Los Fresnos PONY League
Coaches Code of Conduct
Coach (print)_________________________Div_____
Coaching a youth sport program such as baseball/softball is a privilege that is not to be taken for granted. As a coach, appointed by the Los Fresnos Board of Directors, you have an important role in the development of the young children in the community. We strive to teach each child the positive values of good sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork – values they can use throughout their lives. In order to ensure each coach is acting in the best interest of the children and Los Fresnos PONY League (LFPL), the LFPL Board has developed a Coaches Code of Conduct for interactions with players, parents, fans, coaches, and umpires.
1) Players – When there are interactions with players, appropriate language and behavior is expected.
a. Language - At no time is cursing or yelling at a player acceptable. As a coach you are a mentor and should focus on the positive. A coach should always be looking for opportunities to praise and encourage the players.
Wrong way
Coach: “What are you doing?! You should have been on 1st base!”
Acceptable way
Coach: “You should have been on 1st base on that play, make sure you get there faster next time (using a firm/fair tone)
b. Discipline – At no time is physical discipline of a player acceptable. At the beginning of the season, coaches are encouraged to establish and communicate rules of acceptable behavior to players and parents, and the consequences if not followed. Coaches have a variety of discipline measures at their disposal including restriction to the dugout, dismissal from practice or games, and, with approval of the LFPL Board of Directors, dismissal from the team. If a coach wishes to discipline his own child, he is expected to pull the player aside for corrective action.
2) Parents / Fans – Coaches are expected to interact with parents in a professional manner. Appropriate language and behavior is expected. At no time should a coach get involved in a verbal confrontation fans during a game.
3) Coaches – Coaches are expected to interact with opposing coaches in a professional manner. At no time should a coach yell from one dugout to another at an opposing coach. Coaches are to address other coaches between innings and with the umpire present. If the need arises to address an opposing coach before the end of the half inning, the coach should ask the umpire to call timeout to address the opposing coach at home plate.
4) Umpires – It is important for (LFPL) Coaches to familiarize themselves with the rules of the game. There are certain aspects of the game that can be confusing and lead to frustration. LFPL does not want our coaches to be the loudest ones with the least knowledge of the game. Becoming familiar with the rules (and having a rule book handy) could be the difference between winning and losing. Coaches are expected to interact with umpires in a professional manner. At no time should a coach yell at an umpire. Coaches are to address the umpires between innings with the umpire’s permission. If the need arises to address an umpire before the end of the half inning, the coach should call a timeout and request permission to address the umpire at home plate.
5) Drugs, Alcohol, & Tobacco – A coach determined to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave the field immediately. An infraction of this type will (with approval from the LFPL Board of Directors), result in a termination of coaching privileges. In addition, the use of tobacco (in any form) while coaching is strictly prohibited.
In the event a complaint is received by the LFPL Board of Directors of a coach failing to comply with the above listed code of conduct, the Board may decide to 1) dismiss the case, 2) draft a warning letter or 3) revoke all or part of the coach’s privileges. By signing in the space provided below, you are agreeing that you have read and understand the Coaches Code of Conduct for the Los Fresnos PONY League. _________________________ Date___________