The Rhode Island Magic believes basketball is a powerful tool for teaching lifelong lessons. Parents and guardians play an essential role in creating a positive experience for every player and helping them develop not only as basketball players, but also as young men and women of character.

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By working together, we can create an environment where players are encouraged to compete, improve, embrace adversity, and enjoy the game. The following Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all Rhode Island Magic parents and guardians and helps ensure our program continues to provide a positive, respectful, and supportive environment centered on player development, sportsmanship, accountability, and teamwork.

 

As a parent or guardian of a Rhode Island Magic player, I agree to:

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I will support my child’s commitment.

 

I will ensure my child arrives on time and prepared for every practice and game. This means arriving 5–10 minutes before practices and at least 30 minutes before games, as AAU schedules often run ahead of time. Being punctual is an important life skill that we expect all players to develop.

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I will let the coaches coach.

 

During practices and games, I will avoid coaching or communicating instructions to my child. Conflicting messages create confusion and make it difficult for players to focus on their coaches. During games, I will be my child's biggest fan, not an additional coach.
 

I will encourage everyone.

 

I will encourage my child and all members of the team. I will never yell negative comments toward players, coaches, officials, or spectators.

 

Positive encouragement builds confidence and strengthens team culture. Negative comments hurt players, create unnecessary tension among families, and reflect poorly on our program.

 

The Rhode Island Magic maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abusive or disrespectful behavior toward players, coaches, officials, or spectators.

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I will demonstrate sportsmanship.

 

I will treat opposing players, coaches, officials, and fans with respect at all times. If another individual behaves inappropriately, I will allow the site director or tournament staff to handle the situation rather than escalating it myself.

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I understand that my behavior teaches young athletes how to respond to adversity.

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I will focus on development first.

 

Winning is important, and competition is part of sports. However, I understand our primary goals are for players to have fun, improve their basketball skills, develop confidence, and grow into outstanding young men and women.

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Mistakes, adversity, wins, and losses are all valuable parts of that journey.

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I will help my child embrace their role.

 

Every player contributes differently to a team's success. Whether my child's role is large or small, I will encourage them to embrace it, continue improving, and put the team first.
 

I will support the coach.

 

Even when I disagree with a coaching decision, I will not undermine the coach by criticizing them in front of my child or other families.

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If I have a significant concern, I will address it respectfully and directly with the coach or a program director.

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I will communicate appropriately.

 

The Rhode Island Magic follows a 24-hour cooling-off period after practices and games.

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If I have concerns, I will schedule a meeting with the coach after allowing emotions to settle. Discussions should focus only on my child and should never compare them to another player.

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I will make the ride home a positive one.

 

Following practices and games, I will not force my child to discuss their performance or immediately point out everything they did wrong.

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Instead, I will encourage reflection by asking questions such as:

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• What did you see?

• What did you do well?

• What could you improve next time?

 

These conversations help players become more confident, accountable, and resilient.

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To learn more about supporting your child after games and practices, visit our partner, Dr. Heather Larkin, at theallinpro.com.

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I will contribute to the #MagicFamily.

 

I will do everything within my control to create a positive experience for players, families, coaches, officials, and spectators.

 

I also understand that I am responsible for the behavior of any family members or guests I bring to practices, games, or tournaments.

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Acknowledgement

 

I understand that my actions directly impact my child, their teammates, and the Rhode Island Magic community.

 

Repeated violations of this Code of Conduct or serious misconduct may result in disciplinary action, including the removal of my child from the team or the program.

 

By participating in the Rhode Island Magic, I agree to uphold these expectations and do my part to help create a positive, respectful, and supportive environment where every player has the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow both on and off the court.​​

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