Recreation Policy #1 - Mission Statement

The goal of the Mansfield Township Recreation Committee is to build and coordinate programs that will first be fun for the participants while emphasizing the teaching and learning of fundamentals of sport and sportsmanship. The Mansfield Township Recreation Committee is in full agreement that a successful recreation program is not one that wins at all costs, but instead a program that instructs, enriches, provides healthy competition, and prepares the participants to deal with situations that occur every day in other parts of their lives by developing character, leadership, and the positive aspects of working as a team.

1.   Attend Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. course for partial protection against civil liability;

2.   Prepare for the season by studying the rules of the game and organizing efficient practices to teach strong fundamentals of the sport;

3.   Explain all practice and game schedules to ensure that all players have the opportunity to attend as many practices and games as possible;

4.   Review first aid principles and survey the field and equipment before games and practices to ensure a safe environment;

5.   Encourage sportsmanship, teamwork and a strong work ethic in practice and games. Recognize leadership and initiative in players;

6.   Stress strong fundamental play during games rather than setting winning as the goal. With strong fundamentals, winning takes care of itself;

7.   Coach and lead by example when dealing with opposing coaches, officials, parents, and players by treating all involved with respect;

8.   Encourage players to be physically fit and free of abnormal substances;

9.   Coaches are responsible for players' actions while under their supervision. Every effort must be made to keep tabs on the players’ actions and whereabouts

10.  After the completion of a game or practice, ensure that all children have rides home with parents or other responsible adults. Children must never be left unattended;

11.  Assess player progress during the season for possible inclusion on post-season tournament teams;

12.  Ensure that all uniforms and other equipment is returned within one week of the end of the season

Originally approved by unanimous Recreation Committee vote, August 5, 1997.

Reviewed and approved by the Mansfield Township Recreation Committee, October, 1998.