Athletic Facilities Co-Sponsorship Users

Current Athletic Facilities Co-Sponsorship Policy

The City of San Ramon recognizes the need for diversity in its services and the organizations that provide them. Accordingly, the City's Parks and Community Services Department offers a variety of broad-based recreational, educational, and social activities and programs. However, the City does not have the expertise or resources to offer all services. These additional services can effectively supplement existing recreational, educational, and social activities and programs that enhance the City's offerings to encourage an active, healthy, enriched, and well-rounded community. Likewise, these activities generally rely on publicly controlled facilities (such as the City or School District).

The City of San Ramon's Athletic Facilities Co-Sponsorship Policy is designed to:

• Provide the greatest number of Residents and employees of San Ramon businesses regular access to City facilities (i.e., fields, pools, gyms).
• Provide an equitable means of sharing a finite amount of City facilities across a diverse range of services and programs.
• Ensure inclusive recreational opportunities for San Ramon youth; comply with the Fair Play in Community Sports Act while preserving a means of access for adult recreation.
• Protect and maintain City facilities for long-term viability and future generations.
• Support groups providing a service to the community that the city does not.

Co-Sponsored Sports Groups Code of Conduct 

The City of San Ramon is committed to providing all participants, spectators, staff, contractors and volunteers with a positive, safe, respectful, well-managed and enjoyable experience across all sports programs and facilities. All co-sponsored groups are expected to uphold the following standards of conduct. Failure to meet these expectations may result in loss of facility access or co-sponsorship status.

All co-sponsored groups must review this Code of Conduct with their membership at least once per year and upon new members registering. 

General Expectations of Athletic Facilities Co-Sponsored Groups

1.  Safety First: The safety and security of all participants, staff, contractors, and volunteers is paramount. All users must follow the instructions of City employees, facility supervisors, and contracted officials. Promptly report injuries, safety concerns, hazardous conditions, and violations of this Code to the appropriate City staff. 
2. Respect & Courtesy: Everyone will be treated with courtesy, respect, dignity, and fairness at all times.
3. Non-Discrimination: Discrimination or harassment based on disability, race, color, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or age is strictly prohibited.
4. Facility Care: All facilities, equipment, and parkland must be used responsibly and treated with care and respect. Users must follow all City and Department policies, posted rules, and facility-specific guidelines.
5. Behaviors & Prohibited Items: The use of alcohol, smoking, vaping, or any tobacco on non-tobacco substances (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited in all City indoor and outdoor facilities (Municipal Code B6-71).

Expectations for Co-Sponsored Group Members

Coaches, Staff, and Board Members

1.  Provide clear leadership that promotes safety, sportsmanship, and positive 
   participation.
2. Maintain a safe, supervised, and inclusive environment at all facilities (fields, gyms, 
   courts, pools, locker rooms, etc.).
3. Ensure athletes are properly supervised during all practices, games, and activities.
4. Clearly communicate team, program and facility expectations to athletes and 
   families.
5. Model respectful behavior toward officials, staff, opponents, and spectators.
6. Ensure program activities follow City rules, governing body safety standards, and all 
   facility-specific guidelines.
7. Promote fair play, equal opportunity, and positive development for all participants.
8. Follow recognized safety standards including concussion protocols, weather safety 
   guidelines, and the facility’s Emergency Action Plan.
9. Work collaboratively and cooperatively with City staff and other Co-sponsored groups to support safe, respectful, and effective use of City facilities.

Athletes / Participants

1. Follow the direction of coaches, staff, and facility personnel at all times.
2. Demonstrate respectful behavior toward teammates, opponents, officials, and facility users.
3. Follow all posted facility rules, City policies and staff instructions.
   A. Use all facilities responsibly and help maintain a safe environment.
   B. Use equipment appropriately and avoid actions that may damage facilities or property. 
4. Share space respectfully when multiple groups are using the same facility.
5. Bullying, harassment, hazing, abuse, or retaliation in any form is prohibited.

Parents, Guardians, and Spectators

1. Support athletes and teams by modeling respectful and sportsmanlike behavior toward participants, officials, and facility users. 
2. Maintain appropriate distance from playing areas to avoid distracting athletes, officials, or facility staff.
3. Communicate concerns to coaches or board members professionally and at appropriate times.
4. Ensure athletes follow team and facility guidelines.
5. Follow all posted facility rules, City policies, and staff instructions.