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Parents & Fans Code of Conduct

Playing baseball in our organization means devoting a player’s efforts towards learning the many difficult skills of baseball, learning how to play the game and respect the coaches, learning how to be a team player, learning how to follow rules and respect the decision of the umpire, and learning how to be a good sport. Winning, though definitely a goal and something all players want to achieve, is secondary. If each player learns his or her part well, winning will occur. If commitment and respect are required, important life lessons will be learned. Unfortunately, some parents and fans lose sight of these goals and priorities. Fortunately, it is not a pervasive problem. However, the few occasions have been enough, or of sufficient emotional content, to convince us that we should set forth the following explicit rules of conduct.

All parents and fans must respect our goals and support our coaches and players. In addition to any rules that may apply to conduct at each field for practices and games, the following shall apply:

1. Foul and abusive language and conduct are strictly prohibited – by anyone: parent, fan of any age, or coach.

2. Rooting should be for your team, not against the opposing team. Trash talk, taunting, and negative rooting are not acceptable, regardless of the unsportsmanlike conduct of opposing players or coaches.

3. Only the coach should question calls of the umpire – and only calls relating to the proper interpretation of a rule, not judgment calls. Parents and fans shall refrain from outbursts against the umpire and shall let the coach handle all umpire issues. The coach is ultimately responsible for the behavior and placement of his/her team’s players and parents. Note that only four adults are allowed to be coaches and that they are the only ones permitted to be in the dugout.

4. Parents and fans should respect the proper requests made of them by the coaches and umpires.

5. Parents and fans should inform our organization of any improper conduct of a coach. With more than 50 teams and 100 coaches, the feedback of parents is an important means for us to assess the quality of our coaches. Although there may be circumstances that properly warrant discipline of a player, a coach should primarily resort to employing positive motivation. In addition, coaches must fairly distribute playing time amongst the players and should never place a player in harm’s way – physically or emotionally. We rely on you to report any issues, infractions, and constructive comments. All reports will be kept confidential and should be emailed to baseball@78youthsports.org.

We actively support ejection by the umpire or coach of any parent or fan who violates these rules or the rules of the game or the field. In addition, we will suspend or remove coaches and/or players who are unable to follow our rules and goals.

Thanks, and have a great season. Eddie Albert, Commissioner of Baseball vpbaseball@78youthsports.org

Eddie Albert, President and Executive Director of the Council president@78youthsports.org