Haverstraw Little League - Code Of Conduct

The following sports code of conduct for youth sports programs was created as a result of a joint effort by more than thirty

Organizations associated with National Youth Programs, Medical Associations, Educational Organizations and Professional Associations.  This Code of Conduct is based on the essential elements of character building and ethics in sports that are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles; trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship.

I therefore agree:

                · I will not force a child to participate in sports.

                · I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for the youth, not adults.

· I will inform the coach of any physical disability of ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

· I will abide by the rules of the game and the policies of the League.

· I (and my guests) will be appositive role model(s) for the children 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 League event.

· I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing or taunting, refusing too 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 the children to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

· I will demand that the children treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

· I will teach the children that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that the children will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.

· I will praise a child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make them feel like a winner every time.

· I will not ridicule or yell at a child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.

· I will emphasize skill development and practice and how they benefit a child over winning.  I will de-emphasize games and competition at the lower age groups.

· I will promote the emotional and physical well being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have to win.

· I will respect the officials and their authority during games.

· I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games or practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

· I will never question, discuss or confront coaches or officials at the game field, and will take the time to speak with a coach or official at an agreed upon time and place.

· I will demand the sports environment for children is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all League sporting events.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but no is not limited to the following:

                        · Verbal warning by an umpire, coach or League Official.

                                · Written warning by the League.

· Parental and/or Player game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by the organization.

· Parental and/or Player season suspension.

As a result of the increased frequency in unsportsmanlike, disrespectful and violent incidents related to youth sporting events on a national, local and our own League level, The Board of Directors of The Haverstraw Little League will require each parent, guardian and/or volunteer to return a signed copy of this document acknowledging the individual’s awareness of the rules, guidelines and possible disciplinary actions as stated in this Code of Conduct.

Print Player Name____________________________________________Team Name___________________________________

Print Parent/Guardian/Volunteer_______________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian/Volunteer_________________________________________________Date____________________