All administrators and volunteers are bound by the “Pledge,” “Code” and “Standard of Conduct”. Each game and practice I participate in or administer over will provide me with an opportunity to be a Champion of Character. I pledge, as an AYF member to accept the five core character values of American Youth Football and will do my best to represent AYF, my Conference, my Association, my Team, and myself by: respecting my opponent, the officials, my team, my administrators, coaches, myself and the game; taking responsibility for my actions in all areas of my life; having the integrity to stand by my word; providing leadership where I serve others while striving to be a personal and team leader; and being an example of sportsmanship by holding myself to the highest standards of fair play.

Coaches can make a conscious choice to uphold the best of values. Individual players can make choices that will define them as athletes. American Youth Football believes in the following five core values.

Leadership

How an athlete shows LEADERSHIP

• Through selfless teamwork and showing the ability to put the team goals ahead of individuals achievement.
• Exhibit an enthusiastic love for the game and shares that fire and intensity with teammates on and off the field.

Integrity

How an athlete shows INTEGRITY

• Tells the Truth, keeps commitments, does not lie, cheat, or steal, purity of intent.
• Honorable and genuine, being worthy of respect.

Respect

How an athlete shows RESPECT

• Displays a teachable demeanor and spirit?
• Eager to learn and takes correction as a compliment.
• Consistently seeks new information and a balance for improvement.
  
• Committed to working hard and producing consistent and continuous positive results. 
• Attentiveness through concentration on the task at hand.
• Confident, preparation, not ego, driven. Proud and feels a sense of dignity and loyalty to the team.
• Values team accomplishments – is not arrogant. Does not require or expect special treatment.

Responsibility

How an athlete shows RESPONSIBILITY

• Assumes responsibility for academic effort. Turns in assignments on time and maintains academic eligibility. 
• Covers all responsibilities for any classes missed due to travel.
• Takes accountability for actions. Accepts responsibility for outcomes. Solves problems – does not make excuses.
• Stays enthusiastic, confident and positive. Exudes a sense of mental toughness not allowing anything to break spirit
• A self-starter with determination to quickly recover from mistakes. Accepts and embraces discipline for the benefit of the team.

Sportsmanship

How an athlete shows SPORTSMANSHIP

• Respects the rules and the game.
• Respects and accepts the judgment of others.
• Respects opponents as guests and reacts correctly, even when others do not.