Code of Conduct for parents

[scottk_61]

I am looking for a code of conduct for parents and fans of players for youth rec ball.
Having seen some and been part of organizations that had them, I now desperately need some good resources to address some issues that are going to kill a good program.
Please email or respond here with suggestions or links.
Thanks

[Rog]

http://www.nfhs.org/case_for_sportsmanship.htm

[scottk_61]

Thanks for the link,
this will give me a good starting point with which to address the local leagues.

[soonerfan]

Originally posted by scottk_61
I am looking for a code of conduct for parents and fans of players for youth rec ball.
Having seen some and been part of organizations that had them, I now desperately need some good resources to address some issues that are going to kill a good program.
Please email or respond here with suggestions or links.
Thanks

Here's what I would do. Most parents hold in high honor the coach. Right? They see them as "the authority" on all things, including rules and judgement calls. Coaches must SEE you in high authority. Right? This is the key..."Coach, the parents are not setting a great example of sportsmanship for impressionable youth and feel that it is best that they not set this type of example here. See if you can calm them for me." Most rational parents will understand that. If not, tell the coach to be sure it stops or you start ejecting coaches. No coaches, no game. Want to play baseball? That seems harsh, and I hate to threaten to eject, I prefer to just do it if they deserve it. However, at the rec level they are in a guideance stage and don't know how "mean" you really are. I bet it works the first time w/o having to resort to "threats." John

[Rich Ives]

Sooonerfan

While most coaches would probaly be willing to assist in quieting the crowd, your threat to eject would not be taken well.

There are rules systems out there that specifically state that the manager is not responsible for the fans. In this an ejection, or more drastic actions, for failure to control the crowd would be a rule misapplication on your part, and protestable.

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by scottk_61

I am looking for a code of conduct for parents and fans of players for youth rec ball.

Unfortunately in today's environment the best Policy is A No Tolerance Policy. Many youth organizations are loosing good people because of Parents.

If you can't go to a youth sporting event and act in a civil manner - STAY HOME

The slap on the wrist policies have simply not worked. Try getting volunteer umpires. For the most part, the kids themselves are fine - it's the parents that are the main problem.

Also, some BOD's become a click and put whatever rules they want regardless of what a given Charter says to do.

Pete Booth

[brandda]

Our league has a zero tolerance policy and we have yet to have an incident between coaches, players, umpires or fans since it went into effect. I am a big believer in them.

[soonerfan]

Originally posted by Rich Ives
Sooonerfan

While most coaches would probaly be willing to assist in quieting the crowd, your threat to eject would not be taken well.

There are rules systems out there that specifically state that the manager is not responsible for the fans. In this an ejection, or more drastic actions, for failure to control the crowd would be a rule misapplication on your part, and protestable.

Rich Ives,

Don't get me mixed up, Rich. I am not at all for "threats" of ejection, however we are talking about little league recreational baseball. The players are rarely any good, and the coaches and fans are mostly uneducated about baseball...here anyway. So, unruly parents/fans in that type of league will only understand a "threat."
When you say "manager", you are referring to a professional or independent league level. I have been there and totally agree there with ignoring the animals behind the fences. I would say that anywhere fans and coaches understand the game and its rules, along with conduct for their kids, there would be no need for threatening. Again, keep in mind rec-ball here is roudy stuff for all involved. JOHN