Code Of Conduct

Youth baseball and softball plays a vital role in encouraging physical, social and emotional growth of children. It is therefore essential for parents, coaches and officials to encourage their youth players to embrace the values of good sportsmanship, discipline and character development. The Lodi Area Baseball and Softball organization requires that all participants commit and adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

Lodi Area Baseball and Softball organization believes in – Safety, Sportsmanship, and Scholarship and expects student participants to exhibit them both on and off the court. Any violation of the following Codes could result in disciplinary action by the Lodi Area Baseball and Softball organization that may result in warnings, suspension, and/or removal from their respective team. Lodi Area Baseball and Softball organization has adopted the following Student Athlete Code of Conduct and Parent Code of Conduct:   

I hereby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience (no matter what) and accept responsibility for my participation by following this:

Student Athlete Code of Ethics Pledge

▪ I will have fun! I will enjoy playing the game of baseball or softball and make sure that my fun is not had at another person's expense (bullying, name-calling, making fun of, horseplay, etc).

▪ I will be a good sport (win or lose): I will be honest, fair and always show good sportsmanship to all coaches, players, officials, parents and fans by demonstrating positive behavior at every game and practice.

▪ I will learn the value of commitment to the team. I will attend every practice and game that I can and I will notify my coach if I cannot. I understand that my coach will decide what is an acceptable absence excuse.

▪ I will put personal goals aside for the betterment of the team. I will give my best effort at all times. I will show courtesy and respect to teammates, opponents and coaches at all times.

▪ I realize that athletic contests (including practice sessions) are educational experiences and opportunities…I realize that my participation is a privilege and NOT a right guaranteed to me regardless of my behavior.

▪ I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct (referee and/or coaches discretion).

▪ I will not engage in rude and/or inappropriate behavior (referee and/or coaches’ discretion).

▪ I will treat everyone, including coaches, parents, players and officials, with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, nationality or gender.

We, the Lodi Area Baseball and Softball organization, have implemented the following Parent/Guardian 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 organization/league.

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 effort, work ethic, and treating others positively are prioritized ahead of 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 I will make my child feel like a winner after every contest.
• I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win games.
• I will respect the officials and their authority during games.
• I will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field; I will follow a ‘24 Hour Rule’ before I initiate communication with a coach about a game; email only. I will encourage my student athlete to communicate with their coach before I do. If allowed by a coach,
• I will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place that is determined in the initial email communication (after the ‘24 Hour Rule.’) I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the board approved coaches of the team.

The function of a coach is to ensure a positive baseball experience for all players regardless of ability.  Coaches serve as an advisor, mentor, lifeline, or simply as a person to lend an ear and listen.  The role that a coach can have on a player’s life is significant in youth development.  The sports field offers a place to develop both as an athlete and individual, and lessons learned on that field will be carried throughout life. Each player should be treated with the utmost respect, and his or her welfare should be considered in decisions by the coach at all times. 

Thank you for your willingness to volunteer as a coach.  You are the face of Lodi Area Youth Baseball and Softball.  Accordingly, the following Coaches Code of Conduct has been adopted by the Lodi Area Youth Baseball and Softball.  By coaching you agree to all terms set forth therein. 

CONDUCT AND ETHICS

• I will be a positive role model for the athletes I coach and demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship to all my players. 
• I will act professionally and take responsibility for my actions.
• I am aware that I have a tremendous influence, for either good or ill, on the education of the player and, thus, shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.
• I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for children and not adults.
• I will exert my influence to enhance sportsmanship by my assistant coaches, players, parents, and those associated with my team with special emphasis on respecting the rights, dignity and worth of athletes, coaches, other volunteers, friends, and spectators.
• I will respect and support contest officials. I will not indulge in conduct which would incite players or spectators against the officials.
• I will place the emotional and physical wellbeing of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
• I will ensure my language, manner, punctuality, preparation, and presentation demonstrate high standards of LAYBS.
• I will treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion, or ability.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• I understand that I am responsible for ensuring that the health, well-being, and development of athletes take precedence over the win/loss record.
• I will adhere to all pitch count rules and in the absence of rules act in the best interest of the players health and longevity regardless of situation.
• I will provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for practices and competition.
• I will exhibit sound injury and risk management practices and will encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required.
• I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
• I will ensure that all equipment is safe and ready for play.

COACHING

• I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
• I will be fair, considerate, and honest with athletes and communicate with athletes using simple, clear language.
• I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.
• I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for all of the skills that I teach.
• I will seek continual improvement through performance evaluation and ongoing coach education.
• I will be knowledgeable in the rules of the league or any applicable tournaments as appropriate and I will teach and explain these rules to my players.
• I will make myself available as a coaching mentor to other coaches throughout the Association at all levels as requested by the LAYBS Board.
• I will participate in Competitive and Developmental level player evaluations as determined by LAYBS Board.
• I will remain fair and impartial during player evaluations and select the best team to represent Lodi Area Youth Baseball and Softball.
• I will not actively recruit players from Lodi Area Youth Baseball and Softball with the intent of having them leave the Association to play elsewhere.
• After due process should I be asked by the Lodi Area Youth Baseball and Softball board to step down as a coach I will willingly do so and without incident.