Code of Conduct
Our codes of conduct hold an important message about the proper role of parents, guardians, managers, spectators, fans and players in our league.
Agreement to these rules and guidelines does not need to be signed to be enforced, but it is inherent to being involved or spectating in SLV LL and this document is on public display on the SLV LL website for review. It will be the responsibility of SLV LL participating families to ensure their guests adhere to the Code of Conduct.
GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT
SLV Little League is a recreational baseball program. We all need to be reminded from time to time that our main goal is to ensure that the players have a safe and fun environment where they can learn and grow. There will be plenty of time for competitive sports in travel baseball, high school, and beyond.
With that in mind, SLV Little League has no tolerance for poor or negative game attitudes. We expect all fans, spectators, players parents/guardians, managers and coaches to set a good example for the team/players. This will be enforced in three ways:
Our umpires have the final call on the field during games and no one is allowed to unjustly argue a call by the umpire. The umpire will deal with the actions/attitudes of anyone within the fences. If there are issues outside the fence, the umpires will ask the Team Manager to deal with the issue or face potential disciplinary actions themselves.
At all times, the Umpire in Chief (UIC) shall be available (in person or by phone) to assist in helping with unruly persons within or outside of the fence during games. If the UIC is not available, the Division Representative may fill in this role. The UIC or Division Representative has final say on all actions/attitudes of anyone outside of the fences at the time of the incident. A warning may be given. if actions and attitudes continue the game may be suspended or forfeited by the offending spectators’ team.
SLV LL Board of Directors will establish a Disciplinary Committee to regulate the Code of Conduct, review any violations and determine appropriate disciplinary actions. The Disciplinary Committee will include the Vice President/Coach Coordinator, Umpire in Chief, Player Agent, and Division Representatives. The Disciplinary Committee will be able to enforce:
Verbal Warnings
Written warning
Game suspensions, season suspensions or expulsions shall be determined by a full vote of SLV LL Board Members after Disciplinary Committee Review and Recommendations. Any player or league member shall be entitled to be present at any such meeting to speak on their own behalf. Any expulsion from SLV LL will be documented and forwarded to Little League International Regional Board for final decision.
No Board Member, Manager, Coach, Player, Parent, Guardian or Spectator shall:
At any time, lay a hand upon, push, shove, strike, pretend to strike or threaten any individual
At any time use of profane language, unfriendly language, racial/derogatory slurs or insults towards any individual.
Be guilty of personal verbal, physical abuse or demonstrative objection towards any official for any real or imaginary belief of wrong decisions or judgment. Including throwing of equipment or any other forceful unsportsmanlike action.
Be guilty of using unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of a game and/or against the body of an opposing player.
Appear on the field of play, stands, or anywhere that SLV LL plays while in an intoxicated state at any time.
Be guilty of discussing publicly with spectators in a derogatory or abusive manner any play, decision or a personal opinion on any players during the game.
Speak disrespectfully to any manager, coach, official or representative of the League.
Be guilty of tampering or manipulation of any league rosters, schedules, draft positions or selections, official score books, rankings, financial records, or procedures.
Be guilty of unjustly challenging any umpire's authority. The umpires shall have the authority and discretion during a game to penalize the offender according to the infraction up to and including the removal from the game and/or park.
EJECTIONS
All ejections of Players, Managers, Coaches, OR Spectators mean that the person(s) are ejected for the current game AND the next game the team plays. An ejected person must leave the field area and move beyond the shouting distance of the playing field. Parents/guardians may remain within line of sight of their player, if they are the only parent/guardian on the premises for emergency purposes. All game/park ejections are reviewed by the UIC. The UIC shall have the authority to overrule the decision and allow an ejected person(s) to participate in the next game. The Disciplinary Committee may review any Code of Conduct violations and consider further disciplinary actions.
PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT
We, the SLV Little League Board of Directors, have implemented the following Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct for the important message that it holds about the proper role of parents/guardians in supporting the youth of our community and their child in sports.
The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are the foundations of sportsmanship and are demonstrated by the core principles of respect, responsibility, fairness, and good citizenship.
As an SLV Little League Parent/Guardian, I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for each child participating in SLV LL by adhering to the following code of conduct:
I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support at all times.
I will remember that children participate to have fun, and that the game is for youth, not adults.
I 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.
I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning.
I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games.
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 wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I have for my own child to win.
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the Disciplinary Committee and/or the SLV LL Board of Directors that could include, but is not limited to the following:
Verbal Warning
Written Warning
Parental suspension for games
Parental season suspension
Parental removal from all league activities from SLV LL will be documented and forwarded to Little League International Regional Board for final decisions.
The Disciplinary Committee and/or the SLV LL Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct violation.
MANAGER CODE OF CONDUCT
Youth sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social, and emotional development of children. As managers and coaches in SLV Little League you should be models of good sportsmanship and behavior for your child and all children in the community including participants and spectators alike.
The SLV Little League Board of Directors ask that you pledge to be responsible for your words and actions while coaching, officiating, and participating in Irmo Little League events, and that you conform your behavior to the following Code Of Conduct:
Place the emotional and physical wellbeing of players ahead of any personal desire to win.
Treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
Do your best to provide a safe playing environment for all players.
Do your best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all players.
Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all players.
Teach the rules of the game to all players and parents. .
Remember that you are a youth sports coach and that the game is for children and not adults.
Do not abuse other coaches, umpires, parents, or players.
Promote fun, fairness, and sportsmanship over winning.
Do not engage in the use of profanity or other offensive language.
Encourage all team members to treat all players, teammates, coaches, officials, and parents with respect.
Emphasize and foster a team atmosphere and not individual achievements.
Be responsible for league policies.
Return all equipment and player evaluations per league policies.
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subjected to disciplinary action levied by the Disciplinary Committee and/or the SLV LL Board of Directors that could include, but is not limited to the following:
Verbal warning
Written warning
Manager/coaches suspension for games
Manager/coaches season suspension
Manager/coach removal from all league activities from SLV LL will be documented and forwarded to Little League International Regional Board for final decisions.
The Disciplinary Committee and/or the SLV LL Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct violations.
PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
Player's responsibilities are simple; be respectful of others, be responsible, play fair, and always do your best, and always exhibit good sportsmanship.
As an SLV Little League participant I hereby pledge that I will:
Be a student first and athlete second, this includes remaining in good standing within your educational institution. (I.E. suspension or expulsion)
Encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents.
Be a team player and support my teammates.
Be on time and attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coaches if I cannot.
Work hard to improve my skills.
Do my best to listen and learn from my coaches.
Encourage my parents to be involved with my team and League in some capacity.
Congratulate the other team after each game as a demonstration of sportsmanship.
Refrain from using violence, unfriendly language, or insults to others.
Be generous when I win and gracious when I lose.
Obey the rules of the game and always work for the good of the team.
Accept the decisions of the officials with grace and never challenge or question calls. Refrain from challenging or questioning on-field calls by officials and/or managers and coaches.
Conduct myself with honor and dignity on and off the field.
Applaud the efforts of my teammates and opponents despite the outcome
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subjected to disciplinary action levied by the Disciplinary Committee and/or the SLV LL Board of Directors that could include, but is not limited to the following:
Verbal warning
Written warning
Player suspension for games
Player season suspension (including TOC and All Stars)
Player expulsion (including TOC and All Stars) from SLV LL will be documented and forwarded to Little League International Regional Board for final decisions.
The Disciplinary Committee and/or the SLV LL Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.
IN SUMMARY:
All Board Members, Managers, Coaches, Players, or Spectators shall agree that if they fail to abide by the aforementioned Codes of Conduct, they will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the Disciplinary Committee and/or the SLV LL Board of Directors. These disciplinary actions may include but is not limited to the following:
The Disciplinary Committee and/or the SLV LL Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct violation based on the offense and need not to provide warnings prior to suspension or expulsion from the league.
Prior to any expulsion from the league, the offender shall be suspended from attending all SLV Little League Events while the Board of Directors conveins for a final decision. If the offender is an SLV LL member in good standing, they shall be offered an opportunity to refute/discuss and disciplinary action levied against them with a minimum 3 days notice. If a player is the subject to the season suspension or expulsion, parents/guardians shall be allowed to speak on their behalf. Once a ruling has been reviewed and voted upon it is final. Any appeals should be directed to the Little League International District 39 Board of Directors.
Any Suspensions or Expulsions from SLV LL, will be done based on that individual's actions and they will not be entitled to a refund for any SLV LL dues/fee, sponsorships funds or donations.