Shape up or possibly get shipped out.
The Oak Harbor Football and Cheer League, which includes athletes from Coupeville, has been placed on probation for “an accumulation of offenses made by players, coaches and parents.”
It’s a serious step, as continued infractions could result in deeper penalties for the non-profit, volunteer-run youth organization.
Last season the Anacortes league was stripped of all home games after repeated infractions by parents who “could not control themselves.”
Brian Jones, the President of the Oak Harbor league, released a statement on the league’s Facebook page Friday addressing the matter.
Our league has a process of a site report where all things the head referee witnesses, on or off the field, is reported and our league is held accountable for these things.
In addition, each field has NCYFL and OHFCL field monitors who have interactions and report issues.
Finally, people send in complaints to the league.
Unfortunately, we have not conducted ourselves in a manner that keeps us off these reports.
We have a responsibility under the code of conduct signed by all players, parents and coaches to conduct ourselves with grace and integrity.
At the foundation of these codes are a simple rule. Act right. Do not engage with others acting wrong.
That’s as simple as I can state it. We need to control what we can control.
We have been informed that any more infractions will be dealt with harshly.
Last year, Anacortes lost all of its home games because the parents could not control themselves.
For us, the loss of revenue from the snack shack alone would put our league in a tough financial position making it impossible for us to offer scholarships to families that need them.
Additionally, no one wants to have 8+ away games per year.
I’m asking you to please speak with your kids.
Regardless of what they see on TV, acting wrong, speaking wrong is not part of the game.
I have spoken with all of the head coaches and they will be addressing their parents before Saturday’s games.
If you have any concerns you wish to voice, my cell phone number will be at the bottom of this message.
Our board of volunteers appreciates your help with this matter.
Lastly, if you feel like there is an issue that you are not comfortable bringing to your head coach, please contact our parent representative or any other board member to help.
We all want the kids to have the best experience.
I personally want you as parents to have the best experience.
This league has given my family and I so much joy and we hope that you get that same experience.
With great respect,
Brian Jones
Oak Harbor Football and Cheer League
(360) 969-4664
