The Boise Noon Optimist Club established the Optimist Youth Football Program in 1949. The primary goal of the OYF Program is the "development of boys and girls to be better citizens". That continues to be one of the primary goals of the program today.

Coaches, referees, and parents form a trio of role models from which these young boys and girls learn behaviors that they will carry into adulthood. The OYF Program, in association with the District Three Referees Association, has a Code of Conduct for both the coaches and referees, and we feel it is equally important that the parents also have a Code of Conduct. Cooperation, respect, and maturity among all the adults in the OYF Program will encourage those qualities in the players themselves.

1) Children play OYF Football for their own fun! They are not here to entertain you; they are not miniature professional athletes, and this is not a "farm club" for an athletic career.

2) Encourage fair play. Always play by the rules.

3) Be supportive, i.e. be sure the player attends practices; is picked up on time; and attends games.

4) Show respect for everyone involved in the program, especially the referees and the opposing team. Wait until after the game before approaching the coach with questions or concerns.

5) Recognize the value and importance of your child's coach or coaches. They are volunteers who donated a tremendous amount of time and effort to make this a positive experience for your child and you. Please maintain respect for these volunteers at all times.

6) At games, make sure your comments are positive, or make no comment at all. Parents and spectators are required to be on the opposite side of the field from the teams at all times during games. Applaud good plays and efforts by the opposing team, as well as your own team. NEVER ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a game.

7) Condemn unsportsmanlike conduct in any way, shape or form.

8) Respect the decisions of the referees - even if you do not agree with them. We do promote a Jr. Referee program, please respect these volunteers - this is their training ground as well.

9) Please remember, as a parent, you are a role model - do not use profane language or harass the players or referees.

10) Any parents or spectators who do not abide by this Code of Conduct will be asked to leave the fields.