Stanwood-Camano Little League
Parent Code of Conduct

Parents: You Are Your Child’s Biggest Fan and Role Model!

Your child looks up to you, and they will mirror your actions and words both on and off the field. With that in mind, please conduct yourself with respect and sportsmanship while attending Little League games and practices.

REMEMBER, WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS.
Coaching and umpiring are not our careers; we do it for the love of the game and to support the kids. Many of our umpires are volunteers, and some are junior umpires. Please treat them with respect and, whenever possible, thank them after the game.

24 Hour Rule

Parent/Guardian Agreement:

1. Participation:

• I will encourage my child to attend and actively participate in Little League, but I will not force my child to play if they do not wish to.

• I acknowledge that the "Spirit of Little League" is to provide a recreational-level sports experience that is positive, inclusive, and fosters a sense of community, while promoting good sportsmanship at all times.

• I understand that the purpose of the game is for the enjoyment and development of the children, and that the focus should remain on their experience, not on the adults.

2. Safety and Communication:

• I will inform the coaching staff of any physical or mental conditions or ailments that may affect my child’s or others' safety.

• I will communicate respectfully and professionally with all members of the League, including coaching staff, board members, parents, players, and umpires.

• I will ensure that my child has the proper, safe equipment that meets the standards set by both Stanwood-Camano Little League and Little League International.

3. Knowledge and Understanding:

• I will familiarize myself with the game rules as outlined by Little League International (via the annual App-Based Rulebook), Interleague District 1 Rules, and Stanwood-Camano Little League policies, in order to better support my child’s experience.

• I will review and adhere to the policies and procedures set forth by Stanwood-Camano Little League, including those available on the League's website.

• If I have questions about the rules, I will first address them with the coaching staff. If further clarification is needed, the coaching staff will consult with the League’s Umpire-in-Chief to provide additional information.

4. Role Model Behavior:

• I (and my guests) will demonstrate positive sportsmanship, respect, and courtesy toward all players, coaches, officials, and spectators.

• I will refrain from engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, including booing, taunting, or using profane language or gestures.

5. Encouragement and Development:

• I will encourage my child to play by the rules, respect others, and resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.

• I will emphasize effort and skill development over winning, particularly in the younger age groups.

• I will praise my child for their efforts and sportsmanship, rather than focusing on mistakes or losses.

6. Respect for Authority:

• I will respect game officials and umpires both on and off the field, understanding that their decisions are final.

• I will not confront coaching staff during or immediately after games.

• I will communicate with coaching staff only at agreed-upon times and in a respectful manner.

7. Healthy Environment:

• I will ensure a drug-, tobacco-, and alcohol-free environment (including the use of vape products) at all Little League events.

8. Sideline Conduct:

• I will not coach or direct players during games or practices unless I am an official coach.

Consequences for Misconduct:

• First Offense: Depending on the severity of the conduct violation, the first offense will typically result in a written warning. The League reserves the right to impose stronger penalties, including immediate removal from the facility and suspension from the following game.

• Repeat Offenses: Repeated violations may result in multiple game suspensions or a season-long forfeiture of attendance privileges.

• Disciplinary Action: Any disciplinary action related to conduct violations will be at the discretion of the acting Board of Directors. Violations of the Little League Child Abuse Protection Policy take precedence and may result in additional penalties, including expulsion from the League.

Acknowledgement:

By registering for Stanwood-Camano Little League, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the Parent Code of Conduct. I recognize that my behavior directly impacts both the League's atmosphere and my child’s experience.