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 is 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 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, or the Executive Board to address it. No parent should ever feel that the Norfolk Baseball Association is unapproachable.
• Always display good sportsmanship. 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.

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 positive reinforcement. I recognize that all players are contributors to my team and will treat them all fairly and equitably within the rules.
• Respect all families. I recognize that baseball is a big commitment for families. I will keep my team families informed as well as possible to ensure that the whole team is pulling in the same direction. 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 families.
• Follow the rules as written. I will read and understand the rules for my division/league prior to the start of the season.  If I feel there is ambiguity, I will make sure to get clarity ahead of time.  I will not attempt to "game" the rules to benefit my team or individual players.
• 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 fellow manager or coaches, the player(s), the parents, the League Director, or the Executive Board as necessary and accept the outcome of the consensus discussion with those bodies.
• Always display good sportsmanship. 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 manager, coaches, players, and families, as well as opposing teams and families at all times. 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.

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:

• Each umpire will arrive at the field a minimum of 15 minutes before the scheduled game time.
• 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).
• Each umpire will bring a clicker to each game.
• 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.
• Each umpire will always treat managers, coaches, and players with respect.
• 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 umpire’s membership in the Norfolk Baseball Umpires Association may be revoked.

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

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:

• Only team managers are allowed to converse with an umpire; coaches/players are not permitted to speak with umpires.
• Managers shall not speak to the umpires alone. Both umpires and both managers must be present for any conversation.
• No manager or coach shall verbally or physically accost an umpire.
• Judgement calls may not be disputed in any manner. Judgement calls include balls/strikes, safe/out, catch/no catch, fair/foul, runner leaving early, interference/obstruction, sliding rule violations etc.
• If a manager believes an umpire's call is in violation of a baseball rule (for example an umpire calls the infield fly rule when that rule does not exist in the given league), after the play ends and before the next pitch is thrown, the manager may request an umpire to call time. If time is granted, the manager, opposing manager, and both umpires shall meet behind home plate. The manager shall briefly explain to the umpires and the opposing manager the rationale for why he/she believes a rule violation has occurred. After hearing the manager's explanation as to why he/she believes a rule violation has occurred, both managers shall return to their respective dugouts, the umpires shall discuss privately and issue a ruling. The decision of the umpires is final.
  • Commentary on umpire decisions by players/coaches/managers is not permitted. This includes indirect commentary such as "Don't worry Johnny, that wasn't a strike".
  • The manager is responsible and accountable for the behavior of his coaches, players, and spectators.
  • Managers shall submit an umpire evaluation form at the completion of every game.

Infractions

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

• First offense: The Elected Board shall issue both a verbal and written/email warning to the individual(s) detailing the infraction(s).
• Second offense: The Elected Board shall suspend the offending individual(s) for one game.
• Third offense: The Elected Board shall remove the offending individual(s) from his/her position.

Note: Multiple infractions may also affect future participation as a manager or coach.