Greece Little League Inc: My Site News
Coach to Player
At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players, "Do you understand what cooperation is and what teamwork is all about?"
The little boy nodded in the affirmative.
"Do you understand that what really matters is not whether we win or lose, but that we play together as a team, and have a good time?"
The little boy nodded yes.
"Good", the coach continued. "And, when a strike is called, or you're thrown out at first, you don't argue, curse, attack the umpire with a bat, or throw dirt in the opposing team member's face. Do you understand all that?"
Again the little boy nodded, "Well, sure coach. That's what you taught us."
"Good," said the coach. "Now, please go over there and explain all that to your family."
Child's Letter
Dear Mom and Dad:
I hope that you won't get mad at me for writing this letter, but you always told me never to keep anything back that ought to be brought out into the open. So here goes.
Remember the other day when my team was playing and both of you were sitting and watching? Well, I hope that you won't get mad at me, but you kind of embarrassed me. Remember when I went after the fly ball near the outfield fence and tripped and fell? I could hear you yelling at me for being so clumsy. I sure was embarrassed - a little because I tripped, but a lot because you were yelling.
Then do you remember yelling at me the next inning when I was up to bat? The coach gave me the bunt signal so Terry could steal, but all you did was yell about why I was bunting instead of hitting. At least Terry got to second safely.
You shouldn't have jumped all over the coach for pulling me off the field. He is a good coach, and a good person, and he knows what he's doing. Besides he is just a volunteer giving up his time to help us be better. I can tell he loves baseball.
And then neither of you spoke to me the whole way home. I guess you were pretty mad at me for not catching that fly ball. I tried, but I guess I'm not much of an outfielder. I do love baseball. It's lots of fun being with my friends and learning how to compete. It is a great sport, but how can I learn if you don't show me a good example? And anyhow, I thought I was playing baseball for fun, to have a good time, and to learn good sportsmanship. I didn't know that you were going to get so upset because I wasn't the star.
Your son/daughter,
Chris
CODE OF CONDUCT - PLAYERS
PLAYERS CODE OF BEHAVIOR/ETHICS
1. Demonstrate self control and respect for others at all times towards officials, spectators or other players.
2. Deal with opponents with respect. Shake hands after the competition and congratulate them on their performance.
3. Respect the integrity and judgment of the manager/coaches and officials.
4. Remember that improper behavior while in uniform reflects poorly upon yourself, your family, and your team.
5. Understand and abide by the rules and rugulations of the game.
6. Accept victory and defeat waith dignity.
7. Remember that the use, abuse and resulting negative influence of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco is detrimental to the game and its participants.
8. Ejection from a game, will result in the next game you attend - sitting on the bench the entire game in uniform without any playing time. A second offense could result in possible ejection from the program.
GOOD SPORTS ARE WINNERS!!!!
MANAGER/COACHES CODE OF BEHAVIOR/ETHICS
It is the responsibility of the manager and coaches to:
1. Abide by Little League rules and regulations.
2. Promote good sportsmanship by setting a prositive example while coaching your children.
3. Respect the integrity and judgment of the league administration.
4. Approach competition as a healthy and constructive exercise, not as a life and death struggle that requires victory at any price.
5. Recongnize that the participants are young men and women with human fralities and limitations, who are capable of making mistakes.
6. Refrain from the use of crude or abusive language with players, opponents, officials or spectators.
7. Instruct the players in good sportsmandship and remove players from competitiion who demonstrate unsportsmanlike behavior.
8. Avoid behavior that will incite players, opponents or spectators.
9. Avoid the use, misuse and negative impact of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, on the players, spectators and the game.
SPECTATOR CODE OF BEHAVIOR/ETHICS
It is the responsibility of the spectator to:
1. Keep cheering positive. There should be no profanity or degrading language/gestures.
2. Avoid actions which offend visiting teams or individual players.
3. Show appreciation of good play by both teams.
4. Learn the rules of the game in order to be a better informed spectator.
5. Treat all visiting teams in a manner in which you would expect to be treated.
6. Accept the judgment of managers/coaches and officials.
7. Encourage other spectators to participate in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
8. Avoid the use, abuse and resulting negative influence of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Let your child choose to play Little League and to quit if he or she does not enjoy baseball/softball. Encourage participation, but don't pressure.
2. Understand what your child wants from participating in Little League and provide a supportive atmosphere for achieving these goals.
3. Set limits on your child's participation in baseball/softball. You need to determine when he/she is physically and emotionally ready to play and to insure that the conditions for playing are safe.
4. Make certain your child's coach is qualified to guide your child through the Little League experience.
5. Keep winning in perspective by remembering Athletes First, Winning Second. Instill this perspective in your child.
6. Help your child set realistic goals about his/her own performance so success is guaranteed.
7. Help your child understand the experiences associated with competitive sports so he/she can learn the valuable lessons sports can teach.
8. Discipline your child when he/she misbehaves, breaks the rules, or is uncooperative or uncontrollable.
9. Turn your child over to the coach at practices and games, and avoid meddling or becoming a nuisance.
