Mission Statement

To provide a fun, safe, environment for girls from ages 6 to 18 to play softball by learning teamwork, skills, and strategy.  For girls who desire, the rec program often is the catalyst to more advanced programs such as All Star, Rec+, Travel, and High school softball

Intent

The intent of this document is to help build an environment that encourages our girls and sets an example of how team sports should be played.

Code of conduct

Arrival – Whenever possible, girls should arrive for games 30 minutes prior to starting

Bench – If the girls are not on the field, or warming up to bat, they should be on the bench encouraging their teammates.

Helmets – When batting, girls entering the field of play should be wearing a helmet and should not take it off until they return to the bench

Bat safety – Swinging bats are very dangerous and should be treated as such.  Girls should only take practice swings on the field just inside the dugout fence, or when working with a coach and a hit-stick or net.

Umpires – They might not always be right, but they are never wrong.  It’s expected that once an umpire makes a decision, it’s final.  Only head coaches may discuss a call/decision with the umpires and must do so appropriately.  This should never be an argument and coaches should simply move on quickly.

Base coaches – This role is not to help the umpire, but rather assist the girls running the bases.  Please do not make calls “Safe” or “Out”, that is the sole job of the umpire.

Coaches – Please keep in mind they are volunteers, and many times do not have extensive experience.  If you have an issue with a coach, please only approach them before or after the game.

Cheering – Teams are encouraged to cheer their teams on, but should refrain from cheers that are enticing or inappropriate towards other teams.  We win when girls go so far as to say “Nice hit!” or “Amazing catch” to players on the other team.

Cleanup – Please help in cleaning up the bench area after a game or practice and ensure all trash is put in the trash cans.

Parents – Unless you are assisting with coaching, please do not hang around the bench.  It’s been our experience girls fully participate and get the most out of the season when mom and dad aren’t hovering or “coaching” from the sidelines, more times than not it’s a discouragement, and distraction for the girls.

 I agree to abide by the following guidelines. In addition, I agree that any of my family members or guests who attend games or practices will be bound by the same guidelines:

• I will make it clear, both in my words and my actions, that doing one's best and having fun are more important than winning.

• I will not ridicule or chastise any participant or coach for losing a competition, making a mistake, or failing to perform up to my standards.

• I will follow the league's policies regarding the appropriate use of facilities, and I will be sure not to leave behind any trash items in the gym or the school, or to deface or damage school property.

• I will show respect, courtesy, and support for players, coaches, officials, spectators, and Recreation Staff.

• I will not engage in unsportsmanlike behavior such as booing, taunting, using profanity, or openly celebrating the losses or struggles of opposing players. I also understand that while it is appropriate and desirable to enjoy one's successes, it is not acceptable to engage in excessive public celebration of those successes at the expense of others' feelings.

• I will not engage in any behaviors that would endanger the health and well-being of anyone who is participating in this activity in any form.

• I will contribute to a sports environment that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.

• I will encourage all persons involved in this activity to adhere to the rules of the game, these standards of behavior, and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

• I will treat other players, coaches, officials, spectators, and Recreation Staff with respect and care regardless of race, ethnic background, sex, or ability.

• I will never openly question or confront officials or coaches during a game or practice. Instead, I will take time to speak with coaches about my concerns at an agreed upon time and place.

Parents/guardians and family only:

• I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

• I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

I agree that if I, or any of my family members or guests, fail to abide by the aforementioned guidelines, I/they will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

• Verbal warning by an official, head coach, league commissioner, or recreation staff person.

• Game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by Catonsville 730 Girls Recreation Softball.

• Game forfeit initiated by the official, coach, or league commissioner.

• Season suspension.