The objectives of the Mansfield Girls Softball Association are to encourage all girls to play softball in a supervised, competitive and athletic atmosphere; and to implant in the girls in the community ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and reverence so that they may be finer, stronger and happier young people who will grow to be good, clean and healthy adults. All participating adults should bear in mind at all times that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of all games is secondary and that the molding of future citizens is of prime importance.

Mansfield Girls Softball Association: Parent’s Code of Conduct

PARENTS’ CODE:

As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help all the girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In MGSA people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat – all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD

Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and honest effort are often more important than victory – that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game! Softball is a team sport and it is imperative that they practice as a team. As a parent it is your responsibility to get your child to and from every practice. Please be respectful of your coaches’ time and don’t be late to practice and don’t make your coach hang around and wait for you to pick up your child. This is a common courtesy and will go a long way toward a positive fun season.

ALWAYS BE POSITIVE

Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child’s team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.

REMEMBER: YOUR CHILD WANTS TO HAVE FUN

Remember that your child is the one playing softball, not you. It’s very important to let your children establish their own goals – to play the game themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them. Don’t put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team. Children play for the fun of playing.

REINFORCE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR

Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If our child does make one, remember it’s all part of learning, so encourage your child’s efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished. Your child will not learn from doing everything right, they learn from their mistakes and this will improve their game.

DON’T BE A BACKSTOP COACH OR UMPIRE

Coaches and umpires are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time, to help make our child’s youth softball experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or umpiring from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there’s usually always an opportunity for you to take interest in coaching or umpiring to the next level and become one yourself. If you do not like the way a game was called you can make your comments to your team coach after the game. They can then pass those on to the league if they feel it necessary.

Parents Code of Ethics & Sportsmanship

I herby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in Mansfield Girls Softball Association by following this Parent’s Code of Ethics and MGSA.

I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other softball events.

I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of my desire to win.

I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.

I will encourage that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach.

I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience.

I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

I will remember that the game is for youth – not adults, and I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child as well as other children.

I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.

I will help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching or providing transportation when needed.