ROCKFORD LITTLE LEAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT

All Players, Parents and Families, Coaches, Umpires and Fans should read and adhere to the following Little League Code of Conduct.

 Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games.

Preamble
The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles:

• Trustworthiness
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Fairness
• Caring and
• Good Citizenship

The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
6. I (and my guests) 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.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well- being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

LITTLE LEAGUE CONDUCT POLICY

Sportsmanship is about character, values, fairness, respect for rules, personal responsibility, learning how to win and how to lose graciously, and how to control frustration and anger. Renton Little League expects all participants, coaches, parents, and players alike to strive for the highest standards and conduct, both on and off the field. True sportsmanship develops from a spirit of respect: respect for the game, respect for oneself, respect for coaches, respect for officials, respect for teammates, and respect for opponents. All Managers/Coaches, Parents and Players are required to adhere to the RLL Sportsmanship Code of Conduct to further encourage good sportsmanship at all Rockford Little League games and events.

Sportsmanship Code of Conduct for Managers and Coaches I agree to:

Exhibit respectful and ethical behavior and leadership and act with an awareness that young people learn best by example.

Know the rules. Abide by and teach the rules of the game. The spirit of good sportsmanship depends on conformance to a rule’s intent as well as to the letter of a given rule.

Respect the integrity and personality of the individual player.

Be a positive role model and example for players and spectators to follow-refrain from arguments in front of players and spectators; no gestures which indicate an official or opposing coach does not know what he or she is doing or talking about; no throwing of any object in disgust. Do not use profanity, obscene language or improper actions.

Develop team respect and appreciation for the ability of opponents and for the judgment of umpires and opposing coaches.

Ensure that your players' baseball experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.

Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Players need a manager and coaches they can respect.

Enlist the support of your team's parents in your efforts to instill the proper attitudes and values in the players and to make sportsmanship the number one priority.

Win and lose graciously and never blame officials for a loss.

Encourage good sportsmanship at all times. Good sportsmanship requires as much work as any play or skill you will teach a player during the season.

Sportsmanship Code of Conduct for Parents

I/we agree:

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

To learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.

To be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, managers, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or event.

Not to engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike behavior with any official, manager, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profanity or obscene gestures.

To teach my child to always play by the rules.

To teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning.

To emphasize skill development and practices and how this benefits my child over winning. I will deemphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.

To never ridicule or yell at my child or other player for making a mistake or for losing a game.

To promote the physical and emotional well-being of all players ahead of any personal desire I have for my child to win.

To demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all events.

To respect the league officials during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field and will take time to speak with coaches as an agreed upon time and place.

To refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official manager/coaches of the team.

To retain perspective, there are no major league scouts in the stands.

Sportsmanship Code of Conduct for Players 

I agree

To attend practices and games and notify the coach if I am unable to do so.

To play by RLL rules and learn the rules of the game and discuss them with coaches, parents and other players.

To never argue with or complain about umpire calls or decisions.

To concentrate on playing baseball and on affecting the outcome of the game with my best effort. Work equally hard for my team as for myself.

To control my temper on and off the field.

To never bully or take unfair advantage of another player.

To practice good sportsmanship by cheering all good plays, whether it is my team or an opposing team.

To wish opponents good luck before the game and congratulate them in a courteous manner following a victory or defeat.

To treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect and I will expect to be treated accordingly.

To encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it is important to me.

To encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship at all times.

I agree to abide by these conduct guidelines and behavior expectations.