Player's Code of Conduct
I understand that Royals baseball is a highly competitive sport and there are no guarantees as to the amount of playing time or position that I will play during games. I will agree to listen and follow the instructions of the team Manager and coaching staff at ALL TIMES.
I am aware that the team has limited membership, and as such, that each player's participation (including my own) is crucial in maintaining the high standards of play we are striving to attain. As such, I understand my attendance at all games, practices, team meetings, scrimmages, and official games is important to the Team's success.
I agree to display good sportsmanship, positive behaviours, cheer on my teammates, take pride in personal and team accomplishments, and accept winning or defeat with dignity at all times.
Obey and understand the following:
ATTENDANCE - is mandatory for all practices, scrimmages, games, and functions. We understand certain issues may arise, but any absences must be approved by the head coach. Unexcused absences may result in limited play time or removal from the team.
During games: I understand that team rules require me and my team mates to remain in the dugout and/or on the bench while the game is going on (AT ALL TIMES). I am not allowed to sit with parents or with spectators. Even, if I am not in the games (Excused illness only)
Take pride, care, and wear my uniform properly at all times.
Wear my entire uniform at games (removal of any part for any reason must be first approved by the coach)
During the game, I will know where my equipment is at all times
While in the dugout, I will cheer on my teammates. No distracting horse-play
I will pay attention to the game on the field at all times. i will watch and pay attention for base running instructions from the base coaches and not from fans watching the game, including parents.
NO player is to question a coach about player position or playing time during a game. Either about themselves or in second hand conversation to others. There are proper times and place for this. Tournament weekend or games isn't one.
I agree not to : use foul language, physical aggression, and uncooperative behaviour/body language (including: facial expressions, back talk, body gestures that criticize my Manager or any member of the coaching staff or players), arrive to practices, tournaments and team functions at designated time (that means I am ready to walk onto the field and play the game at all times regardless of position or playing status). When in the game, I will pay attention to the game and be ready to make a play to help my team at all times.
I am aware and understand that there will be consequences for not following these rules and they are (in no specific order):
change of playing position and/or reduced playing time
removal from the game/line-up
released from the team
running laps, sprints, etc
Should I have any questions concerning specific playing time, positions, and/or concerns regarding interest in specific areas of the game, I will discuss this matter with my manager or coaches directly at the appropriate time and place (outside of games)
CONSEQUENCES AND PENALTIES
Failure to live up to the Code of Conduct, whether it be by the athlete or parent, may result in one of the following sanctions being imposed by the Coach and/or the Disciplinary Committee upon the athlete:
Suspension from the team - the suspension imposed may range anywhere from one game or practice to one or more games or weeks, depending upon the severity of the misconduct and the surrounding circumstances
Dismissal from the team for the remainder of the season
Permanent dismissal from the Strathroy Minor Baseball Association
POSSIBLE REASONS FOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION FROM THE TEAM
Failure to comply with Royals baseball player/parent handbook codes of conduct. Two or more unexcused absences from scheduled practices, games, or meetings.
Walking out on practices, meetings, or games.
Exhibiting disrespectful or negative behaviour towards teammates, coaches, officials, or spectators by player or player's parents/guardians. Each case will be handled on an individual basis.
Use of Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, or Tobacco during the season. Players caught using these (or showing up to an event under the influence of these) will be immediately dismissed from the team. Not only is the use of these drugs illegal, but they also severely inhibit a player's ability to perform at a championship level.
Parent's Code of Conduct
1. Do NOT coach your child from the stands. Do not interfere with the Coach's instruction.
2. Abusive and foul language is NOT permitted.
3. I will emphasize skill development with my son or daughter and agree to practice hardball on a weekly basis.
4. Conduct of an guests of parents is the responsibility of the parent/guardian whose child will participate on the team. Please think twice before saying something critical.
5. This is an elite baseball program. I will do my part to have my player attend all practices, tournaments/scrimmages, and fundraisers at the designated time.
6. Reinforce and remind your son or daughter to honour the player's code of conduct they are bound to uphold.
7. I will make sure my son or daughter remains in the dugout and/or on the bench when he or she is not in the game, and to cheer their teammates.
8. I will remember that children participate in sports to have fun and that the game is for youths, not adults.
9. I will inform the coaches of any ailment, injury, or physical disability that may affect the safety of the child or the safety of others.
10. I will not openly complain about or, bring up, team issues or my displeasure about other players in front of my son or daughter, other players, or team parents.
11. I will respect the officials and their authority during the games and will never question, discuss, or confront the coaching staff after the game. I will take the time to speak with the coaches at an agreed time or place.
12. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to understand the concept of what it means to be a team player.
13. I will demand that my child treat other players and coaches, officials, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, colour, ability, or difference of opinion.
14. I will learn the rules and policies of the team, and of the game we play.
15. I will not yell at, criticize, or ridicule my child or any participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
16. I will reinforce to my child not to ask the coaches during a game, scrimmage, or practice about playing time, batting order placement, starting or substitute status. Should I have any questions concerning specific playing time, positions, and/or concerns regarding interest in specific areas of the game, I will discuss this matter with the coaches directly at the appropriate time and place.
17. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner. Even after a loss or bad game.
18. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility, verbal abuse, or violence.
19. I will not disrespect the property and equipment used at any sports facility. This includes disposal of trash, restrooms, and parking lots.
20. NO alcohol or drug use is allowed at any games, scrimmage, or practice.
21. I will not force my child to play on the team if he or she does not want to.
22. It is understood that I may withdraw my player from the team at anytime upon written notice to the Head Coach. No fees will be refunded. Any uniforms or equipment must be returned to the organization upon request. Unpaid items ordered prior to withdrawal are forfeited.
23. ABSOLUTELY no form of abuse - sexual, physical, or verbal will be tolerated.
COVID - 19
1. This is a binding legal agreement. Clarify any questions or concerns before signing. Prior to participating, an individual who is younger than the age of majority and who wants to participate in the sport of baseball and the activities, programs, classes and services provided by, and/or in the events sponsored or organized by Baseball Ontario and its affiliated associations, local associations, clubs, and leagues which may include but is not limited to: competitions, tournaments, practices, training, personal or strength training, dry land training, training using machines or weights, nutritional and dietary programs, orientational or instructional sessions or lessons, and aerobic and anaerobic conditioning programs (collectively the “Activities”) must have their legal parent/guardian (“the Parties”) acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this agreement.
2. The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that they are a parent/guardian of the Participant and have full legal responsibility for the decisions of the Participant. Disclaimer
3. Baseball Ontario and its affiliated associations, local associations, clubs, leagues and their respective Directors, Officers, committee members, members, employees, coaches, volunteers, officials, participants, agents, sponsors, owners/operators of the facilities in which the Activities take place, and representatives (collectively the “Organization”) are not responsible for any injury, property damage, death, expense, loss of income, damage or loss of any kind suffered by the Participant during, or as a result of, the Activities. We have read and agree to be bound by paragraphs 1 to 3 Description and Acknowledgement of Risks
4. The Parties understand and acknowledge that: a) The Activities have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards and dangers that no amount of care, caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life b) The Organization may offer or promote online programming (such as webinars, remote conferences, workshops, and online training) which have different foreseeable and unforeseeable risks than in-person programming c) The Organization has a difficult task to ensure safety and it is not infallible. the Organization may be unaware of the Participant’s fitness or abilities, may give incomplete warnings or instructions, may misjudge weather or environmental conditions, and the equipment being used might malfunction d) (COVID-19) The COVID-19 disease has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization and COVID-19 is extremely contagious. The Organization has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, the Organization cannot guarantee that the Participant will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, participating in the Activities could increase the Participant’s risk of contracting COVID-19
5. The Participant is participating voluntarily in the Activities. In consideration of that participation, the Parties hereby acknowledge that they are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards and may be exposed to such risks, dangers and hazards. The Parties understand that the Organization may fail to safeguard or protect the Participant from the risks, dangers and hazards of the Activities, some of which are listed below. The risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to: a) Health: executing strenuous and demanding physical techniques; physical exertion; overexertion; stretching; dehydration; fatigue; cardiovascular workouts; rapid movements and stops; lack of fitness or conditioning; traumatic injury; sprains and fractures, spinal cord injuries, bacterial infections; rashes; and the transmission of communicable diseases, including viruses of all kinds, COVID-19, bacteria, parasites or other organisms or any mutation thereof b) Premises: defective, dangerous or unsafe condition of the facilities; falls; collisions with objects, fences, sprinklers, equipment or persons; dangerous, unsafe, or irregular conditions the grass, diamond, or other surfaces; extreme weather conditions and lightning; and travel to and from the premises c) Use of equipment: mechanical failure of the equipment; negligent design or manufacture of the equipment; the provision of or the failure by the Organization to provide any warnings, directions, instructions or guidance as to the use of the equipment; failure to wear safety or protective equipment; and failure to use or operate equipment within the Participant’s own ability d) Contact: contact with fences, bleachers, the ground, bases, bats, balls, other equipment, vehicles, or other persons; and other contact that may lead to serious bodily injury, including but not limited to concussions and/or other brain injury or serious spinal injur e) Advice: negligent advice regarding the Activities f) Ability: failing to act safely or within the Participant’s own ability or within designated areas g) Sport: the sport of baseball and its inherent risks, including but not limited to being hit by the ball or a bat, injuries incurred while running or sliding, collision with umpires or other participants, slipping on or tripping over a base, and entering or leaving the dugout area, bullpen, batting cage, or bleachers h) Cyber: privacy breaches; hacking; and technology malfunction or damage i) Conduct: the Participant’s conduct and conduct of other persons including any physical altercation between participants j) Travel: travel to and from the Activities We have read and agree to be bound by paragraphs 4 and 5 Terms
6. In consideration of the Organization allowing the Participant to participate in the Activities, the Parties agree: a) That when the Participant practices or trains in their own space, the Parties are responsible for the Participant’s surroundings and the location and equipment that is selected for the Participant b) That the Participant’s mental and physical condition is appropriate to participate in the Activities and the Parties assume all risks related to the Participant’s mental and physical condition c) To comply with the rules and regulations for participation in the Activities d) To comply with the rules of the facility or equipment e) That if the Participant observes an unusual significant hazard or risk, the Participant will remove themselves from participation and bring their observations to a representative of the Organization immediately f) The risks associated with the Activities are increased when the Participant is impaired and the Participant will not participate if impaired in any way; g) That it is their sole responsibility to assess whether any Activities are too difficult for the Participant. By the Participant commencing an Activity, they acknowledge and accept the suitability and conditions of the Activity h) That they are responsible for the choice of the Participant’s safety or protective equipment and the secure fitting of that equipment i) (COVID-19) That COVID-19 is contagious in nature and the Participant may be exposed to, or infected by, COVID-19 and such exposure may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, or death
7. In consideration of the Organization allowing the Participant to participate, the Parties agree: a) That the Parties are not relying on any oral or written statements made by the Organization or their agents, whether in brochure or advertisement or in individual conversations, to agree to participate in the Activities b) That the Organization is not responsible or liable for any damage to the Participant’s vehicle, property, or equipment that may occur as a result of the Activities c) That this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law of the Province of Ontario and if any portion thereof is held invalid, the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect Jurisdiction
8. The Parties agree that in the event that they file a lawsuit against the Organization, they agree to do so solely in the Province of Ontario and they further agree that the substantive law of the Province of Ontario will apply without regard to conflict of law rules. We have read and agree to be bound by paragraphs 6 to 8 Acknowledgement
9. The Parties acknowledge that they have read this agreement and understand it, that they have executed this agreement voluntarily, and that this Agreement is to be binding upon themselves, their heirs, their spouses, guardians, next of kin, executors, administrators and legal or personal representative