FGSL Code of Conduct and Ethics Standards

FGSL Code of Conduct and Ethics Standards Fluvanna Girls' Softball league. believes in developing young individuals of character through learning and playing the game of softball. To that end, the FGSL Board establishes the following expectations for its members. We firmly believe that good sportsmanship is just as important as learning the game. This code of conduct form must be on file, signed by the player and parent before a player will be selected to a team. Our code of conduct and ethics applies to all players, coaches, parents, umpires, scorekeepers, spectators, visiting teams and Board Members. FGSL Board Members will enforce the code as necessary based on league rules after assessing what is best for both the player and the league. Additionally, umpires have the authority to uphold conduct and discipline during the game. Board members and umpires have authorization to address any issues with conduct or ethics, and reserve the right to ask a person to leave the premises if necessary. Players are expected to remain composed on the field of play and in the dugout. Players should not throw bats, helmets, or other equipment at any time. Players are expected to treat coaches, officials and members of the opposing team with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender or ability. Any player who deviates from this policy will sit for one complete inning. Further incidents within the same game will result in suspension for the remainder of that game. Parents we expect our parents to place personal development and skill building before a desire to win. Parents should support players and coaches with positive, supportive cheering from the spectator area adjacent to the playing field. Parents should not speak directly to game officials at any time. Parents may not enter the dugout without prior permission from head coach. In order to support positive dugouts and build team morale, parents should only address players and coaches during games to congratulate players for good game play, or to check on an injury. If a parent needs to address a coach or assistant coach that should occur after game play is concluded and away from any members of the team. Parents should remember that our rules and regulations require our players to participate in a drug, alcohol and tobacco free environment. Parental involvement is critical to the success of our players and league therefore we ask that all parents: A. Understand and respect that volunteerism keeps our league running as all of our coaches, concessions staff, administrative and field maintenance are performed on a volunteer basis B. Provide the Board with constructive feedback when necessary, but please refrain from public criticism when private respectful dialog may resolve outstanding issues or concerns C. Accept the decisions of game officials as fair to the best of the umpires abilities. Refrain from verbal confrontations. D. Emphasize that our players strive to not only be good athletes, but also good students and community members Coaches are expected to embody the values of FGSL when representing our league both at home and away from our ball parks. This is critical in both representing our league, but also in showing your players how to behave appropriately on the field. Coaches should only have respectful dialog with game officials. Coaches are expected to speak to parents and players of both the home and away team in a calm and respectful manner. FGSL coaches are expected work with players to develop positive attitudes and to remove players from game play when players have deviated from above guidelines. In the event that a coach violates this policy, they will first receive a verbal warning from the FGSL President, a second violation will result in a meeting with the FGSL Board, and a third offense will result in suspension of the coach as both a head or assistant coach. Parent Signature:________________________________ Player Signature:_________________________________ Date:__________________________________________