SMMBA Codes of Conduct
It is the goal of the SMMBA to provide a fair, safe, secure, competitive and enjoyable environment for our players, parents, umpires, coaches and program volunteers. The association will be free of any illegal, offensive, demeaning or abusive behaviour, verbal or otherwise.
Inappropriate behavior ruins the game for everyone. As adults, we have a responsibility to protect our young people from any abusive, damaging behavior and provide them with a safe environment in which to develop their skills and build their
self-confidence. We encourage the following:
● Please set a good example. Encourage the fans of your team to be supportive and positive.
● Be a part of a baseball community that helps protect our young people from any abusive behavior.
● Have realistic expectations for volunteers, players, umpires and coaches.
● Exemplify the league's commitment that teamwork, making friends, and gaining self-confidence are the important skills we are trying to teach.
Summary of the SMMBA Code of Conduct and Enforcement
● Shouting any demeaning, rude or abusive comments at a player, coach, program volunteer, or umpire.
● Intimidating or threatening a player, coach, program volunteer, or umpire.
● Directing sarcastic remarks towards a player, coach, program volunteer, or umpire.
● Harassing an umpire over their calls behind the plate or on the bases.
● Using foul language that disrupts the environment of the game for participants and fans.
● Making loud comments or reacting in a manner that undermines the decisions and authority of a coach or umpire.
● Gathering in cliques to criticize a coach or umpire in order to undermine their authority.
● Engaging in verbal or physical conflicts with others.
● Making comments about gender, race, religion or ethnicity.
● Any other communication or action that should be reasonably deemed as unwelcome by the recipient.
Codes Of Conduct
The following outlines expected codes of conduct for players and parents at the diamond, at team events and during travel, and in any form of communication with members of our baseball community. Any concerns should be reported to your child's coach or the President of Minor Ball.
Players:
● I am participating in baseball because I want to, not because others including parents or coaches want me to play.
● I will play by the rules of baseball and in the spirit of the game.
● I will represent SMMBA and my community in a responsible and respectful manner.
● I will respect my teammates, opponents, game officials, league volunteers, and spectators.
● I will do my best to be a true team player.
● I will remember that winning is not everything. Having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
● I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and always show them respect.
● I shall not email, text, or use social media in a negative manner to express my opinion or concern rather than address them through my parent/legal guardian.
● I shall not email, text, or use social media in a negative manner to harass any teammates or opponents at any time.
● Failure to comply with this code of conduct will result in disciplinary action.
● Communicating and interacting with SMMBA volunteers and staff, and league volunteers and staff, whether it is verbal or written, not excluding social media communication, will be respectful at all times.
Parents/Guardians/Spectators:
It is a policy of the SMMBA to provide a safe and fun environment for participants to play organized baseball.
● Let all participants play for the fun of the game and do not spoil your participant or any other participant’s fun.
● Encourage your participant to play by the rules and to enjoy the game.
● Respect all players, coaches, opponents, game officials, league and program volunteers, and spectators.
● Asking your coach reasonable questions about your participant’s experience is encouraged. Demeaning coaches or fomenting discord within the team is not tolerated.
● Communicating and interacting with SMMBA volunteers and staff, and league volunteers and staff, whether it is verbal or written, not excluding social media communication, will be respectful at all times
SMMBA enforces a zero tolerance policy towards situations of harassment or abuse directed against game officials, players, coaches, program and league volunteers, or spectators using any of the following, but not limited to, methods of verbal, email, texting or social media.
Recognize that many members of SMMBA and our leagues are volunteers. Help and encourage all volunteers whenever possible to allow them to work to the best of their ability.
● Recognize and applaud good play by your participant as well as members of both teams.
● Do not embarrass your participant by yelling at players, coaches, game officials or spectators.
● Your participant will benefit when you show a positive attitude towards the game and all of its participants.
● Failure to comply with this code of conduct will result in disciplinary action.
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 myself, other officials, athletes or spectators.
● 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 role model for fair play, especially with young umpires.
● 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.
● Failure to comply with this code of conduct will result in disciplinary action.