environment.
5. Teach your child to treat all players, coaches, fans, officials, and other parents with respect.
6. Make sure your child arrives at all practices and games on time to participate in warm up drills.  Warm ups are very important to lower the risk of injury.  Being late could result in little or NO playing time.
7. Be sure to check your child’s equipment to see that it is functioning properly.
8. Provide the M.A.R.S. league with volunteering efforts.  It will be every child’s parent responsibility to volunteer for concession stand or other areas as needed.