Youth sports can be an emotional experience. The physical activity of the kids can often spill onto the sidelines and into the stands and create strong reactions in coaches and parents. 

For parents, it is important to separate their child's sports development from game emotions. For this reason, WJAA has adopted the "24 Hour Rule" which simply states that coaches will not discuss a game or situation until at least 24 hours after the fact. This important rule does two things. First, it moves the discussion away from the presence of the players. Second, it allows all parties to have time to put things in perspective and "cool off", if necessary. 

If parents will respect the 24 hour rule, their concerns are more likely to be fully addressed in reasoned discussion. More importantly, the kids' enjoyment of a game won't be marred by an ill-timed confrontation.

Policy: Chain of Command

In the event a problem or concern arises that the parent needs to address with a coach, the following procedure will be followed:

If it is concerning a safety issue, the parent should bring the issue to the attention of a head coach, assistant coach, or the Commissioner of that sport IMMEDIATELY.

If it is concerning your child's position, or other issue that occurred during a practice, please contact the HEAD COACH via phone or email after the practice.  The Head Coach will respond either via phone or schedule a time to speak within 24 hours of the call or email.

If it is concerning your child's position, or other issue that occurred during a game, the head coach MAY NOT be contacted in any way, shape or form for at least 24 hours.  After 24 hours, the coach may be contacted or addressed by email or by phone.  Upon initial contact, the coach may elect, at his/her sole discretion, to address the issue immediately or schedule a time to address the issue, not to exceed 30 hours.

If the parent, after addressing the issue with the head coach is still not satisfied or the head coach has exceeded the time frames above, the parent shall contact the Commissioner of that sport.

If the parent, after addressing the issue with the Commissioner of that sport is still not satisfied, the parent may take their issue to the WJAA Board of Directors.  The WJAA Board of Directors may choose not to become involved in a given situation unless the chain of command has been followed.  The decision of the WJAA Board of Directors will be the final decision.

Comments, questions and concerns regarding: game officials, players, managers, or coaches of other teams; shall be directed to the Commissioner of that sport in which the concern, comment, or question is applicable.  Only those persons explicitly authorized to do so by the WJAA Board of Directors shall contact/communicate with game officials, other teams, other associations, on behalf of WJAA.

Please keep in mind, everyone at WJAA, every coach, every commissioner, every board member, everyone - is a volunteer.  We volunteer for many reasons, but the end result is that we want to see your child grow and develop in sports.