Coach Code of Conduct
We, the Willow Glen Little League (WGLL), have implemented this Coach Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of coaches in volunteering in WGLL. When referred to in this Coach Code of Conduct, the term “coach” includes team managers, assistant coaches, and practice helpers. Coaches should read, understand, and sign this Coach Code of Conduct prior to the start of the season.
The WGLL Coach Code of Conduct is enforced by WGLL Board's Code of Conduct Committee which will investigate serious concerns and make recommendations to the full board for disciplinary action. When the conduct of any coach, at any time, whether on or off the field, is considered to have violated the WGLL Coach Code of Conduct, such coach may be disciplined or have their WGLL membership suspended or terminated pursuant to Article III Section 4 of the WGLL Constitution.
If the concerning behavior occurs during a game, the umpire "has authority to disqualify any player, coach, manager or substitute for objecting to decisions or for unsportsmanlike conduct or language, and to eject such disqualified person from the playing field" according to Little League Rule 9.01(d). Questioning balls and strikes is a form of "objecting to decisions" and is strictly forbidden.
WGLL believes in the power of youth baseball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and a stronger Willow Glen community. Keeping the spirit of that mission statement in mind, I agree that:
1. I will remember that WGLL is for fun, and is for children and not adults.
2. I will know the WGLL Player Code of Conduct and explain its principles to the players on my team.
3. I will hold in the highest priority the safety and well-being of the players.
4. I will emphasize player development, fair play, sportsmanship, and teaching respect and values over winning.
5. I will remember that I am a role model and I will communicate with my verbal language and body language with that in mind at all times.
6. When a player makes an error, I will never yell or make gestures that could make the player feel embarrassed. I understand the player is likely already embarrassed and that public shaming is never appropriate. Instead, I will wait until the player is ready to hear feedback, which will focus on how the player can learn from the error.
7. I will vigorously encourage and support players on all teams.
8. I will discourage negativity and unruly behavior from spectators. I will never act in a way that would incite spectators in a negative manner.
9. I will never use profane language or gestures.
10.I will know and follow the most recently updated version of Little League Playing Rules, Official Regulations, and Operating Policies, including specifically, but not limited to, Regulation VI - Pitchers; Regulation XIV - Field Decorum; Rule 4.19 - Protesting a Game; and Rule 9.02 (regarding objecting to umpires’ decisions). I will download the Little League Rulebooks app onto my phone so that I can easily refer to it when necessary.
11. I will respect the integrity and judgment of the umpires and work with them to promote positive experiences. I will remember that Little League Rule 9.02(a) states that any umpire's decision which involves judgment (for example, calling a pitch as a ball or a strike) is final. I understand that I may only appeal decisions when there is reasonable doubt that an umpire's decision may be in conflict with the rules. I understand the difference between these two types of decisions.
12.I will call time out and meet with the umpire to ask a permissible question on an umpire’s ruling. I will discuss the ruling out of earshot of coaches, players, and spectators, and, once the conversation is finished, I will get back to the game without further discussion.
13.I will especially support the decisions of youth umpires and immediately address any spectators who object to decisions or show unsportsmanlike conduct toward youth umpires.
14.I will never confront an umpire or youth umpire with a concern about his or her performance, but instead will wait and communicate the concern to the Umpire in Chief (for umpires) or Youth Umpire Director (for youth umpires).
Name (print name) ___________________________________
Signature ___________________________________ Date __________