Glendale Little League: Codes of Conduct for Parents, Managers, and Players

Ensuring a Positive, Supportive, and Inclusive Environment for All

At Glendale Little League (GLL), we believe in fostering a positive, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere for our youth players. Our codes of conduct outline the proper roles and responsibilities for parents, managers, and players within our league. By adhering to these guidelines, we can create an enjoyable, enriching, and welcoming experience for everyone involved, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, or background.

If you have questions, concerns, or issues that need to be addressed, please consult the “Open Communication and Reporting Concerns” section at the end of this document.

Section 1: Parent Code of Conduct

Supporting Your Child and Promoting Good Sportsmanship

As a GLL Parent, you play a crucial role in nurturing our community’s youth and promoting sportsmanship, respect, and inclusivity. We encourage you to follow these guidelines:

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship by providing positive support at all times.
• Remember that children play for fun, not for adult satisfaction.
• Refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct (booing, taunting, profane language).
• Teach your child(ren) that effort, personal growth, and respect matter more than winning.
• Respect the officials and their authority during games.
• Avoid confronting coaches or managers during games; follow proper channels to discuss concerns (see “Open Communication” below).
• Refrain from coaching your child(ren) or other players during games, allowing managers and coaches to guide skill development.
• Embrace the diversity within the league, ensuring that your words and actions contribute to an environment where every player feels welcome.
• Consider constructive ways to be involved positively, such as volunteering for team activities, organizing team events, or assisting with field preparation.

Disciplinary Actions: Failure to abide by these rules may result in disciplinary measures, including verbal or written warnings, suspensions, or removal from league activities. The GLL Board of Directors has the sole authority to determine appropriate consequences.

Section 2: Manager Code of Conduct

Setting a Positive Example and Fostering a Supportive Environment

As a GLL Manager, you are a role model for players, parents, and the community. Please adhere to the following:

• Prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of players over winning.
• Treat each player as an individual, considering their unique developmental needs and backgrounds.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful playing environment for all players.
• Organize engaging, challenging, and developmentally appropriate practices for all players.
• Exhibit fair play and sportsmanship, instilling these values in your players.
• Teach the rules of the game to players, officials, and parents, promoting understanding and harmony.
• Remember that you are coaching youth, and the game is for the players’ enjoyment and growth.
• Refrain from verbal or physical abuse of coaches, umpires, parents, or players.
• Promote fun, fairness, and sportsmanship over winning.
• Avoid using profanity or offensive language.
• Encourage respect among players, teammates, coaches, officials, and parents, acknowledging and celebrating diversity.
• Foster a team atmosphere that emphasizes collaboration and collective improvement over individual accolades.
• Abide by all league policies and rules.

Disciplinary Actions: Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disciplinary actions, including warnings, suspensions, or removal from league activities. The GLL Board of Directors has the sole authority to determine appropriate disciplinary measures.

Section 3: Player Code of Conduct

Embracing Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, and Sportsmanship

As a GLL Player, your responsibilities are simple: be respectful, responsible, fair, and always do your best. Please follow these guidelines:

• Encourage good sportsmanship among fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents.
• Be a team player, supporting your teammates regardless of differences or skill levels.
• Attend practices and games punctually, notifying coaches in advance if you cannot attend.
• Strive to improve your skills through hard work, listening, and learning from your coaches.
• Encourage positive parental involvement with your team.
• Congratulate the opposing team after games to demonstrate good sportsmanship.
• Refrain from violence, unfriendly language, or insults toward others.
• Be gracious in both victory and defeat, understanding that effort and respect are more important than the outcome.
• Follow the rules of the game and work for the good of the team.
• Accept officials’ decisions with grace, refraining from arguing calls.
• Conduct yourself with honor and dignity at all times.
• Applaud the efforts of both your teammates and opponents, recognizing hard work and growth.

Disciplinary Actions: Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in disciplinary actions, including warnings, suspensions, or expulsion from the league. The GLL Board of Directors has the sole authority to determine appropriate disciplinary measures.

Open Communication and Reporting Concerns

GLL encourages open and constructive communication. If you have concerns or need to report issues, please follow these steps:

1. Contact Your Team Coach: For minor issues or clarifications, start by discussing concerns with the team’s manager or coach after games or via email.
2. League Player Agent or Board Contact: If the issue remains unresolved or is more serious, please reach out to the GLL Player Agent or GLL Board Member. Contact information is provided on the GLL website, ensuring a respectful, confidential forum for addressing problems.

By utilizing these channels, you can ensure your concerns are heard and addressed appropriately, without disrupting the positive environment we strive to maintain.