Standley Lake Little League has implemented the following code of conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of parents in supporting their child in sports. Parents should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in the league. Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations of the Code of Conduct may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games and practices.

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
• Good Citizenship

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 understand that the Board of Directors will appoint the manager and coach (es) for my child’s team, and I will not protest their appointment or attempt to undermine their position in any manner.
6. 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 and practice.
7. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official/coach/player/parent such as booing/taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language/gestures.
8. I will not encourage any behaviors/practices that would endanger the health/wellbeing of athletes.
9. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility/violence.
10. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
11. 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.
12. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
13. I will never ridicule/yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
14. 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.
15. I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. If I cannot resolve a conflict by using this code of conduct, I will contact a SLLL board member to discuss.