Plainville Athletic League
Code of Conduct
Foreword
In order to advance the principals of sportsmanship and fair play and to promote mutual respect among players, coaches, umpires and spectators the Plainville Athletic League (PAL) has established this “Code of Conduct” (hereafter referred to as “the Code”). The Code of Conduct shall govern the actions of players, coaches and spectators. The Code is intended to provide behavioral guidance and establish clear expectations for all involved. The Code was not conceived to address every possible behavioral circumstance; however, it shall serve as the Organization’s standard for behavioral evaluation. It shall be the obligation of ALL program participants, spectators and volunteers, to comply with the terms and provisions of the Code of Conduct. Any person violating the Code shall be subject to administrative action, up to and including termination of his/her privilege to participate in, or attend, any or all PAL sponsored activities.
Complaints and/or concerns regarding the Code of Conduct or any other issues shall be brought in the following manner:
Manager
Chief Baseball/Softball Representative
League President
Full Board (Issue must be submitted in writing with complete explanation)
Players
Players shall...
Display good sportsmanship and team play at all times.
Follow the direction of the Coaching Staff.
Respect all, coaches, players, league officials, umpires and spectators.
Be on time and ready to play for all games and practices. Advise Coach in advance of any absences or lateness.
Players shall not...
Use abusive or profane language.
Taunt or humiliate any other player.
Question an umpire’s call.
Abuse, mistreat or mishandle any PAL league equipment or property (e.g., throwing batting helmets)
A violation of these rules may, at the coach’s discretion, result in immediate removal from a game, loss of minimum batting/fielding privileges and/or removal from a future game. Serious and/or repeated violations may, at the discretion of the Executive Board, result in the player’s suspension from more than one game or expulsion from the league; under such circumstances the Player & his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) will be afforded an opportunity for a hearing.
Parents, Guests & Spectators
Parent, Guests and Spectators shall:
Support the players, coaches, umpires and league officials and be positive role models.
Display and instill in all players, the principals of good sportsmanship and team play and will conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players.
Provide the players a positive experience.
Make certain that their children show respect for all other players, coaches, officials and spectators and not ridicule or demean players, coaches or umpires.
Inform the coach of any disability or ailment that may affect the safety of their child.
Respect the opponent and avoid any confrontation with opposing players, spectators, or coaches.
Respect the officials and their authority during games.
Treat all players, coaches and umpires fairly and with respect.
Comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by the PAL.
Parent, Guests and Spectators shall not:
Question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
Question an umpire’s call.
Engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with an official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting, using profane language or gestures.
Engage in any conduct which the umpire deems is distracting to the Players and Coaches or significantly interferes with others’ ability to enjoy the game.
Coach any player (including his/her own child) during games and practices, unless s/he is one of the official coaches of the team or has been requested by the Head Coach to assist.
A violation of these rules may, at the umpire’s discretion, result in immediate removal from the PAL grounds. Serious and/or repeated violations may, at the discretion of the Executive Board, result in the Parent, Guests or Spectator’s being barred from being entering upon the PAL grounds; under such circumstances the Parent, Guests or Spectator will be afforded an opportunity for a hearing.