The EPGSL strives to create a positive atmosphere where children learn the game of softball, develop values and have fun. All members of the EPGSL community have a role to play in creating this positive atmosphere. By giving careful thought to these codes of conduct and putting effort into living up to them, you can help create this positive atmosphere.
PLEASE read the Parent’s Code of Conduct and review the Player’s Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics Pledge with your child.
By joining the league both parents and player acknowledge the league policy.
The EPGSL has implemented the following Parent Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of parents in supporting their child in sports.
By joining the EPGSL parents acknowledge our policy.
Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games.
Preamble
The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles:
• Trustworthiness,
• Respect,
• Responsibility,
• Fairness,
• Caring, and
• Good Citizenship.
The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”
I therefore agree:
1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials
and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language
or gestures.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower
age groups.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to
speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
17. 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.
The EPGSL endorses the policy of "Athletes First, Winning Second" as promoted by Little League Softball. This philosphy is the foundation of the Player's Bill of Rights and means that every decision a coach makes and every behavior a coach displays should be based first on what the coach judges best for the athlete, and second on what may improve the athlete's or team's chance of winning. Right to have fun in sports.
As a Player I have the following RIGHTS:
I. Right to have fun in sports.
II. Right to participate in sports.
III. Right to participate at a level commensurate with each child’s maturity and ability.
IV. Right to have qualified adult leadership.
V. Right to play as a child and not as an adult.
VI. Right of children to share in the leadership and decision-making of their sport participation.
VII. Right to participate in safe and healthy environments.
VIII. Right to proper preparation for participation in sports.
IX. Right to an equal opportunity to strive for success.
X. Right to be treated with dignity.
As a player I also promise to conduct myself in accordance with the EPGSL's Player Code of Ethics for of the league and agree to:
1. I will treat each athlete, opposing coach, official, parent, and administrator with respect and dignity.
2. I will do my best to learn the fundamental skills, teaching and evaluation techniques and strategies for my sport.
3. I will become thoroughly familiar with the rules of my sport.
4. I will become familiar with the objectives of the youth sport program with which I am affiliated.
5. I will uphold the authority of officials who are assigned to the contests in which my youth plays, and I will assist them in every way to conduct fair and impartial competitive contests.
6. I will learn the strengths and weaknesses of myself so that I might play in situations where I have a maximum opportunity to achieve success.
7. I will participate in my practices and games so that I have an opportunity to improve my skill level through active participation.
8. I will understand the rights and responsibilities of individuals on my team.
9. I will cooperate with the administration of our organization in the enforcement of rules and regulations, and I will report any irregularities that violate sound competitive practices.
10. I will protect the health and safety of myself by insisting that all of the activities that I participate in are under control and are conducted for my psychological welfare, rather than for the
vicarious interests of adults.
11. I will not tolerate any form of abuse of children, be it physical, verbal, emotional, ethical or sexual and will immediately report any such abuse to the proper authorities.