Framingham Youth Softball, and the Framingham Fury Travel Program, believe that good sportsmanship, safety, and having fun are the three pillars that guide our organization. The following “Code of Conduct” supports, encourages, and ensures all members of our softball community follow “FYS’ Softball Culture.”
Sportsmanship Code:
Everyone
The health and safety of all players will be maintained at all times.
Treat players, coaches, and umpires with respect at all times.
No confrontations of any kind.
No profanity or lewd gestures.
Refrain from negative remarks made toward umpires, players, and coaches during and after the game.
Recognize and appreciate good play no matter who makes it.
No use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. This is a smoke free, alcohol free, and drug free environment and there is zero tolerance around these items.
Players
Sportsmanship will be observed at all times.
Each player, teammate or opponent, coach, parent, and official, must be treated with respect at all times.
Players are not to engage in “complaints” (i.e. playing time, position, etc.) with a coach during a game or event. Individual player conversations are private and should be addressed one-on-one with a coach.
Players are expected to be with their team for the full amount of time of their game. Players sitting on the bench during innings, are not permitted to leave the field of play and “visit” with friends or family.
Electronic devices are not permitted in the field of play at anytime before or during the game. If players have electronics on their person, they are to be powered down and stored in their equipment bags. There is zero tolerance around electronics.
Electronics exceptions: 1. For medical device use. 2. In an emergency situation regarding the well-being of a participant, electronic devices may be used to aide in the process of addressing the emergency.
Coaches
Accept the decisions of the umpires without showing inappropriate emotions.
Avoid public displays of criticism in front of players, coaches, parents, etc.
Know, teach, and follow the rules of softball.
Model, teach, and encourage “good sportsmanship” at all times.
Responsible for adhering to all rules and regulations provided by, or supported by FYS.
Parents
Teach and encourage “good sportsmanship.”
Respect and do not encroach on the player only space which is the field of play, plus an imaginary 20 foot line from the field of play.
Discussions with coaches and umpires/officials are not permitted at any time during a game, for example, this includes questioning the rules or believing a call was incorrectly made.
Parents, family members, and friends are not permitted to offer instruction, nor interact with players in any way other than offering encouragement from the sidelines during the course of an event.
Consequences for violating any of the above outlined Code of Conduct:
Any Head Coach, Asst. Coach, or Scorekeeper who is ejected from a game, will serve a minimum one game suspension. Any further action will be handled by the Board of Directors.
Complaints involving parent misconduct will go before the Board of Directors for appropriate actions. Coach, player, or spectator violation of league rules or the code of conduct may result in game forfeiture, one game suspension, or possibly longer suspensions. Umpires have authority to monitor and discipline any individual within the playing field during the game. The decision of the umpire is final in all cases.
All infractions will be reviewed by a majority of the Board of Directors of Framingham Youth Softball within 1 week of the incident to determine any and all consequences. Consequence decisions made by the FYS Executive Board are final.
By signing this document I acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the above code and its related consequences. I (as a coach, parent or participant) will adhere to the code and agree that any violation (by myself or my guests), can and will result in my suspension, and or termination from the league for up to a lifetime term as determined by the Board of Directors of Framingham Youth Softball.
Some additional points of emphasis included in the Code of Conduct that every member must consider/remember regarding youth softball and youth sports in general:
Children participate to have fun and the game is for them, not the adults.
Families, be a positive role model for your player 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 event.
Do 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.
Demand that your child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability, and teach your child to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
Learn the rules of the game and the league, and teach your player to play by these rules.
Never ridicule or yell at your child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
Promote the emotional and physical well-being of all athletes ahead of any personal desires for your own child to win.
Respect all officials and their authority during games. Never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and only speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
Refrain from coaching your player or other players during games and practices unless you are one of the official coaches of the team or have been asked to assist by an official coach of the team.
