Baseball League Code of Conduct

Those of you who participate in youth baseball may find this a helpful document to distribute to parents in your league next season:

______________ League Parental Code of Conduct

As the parent or legal guardian of the child named below, I hereby consent to abide and ensure that my child will abide by all rules, guidelines and policies established by the Team, League, (League Name and District of which my child may be a participant. Additionally, I will, to the best of my ability, attempt to ensure that members of my family, my friends and relatives who may be directly or indirectly participating in Team, League or District activities will also abide by all rules and policies established.

I understand that I may be asked to leave the premises of a team activity if, in the judgement of a coach, umpire, or League Board Member, my behavior is deemed to be; inconsistent with the goals and philosophies of the League; is not in the best interest of the children, parents, spectators, etc. who may be participating in the League activity; or if my behavior is abusive, degrading, or could cause harm or injury to people around me.

I further agree to the following:

1. I will not criticize, belittle or question the ability or authority of any official, coach or volunteer of the Team or League.
   
   
2. I will in no way criticize, demean belittle, mock, taunt or attempt to communicate with the UMPIRE before, during or after a game. However I may offer genuine praise and thanks for a referee's performance as would be expected in and recognized as a showing of good sportsmanship.
   
   
3. I will control my emotions during games. I will not yell at or criticize other players, coaches, parents, or officials of the Team or League.
   
   
4. I will not use foul language.
   
   
5. I will not smoke or use tobacco products or partake of alcoholic beverages while on the premises of a Team or League activity.
   
   
6. Coach/Parent Relationship:
   
   

• I will not pressure the coach to:
  
  

1. Play my child a certain position
   
   
2. Play my child more than is required by the "Mandatory Play Rule"
   
   
3. Alter his/her coaching style, technique or philosophy
   
   
4. Question an umpire's judgment or overall officiating ability
   
   

• But I will:
  
  

1. Support the decision of my child's coach to play my child at any position the coach sees fit
   
   
2. Ensure that my child is on time for all games, practices and activities
   
   
3. Attempt to control any negative behavior by my child as pointed out by his/her coach or League Official
   
   
4. Encourage my child to play an position his/her coach recommends he/she play
   
   
5. Try to volunteer my time whenever possible
   
   
6. Understand that all coaches are volunteers who devote a tremendous amount of time and energy to Little League
   
   
7. All grievances, problems, questions, etc. will be discussed with a Team or League official OUTSIDE of the presence of children or preferably accomplished off the premises in a personal meeting or telephone conversation
   
   
8. I will respect the right of an umpire not to communicate with me "on the spur of the moment" about issues that may be particularly controversial, or, under the circumstance, not in the immediate best interest of the child participants
   
   
9. I understand that all League games, practices and activities function under a RECREATIONAL philosophy, stressing sport as a FUN, HEALTHY activity to be participated in for enjoyment and not for competitive advantage or personal achievement
   
   

I understand the above Code of Conduct and will abide by it. I am aware that if I am unable to refrain from any of the unacceptable behavior detailed in this document that I may be asked by the umpire or coach to leave my child's game or practice. Repeated incidents may result in my being banned from attending any League Activities.

Signed__________________________________________ Date______________________________________


Print Name _________________________________________
Player's Name ____________________________