At Santa Barbara Pony Baseball, we are committed to providing a positive, safe, and enjoyable environment for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators. Adults play a critical role in fostering good sportsmanship and ensuring a respectful atmosphere. To uphold these values, we have established this Adult Conduct Policy.
By enrolling your child in the league or participating in the league as spectator or otherwise, you are subject to and agree to abide by this policy. This policy applies to coaches, parents, and guardians of players in the league and any other invited spectators or family members.
1. RESPECT FOR ALL
• Treat all players, coaches, umpires, officials, parents, and others with respect, regardless of race, gender, ability, or team affiliation.
• Refrain from using profanity, derogatory language, or engaging in any form of harassment or bullying.
• Applaud good plays by both teams and avoid negative comments about players, coaches, or umpires.
2. SUPPORT THE PLAYERS
• Encourage your child and their teammates to play fairly, have fun, and do their best.
• Avoid placing undue pressure on your child or others to perform at a specific level.
• Let the coaches coach – refrain from giving instructions or directions to players during games or practices.
3. RESPECT FOR UMPIRES AND OFFICIALS
• Understand that umpires and officials are human and will make mistakes. Treat them with respect and refrain from arguing calls or decisions.
• Any concerns about officiating should be addressed calmly and respectfully through the proper channels after the game.
4. POSITIVE ROLE MODEL
• Set a positive example for your child and others by demonstrating good sportsmanship at all times.
• Avoid negative behavior, such as yelling at players, coaches, or umpires, or engaging in confrontations with other parents or spectators.
• Remember that children learn from your actions – be a role model for fair play and respect.
5. ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND DRUGS
• The use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited at all league events.
• People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave the premises immediately.
6. COMPLIANCE WITH RULES
• Follow all league rules, policies, and facility guidelines.
• Remain in designated spectator areas during games and practices unless otherwise instructed by a coach or league official.
7. CONFLICT RESOLUTION
• If you have a concern or complaint, address it respectfully and at the appropriate time. Speak directly to the coach or league official in private, away from players and other spectators.
• Do not confront coaches, umpires, parents, or other persons during or immediately after a game.
• Threats or other inappropriate behavior against coaches, umpires, parents, or others will not be tolerated and may lead to immediate and permanent dismissal of the adult and the child from league activities.
8. CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS
• Any adult who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action determined by league officials, including but not limited to:
o Verbal or written warning from a league official.
o Removal from the game or facility.
o Suspension from attending future games or events.
o Permanent ban from league activities.
• While Santa Barbara Pony Baseball does not desire to punish children for the behavior of their parents or the other adults in their lives, in certain cases a violation of this policy may result in the dismissal of parents, their children, and other adults from Santa Barbara Pony Baseball, as determined by league officials.
9. COMMITMENT TO FUN AND DEVELOPMENT
• Remember that the league is about the players’ enjoyment, development, and love of the game. Winning is secondary to creating a positive and supportive environment for all participants. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to making Santa Barbara Pony Baseball a positive experience for everyone involved.
10. REPORTING VIOLATIONS OF THIS POLICY
• Violations of this policy may be reported to the League Compliance Officer by emailing sbponycompliance@gmail.com. If you feel the violation presents a conflict with respect to the League Compliance Officer, you may report the violation to the League President at santabarbaraponybaseball@gmail.com.
• Except for violations that threaten the safety of adults or children or otherwise require immediate attention, if the circumstances are appropriate, please consider a 24-hour "cool off" period before reporting violations.
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