General Conduct
- Profanity will not be tolerated on or off the playing field.
- Smoking is not allowed on the playing field before, during or following the game.
- Illegal drug use and consumption of alcohol are prohibited at all times. Their use will be reported to police and parents.
- Abuse of umpires by anyone including spectators is not tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly.
- Any player violating the conduct rules will be released from the team without a refund of fees.
- Anyone violating any rules can and will be asked to leave the game field by the umpire.
- Repeat violations of the rules will be brought to the attention of the Executive for action.
Parent
Where does a child learn to be a "good sport"? At home. By the time a child joins a team, a sense of sportsmanship (or lack thereof) is already well established.
- Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
- Remember children are involved in sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage your children to always play by the rules.
- Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the results of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Turn defeat into victory by helping your child to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
- Do not publicly question the official's judgment and never their honesty or integrity.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.
- Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches and umpires. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.
Player
It isn't whether you win or lose, but how you play the game!
- Play for the "fun of it", not to please your parents, coaches or friends.
- Play by the rules.
- Never argue with an official's decision. Let the coach ask any necessary questions.
- Control your temper - no "mouthing off", throwing bats or other equipment.
- Work equally hard for yourself and for your team - your team's performance will benefit and so will yours.
- Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays, whether your team's or the opponent's.
- Treat all players the way you would like to be treated. Don't interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
- Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Do not be a show-off and do not put down anyone else.
- Cooperate with the coach, your team mates, opponents and the umpires, for without them you don't have a game.
Spectator
Fans don't play fair when they mistake children at play for professional entertainers.
- Remember that children play organized sports for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you, and they are not miniature pro athletes.
- Be on your best behavior. Don't use profane language or harass players, coaches or officials.
- Applaud good plays by your own team and the visiting team.
- Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game.
- Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition.
- Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
- Respect the official's decisions.
- Encourage players always to play according to the rules.
Coach
The successful coach invests more in the well-being and interests of the players than in their win-loss record.
- Be reasonable in your demands on the young player's time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests.
- Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.
- Group players according to age, height, skill and physical maturity whenever possible.
- Avoid over-playing the talented players. The "just-average" players need and deserve equal time at recreational levels and fair time at competitive levels.
- Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a competition.
- Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
- The scheduling and length of practice times and competitions should take into consideration the maturity level of the children.
- Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches.
- Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play again.
- Remember that children need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved, and set a good example.
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
Official
Sportsmanship and fair play are not a set of rules; they are a code for living.
- Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of the players.
- Use common sense to ensure that the "spirit of the game" for children is not lost by overcalling the game.
- Actions speak louder than words. Ensure that both on and off the field your behavior is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship.
- Compliment both teams on their good plays whenever such praise is deserved.
- Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions.
- Condemn the deliberate "good foul" as being unsportsmanlike, thus retaining respect for fair play.
- Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
Administrator
The administrator is the key figure in making sure that the spirit of the game is "Friendship first; competition second."
- Ensure that equal opportunities for participation in sports are made available to all children, regardless of ability, sex, age or handicap.
- Involve children in the planning, leadership and evaluation of the activity.
- Do not allow any sport programs to become primarily spectator entertainment.
- Equipment and facilities must meet safety standards and be appropriate to the maturity level of the children.
- Rules and length of schedules should take into consideration the age and maturity level of the children.
- Remember that play is done for its own sake. Downplay the importance of awards.
- Distribute a code of ethics for good sportsmanship to spectators, coaches, players, officials, and parents.
- Ensure that parents, coaches, and participants understand their authority and their responsibility for fair play in sports.
- Ensure that proper supervision is provided by certified or proven coaches and officials capable of promoting good sportsmanship and good technical skills.
- Offer clinics to improve the standards of coaching and officiating, with emphasis on good sportsmanship.
Softball Canada Safe Sport Information
