Stanwood-Camano Little League

Coach Code of Conduct

Coaching a youth sport program such as Little League Baseball/Softball/Tee Ball is a privilege that is not to be taken for granted.

As a manager or coach, appointed by the Stanwood-Camano Little League (SCLL) Board of Directors, you have an important role in the development of the young children in our community. We strive to teach each child the positive values of trust, good sportsmanship, good citizenship, responsibility, respect, fair play, and teamwork – values they can use throughout their lives.

Baseball and softball embody the discipline of teamwork. They challenge players towards perfection of physical skills and bring into play the excitement of tactics and strategy. The very nature of baseball and softball also teaches that while every player eventually strikes out, or is on a losing team, there is always another chance for success in the next at-bat or game.

SCLL expects each manager and coach to adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

Sportsmanship

1. I will promote good sportsmanship, teach good baseball skills, and have fun in the process.

2. I realize, accept, and will practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability, but also on its sportsmanship, courtesy, and manner.

3. I understand verbal abuse of an official, coach, player, or spectator, including obscene gestures, will not be tolerated and that the offender may be removed from any SCLL field at the discretion of an umpire or SCLL board member.

4. I understand coaches will refrain from complaining about perceived bad calls to players and fans.

5. I understand all discussions will be held in conversational tones. Under no circumstances will a coach, fan, or player yell at an umpire, coach, fan, or player. The lone exception to this rule is when a coach or player shouts to another coach or teammate during the course of a play as part of that play.

6. I understand profanity is expressly forbidden at all times at any SCLL field or event.

7. I understand alcoholic beverages and the use of illicit drugs are prohibited at all SCLL events.

8. I understand the use of tobacco products on any SCLL field and in the dugouts is prohibited.

Rules and Policies

1. I will know and understand the rules and abide by them (whether local, district or national). I will instruct my team members in the rules and coach my team in such a way as to motivate each player to always compete according to the rules.

2. I will adhere to all Little League safety guidelines from the Little League International handbook and the SCLL Safety Manual, including participating in CPR and First Aid training.

3. I will understand the local league participation rules for my division. All coaches must ensure that each player gets minimum opportunities to bat and play the field in each game. I also understand that specific rules are in place to limit the number and frequency of innings pitched by a particular player.

4. I will fully comply with the Parents’ Code of Conduct.

5. I will review the SCLL website (www.stanwoodcamanoll.org) on a regular basis to make sure that I am informed of all updated SCLL and Little League International Rules and policies.

The Umpires and Other Resources

1. I recognize baseball/softball is a game of interpretations, and as a result, disputes will occur from time to time. However, it is important that players learn respect. All disputes that are taken up with the umpire will be handled in a civil manner. I understand only managers may initiate such discussions with an umpire. The managers/coaches will conduct themselves with decorum and once the umpire has made his/her final ruling, the managers will make no further field protest. Off-field protests may be lodged with the Board of Directors per league policy.

2. I understand some of the umpires are “in training” as well as the players. I recognize that all umpires will make mistakes occasionally, and as manager/coach, I will give the umpires the respect their position within the game deserves.

3. I will be responsible for caring for equipment, for fields prior to games, and for cleaning up fields, dugouts, and stands after games in accordance with policies that SCLL may establish from time to time. I will make sure that all league-provided equipment is clean and accounted for when returned after the season.

The Parents and the League

1. I will maintain an open line of communication with players and their parents. I will be approachable. When approached by a parent to discuss any issue, I will interact and respond in a courteous manner.

2. I will understand and explain the philosophies, goals and objectives, and Codes of Conduct of Stanwood-Camano Little League.

3. I will ensure that fans of the team always conduct themselves with sportsmanship and maturity while in attendance at game sites, and will assist the officials in maintaining control of spectators during games. Players, managers, and coaches of participating teams may not address or mingle with spectators, nor sit in the stands during a game in which they are engaged. I will make sure that coaches and players are the only people allowed in the dugout during a game.

4. I will support (through participation and organization of parents) SCLL in all fundraising efforts and field improvement efforts along with other duties that may be assigned to teams from time to time.

The Team

1. I will conduct practices in an organized manner, with a planned agenda that focuses on specific skill development appropriate for the skill level of the players.

2. I will focus on providing instruction commensurate with players abilities, so all players have the opportunity to advance their skills towards their full potential, gain confidence and develop self-esteem, as well as establish a solid foundation for further baseball/softball competition.

3. I will teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory, and proud and courteous in defeat.

4. I understand that managers are appointed by the league to be responsible for the team’s actions on the field and to represent the team in communications with the umpires, opposing teams and league. If a manager leaves the field, he shall designate a coach as a substitute who will then be responsible and held accountable for the manager’s duties.

Non-Game Duties of Managers

Each manager has considerable duties outside of coordinating practices and managing the games. Accordingly, if I am a Manager, I will adhere to the following as well:

1. I will ensure that all assistant coaches, players, and spectators abide by their respective Code of Conduct. It is also the manager’s responsibility to review the Codes of Conduct with their assistant coaches and players.

2. I will maintain open communication with players and parents to inform them of practices, games, and other responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.

3. I understand that teams are required to provide qualified umpires for assigned games throughout the season. I understand that it is my responsibility to either umpire the game myself or find a qualified umpire (such as an assistant coach or a volunteer parent).

4. I will attend all required coaches’ meetings, safety, and umpiring clinics unless I am out of town or have a significant previously made commitment. If I cannot attend, I will ensure that one of my assistant coaches attends on my behalf.

5. I will complete, obtain, and submit to the League all required paperwork necessary for registration which will include certifications, background check, photo for ID badge, and other documents as requested.

6. I will make sure that I maintain a notebook containing: Player Medical Release Forms, the SCLL By-laws, District Rules, a copy of the Little League International rule book (or access to a digital copy), and make sure it is present at each team practice and game.

7. I understand that I am the point of contact between my team, other teams, and SCLL officials. I understand that I am the person that is responsible for my team. I will take my obligations seriously and communicate effectively and in a courteous manner.

Disciplinary Action

Any manager or coach who violates the Code of Conduct set forth above shall be subject to penalties and sanctions as set forth in accordance with the Disciplinary Procedures below. In addition to conforming to the requirements of the Code of Conduct above, the following actions are specifically prohibited (“Offensive Actions”):

a) Refusing to abide by an official’s decision.
b) Verbally abusing or assaulting any player, coach, official, parent, or spectator.
c) Physically assaulting, abusing, or threatening any player, coach, official, parent, or spectator.
d) Stalking, tailing, or attempting to intimidate any player, coach, official, parent, or spectator.
e) Engaging in any other type of violent behavior, such as throwing equipment or other objects.
f) Engaging in any lewd or sexual behavior, physically abusing a player, or engaging in any inappropriate physical contact with a player.

Disciplinary Procedures

Reporting Improper Conduct

SCLL provides a form to allow coaches, players, parents, spectators, and officials to report to the Disciplinary Committee any issues they observe before, during, or after practices and games. To report Code of Conduct violations and Offensive Actions, please complete the “Incident Report Form” on the league website (www.stanwoodcamanoll.org) located under “League Info” under “Contact Us”.

Reporting by Coaches

1. It is the responsibility of every coach to address improper conduct observed by the coach or brought to the coach’s attention in a timely and respectful manner.

2. In the event any coach feels that the Disciplinary Committee should be involved in addressing any improper conduct, the coach is encouraged to contact the Disciplinary Committee in writing by completing the “Incident Report Form.”

3. Coaches must report any Offensive Actions to the Disciplinary Committee, including:
   a) Any report or allegation of inappropriate physical contact, violence, or threatened violence.
   b) Any observed or reported use of drugs or alcohol.
   c) Any situation where a player, coach, parent, or spectator is ejected from a game or removed from the premises.

4. Coaches are encouraged to keep the Disciplinary Committee informed of any improper conduct and the steps taken.

5. Coaches shall promptly respond to any requests by the Disciplinary Committee.

Reporting by Parents and Spectators

1. Parents and spectators are encouraged to report any improper conduct to the coach and/or via the “Incident Report Form.”

2. If the misconduct is not appropriately addressed, the parent or spectator is encouraged to contact the Disciplinary Committee at [email protected].

Procedures for Addressing Improper Conduct

Coaches and Officials

1. Must promptly address any misconduct.

2. Have the authority to issue verbal warnings and/or eject players, parents, or spectators.

3. Officials may issue warnings and/or eject coaches.

SCLL Disciplinary Committee

• Will conduct a timely and reasonable investigation.

• The accused will be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

• Penalties will be based on the nature and severity of the violation.

• All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Penalties

Penalties may include any one or more of the following:

1. Verbal Warning

2. Written Warning

3. Suspension:
   a) One game
   b) Multiple games
   c) Indefinite

4. Expulsion from Stanwood-Camano Little League

There are no refunds because of any person being removed from the league.

Coach Acknowledgment

I, the undersigned, agree to follow the Code of Conduct and comply with all League rules, policies, and procedures. I understand the violation of the Code will not be tolerated and that violations will subject me to disciplinary action that could include game suspension(s) or season suspension, as well as impact my opportunity to manage or coach in future seasons.

I further acknowledge the authority of the Board of Directors of Stanwood-Camano Little League and understand that if permitted to manage or coach I serve solely at the pleasure of the Board, of which permission may be revoked at any time. My failure to honor the authority of the Board and its members or to show them proper respect will be deemed to be a violation of this Code of Conduct.

Accordingly, I understand that I may be called to speak to some or all of the Board at any time and that if called, my failure to attend could result in an immediate suspension. I understand that if I am suspended, I will not be permitted to attend any league functions (practices, games, etc.).

Signature ___________________________________

By clicking “I ACCEPT” during registration, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by this Coaches Code of Conduct.