Ambler Junior Baseball: AJB Codes of Conduct and Bylaws

Ambler Junior Baseball League Coaches' Code of Conduct  back to top

Coaches Code of Conduct(doc)  Coaches Code of Conduct(pdf)

I agree that, if I am selected to be a head or assistant coach of a team in the Ambler Junior Baseball program or any of its affiliated programs, I will observe the following Code of Conduct.  I further understand that if I fail to observe this Code, or if I engage in any other acts or omissions which are regarded as being detrimental or injurious to the League, I may be removed from my position as a coach.

 

1.  My actions will at all times be guided by the principle that my job is to ensure that the players on my team (and, by virtue of the example I set, players on other teams) are provided a positive atmosphere in which they can safely learn and enjoy the game of baseball, while also learning the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship, and observance of the rules of the game (as well as other applicable League rules).  I understand that, the development of a spirit of healthy competition, and the development of the will, desire and effort to win as a team, are part of the learning and enjoyment of the game of baseball.  However, I also understand that the philosophy of the League does not permit an attitude of winning at any cost. I understand, and will be guided by the principle, that while winning is a respectable and permitted objective, and a goal worth attempting (within reason and within the rules) to achieve, it is an objective which is ultimately secondary to the other objectives described above.   

 

2. I will take active measures to assure that these values, and all other information necessary to achieve them, are communicated in a timely, consistent and meaningful way to my players and their parents or guardians.  Among other things, I will assure that information regarding game and practice schedules, and schedules for other League-sponsored activities, are communicated to them in a timely way; and I will organize and administer my team's involvement in these activities in such a way that they are provided a meaningful opportunity to participate in and to affirmatively enjoy all such activities.  

 

3. I will assure that I, in a timely and adequate way, perform such additional tasks as may be collectively assigned by the League to coaches of the teams in my Division for the smooth, safe and proper functioning of the League as a whole, such as umpiring, field maintenance, safety patrols, and the like.  

 

4. While I understand that they are meant to be applied in a manner which is reasonable under all of the circumstances, I will respect and observe the rules of the League, including but not limited to game rules.  I will also respect the rulings of umpires and League personnel who are empowered to interpret and apply these rules.  I understand that I may ask questions regarding such rulings, and may in proper cases seek review or reconsideration of such rulings; but I will ask such questions or seek such reconsideration or review in a calm, civilized, respectful, adult and private manner (that is, in a manner in which I do not create a public spectacle, particularly in front of the players or their parents or guardians), and I will respect the final rulings of those who are empowered to make such rulings.  

 

5. I will set a good example for the players, by refusing to engage in heated or extended argument with other coaches, umpires, League officials, parents/guardians or spectators, particularly in front of the players.  I will also not engage in, nor permit others whom I am responsible for to engage in, cursing or malicious verbal baiting, or other verbal abuse directed toward any such persons, or toward any players, on my team or on any other team.  

 

6. I understand that I am empowered, by virtue of my position, to take certain actions in the way of disciplining my players, when such discipline is warranted and consistent with the principles set forth in Paragraph 1, above. In particular, I understand that I may discipline players when they are being unjustifiably insubordinate or disrespectful to the coaches, umpires, or League officials, or engaging in acts or omissions which indicate a disregard for the interests of the team as a whole or other players on the team, or engaging in unreasonably violent or dangerous behavior, or engaging in cursing, or verbal baiting or other abuse of any other players (on any team), coaches, umpires, or other persons legitimately present during games or practices.  In all such cases, however, the discipline will be administered in a way that will reflect the spirit of the AJB organization as outlined above supporting a healthy appreciation for the game, rules, authority figures and other players and avoiding public attention to the situation or the players immediately involved.  I will issue warnings before implementing any discipline, unless the particular offense is such that a warning should not have been necessary. 

 

  

7. I will never engage in corporal (physical) punishment of a player.  Further, I will not use physical force on any player for any reason, except when the use of such force is clearly necessary to avoid physical danger to the player or other players or spectators, or when otherwise appropriate disciplinary measures (such as removal from a game) cannot be implemented in any other way because of the refusal of the player to comply with the discipline; and in all such cases, the force used will not be any greater than that necessary to achieve the above-stated objectives.  

 

 

 

8.  I will assure that the players, and their parents or guardians, and any other relatives or friends who may be present at a game or practice, observe the requirements of decent behavior described in Paragraphs 4-7, above.  I understand that measures to assure that such requirements are observed may include the removal of a player from a game, or in aggravated or repeated cases suspension or dismissal from the team, even in cases in which it is the parents/guardians or other relatives of the player, and not the player himself or herself, who are the offending persons, provided that appropriate warnings have first been given.  If necessary to assure proper behavior, and to assure that the values stated in Paragraph 1 are being realized by those who can control their behavior, I will use such measures.  

 

9.  I will make myself available to discuss, with a player or a player's parents or guardians, any concerns, questions, or requests that they may have regarding the player, the team, or the manner in which the team has been organized and is being run, provided that they ask these questions or make these requests in a calm, rational, civilized and private manner.  If they ask their questions or make their requests in such a proper manner, I will respond in a similar manner.  I will make sincere attempts to understand and respond to their questions or concerns in a meaningful way, even if I do not believe that I can honor their specific requests because of considerations of the principles set forth in Paragraph 1, above, or other considerations of the best interests of the team or the League as a whole. I will not ignore such questions, requests or expressions of concern, if they are communicated properly to me.

Ambler Junior Baseball League Parents'/Guardians' Code of Conduct back to top

Parents Code of Conduct(doc)   Parents Code of Conduct(pdf)

As a parent or guardian of a child who is being permitted to participate in the Ambler Junior League Baseball program, I agree that I will observe the following Code of Conduct. I further understand that if I fail to observe this Code, or engage in any other acts or omissions which are regarded as being detrimental or injurious to the League as a whole, my child may be suspended or dismissed from participation in the program.

1. I understand, and will respect, the fact that my child's coaches' job is to ensure that the players on their team, and players on other teams, are provided a positive atmosphere in which they can safely learn and enjoy the game of baseball, while also learning the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship, and observance of the rules of the game (as well as other applicable League rules). While I expect that, at least in the upper Divisions, the teams will be competitive, in the sense that they will try their best, within the rules, to win their games, I understand that these objectives are secondary to the principles stated in the preceding sentence; and I understand that the coaches have been so instructed by the League. I will support the coaches in their efforts to implement these principles and instill these values in their players.

2. I understand that I am permitted, indeed encouraged, to voice support and encouragement for my child and my child's teammates, and to applaud their performances, in an adult and proper manner. Recognizing that my child and his or her teammates will be competing against others who are their neighborhood friends or schoolmates, I also understand that I am encouraged to applaud good performances by any players, regardless of the team on which they play. However, I also understand that there is a difference between cheering for someone and cheering against someone else. I will not berate, curse at, direct verbal abuse toward, or engage in heated or extended argument with, any person legitimately on or at the field of play, including my child, any other players (on any team), the coaches (of any team), the umpires, League officials, the parents or relatives of any other players, or any other spectators at the games or practices. I understand that if I cannot conform to these requirements, my child may be suspended or dismissed from a game or from the program, and I understand that the coaches have been directed to take such action if necessary.

3. While this should go without saying, I also understand and agree that I will not direct physical violence toward any person, including but not limited to my own child, while any such person is present at a game or organized practice.

4. I will affirmatively support the coaches and League in their efforts to provide an organized and enjoyable experience for my child and his or her friends. In particular, I will read, attempt to understand, and respond as appropriate to all communications, from the coaches or the League, directed to the parents or guardians of the players. Among other things, I will assure that my child is present and on time for all games and practices, and any other League activities in which he or she is participating; and if, on rare occasions, my child cannot be present or will be late for a particular game, practice, or other activity, I will assure that the coaches are informed sufficiently in advance for them to make appropriate plans.

5. Unless appointed a coaching assistant, I will try to avoid "coaching" from the stands myself. I understand the temptation to do so, and in this manner to "assist" the coaches in what they are trying to do, particularly when it comes to my own child or other children I know, and particularly if I think I know a little bit about the game of baseball myself. However, even though I may in fact know more than the coaches about a particular aspect of the game, I also understand that attempting to "coach" from the stands can undermine the coaches in what they are trying to do and can simply confuse the players. If I have particular observations or suggestions for particular players, or players playing particular positions, I will try to make those suggestions to the coaches, or ask their permission to make those suggestions to the players in question.

6. If I do not understand, or do not agree with, or have concerns about, anything that happens (or something that does not happen which I think should happen) during a game or practice, I will not voice my opinion then and there, unless asked to do so; and if asked to do so, I will communicate my concerns, questions, or opinions in a calm, rational, and adult manner, and in such a way as not to make a public spectacle of myself or any others on or at the field. Instead, I will approach the coaches at a later time, and in a private manner, to express my questions, concerns, or opinions in an adult and respectful manner. I understand that the coaches have been instructed to respond to these questions or expressions or concerns, if they are conveyed in the proper manner, and to explain their positions in a similarly adult and civilized manner, even if they ultimately do not agree with me.

7. If I do not understand, or do not agree with, or have concerns about, the manner in which my child's coaches are handling the team or my child, I will approach the coaches with these questions or concerns in an adult, civilized, rational, and private (that is, not in front of players or other parents) manner. If I am not satisfied with the response, or if I do not feel that I can comfortably address the issue with the coach, I understand that I may go to the Division Coordinator or League Commissioner, or an elected League Officer, with my questions or concerns. However, I will try to address these matters in the first instance with the coaches. I also understand that on many matters, there is room for differences of opinion, and that unless the coaches' opinions are clearly inconsistent with the values expressed in Paragraph 1, above, or their behavior is inconsistent with their Code of Conduct, the League will ordinarily defer to the coaches (who, after all, are the persons "in the arena" and the ones devoting substantial time and effort to managing a whole team).

Ambler Junior Baseball League Player’s Code of Conduct back to top

Players Code of Conduct(doc)   Players Code of Conduct(pdf)

As a player participating in the Ambler Junior League Baseball program, I agree that I will observe the following Code of Conduct. I further understand that if I fail to observe this Code, or engage in any other acts or omissions which are regarded as being seriously detrimental to the interests of the League as a whole, I may be suspended or dismissed from participation in the program.

1. I will respect the decisions and instructions of my coaches, the umpires, and League officials. I will comply with their decisions, and I will not resist or argue with them. I understand that if I am being told to do something right away, but I am not sure that I understand the instructions, I may ask for further information. However, I will not challenge those instructions or decisions while I am on the field by asking "why". Instead, if I have questions about the "whys" of any of these decisions or instructions, I will wait until after the game or practice, when we can talk about it privately, and then I will ask my questions and listen to the answers.

2. I will not behave in a violent manner, or do anything which would expose any person on or at the field to unnecessary physical danger.

3. I will respect the property rights of the League and other persons participating in its programs. This means, among other things, that I will not intentionally throw or abuse the League's baseball equipment or the equipment of any other person.

4. I understand that I am encouraged to cheer for my team and my teammates. However, I will not curse, tease, or yell at any other person (including players on other teams, any coaches, or the umpires).

5. I understand that the League is trying to emphasize the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship, as well as providing me with a spirit of healthy competition and developing my skills as an individual player. I will participate in my team's activities in that spirit.

6. I also understand that my team, and its coaches, depend upon me to do my share for the team. Among other things, I will make sure that I am present and on time for all games and practices. If there is a rare occasion when I cannot be present for a game or practice, or won't be able to make it on time, I will make sure the coaches know about that in advance.

Ambler Junior Baseball League Bylaws  back to top

AJB Bylaws(doc)   AJB Bylaws(pdf)

(As Amended and Restated, and as Adopted at the Meeting of January 16, 1997)

Article 1 NAME

Section 1. The name of the League shall be the Ambler Junior Baseball League, hereinafter referred to as the League.

Article 2 MEMBERS

Section 1. The Members of the League shall consist of the adult parents or legal guardians of any child who is participating in any of the baseball programs offered by the League.

Section 2. Each Member of the League who is present at the annual Election Meeting shall be entitled to one vote for each office in the election of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Section 3. All other matters requiring action by the League shall be decided by the Board of Directors.

Article 3 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. The management of the League shall be vested in the Board of Directors (and, as provided in Section 4 of this Article 3, the Executive Committee of the Board). Pursuant to Section 4 of this Article 3, as used in these By-Laws, the terms "Board" or "Board of Directors" may also mean the Executive Committee of the Board.

Section 2. Provided that due and proper notice of a meeting is provided to all Members of the Board or of the Executive Committee, as applicable, a quorum for the conduct of the business of the Board or the Executive Committee shall consist of a simple majority of the Members of the Board or of the Executive Committee, respectively.

Section 3. The Board of Directors shall consist of the Elected Members and the Appointed Members. The Elected Members shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Appointed Members, who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Elected Members, shall be the following:

A. The League Commissioner (if any)

B. The Division Coordinators of each of the League's intramural Divisions

C. The Representatives of each of the League's Traveling Teams

D. Co-Officers (if any) appointed pursuant to Section 6 of this Article 3

E. Such of the Committee Chairpersons as the Elected Members may determine

F. Such additional at-large members, which may include past presidents or other past officers, as the Elected Members may determine

Section 4. There shall be an Executive Committee of the Board, which shall consist of the Elected Members and one of the Appointed Members selected by the Elected Members. The Executive Committee may have and exercise all of the powers of the Board, subject to the right of the full Board, at any meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present, to review and disapprove or modify the actions of the Executive Committee.

Section 5. The President, the Vice President, the Secretary, and the Treasurer shall be elected yearly by simple majority vote, at the annual Election Meeting specified in Article 4, Section 1 of the By-Laws, and shall hold office for one year.

Section 6. With the approval of the Executive Committee, any Elected Member of the Board (or Elected Officer) may appoint one or more persons to serve as his or her Co-Officer (e.g., the President may appoint a Co-President, the Vice President may appoint a Co-Vice President, etc.). Subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, such Co-Officers may serve as the delegate(s) of the Elected Officer in question, with the power to act in such Officer's stead on any day-to-day internal League matters as the appointing Officer may specify, subject always to the supervision and control of the appointing Officer and the Executive Committee.

Section 7. No Officer or Director shall receive compensation for any services rendered to the League.

Section 8. No person shall simultaneously hold more than one of the positions specified in Section 3 of this Article, except that, unless otherwise specified in these By-Laws, an Elected Member of the Board, or an Appointed Member listed in subsections A. through D. of Section 3, may also serve as a Committee Chairperson. In such case, however, such Member shall sit on the Board or the Executive Committee, as the case may be, in only one capacity, and shall have only one vote.

Section 9. If any Elected Member of the Board resigns from office or is absent for three consecutive meetings without reasonable excuse, in the judgment of the remaining Elected Members, the Board, on its own motion or on petition of the President, shall declare the position vacant. Subject to the advice and consent of the Board, the President shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the end of the unexpired term of the vacant position.

Section 10. The President shall preside at all meetings of the League and shall be charged with the general supervision of the League.

Section 11. The Vice President, in the absence of the President, shall assume and have all the powers of the President and shall perform all the President's duties. The Vice President may also perform any of the functions of the President in connection with day-to-day internal League matters as may be specifically delegated to the Vice President by the President, subject always to the supervision and control of the President. The Vice President shall be expected to assist the President in the promotion of the welfare of the League.

Section 12. The Treasurer shall receive all funds of the League and make disbursements and keep regular books of the League. The Treasurer shall prepare and present, on demand of the Board, a full and specific account of receipts and disbursements. In making any disbursements or withdrawals from or drafts on accounts the League, the Treasurer shall be subject to such co-signature or other requirements as the Board may establish by resolution. However, under no circumstances shall any expenditures be authorized in excess of the current funds available for disbursement as presented in the Treasurer's Report as approved by the Board. An audit of the Treasurer's books may be held at the discretion of the Board. Such audit shall be made by a committee appointed by the Board. No current Board members may serve on this committee.

Section 13. The Secretary shall keep a current and accurate record of the business of the League and shall send all official communications as approved by the Board or the President. The Secretary shall maintain all of the files of correspondence relating to all activities of the League. All official communications shall be signed by the President or such other officer as the President may specifically designate for the purpose of a particular communication. All files shall be turned over to the new Secretary at the time of the change of officers.

Section 14. Any member of the Board may request of the President the calling of a meeting of the Board or of the Members, when in such person's opinion it is necessary and in the best interests of the League.

Section 15. The newly elected President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall assume all duties and responsibilities immediately following their election.

Section 16. The Board shall be the final authority in the interpretation of these By-Laws.

Article 4 MEETINGS

Section 1. The League shall hold an annual Election Meeting in November of each and every year.

Section 2. A quorum for an annual Election Meeting shall consist of not less than 10 Members, other than Members of the Board. In the event of an absence of a quorum for an annual Election Meeting, the annual Election Meeting shall be rescheduled for each successive month until a quorum is obtained. The incumbent Elected Members of the Board shall remain in office until such time as an Election Meeting is held.

Section 3. Meetings of the Board, followed by meetings of the Members, shall be held on the third Thursday of every month, or on such other dates as may be established by the President.

Section 4. Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the procedures at any League meeting.

Article 5 COMMITTEES

Section 1. Subject to the provisions set forth hereinafter, the Board, by resolution, shall establish such standing and ad hoc committees, and shall determine the responsibilities and jurisdiction of each such committee, as it determines to be necessary and appropriate for the successful operation of the League. Unless otherwise specified in the resolution establishing such committee, each committee shall exist until dissolved by subsequent resolution of the Board or any successor Board.

Section 2. Subject to the approval of the Board, the President shall appoint a chairperson to head each of the standing and ad hoc committees. Except as provided hereinafter, the Chairperson of each committee shall determine the number and identities of the members of the committee. Unless otherwise directed by the President or by the Board, the Chairperson may appoint a Vice Chairperson and may establish such subcommittees as the Chairperson determines to be necessary and appropriate for the performance of the committee's responsibilities.

Section 3. There shall be a standing Rules Committee. The Rules Committee shall be chaired by an Elected Member of the Board, other than the President, and its other members shall consist of the League Commissioner (if any), the Division Coordinators of each of the League's intramural Divisions, and such other persons as the Chairperson may determine. The Rules Committee shall be responsible for those items specified in Article 8 of these By-Laws as well as any other matters related to the daily running of the Divisions as may be delegated to it by the President, consistent with Article 8 of these By-Laws.

Section 4. The President shall appoint a temporary Nominating Committee, consisting of not less than three League Members, prior to the Election Meeting. The Nominating Committee shall solicit nominations for persons to serve as the Elected Members of the Board and shall prepare a slate of candidates for the Election Meeting.

Section 5. No committee may enter into any financial or contractual commitments of any kind on behalf of the League, or solicit or receive funds from any source other than the Treasurer, unless such commitments or solicitations are previously expressly approved by the Executive Committee of the Board and are within the funds limitations and any other terms and conditions established by the Executive Committee.

Section 6. The Board may request interim and final written reports of income and expenditures from a Chairperson of any committee.

Section 7. The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees.

Article 6 ORDER OF BUSINESS

Section 1. The Order of Business at meetings shall be:

A. At regular meetings:

1. Reading of the minutes of the previous regular meeting

2. Report of the Treasurer

3. Report of the active committees

4. Unfinished business

5. New business

6. Adjournment

B. At Election Meetings

1. Reading of minutes of previous meeting

2. Report of the Treasurer

3. Report of the Nominating Committee

4. Election by ballot

5. Announcement of results

6. Election Meeting close

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any particular meeting, upon motion and affirmative vote of a majority of Board members present, the reading of minutes and the presentation of one or more reports may be dispensed with.

Section 2. A regular meeting may immediately follow an Election Meeting.

Article 7 LEGAL COUNSEL, INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY

Section 1. The Board shall appoint or engage legal counsel as deemed necessary to conduct the business of the League.

Section 2. The Board may obtain and maintain in force such insurance, insuring the League's Directors, Officers and other agents against liability for actions taken within the scope of their responsibilities, and insuring participants in the League's programs against costs, expenses or other losses resulting from personal injury or tangible property damage incurred while participating in the League's programs, as to the Board may appear to be necessary or appropriate and reasonably affordable. Such insurance, if any, may be secondary or excess to any other insurance or right of indemnity which an insured may have from any other source.

Section 3. With respect to any incident or claim as to which insurance as described in the preceding section is not in force or is otherwise not available, the Board, in its discretion and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine to be necessary and proper, may by resolution authorize and obligate the League to indemnify any Director, Officer or other agent, to the extent that such person is not otherwise insured or entitled to indemnity from any other source, for any liabilities or alleged liabilities which such person may incur as a result of discretionary actions taken in good faith, without personal malice or conflicting self-interest, and in the performance and within the scope of such person's responsibilities on behalf of the League.

Article 8 LEAGUE RULES

Section 1. The Rules Committee shall be responsible for recommending and producing rules for the conduct of the League games, selection and discipline of team coaches, and other items or areas as needed in the day to day operation of the League's baseball program.

Section 2. The Rules Committee shall present its proposed rules to the Executive Committee of the Board for approval. Once the rules are approved, or approved as modified by the Executive Committee, as the case may be, the rules shall be interpreted and enforced as provided in the rules or, in the absence of a rule providing for the interpretation or enforcement of the rules, by the Rules Committee, which shall in such cases be the final authority.

Section 3. No rule as described in Section 1 of this Article shall be in conflict with these By-Laws.

Article 9 AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the Board. After approval by a simple majority of the Members of the Board, the proposed amendment(s) shall be considered for adoption at the next regular scheduled meeting of the League, or, if the Executive Committee so determines, at a special meeting called for the purpose upon due notice.

Section 2. These By-Laws may be amended at any meeting of the League by a two-thirds vote of those present, provided notification of the proposed amendment(s) has been made by the Secretary. Such notification shall be made at least five days prior to said meeting date through notice in the local newspaper.

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