Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League Code of Conduct

The Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League Board of Directors has instituted the following Code of Conduct for players, parents, and coaches. This is distributed to our players, parents, coaches, and Board members to strengthen our organization through a shared commitment to the following standards of behavior.

Code of Conduct for Players

As a Player in the Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League, I agree to:

• Respect my coaches.  I will always give my maximum effort to my team by doing the best job that I can. I will follow team and League rules and work with my coaches to improve my level of play.
• Respect my team members and other players.  I will not insult, criticize, or harass* any other player. I will display teamwork at all times.
• Respect all umpires.  I will respect all umpires and game officials in any contest my team is participating in. I will not criticize the umpires and will accept any decision or call made by them as being fair. Should a concern about an official arise, I will refrain from making comments at the game.
• Display good sportsmanship at all times.  I will reflect the characteristics of fair play at all times. I will engage in healthy competition, but not in unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Be a contributor to the Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League.  I will support the League through participation in League activities to help build a stronger League for future players.
• Be proud to be a player for the Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League and have FUN doing it!

Code of Conduct for Parents

As a Parent of a player in the Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League, I agree to:

• Respect all coaches.  Head and Assistant Coaches are volunteers who donate their time and expertise to the league. My appreciation of their efforts is essential to ensuring a willing and ample supply of 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 child 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, criticisms, or harassment* of players.
• Respect all umpires.  I will respect all umpires and game officials in any contest my team is participating in. I will not criticize the umpires and will accept any decision or call made by them as being fair. Should a concern about an official arise, I will refrain from making comments at the game.
• Follow proper channels to resolve any disputes.  The League 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 coaches of my child’s team, the League president, any individual member of the Board or the entire Board to address it. No parent should ever feel that the League is unapproachable.
• Display good sportsmanship and be a positive role model 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. I understand that my behavior influences all children in the League and I will ensure that it is a positive influence.
• Be a contributor to the Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League.  I will volunteer in some aspect of the program. I will support League activities to help build a stronger League for future children.
• Appreciate that the Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League is striving to provide the best program for my children.  The League’s programs are intended to provide learning and fun experiences for all players. I will relax and enjoy the youth baseball and softball experience.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

As a Head or Assistant Coach in the Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League, I agree to:

• Respect all coaches. I will respect my fellow coaches and their teams. I will cooperate with and support my fellow coaches throughout the season. I will keep competition on the field and not make derogatory, intemperate, confrontational, profane, or negative personal remarks about any other coach, team, player, or parent.
• Respect all players.  I will offer constructive criticism balanced with compliments. I will not engage in insults or harassment* of players. 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's parents informed as often as possible to ensure that the whole team is pulling in the same direction.
• Respect all umpires.  I will respect all umpires and game officials in any contest my team is participating in. I will not criticize the umpires and will accept any decision or call made by them as being fair. Should a concern about an official arise, I will refrain from making comments at the game.
• Follow proper channels to resolve any disputes.  I understand that I am not alone in my position as a 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 other Coaches, the player(s), the parents, or Board members as necessary.
• Display good sportsmanship and be a positive role model 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 a coach. In addition to showing respect for all coaches, teams, players, and parents, I will show respect to umpires at all times and accept their rulings as final. I will respectfully take care of the playing fields, facilities and equipment that we use.
• Be a positive contributor to the Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League.  I will be a positive and caring influence and an encouraging force in teaching the lessons of team play through baseball and softball to all the players I encounter.

* Harassment, also known as bullying, is prohibited by New Hampshire RSA Title XV, Chapter 193-F, the “Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000”. Harassment is defined as insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response.