PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

We, the Sweetwater Valley Little League Board of Directors, have implemented the following Parent Code of Conduct for the important message that it holds about the proper role of parents in supporting the youth of our community and their child in sports.

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are the foundations of sportsmanship and are demonstrated by the core principles of respect, responsibility, fairness, and good citizenship.

As a Sweetwater Valley Little League Parent, I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for each child participating in Sweetwater Valley Little League by adhering to the following code of conduct:

·       I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support at all times.

·       I will remember that children participate to have fun, and that the game is for youth, not adults.

·       I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language.

·       I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning.

·       I will respect the officials and their authority during games.

·       I will not confront coaches or managers at any time during games.

·       I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games.

·       Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the Sweetwater Valley Little League Board of Directors or Disciplinary Committee that could include, but is not limited to the following:

·       Verbal Warning

·       Written Warning

·       Parental suspension for games

·       Parental season suspension

·       Parental removal from all league activities

The Sweetwater Valley Little League Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

(Agreed to when registering as a volunteer for Sweetwater Valley Little League)

Youth sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social, and emotional development of children.  As managers, coaches, and team parents in Sweetwater Valley Little League you should be models of good sportsmanship and behavior for your child and all children in the community including participants and spectators alike.

The Sweetwater Valley Little League Board of Directors ask that you pledge to be responsible for your words and actions while coaching, officiating, and participating in Sweetwater Valley Little League events, and that you conform your behavior to the following Code Of Conduct:

- Remember that I am a youth sports coach/volunteer and that the game is for children, not adults.

- Place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of my own desire to win.

- Understand that the objective of the Sweetwater Valley Little League is to promote the ideals of good sportsmanship, respect for authority and team building.

- Strive to help my players become happy, well-adjusted children who will evolve into good citizens.

- Treat each player as an individual, realizing the large range of development for the same age group.

- Realize that statistics and win/loss percentages are minor in comparison to whether a player has a positive, enriching experience.

- Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and good sportsmanship.

- Notify the spectators that they are responsible for abiding by the Code of Conduct, an integral part of the Sweetwater Valley Little League and a player registration requirement.

- With the assistance of a team parent, handle all administrative requirements of the team.

- Spend the time necessary with my team at practices and games, and do my best to organize play that is fun and challenging for all players.

- Do my best to provide a safe playing environment, free of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

- Review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injured players.

- Learn the official Little League mandates and the Sweetwater Valley Little League regulations. Teach these rules to the players, and enforce them with the parents.

- Be responsible for the proper use of all assigned equipment, facilities and uniforms. Return all equipment on the date specified by the Equipment Manager at the end of the season.

- Understand that the Board of Directors is committed to assisting coaches/volunteers while running a program based on what is best for all participants.

- Understand that any of the following actions, while in the presence of players, will result in disciplinary action by the Board of Directors up to and including removal as Coach (or Assistant Coach)/volunteer of your team:

1) Display of poor sportsmanship or disrespectful behavior, including arguing or baiting the umpire

2) Loss of temper and/or self-control

3) Demonstrating an obvious lack of integrity by intentional manipulation of the rules

4) Playing children less than the minimum play requirements

5) Use of bad language, including derogatory remarks made toward players, umpires, or other adults

6) Allowing players to trash talk opponents, umpires, or spectators

- Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco while around the team

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subjected to disciplinary action levied by the Sweetwater Valley Little League Board of Directors or Disciplinary Committee that could include, but is not limited to the following:

·       Verbal warning

·       Written warning

·       Manager/coach/volunteer suspension for games

·       Manager/coach/volunteer season suspension

·       Manager/coach/volunteer removal from all league activities

The Sweetwater Valley Little League Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

Player's responsibilities are simple; be respectful of others, be responsible, play fair, and always do your best, and always exhibit good sportsmanship.

As a Sweetwater Valley Little League participant I hereby pledge that I will:  

·       Encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents.

·       Be a team player and support my teammates.

·       Be on time and attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coaches if I cannot.

·       Work hard to improve my skills.

·       Do my best to listen and learn from my coaches.

·       Encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity.

·       Congratulate the other team after each game as a demonstration of sportsmanship.

·       Refrain from using violence, unfriendly language, or insults to others.

·       Be generous when I win and gracious when I lose.

·       Obey the rules of the game and always work for the good of the team.

·       Accept the decisions of the officials with grace and never challenge or question calls.  Refrain from challenging or questioning on-field calls by officials and/or managers and coaches.

·       Conduct myself with honor and dignity.

·       Applaud the efforts of my teammates and opponents.


I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the Sweetwater Valley  Little League Board of Directors or Disciplinary Committee that could include but is not limited to the following:  

·       Verbal warning

·       Written warning

·       Player suspension for games

·       Player suspension for season including postseason (All Stars & TOC)

·       Player being expelled from the league

The Sweetwater Valley Little League Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.