CODES OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS, COACHES AND PARENTS
(For those who are interested and particularly for those who are not!)

These codes reflect the policy of the Garfield Heights Baseball League of Garfield Heights, Ohio. They are intended to provide guidance to all those persons who are associated with the Garfield Heights Baseball League and in particular those responsible for directing their activities. 

The codes are not an exclusive statement for the conduct of the Garfield Heights Baseball League.

The purposes of the Codes of Conduct are to make the game of baseball more attractive, healthy and a worthwhile activity for children. A very important aspect of the Garfield Heights Baseball League program is teaching and promoting good sportsmanship. All players, coaches and parents are expected to conduct themselves in a dignified and orderly manner.

BASIC CODE OF BEHAVIOR:

No coach, player, parent or spectator may ever address, in a negative way, the umpires or coaches or other players. Use of profanity by a manager, coach, player parent or spectator will not be tolerated. At the coaches, umpires or league official's discretion, the manager, player, spectator or coach, may or may not be warned. If the misbehavior continues, the manager or coach will be requested to leave the grounds, and if such person refuses to leave, the game will be forfeited to the non-offending team.

After receiving the Umpire's report that a manager, coach, spectator or player has been ejected, the League Board of Directors shall require such manager, coach, spectator or player to appear before the Board of Directors to explain his or her behavior within 5 days. The Board of Directors will notify the ejected person in writing or telephone of the date, time and location of the meeting and so note its notification in its minutes by the secretary. It will be the decision of a quorum of the Board whether to suspend indefinitely or reinstate that manager, coach, spectator or player. In the case of a spectator, he or she will not be allowed on the grounds until reinstated by the Board of Directors.

Uphold all rules and regulations adopted by the Garfield Heights Baseball League.

There will be no alcoholic beverages on or near league fields.

All decisions made by umpires are final.

PARENTS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOR:

Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.

Encourage your child to participate, do not force them.

Focus on the child's efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.

Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.

Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.

Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skillful plays by all participants.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.

Respect official's decisions and teach children to do likewise. No criticizing, arguing or heckling of any participant.

Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Never attempt to enter the field of play. The Garfied Heights Baseball League will not tolerate parental misconduct of any type.

COACHING CODE OF CONDUCT:

Children participate for fun and enjoyment and winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a competition.

Make a commitment to providing a quality service to your players by adhering to the following:          

Ensure that all players are treated fairly and equally, avoid over playing talented players, all players deserve quality playing and training time regardless of their ability.

Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved with baseball - this includes but is not limited to officials, opponents, coaches, administrators, parents, spectators and the media.
Encourage your athletes to display the same qualities.

Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the game and reinforce to your players that the rules of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.   Coaches must uphold all rules and regulations of the Garfield Heights Baseball League.

Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and principles of growth and development of young people.

Ensure that coaching or training activities take place in a safe environment and are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players.

Show concern and caution towards sick or injured players.

No coach may ever address, in a negative way, the coaches or players of the opposing team. Use of profanity by a manager or coach will not be tolerated. At the coaches, umpires or league officials' discretion, the manager or coach may or may not be warned. If the misbehavior continues, the manager or coach will be requested to leave the grounds, and if manager or coach refuses to leave, the game is forfeited.

PLAYERS’ CODES OF BEHAVIOUR:

Junior players play baseball for fun and enjoyment and winning is only a secondary part of playing.

Play to the rules of the game, which have been drawn up by mutual agreements, no one should break or evade them.

Thank the opposition players, referees and coaches at the end of each game by gathering in the center of the field to shake hands and thank them for the game.

Baseball is a team game. Encourage your own teammates as every player makes mistakes and has his off days.

Never abuse anyone or swear in frustration on or off the field of play.

Uniforms should be neat, jerseys tucked in and hats worn at all times.