PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
We, the Board of Coles Little League, have implemented the following Sport Parent Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of parents in supporting their child in sports.
Parents should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in our league. Forms are to be handed in at first practice session to Team Manager. Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games.
The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles:
- Trustworthiness
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Fairness
- Caring
- Good Citizenship
The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.” I therefore agree:
- I will not force my child to participate in sports.
- I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
- I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
- I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
- I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
- I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
- I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.
- I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
- I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
- I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
- I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
- I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
- I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
- I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
- I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events. I understand smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas only.
- I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.
PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
Player's responsibilities are simple; be respectful of others, be responsible, play fair, and always do your best, and always exhibit good sportsmanship.
As a Coles Little League participant I hereby pledge that I will:
- Encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents.
- Be a team player and support my teammates.
- Be on time and attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coaches if I cannot.
- Work hard to improve my skills.
- Do my best to listen and learn from my coaches.
- Encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity.
- Congratulate the other team after each game as a demonstration of sportsmanship.
- Refrain from using violence, unfriendly language, or insults to others.
- Be generous when I win and gracious when I lose.
- Obey the rules of the game and always work for the good of the team.
- Accept the decisions of the officials with grace and never challenge or question calls.
- Refrain from challenging or questioning on-field calls by officials and/or managers and coaches.
- Conduct myself with honor and dignity.
- Applaud the efforts of my teammates and opponents.
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the Coles Little League Board of Directors or Code of Conduct Committee that could include but is not limited to the following:
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Player suspension for games
- Player suspension for season including postseason (All Stars)
- Player being expelled from the league
The Coles Little League Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.
MANAGER/COACH CODE OF CONDUCT
The following Managers/Assistant Coach Code of Conduct is lengthier than most communication which is typical to Coles Little League, however it is necessary. Please thoroughly read and understand it prior to accepting the position of a Manager or Coach.
Coaching a youth sport program such as Little League Baseball is a privilege that is not to be taken for granted. As a Manager or Assistant Coach, appointed by the Coles Little League (CLL) Board of Directors, you have an important role in the development of the young children in our community. We strive to teach each child the positive values of trust, good sportsmanship, good citizenship, responsibility, respect, fair play and teamwork – values they can use throughout their lives. Baseball embodies the discipline of teamwork. It challenges players towards perfection of physical skills and bring into play the excitement of tactics and strategy. The very nature of baseball also teaches that while every player eventually strikes out or is on a losing team, there is always another chance for success in the next at-bat or game. With this in mind, Coles Little League expects each manager and assistant coach to adhere to the following Code of Conduct:
Sportsmanship
1. I will promote good sportsmanship, teach good baseball skills, and have fun in the process.
2. I realize, accept and will practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability, but also on its sportsmanship, courtesy and manner.
3. I understand that physical or verbal abuse of an official, coach, player, or spectator, including obscene gestures, will not be tolerated and that the offender will be removed from the fields an Umpire or CLL board member. The offender is to leave the Little League complex immediately and must not return until notified by the CLL board that they are allowed to do so. This may mean missing one or several games - depending on the incident that occurred.
4. I understand coaches will refrain from complaining about perceived bad calls to players and fans.
5. I understand all discussions will be held in conversational tones. Under no circumstances will a coach, fan, or player yell at an umpire, coach, fan, or player. The lone exception to this rule is when a coach or player shouts to another coach or teammate during the course of a play as part of that play.
6. I understand profanity is expressly forbidden at all times at Little League complexes.
7. I understand alcoholic beverages and the use of illicit drugs are prohibited at Little League complexes.
8. I understand the use of tobacco and vapor products within the Little League complex and in the dugouts is prohibited.
Rules and Policies
1. I will know and understand the rules and abide by them (whether local, interleague or national). I will instruct my team members in the rules and coach my team in such a way as to motivate each player to compete according to the rules at all times.
2. I will adhere to all Little League safety guidelines from the LL handbook.
3. I will understand the local league participation rules for my division. All coaches must ensure that each player gets minimum opportunities to bat and play the field in each game. I also understand that specific rules are also in place to limit the number and frequency of innings pitched by a particular player.
4. I will fully comply with the Player/Parents Code of Conduct.
5. I will review the CLL website on a regular basis to make sure that I am informed of all updated LL and CLL Rules and policies.
The Umpires and Other Resources
1. I recognize baseball is a game of interpretations, and as a result, disputes will occur from time to time. However, it is important that players learn respect. All disputes that are taken up with the umpire will be handled in a civil manner. I understand only managers may initiate such discussions with an umpire. The managers/coaches will conduct themselves with decorum and once the umpire has made his/her final ruling, the managers will make no further field protest. Off-field protests may be lodged with the Board of Directors.
2. I understand most of the umpires are “in training” as are the players. I recognize that all umpires will make mistakes occasionally, and as manager/coach, I will give the umpires the respect their position within the game deserves.
3. I will be responsible for caring for equipment, for care of fields prior to games and for cleaning up fields, dugouts and stands after games. I will make sure that all league - provided equipment is clean and accounted for when returned after the season.
The Parents and the League
1. I will maintain an open line of communication with players and their parents. I will be approachable. When approached by a parent to discuss any issue, I will interact and respond in a courteous manner.
2. I will understand and explain the philosophies, goals and objectives, and Codes of Conduct of the CLL (i.e. CLL is organized as a recreational league, meant for the enjoyment of all the players).
3. I will ensure that fans of the team conduct themselves with sportsmanship and maturity at all times while in attendance at game sites and will assist the officials in maintaining control of spectators during games. I will make sure that coaches and players are the only persons allowed in the dugout during a game.
4. I will support (through participation and organization of parents) CLL in fundraising efforts.
The Team
1. I will conduct practices in an organized manner, with a planned agenda that focuses on specific skill development appropriate for the skill level of the players.
2. I will focus on providing instruction commensurate with players abilities so all players have the opportunity to advance their skills towards their full potential, gain confidence and develop self-esteem, as well as establish a solid foundation for further baseball/softball competition.
3. I will teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat.
4. I understand that managers are appointed by the league to be responsible for the team’s actions on the field and to represent the team in communications with the umpires, opposing teams and league. If a manager leaves the field, he shall designate a coach as a substitute who will then be responsible and held accountable for the manager’s duties.
Non-Game Duties of Managers
Each manager has considerable duties outside of coordinating practices and managing the games. Accordingly, if I am a Manager, I will adhere to the following as well:
1. I will maintain open communication with players and parents to inform them of practices, games and other responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.
2. I will attend all required coaches meetings, safety and umpiring clinics unless I am out of town or have a significant previously made commitment. If I cannot attend, I will ensure that one of my assistant coaches attends on my behalf.
3. I will complete, obtain and submit to the League all required paperwork, which will include Background Check, Concussion Training, Abuse Awareness and Diamond Leader.
4. I will make sure that I have access to the CLL Rules and the Little League rule book and make sure it is present at each team practice and game.
5. I understand that I am the point of contact between my team and other teams and CLL officials. I understand that I am the person that is responsible for my team. I will take my obligations seriously and communicate effectively and in a courteous manner.
CLL has a “zero tolerance” policy for any aggressive or inappropriate physical contact with any player, coach, umpire, parent, fan or other person and any breach of this rule is grounds for immediate action, including removal from the position of Coach, Manager or Board Member.
The following Parent/Player Code of Conduct is lengthier than most communication which is typical to Coles Little League, however it is necessary. Please thoroughly read and digest it prior to accepting the terms.