Athletics

WHEREAS 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, and WHEREAS the highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character,” As a condition to the NMBLL allowing my child and his or her family to participate in the League, I/we:

• will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
• and our guests will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and be demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice, or event.
• and our 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.
• will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the playing field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
• will remember that the actions of players, parents, managers, coaches, umpires and league officials must be above reproach. Any player, parent, manager, coach, or umpire who is involved in a verbal or physical altercations or an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct at the game site or any other Little League activity is subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.
• 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.
• will insist that my child treat other players, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability.
• 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.
• will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
• will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
• will not force my child to participate in sports.
• will inform the manager of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or of others.
• will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
• will not encourage and behavior or practice that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
• will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
• 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.
• will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

In exchange for being allowed to play baseball in the NMBLL, I:

• will show respect to all game officials, coaches, players, and parents and never act in a manner that would disrespect them, my teammates, my league, or myself.
• will display good sportsmanship.
• will not argue with or speak disrespectfully to a manager, coach, umpire, or opposing player.
• will make every effort to attend all scheduled practices and games and will make sure my coach or manager knows in advance if my attendance is not possible.
• will play fair and strive to win, but win or lose I will always do my best.
• will shake hands with the opposing team and the officials at the conclusion of all games.
• will review the NMBLL safety rules with my manager and my parents, and will try my best to obey them.
• understand that I may be suspended for any violation of this Player’s Code of Conduct.