AMERICAN FORK YOUTH BASEBALL
CODE OF CONDUCT

Foreword

In order to advance the principals of sportsmanship and fair play and to promote mutual respect among players, coaches, umpires and spectators, the American Fork Youth Baseball League Organization has established a "Code of Conduct".
The Code of Conduct shall govern the actions of players, coaches and spectators. The Code is intended to provide behavioral guidance and establish clear expectations for all involved. The Code was not conceived to address every possible behavioral circumstance; however, it shall serve as the Organization’s standard for behavioral evaluation.
It shall be the obligation of all program participants, spectators and volunteers, to comply with the terms and provisions of the Code of Conduct. Any person violating the Code shall be subject to administrative action, up to and including termination of his/her privilege to participate in, or attend, any or all American Fork Youth Baseball League sponsored activities. Any coach, player, parent or fan using profane and negative language, unnecessary roughness, and violent conduct or deliberately throwing equipment will be ejected from the game. This is unacceptable behavior and will be subject to disciplinary action by league officials.
Our goals are to promote the enjoyment of the game, fair play, sportsmanship, tolerance, respect and self-esteem through proper conduct, example and instruction. A win-at-all-costs attitude is not required, nor will it be tolerated.
THE CODE OF CONDUCT - COACHES
Coaches shall remain unconditionally supportive of the league’s commitment to the ideals of good sportsmanship, team play, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority. Likewise, coaches shall remain sensitive to the physical and emotional well being of the players on his/her team. In order to adhere to these doctrines the coaches agree as follows:
• Coaches will be positive role models.
• Coaches will display and instill in their players the principals of good sportsmanship and team play.
• Coaches will conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players.
• Coaches will do their best to provide the players a positive experience.
• Coaches will ensure that winning and/or losing teams do so in a manner, which exhibits respect and good sportsmanship.
• Coaches will treat all players, parents, spectators and league officials with respect.
• Coaches will provide instruction in a manner that is constructive and supportive.
• Coaches will not ridicule or demean.
• Coaches will not tolerate behavior that endangers the health or well being of a child.
• Coaches will comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by the AFYBL.
• Coaches will teach the game of baseball to the best of their ability.
• Coaches will be drug and alcohol free while at any AFYBL athletic event.
• Coaches will not use any tobacco products in the dugout or on the playing field.
• Coaches acknowledge the need to demonstrate fundamental proficiencies with respect to the game of baseball and first aid. Consequently, all coaches agree to attend, any skill sessions that may be required by the Board of Directors and moreover, any first aid courses that may be mandated by the Board.
• Coaches to be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.
• Coaches will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
• Coaches will ensure that all athletes get equal instruction, support and playing time.
• Coaches will not ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or for performing poorly.
• Coaches will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
• Coaches will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athlete’s ages and abilities.
• Coaches will remember that children need a coach they can respect. Coaches will be generous with praise and set a good example.
• Coaches will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade coaching skills.
• Coaches will treat players with dignity and respect regardless of their athletic ability.
• Coaches will remind players to be respectful of their teammates and their opponents.
• Coaches will not challenge judgment calls by the umpire. It is acceptable to challenge the interpretation of a rule, but only in a courteous non-confrontational manner.
• Coaches will keep their egos out of coaching and try to make the experience interesting, enriching and fun.
THE CODE OF CONDUCT – Parents
The Parent and Spectator shall support the players, coaches, umpires and league officials. Parents and Spectators shall not "coach" or "officiate". Parents and Spectators agree as follows:
• Parents will be positive role models.
• Parents will display and instill in all players, the principals of good sportsmanship and team play.
• Parents will conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players.
• Parents will do their best to provide the players a positive experience.
• Parents will make certain that their children show respect for all other players, coaches, officials and spectators.
• Parents will not ridicule or demean.
• Parents will inform the coach of any disability or ailment that may affect the safety of their child.
• Parents will treat all players, coaches and umpires fairly and with respect.
• Parents will comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by the AFYBL.
• Parents will not question an umpire’s call.
• Parents will respect the opponent and avoid any confrontation with opposing players, spectators, or coaches.
• Parents will be drug and alcohol free while at any AFYBL athletic event.
• Parents will not force their child to participate in sports.
• Parents will remember that their child plays sport for his or her enjoyment, not for the parents.
• Parents will encourage their child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Parents will teach their child that doing one’s best is as important as winning, so that their child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game/event.
• Parents will make their child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.
• Parents will never ridicule or yell at their child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Parents will remember that children learn best by example. Parents will applaud good plays/performances by both their child’s team and their opponents.
• Parents will never question the official’s judgment or honesty in public.
• Parents will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting events.
• Parents will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for their child.
• Parents will try to ensure their child arrives at least 15 minutes prior to a game or practice, or according to the coach's instructions.
• Parents will never leave their child alone without warning the coach or asking another parent present to look over his or her welfare.
• When attending games or practices, parents will park in appropriate locations, not on grass or sidewalks. Parents will respect our parks and neighbors, drive carefully at all times and beware of young children in the vicinity.
• Parents should be rooting for their team, not against the opposing team. Trash talk, taunting and negative rooting are not acceptable, regardless of the unsportsmanlike conduct of opposing players or coaches.
• Parents will help keep our parks clean by always putting garbage in the trash cans, and encouraging their children to do the same. When leaving the park, they will ensure everything has been picked up and nothing is left behind, including trash.
• Parents and fans should inform a member of the American Fork Youth Baseball League of any improper conduct of a coach. Feedback is an important consideration for us when assessing the quality of our coaches and ensuring the well-being of all registered players. We rely on you to report any serious issues, infractions and to share constructive comments. All reports will be kept confidential and should be e-mailed to info@afbaseball.com.
THE CODE OF CONDUCT – Spectators
• Spectators will be positive role models.
• Spectators will display and instill in all players, the principals of good sportsmanship and team play.
• Spectators will conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players.
• Spectators will do their best to provide the players a positive experience.
• Spectators will not ridicule or demean.
• Spectators will treat all players, coaches and umpires fairly and with respect.
• Spectators will comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by the AFYBL.
• Spectators will not question an umpire’s call.
• Spectators will respect the opponent and avoid any confrontation with opposing players, spectators, or coaches.
• Spectators will be drug and alcohol free while at any AFYBL athletic event.
THE CODE OF CONDUCT – Players
• Players will display good sportsmanship and team play at all times.
• Players will follow the direction of the Coaching Staff.
• Players will respect all, coaches, players, league officials, umpires and spectators.
• Players will make every attempt to be on time and ready to play for all games and practices.
• Players will not use abusive or profane language.
• Players will not taunt or humiliate any other player.
• Players will not question an umpire’s call.
• Players will not abuse, mistreat or mishandle any AFYBL equipment or property (e.g., throwing batting helmets)
• Players will participate because they want to, not just because their parents or coaches want them to.
• Players will play by the rules, and in the spirit of the game.
• Players will control their temper – fighting and "mouthing off" can spoil the activity for everybody.
• Players will respect opponents.
• Players will do their best to try to be a true team player.
• Players will remember that winning isn’t everything - that having fun, improving their skills, making friends and doing their best are also important.
• Players will acknowledge all good plays/performances – those of my team and of my opponents.
• Players will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. They will accept their decisions and show them respect.
• Players will be on time for practices and games, with all their equipment and in full uniform for games. If you are going to be absent, let your coach know ahead of time.
• Cheering during a game should be for encouraging your teammates, not against the other team.
• When the game is finished, before you leave, pick up all garbage and put it in the trash can. Help your coach put away the team's equipment. Thank your coaches. Collect all your equipment and personal belongings.

THE CODE OF CONDUCT – Umpires
• I will make sure that every athlete has a reasonable opportunity to perform to the best of his or her ability, within the limits of the rules.
• I will avoid or put an end to any situation that threatens the safety of the athletes.
• I will maintain a healthy atmosphere and environment for competition.
• I will not permit the intimidation of any athlete either by word or by action. I will not tolerate unacceptable conduct toward officials, athletes, spectators or myself.
• I will be consistent and objective in calling all infractions, regardless of my personal feelings toward a team or individual athlete.
• I will handle all conflicts firmly but with dignity.
• I accept my role as a teacher and role model for fair play, especially with young participants.
• I will be open to discussion and contact with the athletes before and after the game.
• I will remain open to constructive criticism and show respect and consideration for different points of view.
• I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my officiating skills.
THE CODE OF CONDUCT – League Officials
• I will do my best to see that all children are given the same chance to participate, regardless of gender, ability, ethnic background.
• I will absolutely discourage any sport program from becoming primarily an entertainment for the spectators.
• I will make sure that all equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes’ ages and abilities.
• I will make sure that the age and maturity levels of the children are considered in program development, rule enforcement and scheduling.
• I will remember that play is done for its own sake and make sure that winning is kept in proper perspective.
• I will distribute the Code of Conduct to spectators, coaches, athletes, officials, parents and media.
• I will make sure that coaches and officials are capable of promoting fair play as well as the development of good technical skills, and I will encourage them to become certified.