Softball Parent, Family, Fans Code of Conduct Agreement
South Middleton Youth Softball Association is a non-profit organization for girls ages 5 through 14 years old in our township. Through lessons taught in team sports, we hope to enhance our players’ confidence level, self-esteem, and physical abilities that will help them throughout life. To see positive growth with the ladies, we need to abide by the following. The essential elements of character-building and ethics in all sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.
Please know that cheering, excitement, and exuberance is encouraged at our softball games. We just caution that you please be careful to always express this positively. Even when being vocal in an attempt to help a child, you should avoid acting or saying anything that is demeaning to your child or someone else’s child.
Your daughter, her teammates, opposing team, families, coaches, and spectators from both teams observe and hear everything that is said and done. Parent’s poor or over-the-top behavior will ruin the experience for others. Be the example that your child can be proud of, not an example that would embarrass or bring shame to South Middleton Youth Softball Association.
At Games, only the coaches will be allowed in the dugout and/or on the bench area. A coach may designate a parent or fan to do the books. The organization will not tolerate any behavior on the playing field or in the stands which would hinder the spirit of sportsmanship and cooperation that we are trying to encourage.
Rules and Reminders:
- DO NOT COACH YOUR CHILD FROM THE STANDS. It can lead to confusion with the players. Do not interfere with that Coach’s instruction.
- Derogatory and foul language is not permitted. It will NOT be tolerated.
- The conduct of any guests of parents is the responsibility of the parent/guardian whose child will participate on the team.
- I will remember that children participate in sports to have fun and that the game is for the youth, not adults.
- I will respect the officials and their authority during the games and will never question, discuss, or confront the coaching staff after the game. I will take the time to speak with the coaches at an agreed time or place.
- I will not openly complain about or, bring up, team issues or my displeasure about other players in front of my daughter, other players, or team parents.
- No alcohol or drug use is allowed at any games, scrimmage, or practice.
- I will learn the rules and policies of the team, and of the game we play.
- I will teach my child to play by the rules and to understand the concept of what it means
to be a team player. In addition, reinforce and remind your daughter to honor the player’s code of conduct she is bound to uphold.
- I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility, verbal abuse, or violence.
- I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner. Even after a loss or bad game.
- I will not force my child to play on the team if she does not want to. It is understood that I may withdraw my player from the team at any time upon written notice to the Head Coach. No fees will be refunded.
- I will not disrespect the property and equipment used at any sports facility. This includes the disposal of trash, restrooms, and parking lot.
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:
1st Offense: Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or head of league organization. 2nd Offense: Written warning and removal of violator from field or complex. 3rd Offense: Violator’s Player suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by the organization. 4th Offense: Referred to SMYSA Board for further action
If a parent, friend, or relative is suspended, that person may drop off a player and must leave the park completely once the activity starts. The suspended may not return to pick up the player until the activity has ended. The board will determine the length of any suspension. Failure to comply will result in the suspension of the child.