Policies and Procedures

Codes of Conduct

Player’s Code of Conduct

 I will:

• play by the rules

• never argue with the officials but will comply with umpires’ decisions with dignity

• control my temper

• be a good sport

• treat all players as I would like to be treated

• co-operate with my coach, team-mates, opponents, and umpires, for without them we don’t have a game ü be a positive role model for softball at all times

• accept responsibility for my actions

• participate within the competition conditions and rules, and in the spirit of fair play

• refrain from offensive or abusive language or gestures

• not tolerate, participate in or respond to acts of abuse, disrespect or aggression

• remember that, as humans, we all make mistakes

• sign the Athlete’s Code of Conduct

• Pledge I will not: by my actions support the abuse of any other player, coach, umpire or other official A Player’s Code of Conduct was developed by Softball Ontario’s Respect My Game Committee.

Officials

Fair Play Code for Officials 

I will:

• make sure that every athlete has a reasonable opportunity to perform to the best of his/her abilities, within the limit of the rules

• avoid or put to an end to any situation that threatens the safety of participants

• maintain a healthy atmosphere and environment for competition

• foster the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play

• be consistent and objective in making all decisions

• handle all conflicts firmly but with dignity and respect

• accept my role as a teacher and role model for fair play to all participants in softball

• manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner

• foster the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play

• prepare physically and mentally for my duties I will not: permit the intimidation of anyone by either word or action. I will not tolerate unacceptable conduct toward myself, other officials, athletes, coaches, or spectators ü tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour ü in any way act to reward, to demonstrate personally, nor to condone in others unfair play Consequences An official who does not meet the standards of responsibility and behaviour expected by his/her league, association or Softball Ontario will face further disciplinary action. Enforcement Member Associations are responsible for the initial administration of discipline. Softball Ontario reserves the right to defend and protect all stakeholders from abusive situations. The Code of Conduct for Officials was developed by Softball Ontario’s Respect My Game Committee, as part of the ‘Respect My Game – Participant’s Handbook’. PDF Copies of the Participant Handbook are available online at www.softballontario.ca

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​Code of Conduct for Officials

I will:

• place the safety and welfare of players above all else while showing concern and caution towards sick and injured players

• prepare myself both physically and mentally for my role

• be impartial, consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions

• accept responsibility for my actions and decisions

• avoid any situations which may lead to or be construed as a conflict of interest, recognizing that anything that may lead to a conflict of interest, either real or apparent, must be avoided. Gifts, favours, economic advantage, special treatment, privileges, employment or a personal relationship with an association or team that can compromise the perceived impartiality of officiating must be avoided

• be a positive role model in behaviour and personal appearance and ensure my comments are positive and supportive

• be a good sport because I understand that actions speak louder than words

• always respect, remain loyal to and support other officials

• keep up to date with the latest ‘Laws of the Game’, trends and principles of their application through clinics, exams and other means of professional development

• display and execute superior communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal

• refrain from any form of personal abuse towards players, coaches or other officials

• respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, race, religion, ability or cultural background The Code of Conduct for Officials was developed by Softball Ontario’s Respect My Game Committee, as part of the ‘Respect Game – Participant’s Handbook’. PDF Copies of the Participant Handbook are available online at www.softballontario.ca.

Coach’s Code of Conduct

 I will:

• teach my players that rules of the game of softball are mutual agreements that no one should evade or break

• develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgment of umpires and opposing coaches

• be professional in my manner and accept responsibility for my actions by displaying high standards in language

• display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved with softball including opponents, coaches, officials, umpires, scorekeepers, administrators and spectators and encourage team players to do the same

• operate within the rules and spirit of the game

• abide by and respect the regulations governing softball and the organizations and individuals administering those regulations

• be a positive role model for softball and my athletes

• always respect game officials’ decisions ü sign the Coaches Code of Conduct pledge I will not: engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour to any other participant in the game of softball A Coach’s Code of Conduct was developed by Softball Ontario’s Respect My Game Committee, as part of ‘Respect My Game - A Guide for Coaches’. PDF Copies of the Guide for Coaches are available online at www.softballontario.ca.

Spectator’s Code of Conduct

I will

• be on my best behaviour and use appropriate language when communi8cating with players, coaches and/or game officials

• respect the officials’ decisions and teach young people to do the same

• encourage players to always play according to the rules

• support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from softball

• condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players

• respect the rights of every participant in softball regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion

• be aware of and follow the Spectator’s Code of Conduct I will not: publicly question the officials’ judgment and/or honesty ü use violence, harassment or abuse A Spectator’s Code of Conduct was developed by Softball Ontario’s Respect My Game Committee, as part of ‘Respect My Game - A Guide for Parents’. PDF Copies of the Guide for Parents are available online at www.softballontario.ca.