Codes of COnduct

As a West Islip Little League parent/family member, I WILL:

• Remember that children participate to have fun
• Be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship
• Teach my child to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence
• Demand that my child treats coaches, officials, and other players with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability
• Teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning
• Praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard
• Promote the emotional and physical well-being of athletes ahead of my personal desire to win
• Respect the officials and their authority during games.

As a West Islip Little League parent/family member, I WILL NOT:

• Force my child to participate
• Engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent
• Boo, taunt, refuse to shake hands, or use profane language
• Encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of athletes
• Ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a game
• Use drugs, tobacco, or alcohol at any league event
• Coach my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am a coach.

I pledge to follow this code of conduct.

Sportsmanship

1. I will promote good sportsmanship, teach good baseball/softball skills, and have fun in the process.
2. I realize, accept and will practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability, but also on its sportsmanship, courtesy and manner.
3. I understand that physical or verbal abuse of an official, coach, player, or spectator, including obscene gestures, will not be tolerated and that the offender may be removed from the fields at the discretion of an umpire or board member. I further understand that a game suspension may result from a violation.
4. I understand coaches will refrain from complaining about perceived bad calls to players and fans.
5. I understand all discussions will be held in conversational tones. Under no circumstances will a coach, fan, or player yell at an umpire, coach, fan, or player.
6. I understand profanity is expressly forbidden at all times.
7. I understand alcoholic beverages and the use of illicit drugs are prohibited at all games, including events outside the Little League complex.
8. I understand the use of tobacco and vapor products on the fields and in the dugouts is prohibited.

Rules and Policies

1. I will know and understand the rules and abide by them (whether local or national). I will instruct my team members in the rules and coach my team in such a way as to motivate each player to compete according to the rules at all times.
2. I will adhere to all Little League safety guidelines from the LL handbook.
3. I will understand the local league participation rules for my division. All coaches must ensure that each player gets minimum opportunities to bat and play the field in each game. I also understand that specific rules are also in place to limit the number and frequency of innings pitched by a particular player.
4. I will fully comply with the Player/Parents Code of Conduct.

The Parents and the League

1. I will maintain an open line of communication with players and their parents. I will be approachable. When approached by a parent to discuss any issue, I will interact and respond in a courteous manner.
2. I will understand and explain the philosophies, goals and objectives, and Codes of Conduct of the WILL.
3. I will ensure that fans of the team conduct themselves with sportsmanship and maturity at all times while in attendance at game sites and will assist the officials in maintaining control of spectators during games. I will make sure that coaches and players are the only persons allowed in the dugout during a game. I understand that a team manager may be suspended for failure to control spectators.

The Team

1. I will conduct practices in an organized manner, with a planned agenda that focuses on specific skill development appropriate for the skill level of the players.
2. I will focus on providing instruction commensurate with players' abilities so all players have the opportunity to advance their skills towards their full potential, gain confidence and develop self-esteem, as well as establish a solid foundation for further baseball/softball competition.
3. I will teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat.
4. I understand that managers are appointed by the league to be responsible for the team’s actions on the field and to represent the team in communications with the umpires, opposing teams and league. If a manager leaves the field, he shall designate a coach as a substitute who will then be responsible and held accountable for the manager’s duties.

Non-Game Duties of Managers

Each manager has considerable duties outside of coordinating practices and managing the games. Accordingly, if I am a Manager, I will adhere to the following as well:

1. I will maintain open communication with players and parents to inform them of practices, games and other responsibilities promptly and efficiently.
2. I will attend all required coaches meetings and clinics unless I have a significant previously made commitment. If I cannot attend, I will ensure that one of my assistant coaches attends.
3. I will make sure that I maintain a notebook containing the Rules and a copy of the national Little League rule book and make sure it is present at each team practice and game.
4. I understand that I am the point of contact between my team and other teams, and League officials. I understand that I am the person responsible for my team. I will take my obligations seriously and communicate effectively and courteously.WILL has a “zero tolerance” policy for any aggressive or inappropriate physical contact with any player, coach, umpire, parent, fan or other person and any breach of this rule is grounds for immediate action, including removal from the position of Coach, Manager or Board Member.

Players must abide by the following agreement. By signing below, you are certifying that you have reviewed the code of conduct with your athlete.

As a West Islip Little League participant, I hereby pledge that I will:

• Encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents.
• Be a team player and support my teammates.
• Be on time and attend every practice and game that I can and will notify my coaches if I cannot.
• Work hard to improve my skills.
• Do my best to listen and learn from my coaches.
• Encourage my parents to be involved with my team and League in some capacity.
• Congratulate the other team after each game as a demonstration of sportsmanship.
• Refrain from using violence, unfriendly language, or insults to others.
• Be generous when I win and gracious when I lose.
• Obey the rules of the game and always work for the good of the team.
• Accept the decisions of the officials with grace and never challenge or question calls.  Refrain from challenging or questioning on-field calls by officials and/or managers and coaches.
• Conduct myself with honor and dignity.
• Applaud the efforts of my teammates and opponents.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the ILL Board of Directors that could include but is not limited to the following:

• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Player suspension for games
• Player suspension for season
• Player being expelled from the league

The West Islip Little League Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.