Sissonville Little League: SLLA Code of Conduct
SLLA Code of ConductSISSONVILLE LITTLE LEAGUE ASSOCIATION
As of Aug 20, 2004
Code of Conduct
I. PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Code of Conduct (COC) for the Sissonville Little League Association (SLLA) is to provide all players with the very best adult leadership and example. The COC provides expectations for all Regular Members while working with players and other volunteers. It also establishes a disciplinary process administered by an Executive Committee to enforce the COC.
II. EXPECTATIONS
A. Regular Members
Regular Members are expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner, keeping in mind that the only reason the SLLA program exists is for the children participating in the program. Adults are expected to stay objective and remain calm under all circumstances. Adults should treat all players and other adults with courtesy at all times, keeping in mind that they are the example for the children in the program. It is extremely important that Regular Members act in harmony or as a team before the public. Differences should only be voiced in private discussions between the involved adults or at appropriate meetings of Board Members, Managers, Coaches and Umpires.
B. Board Members
In addition to the general guidelines specified in IIA, Board Members are expected to conduct all league business in compliance with the SLLA By-Laws. They are expected to represent the SLLA to the parents, players, and the community in a professional and honest manner. In the event a Board Member is absent, without prior notification to President or Secretary, from three Board Meetings, he/she shall be replaced by the Board.
C. Coaches and Managers
In addition to the general guidelines specified in IIA, Coaches and managers are expected to be role models for the players on their teams. They are expected to participate in coaching clinics and/or training sessions as specified by the Vice President of their division or to have sufficient experience as determined by the Vice President. They must refrain from the use of alcohol, or drugs and from use of obscene language while in the presence of the players. The use of tobacco while coaching or managing is prohibited. They are expected to be teachers of both baseball and/or softball athletic skills and sportsmanship skills.
They should attempt to practice twice per week in the pre-season and at least once per week during the regular season and are encouraged to have more practices to increase the skills of their players. They are expected to be prompt and present at all games and practices for their respective team.
D. Umpires
In addition to the general guidelines specified in II.A, umpires are expected to be present at least 15 minutes prior to all games in which they are scheduled to call. They are expected to be impartial at all times and to stay calm and in control of the games they call. They are expected to refrain from the use of alcohol, or drugs and from use of obscene language while in the presence of the players. The use of tobacco while umpiring is prohibited. In the absence of the Safety Officer, they are responsible for determining if the fields are suitable and safe for play. They are responsible for suspending or canceling play due to poor weather conditions. All umpires should attend clinics or receive training to increase their knowledge of the rules. The Chief Umpire prior to taking the field must approve all umpires.
E. Players
Players are expected to refrain from the use of cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs and from the use of obscene language. They are expected to play by the Little League rules and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
III. LODGING A CODE OF CONDUCT COMPLAINT AND DUE PROCESS
A . Process
(1) As soon as possible, but no later than 48-hours following an incident that is felt to be contrary to the COC, a COC complaint must be lodged with a Board Member or an Executive Committee Member. A COC complaint must be a written description of the incident. Any member of the league can file the COC complaint. Players lodging a COC complaint should lodge the complaint with the assistance of their parents and the player agent. The COC complaint should contain the names of all parties involved and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Any request for an extension of time will be considered by the Executive Committee on a case by case basis.
(2) Upon receipt of the COC complaint by a Board Member or Executive Committee Member, a meeting will be scheduled and convened as soon as possible but no later than three (3) days following the receipt of the complaint.
(3) The Executive Committee will attend the meeting, along with the person(s) named in the complaint, and the party(s) lodging the complaint. The Committee may request additional information from other people. The accused must receive advanced written notice stating the nature of the complaint and be allowed the opportunity to be heard at the meeting.
(4) Violation of the COC will be determined by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
(5) If a violation is determined, the Executive Committee must recommend and may enact immediate disciplinary action.
(6) The ruling of the Executive Committee will be forwarded to the Board and the offender within three days.
B. Discipline
The Executive Committee may discipline a violator of the COC up to and including suspension from any role within the SLLA for up to one year. The Executive Committee may, in extreme circumstances, recommend dismissal from the SSLA. Dismissal from the SLLA requires a 2/3 vote of the Board. It is the Board's responsibility to make the discipline fit the offense.
C. Appeal Process
An appeal may be filed in writing following a ruling from the Executive Committee. The written appeal should be addressed to the President of the SLLA. The written appeal must be filed within two (2) days after the ruling from the Executive Committee and must contain a clear reason for the appeal. The appeal will be considered by the Board at its next scheduled meeting. Following the hearing, a 2/3-majority vote of the Board is required to overturn an original ruling of the Executive Committee.
IV. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
A. Complaints against Board Members
In the event a COC Complaint is filed against a Board Member and an appeal is made requiring the Board Members to vote that Board Member will be excluded from voting.
B. Complaints against Executive Committee Members
In the event a COC Complaint is filed against a Executive Committee Member, that member will be temporarily removed during any Executive Committee proceeding relating to the incident they are allegedly involved. The President of the SLLA will substitute for the Executive Committee Member during these proceedings. If the Executive Committee Member is subsequently disciplined and as a result can no longer serve on the Committee, they will be replaced by a majority vote of the Board of SLLA.