New Kent Girls Softball League

New Kent Girls Softball League

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

The New Kent Girls Softball League provides an environment for girls to participate in the sport of softball with an opportunity to develop life skills through team play, sportsmanship, competition, and practice. An emphasis on fair play and respect for ALL participants is a primary element of our League’s mission. To better achieve that mission we provide the following Codes of Conduct for all Coaches.

These Codes of Conduct can be summarized in the following three principles: (1) Demonstrating a positive attitude. (2) Setting a good example. (3) Maintaining good relationships with all softball participants - including Board Members, officials, opponents, and our own teams’ players, parents, and coaches.

I understand the NKGSL will not tolerate behavior, which brings the League, teams or game into disrepute.

I will place the emotional and physical well being of may players ahead of a personal desire to win.

I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.

I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.

I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all of my players.

I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all of my players.

I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all NKGSL events.

I will be knowledgeable in the rules of softball, and I will teach these rules to my players. I will read and make myself familiar with the following material:

·  NKGSL Parents’ and Players’ Codes of Conduct

·  Babe Ruth Softball playing rules

·  ODGSL Softball playing rules

I will use coaching techniques that are safe and appropriate for each of the skills that I teach.

I will remember that I am a NKGSL coach and that the game is for the children NOT the adults.

I will show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches, our own teams’ players or coaches, or any fan undermine the purpose of the sport and encourage behavior contrary to the spirit of the game and the mission of the NKGSL.

I will treat umpires with respect and settle my disagreement with the umpire’s call in a respectable manner. NKGSL recommends that I approach the umpire(s) and discuss the call in a respectable manner, so I do not bring discredit to myself, the team or the NKGSL. I will respect the final decision of the umpire(s). I understand that if I have a problem with the officiating that I can inform the NKGSL Board, and the Board will look into the matter.

I understand that the NKGSL will not tolerate conduct that is detrimental to the sport, the participants, or the community. Such conduct includes but is not limited to: Vulgarity by Coaches; harassment or belittling of officials, coaches, players or fans; verbal abuse, threats or physical violence toward anyone before, during or after a game; and the taunting of opposing players, coaches or parents. I will not yell at any player or any other participant or fan out of anger or embarrass any player or any other participant. The NKGSL requires thorough self-restraint by all participants.

I understand that I am expected to make myself available to answer any questions from parents. I will also keep my parents informed and involved with my team.

I hereby pledge to live up to my responsibility as a Coach in the New Kent Girls Softball League (NKGSL) by following the Coaches’ Code of Conduct Pledge.

I have read the above, understand and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. I understand that any violation of these Codes of Conduct could result in consequences determined by the NKGSL Board that could result in my eligibility to coach in the New Kent Girls Softball League (NKGSL).