Houston United Girls Flag Football League, a program of She Plays Flag Texas (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all participants. The following Code of Conduct applies to all players (including free agents from the moment of free agent registration through the conclusion of the season), parents, coaches, referees, volunteers, league staff, and spectators.

By participating in or attending any league activity (including the free agent combine), you agree to comply with this Code.

Core Principles

Everyone involved with Houston United is expected to:

•        Treat all participants, opponents, officials, and spectators with respect

•        Display good sportsmanship at all times, in victory and in defeat

•        Focus on the development, enjoyment, and well-being of the players

•        Set a positive example for young athletes

•        Follow league rules, game rules, and the instructions of league officials

Player Conduct

Players are expected to:

•        Compete fairly and within the rules of the game

•        Respect coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials

•        Refrain from trash talk, taunting, profanity, and physical or verbal intimidation

•        Accept the decisions of referees without argument or hostile reaction

•        Avoid any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic

•        Refrain from using or possessing alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or vaping products at league activities

Coach Conduct

Coaches are expected to:

•        Prioritize player safety, development, and enjoyment over winning

•        Demonstrate respect for officials, opposing teams, and other coaches

•        Model the behavior they expect from their players

•        Refrain from profanity, intimidation, or verbal abuse directed at players, parents, officials, or other coaches

•        Avoid physical contact with players except as necessary for instruction, safety, or first aid, and only in ways consistent with the league's child protection standards

•        Comply with all league requirements for background checks, certifications, and training

•        Report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or safety concern to league leadership and, where required by law, to the appropriate authorities

Parent and Spectator Conduct

Parents and spectators are expected to:

•        Support all players in a positive manner, including those on opposing teams

•        Refrain from coaching from the sidelines

•        Respect the decisions of referees and coaches

•        Refrain from profanity, shouting at officials, criticizing players, or engaging in confrontations with other parents, coaches, or league staff

•        Maintain a safe distance from the field and follow venue rules at Community Fieldhouse

•        Refrain from alcohol, drug, tobacco, or vaping use at league events

Prohibited Behavior

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate ejection, suspension, or permanent removal from the league:

•        Physical violence or threats of violence directed at any participant or attendee

•        Sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or any conduct that endangers a minor

•        Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory conduct

•        Verbal abuse of referees, coaches, players, or other parents

•        Deliberate cheating or attempts to circumvent league rules

•        Possession of weapons at league events

•        Possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs at league events

•        Recording or photographing players in restrooms, changing areas, or in any manner inconsistent with the law and the league's child protection standards

•        Coach-initiated recruitment of players rostered on other Houston United teams during the season (see the No-Poaching and Roster Stability Policy for details)

Consequences for Violations

Houston United will respond to Code of Conduct violations on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the severity, intent, and history of the conduct. Consequences may include:

•        A verbal or written warning

•        Ejection from the game or event

•        Suspension from one or more games

•        Removal from the league for the remainder of the season

•        Permanent removal from Houston United

•        Forfeiture of registration fees, where applicable

•        Referral to law enforcement, where required by law or warranted by the conduct

Decisions regarding consequences are made by league leadership and are final. There is no formal appeal process, although a participant may request reconsideration in writing within 7 days of the decision.

Reporting Violations

If you witness or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it to league leadership at info@houstonunitedgirlsflag.org or (832) 942-9878. Reports may be made anonymously, although providing your name and contact information helps us investigate and respond effectively.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement first, then notify league leadership as soon as it is safe to do so.

Mandatory Reporting

Texas law requires any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or law enforcement. Houston United staff and coaches will comply with these reporting obligations.