INTRODUCTION
On January 23, 2006, the Board of the Thornhill Baseball Club approved the following Code of Conduct for its House League Division. As a result, the registration form for the 2006 season now indicates that, by signing the document, players as well as their parents or guardians and coaches and assistant coaches are committing themselves “to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Club and to any decisions the Club makes relating to the enforcement of its Rules, Regulations, policies and Code of Conduct”. Players, parents and coaches who signed registration documentation prior to January 23, 2006 will have a copy of the Code mailed/e-mailed to them and will be considered to have been both informed of the existence of the Code of Conduct and to have accepted their required compliance with it.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Conduct within the spirit of this Code of Conduct is expected of players, assistant coaches, coaches, managers and parents/spectators.
The dignity and spirit of all people - players, parents, assistant coaches, coaches, convenors, managers, umpires and Club officials - is to be respected at all times.
All those participating in the activities of the Club are to be treated fairly and equitably.
Behaviour that frightens, embarrasses, demoralizes or negatively affects the self-esteem of anyone participating in the Club’s activities will not be tolerated.
A supportive, positive experience for the purposes of building confidence, developing or improving skills and having fun is expected.
All members will promote positive behaviours that encourage participants and reduce the likelihood of disrespect and violence in our activities.
Abusive or disrespectful language or actions by anyone will not be tolerated.
Public property and the property of others and the Club will be respected.
Failure to abide by any of the provisions herein may result in offenders being ejected from a game or being asked to leave the park and/or being called before a Discipline Committee.
CODE FOR COACHES
I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.
I will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents and encourage them to be good sports.
I will remind my athletes that winning a game or a trophy isn’t the only measure of success.
I will ensure that ALL athletes get equal instruction, support and playing time.
I will not ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will encourage my athletes, offer constructive criticism, and maintain a positive attitude. I will remember that athletes play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athlete’s ages and abilities.
I will remember that children need a coach they can respect.
I will remember to set a good example as actions speak louder than words. I will maintain a positive attitude and I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
I will not use bad language, nor will I harass or heckle athletes, coaches, umpires, other spectators, or Club officials.
I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
I will respect and comply with the umpires’ decisions and decisions of the Discipline Committee.
CODE FOR PLAYERS
I will participate because I want to, not because my parents or coaches want me to.
I will play fairly and by the rules and in the spirit of the game and I will respect my opponents.
I will control my temper and NEVER argue with an umpire – “mouthing off” and fighting can spoil the activity for everybody. When a call is disputed, I will let the coach handle it.
I will not use bad language, nor will I harass athletes, coaches, umpires, other spectators, or Club officials.
I will work at achieving my personal best and not to get discouraged if it is not THE best.
I will do my best to be a true team player by being supportive of my teammates and by not criticizing or placing blame on others.
I will remember that winning isn’t everything – that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
I will acknowledge all good plays/performances – those of my team and my opponents.
I will remember that coaches and umpires are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.
I will respect and comply with the decisions of the Discipline Committee
CODE FOR PARENTS AND SPECTATORS
I will remember that young athletes play sport for their enjoyment. They are not playing to entertain me.
I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that young athletes are not miniature professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.
I will respect and, where applicable, comply with the umpires’ decisions and decisions of the Discipline Committee and I will encourage participants to do the same.
I will never ridicule an athlete for making a mistake during a competition. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to coaches and Club officials.
I will show respect for my team’s opponents and the umpires, because without them there would be no game.
I will not use bad language, nor will I harass or heckle athletes, coaches, umpires, other spectators, or Club officials.
I will applaud the value and effort of volunteer coaches, assistant coaches, managers and Club officials.
