To prevent any misunderstanding or misinterpretations when problems occur during the baseball season, the Norfolk Baseball Association Board of Directors has instituted the following Code of Conduct for players, managers, coaches and parents.  This has been distributed to our managers, coaches, Board members, players and parents this season in the hope that it will strengthen our organization and its policies, and will clearly state the expectations that our organization has with regard to our standards of behavior.  In view of the importance of this matter, we are reprinting it here for the further benefit of all baseball participants.   Please note that some non-substantive changes have been made from the code of conduct that was distributed to all participants.

Code of Conduct for Players

As a player for the Norfolk Baseball Association, I agree to:

·         Respect my manager and coaches. The managers and coaches are  volunteers who donate their time to our organization and my appreciation of their help should be reflected in all my actions on the playing field.  It is my duty to listen to and follow the directions of my manager and  coaches and to obey the rules set forth by the manager and coaches of the teams.

·         Respect my team members and other players.  I will not insult, criticize or verbally abuse any other player. Such  behavior does not promote but destroys  team spirit and will not be tolerated by the Norfolk Baseball Association.

·         Never resort to physical threats or actions to rectify a situation.  Physical outbursts are unacceptable and  will be dealt with using a zero-tolerance policy.  Any occurrence will be immediately directed to the Executive Board.

·         Display good sportsmanship at all times.  As a representative of the Norfolk Baseball Association, it is my duty to reflect the characteristics of fair play at all times.  I will display to others that competition is healthy and I will not lower the standards of the Norfolk Baseball Association by engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct.

·         Be a contributor to the Norfolk Baseball Association.  I play baseball not only for my own personal pleasure and benefit but for the benefit and as a representative of the Norfolk Baseball Association.  I will always give 100% to my team by doing the best job that I can.

·         Be proud to be a player for the Norfolk Baseball Association and have FUN doing it!

Downloadable 'Code of Conduct for Players' to Sign

Code of Conduct for Parents

As a parent of a player in the Norfolk Baseball Association, I agree to:

·         Respect the managers and their coaching staff.  Managers and coaches are volunteers who donate their time and expertise to the Norfolk Baseball Association.  My appreciation of their efforts is paramount to ensuring a willing and ample supply of managers and coaches in the program.  I will take practices and games seriously by making sure that my child(ren) are available and on time as scheduled.  I will collect my children in a timely manner when practices and games are finished.

·         Respect all players.  All players are contributors to a team and should be positively encouraged by all parents.  I will not engage in insults or criticisms of players.  Such behavior does not promote team spirit but breaks apart a team and will not be tolerated.

·         Follow proper channels to resolve any dispute with the Norfolk Baseball Association.  The Norfolk Baseball Association is willing to assist any parent that has a problem with any of its programs.  If I have an issue or problem, I understand that I should approach the manager or coaches of my child’s team, the league director, any individual member of the Board or the entire Board to address it.  No parent should ever feel that the Norfolk Baseball Association is unapproachable.

·         Display good sportsmanship at all times.  The children are learning to become team players and work toward a common goal.  I will always be non-judgmental in my support for their attempts and their outcomes.

·         Be a contributor to the Norfolk Baseball Association.  I will volunteer in some aspect of the program and will be a supportive and positive influence for all efforts made by the Norfolk Baseball Association.

·         Appreciate that the Norfolk Baseball Association is striving to provide the best baseball program for my children.  The programs of the Norfolk Baseball Association are intended to be learning and fun experiences for all players.  I will relax and enjoy the youth baseball experience.

Downloadable 'Code of Conduct for Parents' to Sign

Code of Conduct for Managers and Coaches

As a manager for the Norfolk Baseball Association, I agree to:

·         Respect all players.  I will ensure that all criticism I offer to the players will be constructive and balanced with compliments.  I recognize that all players are contributors to my team and will treat them all fairly and equitably within the rules.

·         Respect all parents.  I recognize that baseball is a big commitment for parents.  I will keep my team parents informed as well as possible to ensure that the whole team is pulling in the same direction.

·         Follow proper channels to resolve any disputes.  I understand that I am not alone in my position as manager or coach.  I have a strong organization to assist me in the resolution of problems, issues or disputes.  If they arise, I will discuss problems with my manager or coaches, the player(s), the parents, the Board members or the entire Board as necessary.  With the manager or coaches I will schedule a team meeting before our first practice to formulate the expectations for our team.  These expectations will be published in writing and given to all my team players and parents.

·         Display good sportsmanship at all times.  I understand that the players are learning to be good sportsmen and team players and are quick to copy all behavior they see on the field, particularly that of me in my position as manager or coach.  I will show respect to my team’s manager, coaches, players and parents and the opposing managers, coaches, players and parents at all times.  The umpires and fans will also have my respect and I will respectfully take care of the playing fields, facilities and equipment that we use.

·         Be a positive contributor to the Norfolk Baseball Association.  I will be a positive and caring influence and an encouraging force in teaching the lessons of team play through baseball to all the players I encounter.

Code of Conduct for Umpires

The following is the Code of Conduct for umpires. A copy of this shall be signed by all umpires at both the AAA and Majors level and returned to Norfolk Baseball before the start of the season.

1. Each umpire will arrive at the field a minimum of 15 minutes before the scheduled game time.
2. Each umpire will wear the complete Norfolk Baseball umpire uniform for each game. A complete uniform consists of shirt, shorts/pants, and hat (for the base umpire).
3. Each umpire will bring a clicker to each game.
4. A minimum of 24 hours notification must be given to the Umpire-in-Chief if an umpire is unable to handle a scheduled game. Exceptions will be made for emergencies.
5. Each umpire will always treat managers, coaches, and players with respect.
6. Neither umpire will leave the game after its completion until the teams have shaken hands.

Infractions

Infractions of the Umpire Code of Conduct will result in the following:

• First offense – both a verbal and written/email warning will be given to the umpire detailing the infraction(s), with copies going to the umpire-in-chief, the league president, and the commissioner.
• Second offense – A scheduled game will be taken away and re-assigned.
• Third offense – All scheduled games will be re-assigned, and the umpires membership in the Norfolk Baseball Umpires Association may be revoked.

Multiple infractions may also affect future participation in the Umpires Association.

Manager and Coaches Code of Conduct Regarding Umpires

The following is the Code of Conduct for managers and coaches regarding umpires. A copy of this shall be signed by all managers and coaches at both the AAA and Majors level and returned to Norfolk Baseball before the start of the season.

Code

This code is in addition to the basic Code of Conduct for managers and coaches. It deals strictly with the manager/coach interaction with umpires.

Norfolk Baseball has a strict “zero tolerance” policy.

1. No manager or coach shall verbally or physically accost an umpire.
2. Calls may not be disputed in any manner.
3. Managers and coaches shall not speak to the umpires alone. Both umpires must be present for any conversation, and ideally the opposing manager as well.
4. Commentary on umpires’ decisions is not permitted. This includes indirect commentary such as “Don’t worry Johnny, that wasn’t a strike”.
5. No commentary shall come from the dugout. Ever.
6. The manager is ultimately responsible for the behavior of his coaches and his dugout.
7. Managers will fill out an umpire evaluation at the completion of every game.

Infractions

Infractions of the Manager/Coach Code of Conduct will result in the following.

• First offense – both a verbal and written/email warning will be given to the umpire detailing the infraction(s), with copies going to the umpire-in-chief, the league president, and the commissioner.
• Second offense – The offending manager or coach will be suspended for one game.
• Third offense – The offending manager or coach will be removed from his position.