St. Helens Little League Parent Code of Conduct
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, and - Good Citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these six pillars of character. I therefore agree:
1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
10. 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.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. 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.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
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.
St. Helens Little League Player Code of Conduct
As a player of St. Helens Little League it is my responsibility to be respectful of others, play fair, and always do my best. I pledge that I will:
1. Be a team player and support my teammates
2. Demonstrate respect to Managers, Coaches, Umpires and other players
3. Display and encourage sportsmanship at all times
4. 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.
5. Present exemplary behavior during all Little League and/or related activities.
6. Be on time and attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coaches if I cannot.
7. I will show respect to my fellow team members and opposing team members by being a humble winner and gracious loser, and will not taunt other players or teams during or after games, or ridicule any player for making a mistake.
8. I will respect at all times all property belonging to St. Helens Little League, St. Helens Parks & Rec, that of our competitors, as well as the property and equipment of other players.
I agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines I will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the SHLL Board of Directors that could include but is not limited to the following:
· Verbal warning
· Written warning
· Player removal from or suspension from games
· Player suspension for season including postseason (All Stars & TOC)
· Player being expelled from the league
The SHLL Little League Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.
St. Helens Little League Volunteer Code of Conduct
As a volunteer board member, manager, coach, or team parent of St. Helens Little League I understand that I am representing SHLL and that I will conform my behavior to the following Code of Conduct:
1. Remember that I am a youth sports coach/volunteer and that the game is for children, not adults.
2. Place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of my own desire to win.
3. Strive to help my players become happy, well-adjusted children who will evolve into good citizens.
4. Do my best to provide a safe playing environment, free of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
5. Be fair and equitable at all times.
6. Learn the official Little League mandates and the SHLL regulations. Teach these rules to the players, and enforce them with the parents.
7. Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and good sportsmanship.
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subjected to disciplinary action levied by the SHLL Board of Directors or Code of Conduct Committee that could include, but is not limited to the following:
· Verbal warning
· Written warning
· Manager/coach/volunteer suspension for games
· Manager/coach/volunteer season suspension
· Manager/coach/volunteer removal from all league activities
The SHLL Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.