The following codes of conduct for the coaches, parents and players are intended to promote good sportsmanship, and support the mission statement of the Blue Diamonds . That is; to develop character and self-esteem of young women through athletic competition. It is the BD Board’s requirement that all spectators and participants abide by the following codes of conduct.

Coaches Code of Conduct
· Realize that every young player has a different personality, maturity level and learning style, and the coach must adapt their instructional methods to these styles.
· Be reasonable with your expectations and demands from the young players.
· Impress on your players that they must abide by the rules of the game at all times.
· Although it is important to point out mistakes and errors during practice and in games, players should never be yelled at or ridiculed in front of their peers.
· Keep the players parents involved in their child’s development and progress.
· Set a good example. Both players and parents are looking to you as a role model for proper behavior during both practice and game time.
· Be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach they can respect.
· Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.
· The player’s safety is always of the utmost importance. Insure all equipment and facilities meet safety standards.

Parents' Code of Conduct
· Teach your child to always respect the manager, coaches, umpire and other players.
· Teach your child always to play by the rules.
· Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory. Most of the time you learn more from a hard loss then and easy victory.
· Encourage your child to practice to improve their skill level, and help them understand the importance of good sportsmanship in every game.
· Do not ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or for losing a game.
· Set a good example. Both players and coaches are looking to you as a role model for proper behavior during both practice and game time.
· Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
· Do not publicly question the umpire’s judgment and never their honesty.
· Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. Give them their due respect. Without them, there would be no softball program.
· Under no circumstances should foul language be used.

Player's Code of Conduct
· Respect the adults involved in the softball program; the manager, coaches, umpires and parents. If it weren’t for them, there would be no team.
· Have fun playing, but remember this is high level competitive play, and thus should be taken seriously.
· Play by the rules and never argue with or complain about an umpire’s call or decision.
· Control your temper and most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
· Concentrate on playing softball and on affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.
· Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your teams or your opponent's.
· Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good. Don't showoff or be a hot dog.
· Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and the umpires.
· Under no circumstances should foul language be used.