La Grande Little League

ROLE OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

The parents and guardians of millions of Little Leaguers combined with their children, league officials, umpires, managers, coaches, and countless volunteer agencies including sponsors, represent an imposing cross section of our world. Parents and guardians must take the initiative to make La Grande Little League successful and the experience meaningful for their children.

Practically speaking, Little League is an adult, volunteer work project constructed, supervised, and assisted by parents who want to extend this benefit to their children. Parents and guardians are essential LGLL by volunteering, raising funds, and supporting all operations within the the community.

Little League continues to develop educational material for parents available through Little League University (LittleLeagueU.org) and that is also delivered via The Parent Connection (LittleLeague.org/Parents), which is a monthly e-newsletter designed to inform and engage Little League parents and families. Topics include the latest rules, registration information, fitness and safety tips, and equipment advice.

Sport Parent Code of Conduct

We, La Grande Little League, have implemented the following Sport Parent & Guardian Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of parents and guardians in supporting their child in sports. Parents and guardians should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in our league.

Any parent or guardian guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility 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.

Preamble

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.”

I therefore agree:

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.

2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.

3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.

5. 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 players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.

6. I (and my 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.

7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.

8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

10. 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.

11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.

12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. I will respect the officials 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.

16. I 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.

17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

LITTLE LEAGUE PARENT AND VOLUNTEER PLEDGE

I will teach all children to play fair and do their best.

I will positively support all managers, coaches, and players.

I will respect the decisions of the umpires.

I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.

COMPLAINT FORM

If you have an issue or concern regarding a Coach, Board Member, Umpire, Parent or Player, please do not ignore the issue.
Please complete the below complaint form found here.

If a coach submits this form it will be review by the appropriate Vice-President as well as the President. From there the matter will be addressed.

If a parent submits this form, it will be reviewed by the President, the appropriate Vice-President, as well as the player agent for the appropriate division. The Vice-President will be the rep for the coaching/little League volunteer and the player agent will be the rep for the player and their family. Based on the complaint and the information that is obtained, the board will do their best address the issues currently and for the future.

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

As a teammate, I understand that it is my responsibility to attend all team functions and to respect and obey the coach while at team activities. It is also my responsibility to do everything I can to improve my skills as a player by practicing on my own in addition to team practices. Above all else, I will demonstrate good sportsmanship to my teammates and to other teams and will show respect for the authority of the coaches and umpires when on the field.

Players shall…

Respect all coaches, players, league officials, umpires, spectators, and opponents
Treat others fairly – be a good teammate
Give 100% of your effort in practice – hustle all of the time
Display good sportsmanship and team play at all times.
Follow the direction of the Coaching Staff.
Make every attempt to be on time and ready to play for all games and practices.
Follow safety rules and do not endanger others on the field
Take care of league equipment
Leave other player’s equipment alone unless you have permission to use it
Show respect for the game of baseball or softball by knowing and following the rules of the game, by controlling your emotions when calls don’t go your way and by respecting the decisions of the umpire and coaches

Players shall not…

Use abusive or profane language.
Taunt or embarrass any other player.
Question an umpire’s call.
Abuse, mistreat or mishandle any league equipment or property (e.g., throwing batting helmets)
Use “chatter” designed to distract a pitcher or batter – “chatter” should encourage your team, not belittle or distract players on the opposing team

Disciplinary Policy for Players

The La Grande Little League 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 LGLL activities.
Any player 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 player, parent or any other person will not be tolerated. Threats will draw a punishment up to and including a 1-year suspension from the LGLL.