Whether you are a parent, athlete or volunteer, how you conduct yourself during a practice or a game, is extremely important and something San Carlos Little League takes very seriously. Parents, please read carefully and review the Athlete code of conduct, listed lower on the page, with your athlete.
The Little League Pledge asks parents and volunteers to…
- … teach all children to play fair and do their best.
- … positively support all managers, coaches, and athletes
- … respect the decision of the youth umpires (and encourage the athletes to do the same)
- … praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game
San Carlos Little League has implemented the following Sport Parent Code of Conduct for the important message it sends about the proper role of parents in supporting their child in sports. Parents should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in our league.
Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the field 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.
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.”
As a parent, I therefore agree
- I will not force my child to participate in baseball
- I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
- 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 will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
- 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 athletes, coaches, youth umpires, and spectators at every game or practice.
- I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any youth umpire, coach, athlete, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language
- I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
- I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
- I will demand that my child treat other athletes, coaches, youth umpires and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
- 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.
- I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
- I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a game.
- 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.
- I will promote the emotional and physical well- being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
- I will respect the youth umpires 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.
- I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, alcohol and profanity and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
- I will refrain from coaching my child or other athletes during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.
Parents should read the below with their athlete, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in our league.
As an athlete, I therefore agree
- I will learn the rules of the game.
- I will be demonstrate good sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support and respect for all athletes, coaches, and youth umpires at every game or practice.
- I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any youth umpire, coach, or athlete such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language.
- I will play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
- I will play fair and strive to win but win or lose, I will always do my best.
- I will treat other athletes, coaches, and youth umpires with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
- I will never ridicule or yell at other athletes for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- Doing my best is more important than winning; I am a winner no matter what.
- Every day, in every way, I am becoming a better and better baseball athlete.