Penn Yan Youth Baseball and Softball Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct
Goals and Intention
One of the goals of the Penn Yan Youth Baseball and Softball League (PYYBSL) is to provide a safe and fun learning environment for the youth of our community. We strive to create opportunities for our athletes to work together toward common goals. We emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for parents, league umpires, coaches, fellow athletes, and other spectators.
PYYBSL will not tolerate verbal or physical abuse of its coaches, umpires or players from any parent, player or spectator. Parents and spectators are expected to abide by the code of conduct described here at all PYYBSL events. While most of the adults and children need no reminders to abide by this code, the intention of this document is to protect our athletes, the integrity of our program, and emphasize the values of the PYYBS.
As a Parent or Spectator, I will:
Support the coaches and athletes and help teach the value of commitment to the team, sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.
Support my child’s team and help my child and the PYYBS make athletic contests a positive educational experience.
Stay out of the dugouts and remain in the designated parent/spectator section of the facility.
Understand that the coach’s job is to do what is in the best interest of the athletes, the team and the future of PYYBS.
Direct feedback about my child’s team to the head coach at an appropriate time and in a constructive manner. A 24-hour rule is in effect for all parent to coach feedback, meaning parents may not contact coaches with their concerns until 24 hours after an incident occurs.
Accept decisions of game umpires as being fair and called to the best of their ability. The umpires are in charge of all games. Their decisions are final and not up for debate.
Exhibit exemplary sportsmanship at all times.
Emphasize that great athletes strive to be great students that are physically and mentally alert.
Strive to make every softball or baseball activity serve as a training ground for life and a basis for good physical and mental health by being present and supporting all athletes in the program.
Follow all rules of the facility games are being hosted in, including no smoking, alcohol or illegal substance possession or use.
As a parent or spectator, I will not:
Interfere or interrupt the coaching staff during games or practices.
Criticize umpires or officials, direct abuse or profane language toward them or otherwise subvert their authority.
Criticize an opposing team, its players, coaches or spectators by word of mouth, gesture or by deliberately inciting unsportspersonlike behavior.
Conduct myself in a manner that fails to demonstrate good sportspersonship or is out of compliance with the spirit of this code of conduct.
Utilize electronic media to criticize coaches, teammates, athletes, or other parents.
Consequences of Behavior
Any adult who verbally abuses, attempts to intimidate, is flagrantly rude to, or does not control their language or actions with an athlete, umpire, coach, or spectator will be asked to leave the event. If the spectator fails to leave upon request, law enforcement authorities may be called to remove the spectator.
Any adult who conducts him or herself in a manner not consistent with the spirit of this code of conduct will be subject to discipline determined by the PYYBS Board and may be banned from PYYBS events for the remainder of that season and/or any future season.
Any adult who physically assaults an umpire, coach, player, participant or another spectator will be immediately removed and banned from PYYBS events. The term physical assault includes, but is not limited to: hitting, slapping, pushing, spitting, kicking, or striking in any way with any part of the body or any physical implement.
After their suspension is served, the parent may apply for re-instatement. PYYBS may, at its discretion, lift the ban or continue the ban.
Any person(s) registering their child for any baseball or softball programs or any person attending PYYBS sponsored events automatically agrees to the rules contained herein and accept the consequences should they violate this code of conduct.