Coaches Code of Conduct

The Coach's primary role is to teach ALL kids assigned to his/her team the fundamental skills of baseball/softball in a fun, challenging and safe way.  This includes teaching each player how to properly bat and how to play multiple positions on the defense.   Coaches agree to attend any skill sessions that may be required by the Board of Directors and, moreover, any first aid courses that may be mandated by the Board. 

Coaches shall remain unconditionally supportive of the Organization’s commitment to the ideals of a positive and fun atmosphere, good sportsmanship, team play, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority.  Skill development takes priority.   Winning "at all costs" is not an acceptable attitude. 

Coaches agree to follow these principles:
-  Coaches will teach the game of baseball/softball to the best of their ability, but will continually work to improve their own understanding of the skills of the game and how to teach those skills.
-  Coaches will be positive role models and will do their best to provide a positive experience for the players and for the parents.  
-  Coaches will display and teach their players the principals of good sportsmanship, respect and team play whether the team is winning or losing.
-  Coaches will provide organized team practices each week that will provide for the development of both team and individual skills and will make full effort to provide practices that are both fun and challenging for the players. 
-  Coaches will not ridicule or demean players, umpires or league officials.
-  Coaches will be responsible for the conduct of their players and the parents during games.
-  Coaches will treat all players, parents, spectators and league officials with respect.
-  Coaches will not tolerate behavior that endangers the health or well-being of a child.
-  Coaches will comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by HWLL.


CONSEQUENCES

All members of the Organization are subject to consequences which may lead to discipline or possible termination of membership as determined necessary by the HWLL Board of Directors due to failure to comply with the Code of Conduct. All members agree to abide by these rules as part of their registration in the program. It is the responsibility of all members to be familiar with the guidelines set forth in the Code of Conduct.
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:
-  Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or head of league organization
-  Written warning
-  Game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved
-  Game forfeit for coach or excessive parent violation of conduct rules
-  Suspension for the remainder of the season

Disciplinary Policy for Coaches

The HWLL Board of Directors will review all reported incidents of behavior considered detrimental to the game. The Board will act on a simple majority vote.
-  Umpires and League Officials have the authority and discretion to penalize the offender according to the infraction, up to and including expulsion from a game to a entire season.  
-  A second season expulsion may result in a lifetime ban from all HWLL activities, including managing or coaching
-  Any manager/coach that has been ejected from a game must leave the playing field area for the rest of the game and retire to the parking lot. Any threat made by a manager/coach, parent or any other person will not be tolerated. Threats will draw a punishment up to and including a 1-year suspension from the HWLL.