Coaches Code of Conduct

Effective 7/14/2021

The Board of Directors of Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP (“League”) has adopted the following Code of Conduct for Coaches, and Assistant Coaches that are assigned to teams participating in Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP league games, events, and activities.

The Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP Board of Directors (“Board”) is committed to ensure the best possible experience for the members of our league.  The Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP program is designed to provide an experience that is positive, safe, developmental, and fun for the players.

The team Coaches and Assistant Coaches, as representatives of Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP shall, by his or her actions and conduct, set an example for the players under his or her care.  The Board of Directors of Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP will take a stance of ZERO TOLERANCE in the event of a violation of the Coaches/Assistant Coaches Code of Conduct.

Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall adhere to the following code of conduct:

1. Coaches/Assistant Coaches will lead by example and will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, umpires, and league officials at every practice, game, or league event;
2. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall treat each player as an individual, taking into consideration the wide range of emotional and physical development that may exist for players on the same team;
3. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall not use profanity at any time during a game or practice or within the presence of any player on any team;
4. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall treat players, other Coaches/Assistant Coaches, umpires, league officials, parents, and spectators with respect;
5. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall not abuse equipment or facilities in an obvious display of anger;
6. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall do their best to provide a safe playing situation for players;
7. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall not verbally abuse, threaten or engage in tortious physical contact with any player, coach, manager, spectator, umpire, league official, parent, or other individual under any circumstances;
8. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall use coaching techniques that are appropriate for the skills being taught;
9. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall not use tobacco on the field during any practice or game.
10. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall not be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicant at any time while coaching, attending a Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP event, or while otherwise representing Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP;
11. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall be knowledgeable of the rules of baseball/softball within the divisions that they coach and shall teach these rules to the players;
12. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall follow the rules, regulations, and policies of the Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP league and any other rules imposed upon them by the location, league, team, or tournament for which they are visiting.
13. Coaches/Assistant Coaches shall not conduct themselves in any manner detrimental to Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP.

Violation of this Coaches/Assistant Coaches Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action against the Coaches/Assistant Coaches (“Violator”), which may include any of the following:

1. Ejection: The Violator may be ejected from a game by either an umpire that is officiating the game, by a Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP Board Member, or by an official of the location for which they are visiting.  A Violator may be ejected from a Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP practice, activity, or event by a Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP Board Member.  A person that is ejected from the game, practice, activity, or event must leave immediately without further incident, or be subject to further disciplinary action by the Board or removal by the police.  Any person ejected will be automatically suspended from participating in their team’s next scheduled game.  The Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP Board will determine whether further disciplinary action is warranted.
2. Probation: The Violator will be advised in writing of the offense and the period of probation during which it is expected that no further violations will occur.
3. Suspension: The Violator will be advised in writing of the offense and the period of suspension during which the Violator is prohibited from participating in any Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP games, activities, or events.
4. Dismissal: The Violator will be advised in writing of the offense and informed that he or she is being dismissed from the League for the remainder of the season or other designated period of time.
5. Barred: The Violator will be advised in writing of the offense and informed that he or she has been barred from present and future participation in the League, permanently, or for a specified number of years.

The Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP President or other Board Member designated by the President, shall review all issues concerning violations of the Coaches/Assistant Coaches Code of Conduct.  Their decision shall be final, unless appealed by the Violator to the full Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP Board.  The full Heyworth Summer Youth League, NFP Board of Directors shall have discretion to determine whether to hear a Violator’s appeal.  If the Board determines not to hear the appeal, decision shall be deemed the final decision of the Board.  If the Board decides to hear the appeal, then the majority vote of the Board regarding after hearing the appeal shall be the final decision of the Board.