In baseball there are codes of conduct for players, coaches, parents and spectators.
These are set out below.
Player Code of Conduct
- Play by the rules of the game at all times
- Respect the Umpires. If you disagree with a non-judgment call, have your coach or manager approach the umpire(s) during a break or after the game has finished.
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviors in any sport, especially baseball.
- Work equally hard for yourself and/or team. It will benefit your team's performance and yours.
- Be a good sport. Appreciate all good plays whether made by your team or the opposition.
- Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no Baseball competition.
- Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all players regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
- Remember where you started…Give something back to the players below.
- You are solely responsible and accountable for your actions.
- All players are capable of doing one perfect thing on field at all times - hustling.
- Punctuality to training and games is a sign of dedication and personal accountability.
- Although Baseball is important to you, family and education are your main priorities.
- Profanity at any level at any time is unacceptable.
- Respect the facility you train and play on at all times.
- Respect the uniform you wear, by wearing it properly.
- Seniors, remember the little eyes (juniors) are on you. It is a compliment but also a big responsibility.
- Your on field actions speak louder than words. Lead by example.
- Treat all officials, spectators, volunteers and scorers with the respect they deserve…A huge amount!
- Keep your physical condition to a high level…to play well you must look and feel good. Remember also, the players are the most important advertisement for ANY sport.
Coaches Code of Conduct
- Supervise the behaviour of the team at all times.
- Do not criticise players in front of spectators, parents or other teams. Review constructive criticism with a player or the team in private.
- Accept decisions of the umpire as being fair and called to the best of their ability. Do not abuse or ridicule the umpire nor allow your players to do so.
- Develop team respect for opponents, spectators and officials. Do not criticise other teams, supporters or officials by words or gestures.
- Set a good example in personal appearance and behaviour.
- Encourage sportsmanlike behaviour among the players.
- Ensure whenever possible all players have equal time on the diamond. Avoid overplaying the talented players - the average players need and deserve equal time.
- Encourage players to work together as a unified group (teamwork).
- Keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and seek more skilled advice when necessary.
- Encourage your team to hustle on and off the playing field at all times.
- Place the welfare and development of the individual above a winning or losing record.
- Do not embarrass or demoralise your opponents.
- Do not use any form of tobacco or alcohol on the field, in the dugouts, bullpens or while in uniform.
- Whenever possible provide assistance with coaching expertise and knowledge to developing teams.
- Abide by the rules and regulations established by Baseball Queensland.
- Be aware of any player with medical problems.
- Strive to develop a positive image and self-sufficient attitude with each player.
- Present the sport of baseball in a positive image.
- Ensure your accreditation is current and updated regularly.
- Ensure you are the holder of a current Suitability Card issued by the Commission for Children and Young People.
Spectator Code of Conduct
- Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
- Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game's outcome.
- Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.
- Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
- Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
- Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game.
- Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials' decisions.
- Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
- No glass or alcohol can be brought onto club grounds.
- Any breaches of this code will be dealt with accordingly.
Parents Code of Conduct
- Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
- Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
- Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skillful plays by all participants.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
- Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.
- Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
- If you have a concern with a coach, official, or other club member, rather than let it fester, please communicate it to the Executive Committee.
- It is important during trips away that parents allow their children the opportunity of “spreading their wings”
- Parents should never discuss what they feel best for their child on field, unless they first have discussed it with the coach.
- Encourage your child’s Coach(es) at all possible times. That small pat on the back “Goes a long way”.
Please Note
In the event of a breach of the Code of Conduct, the Club executive reserves the right to apply an appropriate penalty including but not limited to; revoking the players’ registration and /or exclude a player or parents / spectators from the Club’s home ground.