In order to advance the principals of sportsmanship and fair play and to promote mutual respect among board members, players, coaches and umpires, it is the intent of BGSA to provide a positive softball experience for everyone involved in the Bellingham Softball Leagues. To this end, BGSA has established a "Code of Conduct".

 

The Code of Conduct shall govern the actions of board members, players, coaches and spectators. The Code is intended to provide behavioral guidance and establish clear expectations for all involved. The Code was not conceived to address every possible behavioral circumstance, however, it shall serve as the Organization's foundation for behavioral evaluation.

 

It shall be the obligation of all program participants, spectators and volunteers, to comply with the provisions of the Code of Conduct. Any person violating the Code shall be subject to administrative action, up to and including termination of his/her privilege to participate in, or attend, any or all BGSA sponsored activities.

 

Any person observing a code violation is responsible to notify a league officer with the circumstances. League officers are the President, Vice President, Treasurer and/or Secretary. Notification should be a written letter or email to the league officers. Verbal notification will be considered but will not assure any disciplinary action will be taken. At a minimum, league officers are responsible to take the following action in response to a written code violation notice: 

 

The first time someone violates the code of conduct, the league officers will discuss the violation and assess the level of action to be taken. At a minimum, the league will issue a written warning to the person in violation of the code. The warning will state the code, the behavior in violation of the code and state that any further code violation within one year of the event will result in suspension from all league activities.   The league officers may also request the person make a verbal or written apology for their actions.

 

The second time someone violates the code of conduct within any 12 consecutive month period will result in suspension from all league activities for a minimum of 90 days and maximum of one year.   The suspension period will be decided by the league officers.

 

League officers may opt to skip the written warning and issue a suspension depending on the severity of the code violation. If the league officers are unable to achieve a majority 3 out of 4 decision on suspension terms, the issue will be brought before the full board of directors for a majority vote.

 

 

 

·        In order to adhere to these doctrines the coaches agree to the following:

·        League Officials shall be supportive of the Organization's commitment to the ideals of good sportsmanship, team play, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority. Likewise, coaches shall remain sensitive to the physical and emotional well being of the players on his/her team.

·        League Officials will be positive role models through their actions and behaviors.

·        League Officials will display and instill in their players the principals of good sportsmanship and team play.

·        League Officials will conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players.

·        League Officials will do their best to provide the players a positive experience.

·        League Officials will ensure that winning and/or losing teams do so in a manner, which exhibits respect and good sportsmanship.

·        League Officials will treat all players, parents, spectators and one another with respect.

·        League Officials will provide instruction in a manner that is constructive and supportive.

·        League Officials will not ridicule or demean players, coaches, or umpires or use abusive or profane language.

·        League Officials will not tolerate behavior that endangers the health or well being of a child.

·        League Officials will comply with the decisions of the board and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by the BGSA.

·        League Officials will teach the game of softball to the best of their ability.

·        League Officials will be drug and alcohol free while at any BGSA athletic event.

·        League Officials s will not use any tobacco products in the dugout or on the playing field.

·        League Officials acknowledge the need to demonstrate fundamental proficiencies with respect to the game of softball and first aid.

·        All League Officials agree to attend, any skill sessions that may be required by the Board of Directors and moreover, any first aid courses that may be mandated by the Board.

·        League officials will refrain from profanity in verbal communications during league activities.

 

·        Parents and Spectators agree to the following:

·        The Parent and Spectator shall support the players, coaches, umpires and league officials. Parents and Spectators shall not "coach" or "officiate".

·        Parents and Spectators will be positive role models.

·        Parents and Spectators will display and instill in all players, the principals of good sportsmanship and team play.

·        Parents and Spectators will conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players.

·        Parents and Spectators will do their best to provide the players a positive experience.

·        Parents will make certain that their children show respect for all other players, coaches, officials and spectators.

·        Parents and Spectators will not ridicule or demean players, coaches or umpires or use profane language.

·        Parents and Spectators will comply with the BGSA's rule prohibiting them from standing in back of or next the dugout or backstop.

·        Parents will inform the coach of any disability or ailment that may affect the safety of their child.

·        Parents and Spectators will treat all players, coaches and umpires fairly and with respect.

·        Parents and Spectators will comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by the BGSA.

·        Parents and Spectators will not question an umpire's call.

·        Parents and Spectators will respect the opponent and avoid any confrontation with opposing players, spectators, or coaches.

·        Parents and Spectators will be drug and alcohol free while at any BGSA athletic event

·        Players shall:

o       Display good sportsmanship and team play at all times.

o       Follow the direction of the Coaching Staff.

o       Respect all, coaches, players, league officials, umpires and spectators.

o       Make every attempt to be on time and ready to play for all games and practices.

·        Players shall not:

o       Use abusive or profane language.

o       Taunt or humiliate any other player.

o       Question an umpire's call.

o       Abuse, mistreat or mishandle any BGSA equipment or property (e.g., throwing batting helmets).

Players and coaches will dress appropriately for athletic sporting events.