Parent, Family & Fans Code of Conduct Agreement
I understand that travel softball is a highly competitive sport and there are no guarantees as to the amount of playing time or position that my daughter will play during games. I am aware that the team has limited membership, and as such that my
daughter’s participation is crucial in maintaining the high standards of play the team is working to attain.
The objective of the Ohio Emeralds Softball organization is to provide your child with a wholesome atmosphere in which to engage in a healthy athletic competition.
Another goal of the Ohio Emeralds is to build character in children. Because of the excitement and high emotion of some of our games, guidelines regarding what the organization expects from parents and their children appear in this agreement and the
player’s code of ethics.
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.
Please know that cheering, excitement and exuberance is encouraged, but please be careful and always express this in a positive manner. Even when being vocal in an attempt to help a child, you should avoid acting or saying anything that is demeaning to your child or someone else’s.
By signing this agreement you understand you are not by yourself in a vacuum when things are said and done at games. Your daughter, the players and parents from both teams observe and hear everything that is said and done. Parent’s poor or over-thetop behavior will ruin the experience for others.
Parents are welcomed to help at practice (can always use the help). At Games, only the coaches will be allowed in the dugout and/or on the bench.
The organization will not tolerate any behavior on the playing field or in the stands, which would hinder the spirit of sportsmanship and cooperation that we are trying to encourage.
1. DO NOT COACH YOUR CHILD FROM THE STANDS. The coach and player on the field may have specific signs, or
prearranged scenarios to ask a player to do something. Do not interfere with that Coach’s instruction.
2. Abusive and foul language is not permitted.
3. I will emphasize skill development with my daughter and agree to practice or take lessons related to softball on a
weekly basis.
4. Conduct of any guests of parents is the responsibility of the parent/guardian whose child participates in the club.
5. This is a volunteer program. I will do my part to have my player attend all practices, tournaments/ scrimmages, and
fundraisers at the designated time. Because the manager and coaches are volunteers, think twice before saying
something critical.
6. Reinforce and remind your daughter to honor the player’s code of ethics she is bound to uphold.
7. I will make sure my daughter remains in the dugout and/or on the bench when she is not in the game, and to cheer her
teammates.
8. I will remember that children participate in sports to have fun and that the game is for youths, not adults.
9. I will inform the Manager and coaches of any ailment, injury or physical disability that may effect the safety of the child or the
safety of others
10. I will not openly complain about or, bring up, team issues or my displeasure about other players in front of my
daughter. I agree to come directly to the coaches. (The organization really wants to build a strong team atmosphere.) This
includes issues with other parents. I will take the time to speak with the coaches at an agreed time or place.
11. I will respect the officials and their authority during the games and will never question, discuss, or confront the coaching staff
or Manager after the game. I will take the time to speak with the coaches at an agreed time or place.
12. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to understand the concept of what it means to be a team player.
13. I will demand that my child treat other players and coaches, officials, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed,
color, ability, or difference of opinion.
14. I will learn the rules and policies of the team, and of the game we play.
15. I will not yell at, criticize, or ridicule my child or any participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
16. I will reinforce to my child not to ask the Manager or coaches during a game, scrimmage, or practice about playing time,
batting order placement, starting or substitute status. Should I have any questions concerning specific playing time,
positions(s), and/or concerns regarding interest in specific areas of the game, I will discuss this matter with the Manager or
coaches directly at the appropriate time and place (outside of team events).
17. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner. Even after a loss or bad
game.
18. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility, verbal abuse, or violence.
19. I will not disrespect the property and equipment used at any sports facility. This includes disposal of trash, restrooms, and
parking lot.
20. No alcohol or drug use is allowed at any games, scrimmage, or practice.
21. I will not force my child to play on the team if she does not want to.
22. It is understood that I may withdraw my player from the team at anytime upon written notice to the Manager. No fees will be
refunded after the first scrimmage or game is played or after the first 30 days of practice has been completed (whichever
occurs first). Any uniforms or equipment paid for by the player may be retained by the player. Unpaid items ordered prior to
withdraw are forfeited.
Other:
· Uniforms are for game use only
· Uniforms should be air-dried only (not in dryer)
· The entire uniform must be worn at games (shirts, shorts and socks)
· Each girl will have her own equipment essential to the game of softball
Failure to comply with these rules may result in expulsion from the Ohio Emeralds Organization.
Please print, complete and sign the Parent_Family_Fans_Code_of_Conduct_Agreement.pdf
