: Softball's Little Instruction book

Don't bother holding a grudge against an umpire; it isn't worth it.

Umpires are people too, and they make errors just like you and I.

If you invite a substitute to fill a vacant spot, treat that person like a royal guest.

Never heckle a pitcher, especially if that person is new to the job.

Try to have fun, whether you're winning or losing. Otherwise, there's no point in playing.

Be respectful of the other team, even if they do not treat your team similarly. Your sportsmanship on the field will quickly become known throughout the league.

Don't let that loud-talking batter fool you. Sometimes the loudest player is the worst, the quietest the best, and everybody else falls somewhere in between.

You're never too good or too important to sit on the bench every once in a while.

Always run to first base, even when you hit a fly ball. An error might stretch your pop fly into a single or double.

If your team has a uniform, wear it.

Don't question your coach's or manager's judgment in front of the team. If you do have a suggestion for your coach, manager, or fellow player, do it privately.

If somebody makes an error, she already knows who made a mistake. Don't remind her.

If somebody makes a particularly bad error, don't make her relive it. She is already in enough embarrassment.

Don't measure your talent against players on your own team.

Never chastise another player when others can hear you. Never chastise another player at all!

If you're fortunate enough to play on a good team, treat it like a privilege.

Always respect your fellow players, even if they don't give you immediate reasons to do so.

Cheer for your pitcher, even when she's having a bad game. Being on the mound is one of the toughest jobs on the field.

When you're catching a hit, especially a bouncing one, always try to get your body in front of it like a goalie. You may take a bounce off the chest, but you will stop the ball, and your teammates will respect you for it.

If you can show up early, offer to install the bases and assist the umps with setup. Even if it is not your home team's responsibility, your effort will be remembered by other teams.

Before you borrow a teammates' expensive bat, ask first.

If you're winning big, don't rub it in. Being cocky will haunt you one day.

If you are the batter on deck, tell the runner coming home whether she needs to slide or not.

Unless you're looking for a brawl, do NOT run into the baseman.

Basemen: remember to make room for the runner whenever the play is not to you.

The same person that let you down one game, may win it for you next time.

There is always a next time.

Always shake hands, thank the umpire and clean up after yourself before you leave.

Most of all, leave the game on the field, where it belongs.