Baseball/Softball Code of Conduct
Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Complete Lewiston and Porter Code of Conduct
League Mission
The sole purpose of the Lewiston & Porter Youth Baseball/Softball Program is to provide children of the Lewiston and Porter area a healthy activity within the framework of the rules of Baseball and Softball under good leadership in the atmosphere of wholesome community participation. We expect all participants to harvest their maximum potential while achieving maximum enjoyment in the game.
Coaches Creed
I, as a coach, will abide by league rules and the spirit of good will and competition in putting my best effort into teaching my players good sportsmanship and service to the community.
Coaches Code of Conduct
· The head coach will be the lone voice for his players, parents, and assistants on the Baseball field. The head coach must be in control of their players at all times in order to prevent any unsportsmanlike act toward opponents, officials, or spectators. (NCAA, ASA, LL)
· Coaches are expected to comply wholeheartedly with the spirit of the rules. The deliberate teaching of players to violate the rules is indefensible. (NCAA, ASA)
· Coaches should confine their discussion with the game officials to the interpretations of rules, never challenge umpire decisions involving judgment. (NCAA, LL, ASA)
· Coaches shall never challenge Balls and Strikes. It is universally understood that a coach shall be ejected from a contest at the first offense for arguing Balls and Strikes. The umpire shall clearly define the strike zone before each and every game, at that time only it is permissible to question balls and strikes. (LL, ASA, MLB, USBA)
· Any coach or player who is ejected from a game is suspended from the time of ejection until the ruling Board of Director’s reinstates that player or coach. Each Board of Directors will meet as needed during the course of the season.
· A coach will control “bench jockeying” during the course of games. No chanting or malicious remarks will be tolerated in the dugout. All “noise” coming from the dugout should be encouragement to a teammate and not to “rattle” an opposing player or team, game official, or coach. (NCAA, LL, ASA)
· During the game, or on the grounds of the Ballpark or within the confines of the Baseball atmosphere, malicious physical contact with a player, coach, parent, or umpire will lead to an automatic suspension and possible criminal charges, if warranted. Any player, coach, spectator, or game official who physically attacks, or threatens to attack another player, coach, parent or umpire will serve a year-long suspension starting from that instance. An appeal will only be heard two weeks after the occurrence.
· The Code of Conduct is in effect on the grounds of the Ballpark, within the confines of the baseball atmosphere, and during games and practices.
· The use of all Tobacco products by players, coaches, and game personnel is strictly prohibited during games and practices.
· The use or presence of Alcohol or Drugs is strictly prohibited at The Ball Park.
· The Code of Conduct stipulates that all coaches are role-models first, hence all umpires decisions will be based on that bit of common sense.
· Coaches and adults shall refrain from foul language while in the presence of players, parents, or game officials.
Overall League Rules for Games
· All Coaches, game officials, and fans shall adhere to the Code of Conduct.
· A team must have at least eight (8) players on the field at all times in order for that game to count in the standings. At any point in the game if the team goes to seven (7) players, the game shall be considered a forfeit. A team which fields eight (8) players will receive an out each time the ninth (9) spot comes up in the lineup in the Majors and Seniors Division.
· No coach, player, or spectator will be allowed directly behind the backstop. A presence there is confusing and disorienting to players on the field.
· All players should be in game uniform, or that player will not be allowed to participate. Shorts, jeans, or any other pants that are not league issue standard gray may not be worn during a game. Girls’ softball has the option of wearing shorts or game pants. The league will have extra shorts and pants available.
· Dugouts and the immediate area must be clean and free of litter after each game.
· Coaches, team captains, and umpires will be present before every game for Ground Rules and interpretive questions regarding rules five (5) minutes before the game is scheduled to begin.
· ONE player may be allowed outside of the dugout, for the sole purpose of on-deck warm-ups, during the course of an inning unless there is a medical emergency. Any player who leaves the bench area for any other reason besides the use of the bathroom may be ejected from the game.
· Pitchers warming up, base runners, batters, base coaching players, and on-deck batters must wear a protective helmet.
· Any player warming up a pitcher must wear a complete set of protective equipment. Catchers must wear a catchers glove when playing the Catcher position.
· ALL head coaches must report their scores and complete pitchers stats at the end of the game. There will be three ways of doing this. 1.) Website and Email (preferred) 2.) Phone in to main office (754-8213 ext.252) 3.) Drop off stat sheet. In addition, your official scorebook must be signed at the conclusion of the game by both the opposing coach and the umpire. Any game which is played under protest must have complete records, or that team shall surrender the protest.
· The Board of Directors will act only on appeal of pitching limitations for those teams who have used a pitcher more than the divisional allotment.
· Any coach who would like to protest a game must see either their division representative or a League Director and have that protest added to the next agenda of the Board of Directors. Each protest must be written and submitted to a Board member no later than one day before a meeting. Only a dispute in League and game rules will be heard, judgment calls and “blown calls” may not be protested.
· A Coach must follow the following procedure to protest a game. Calmly call time out to resolve the rule with the chief umpire or acting Board Representative (if present). If no satisfactory conclusion is obtained, Coach may ask the umpire for a Protest Deferment, which the umpire will grant. BOTH Scorekeepers will then mark their scorebooks with a circled “P” in their respective scorebook at the point in the game which the protest has occurred. The game shall than continue.
· All game or League rules that are not specifically addressed by Lewiston-Porter Youth Baseball league rules will be referred to the 2009 Little League Rulebook for baseball, the 2009 American Softball Association Rulebook for Softball.
· Rainouts in competitive divisions will be rescheduled at the Boards discretion, generally on the following Saturday. If both coaches agree that the game cannot be made up within two weeks of the original game, the game will be voided from the schedule.
· All teams in competitive divisions will play a mandatory rain makeup game scheduled by the Board of Directors or Recreation Director at the end of the season. This game will be determined by using a list of rained out games and selecting the game that most affect the standings.
· End of year standings will only effect playoff placements for competitive divisions.
· Winning percentage will determine standings in competitive divisions.
· Tie breakers for competitive divisions will be 1.) Head – to – Head performance 2.) Performance against top-ranked team. (if tie is between ½, performance will be determined by success against #3 team) 3.) One game off-day playoff or coin flip.
· All Parents and spectators have the right to enjoy all games within the Lewiston & Porter Youth Athletics leagues and its affiliates and are encouraged to attend all games.
· Parents should provide only love and encouragement to the children of the league. Please let coaches coach; umpires umpire, and children play! No parent should argue calls.
· Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs are strictly disallowed at all parks.
· Parents should inform their Coach at all times when their child is going to be absent, tardy, or must leave early. Baseball and Softball are team games, therefore the happiness of other children may depend on your participation!
· No Parent or Spectator should be on the field at any point in the game unless granted permission by the head official, usually in the case of a medical emergency.
· There will be no food distributed to players on the bench. If parents wish to give all players gum or seeds, they should okay that with the Coach before distribution.
· Parents must honor the boundaries of the dugout. No parent shall be allowed to sit on the players bench during the game unless asked by the Head Coach.
· All players are expected to remain on the bench when not in the field or on-deck. Please remember that Coaches are responsible for their players during games and practices. Players who “roam” put themselves in danger of coaches “losing” them.
· Parents and Spectators will be held to the same high standards as we hold our game personnel in regards to sportsmanship and mature behavior. Abusive behavior and foul language will not be tolerated.
· Any Spectator who has been deemed by the Head official in a game to be disruptive to the enjoyment of all children involved shall be removed from the Park.
· All parents have the right to communicate with their Coach and League Officials. We ask that problems be resolved first with the Coach, and then with the Recreation Director.
· No conversations on playing time, positions, or batting placement, nor coaching philosophy, in-game rulings, or “problems” in general should be brought up during or immediately after games or practices with coaches. This time is strictly reserved for the players.
· All parents are welcome at Coaches Clinics, as well as Umpires clinics for the purpose of understanding the rules of the game of Baseball and Softball.
· Parents should be respectful and appreciative of all coaches within the league who donate their time to the advancement and enjoyment of children. Parents should remember that there will be no scouts in the stands, and our objective is to provide a fun experience for your child.
The sole purpose of the Lewiston & Porter Youth Baseball/Softball Program is to provide children of the Lewiston and Porter area a healthy activity within the framework of the rules of Baseball and Softball under good leadership in the atmosphere of wholesome community participation. We expect all participants to harvest their maximum potential while achieving maximum enjoyment in the game.
Coaches Creed
I, as a coach, will abide by league rules and the spirit of good will and competition in putting my best effort into teaching my players good sportsmanship and service to the community.
Coaches Code of Conduct
· The head coach will be the lone voice for his players, parents, and assistants on the Baseball field. The head coach must be in control of their players at all times in order to prevent any unsportsmanlike act toward opponents, officials, or spectators. (NCAA, ASA, LL)
· Coaches are expected to comply wholeheartedly with the spirit of the rules. The deliberate teaching of players to violate the rules is indefensible. (NCAA, ASA)
· Coaches should confine their discussion with the game officials to the interpretations of rules, never challenge umpire decisions involving judgment. (NCAA, LL, ASA)
· Coaches shall never challenge Balls and Strikes. It is universally understood that a coach shall be ejected from a contest at the first offense for arguing Balls and Strikes. The umpire shall clearly define the strike zone before each and every game, at that time only it is permissible to question balls and strikes. (LL, ASA, MLB, USBA)
· Any coach or player who is ejected from a game is suspended from the time of ejection until the ruling Board of Director’s reinstates that player or coach. Each Board of Directors will meet as needed during the course of the season.
· A coach will control “bench jockeying” during the course of games. No chanting or malicious remarks will be tolerated in the dugout. All “noise” coming from the dugout should be encouragement to a teammate and not to “rattle” an opposing player or team, game official, or coach. (NCAA, LL, ASA)
· During the game, or on the grounds of the Ballpark or within the confines of the Baseball atmosphere, malicious physical contact with a player, coach, parent, or umpire will lead to an automatic suspension and possible criminal charges, if warranted. Any player, coach, spectator, or game official who physically attacks, or threatens to attack another player, coach, parent or umpire will serve a year-long suspension starting from that instance. An appeal will only be heard two weeks after the occurrence.
· The Code of Conduct is in effect on the grounds of the Ballpark, within the confines of the baseball atmosphere, and during games and practices.
· The use of all Tobacco products by players, coaches, and game personnel is strictly prohibited during games and practices.
· The use or presence of Alcohol or Drugs is strictly prohibited at The Ball Park.
· The Code of Conduct stipulates that all coaches are role-models first, hence all umpires decisions will be based on that bit of common sense.
· Coaches and adults shall refrain from foul language while in the presence of players, parents, or game officials.
Overall League Rules for Games
· All Coaches, game officials, and fans shall adhere to the Code of Conduct.
· A team must have at least eight (8) players on the field at all times in order for that game to count in the standings. At any point in the game if the team goes to seven (7) players, the game shall be considered a forfeit. A team which fields eight (8) players will receive an out each time the ninth (9) spot comes up in the lineup in the Majors and Seniors Division.
· No coach, player, or spectator will be allowed directly behind the backstop. A presence there is confusing and disorienting to players on the field.
· All players should be in game uniform, or that player will not be allowed to participate. Shorts, jeans, or any other pants that are not league issue standard gray may not be worn during a game. Girls’ softball has the option of wearing shorts or game pants. The league will have extra shorts and pants available.
· Dugouts and the immediate area must be clean and free of litter after each game.
· Coaches, team captains, and umpires will be present before every game for Ground Rules and interpretive questions regarding rules five (5) minutes before the game is scheduled to begin.
· ONE player may be allowed outside of the dugout, for the sole purpose of on-deck warm-ups, during the course of an inning unless there is a medical emergency. Any player who leaves the bench area for any other reason besides the use of the bathroom may be ejected from the game.
· Pitchers warming up, base runners, batters, base coaching players, and on-deck batters must wear a protective helmet.
· Any player warming up a pitcher must wear a complete set of protective equipment. Catchers must wear a catchers glove when playing the Catcher position.
· ALL head coaches must report their scores and complete pitchers stats at the end of the game. There will be three ways of doing this. 1.) Website and Email (preferred) 2.) Phone in to main office (754-8213 ext.252) 3.) Drop off stat sheet. In addition, your official scorebook must be signed at the conclusion of the game by both the opposing coach and the umpire. Any game which is played under protest must have complete records, or that team shall surrender the protest.
· The Board of Directors will act only on appeal of pitching limitations for those teams who have used a pitcher more than the divisional allotment.
· Any coach who would like to protest a game must see either their division representative or a League Director and have that protest added to the next agenda of the Board of Directors. Each protest must be written and submitted to a Board member no later than one day before a meeting. Only a dispute in League and game rules will be heard, judgment calls and “blown calls” may not be protested.
· A Coach must follow the following procedure to protest a game. Calmly call time out to resolve the rule with the chief umpire or acting Board Representative (if present). If no satisfactory conclusion is obtained, Coach may ask the umpire for a Protest Deferment, which the umpire will grant. BOTH Scorekeepers will then mark their scorebooks with a circled “P” in their respective scorebook at the point in the game which the protest has occurred. The game shall than continue.
· All game or League rules that are not specifically addressed by Lewiston-Porter Youth Baseball league rules will be referred to the 2009 Little League Rulebook for baseball, the 2009 American Softball Association Rulebook for Softball.
· Rainouts in competitive divisions will be rescheduled at the Boards discretion, generally on the following Saturday. If both coaches agree that the game cannot be made up within two weeks of the original game, the game will be voided from the schedule.
· All teams in competitive divisions will play a mandatory rain makeup game scheduled by the Board of Directors or Recreation Director at the end of the season. This game will be determined by using a list of rained out games and selecting the game that most affect the standings.
· End of year standings will only effect playoff placements for competitive divisions.
· Winning percentage will determine standings in competitive divisions.
· Tie breakers for competitive divisions will be 1.) Head – to – Head performance 2.) Performance against top-ranked team. (if tie is between ½, performance will be determined by success against #3 team) 3.) One game off-day playoff or coin flip.
· All Parents and spectators have the right to enjoy all games within the Lewiston & Porter Youth Athletics leagues and its affiliates and are encouraged to attend all games.
· Parents should provide only love and encouragement to the children of the league. Please let coaches coach; umpires umpire, and children play! No parent should argue calls.
· Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs are strictly disallowed at all parks.
· Parents should inform their Coach at all times when their child is going to be absent, tardy, or must leave early. Baseball and Softball are team games, therefore the happiness of other children may depend on your participation!
· No Parent or Spectator should be on the field at any point in the game unless granted permission by the head official, usually in the case of a medical emergency.
· There will be no food distributed to players on the bench. If parents wish to give all players gum or seeds, they should okay that with the Coach before distribution.
· Parents must honor the boundaries of the dugout. No parent shall be allowed to sit on the players bench during the game unless asked by the Head Coach.
· All players are expected to remain on the bench when not in the field or on-deck. Please remember that Coaches are responsible for their players during games and practices. Players who “roam” put themselves in danger of coaches “losing” them.
· Parents and Spectators will be held to the same high standards as we hold our game personnel in regards to sportsmanship and mature behavior. Abusive behavior and foul language will not be tolerated.
· Any Spectator who has been deemed by the Head official in a game to be disruptive to the enjoyment of all children involved shall be removed from the Park.
· All parents have the right to communicate with their Coach and League Officials. We ask that problems be resolved first with the Coach, and then with the Recreation Director.
· No conversations on playing time, positions, or batting placement, nor coaching philosophy, in-game rulings, or “problems” in general should be brought up during or immediately after games or practices with coaches. This time is strictly reserved for the players.
· All parents are welcome at Coaches Clinics, as well as Umpires clinics for the purpose of understanding the rules of the game of Baseball and Softball.
· Parents should be respectful and appreciative of all coaches within the league who donate their time to the advancement and enjoyment of children. Parents should remember that there will be no scouts in the stands, and our objective is to provide a fun experience for your child.
