Somerville Baseball Inc. - Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION

Somerville Baseball Inc. (SBI) is a community organization that sponsors youth baseball and softball activity, emphasizing fun, fair play and sportsmanship. The mission of our Somerville Baseball Inc. programs is to enhance every participant's enjoyment of their baseball/softball experience. To better achieve this goal, we are outlining a Code of Conduct for all parents, coaches, and players involved in SBI. 

The Code of Conduct is a written contract between the parents, players, and coaches to abide by the rules and regulations of the game as well as maintain a cooperative attitude and uphold the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship. This contract is more than just paper; it is the essence of our goals and objectives and thus, adherence to it is of primary importance. 

Children who wish to play, parents who want their children to play, and coaches who wish to coach on teams sanctioned by SBI are required to agree to and to sign this Code of Conduct.

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

All players will...
- Display good sportsmanship and team play at all times.
- Follow the directions of the coaching staff.
- Show respect for all opponents, coaches, players, umpires, league officials and spectators.
- Make every attempt to be on time and ready to play for all games and practices. Inform coaching staff in a timely manner when unable to attend practice or games.

All players will NOT...
- Use abusive or profane language.
- Taunt or humiliate any other player.
- Abuse, mistreat or mishandle any SBI equipment or property (eg. throwing batting helmets).
- Threaten or fight any person while at any SBI game or practice.

PARENTS & SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT

Parents and spectators will support the players, coaches, umpires, opponents and league or tournament officials. Parents and spectators will not "coach" or "officiate" during games and practices.

All parents and spectators will...
- Conduct themselves in a manner that displays the principles of good sportsmanship and team play.
- Show respect for all opponents, coaches, players, umpires, league officials and spectators.
- Inform the coaching staff of any disability or ailment that may affect the safety of their child.
- Comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policies, and procedures as established or endorsed by SBI.
- Make arrangements to ensure that the players are punctual at arrival and departure from all SBI athletic events.
- Be drug and alcohol free while at any SBI athletic event.

All parents and spectators will NOT...
- Ridicule, demean, threaten or engage in confrontation with players, coaches, other spectators, or umpires.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

Coaches will remain unconditionally supportive of SBI and it's commitment to the ideals of good sportsmanship, team play, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority. Likewise, coaches will remain sensitive to the physical and emotional well-being of the players.

All coaches will...
- Be positive role models.
- Display and instill in their players the principles of good sportsmanship and team play.
- Conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players, parents, and Somerville Baseball Inc.
- Do their best to provide their players a positive experience.
- Ensure that their teams always exhibit good sportsmanship, win or lose. "Humble in Victory and Gracious in Defeat."
- Treat all players, coaches, opponents, umpires, league officials and spectators with respect.
- Provide instruction in a manner that is constructive and supportive.
- Teach the game of baseball/softball to the best of their ability.
- Comply with the decisions of league and tournament officials and observe all rules, policies, and procedures as established or endorsed by SBI.
- Be drug and alcohol free while at any SBI athletic event.

All coaches will NOT...
- Ridicule or demean any players, coaches, opponents, umpires, league officials or spectators.
- Argue with opponents, players, or spectators on any playing field or during any team function.
- Tolerate behavior that endangers the health or well-being of a child.
- Use any tobacco products in the dugout or on any playing field or during any team function (practice, games, etc.).

CONCLUSION

The Somerville Baseball Inc (SBI) Executive Board reserves the right to impose penalties - including, without limitation, game suspensions, removal from a team, and suspension or revocation of SBI membership - for any serious or repeated violation of this Code of Conduct or for any other behavior deemed harmful to SBI, it's ahtletes, volunteers, or community. Any breach of these rules will result in immediate and automatic dismissal from the team and/or loss of SBI membership at the discretion of the Executive Board. 

By registering for any program offered by Somerville Baseball Inc., you are agreeing to abide by this Code of Conduct and agree to fully comply with all rules, expectations, and regulations outlined in this document. We understand that all decisions and disciplinary actions imposed under this Code of Conduct are binding. In the spirit of cooperation and for the betterment of our players, families, and the game of baseball/softball, each participant and member willingly accepts and abides by the terms of this agreement.