Coaches Code Of Conduct

East Boston Girls’ Softball League

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

• The Coach shall be aware that he or she has a tremendous influence, for either good or ill, on the education of the player and, thus, shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.
• The Coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct in all personal contact with players, umpires and parents.
• The Coach shall strive to instill the value of good sportsmanship in all of his or her players.
• The Coach shall understand and demonstrate positive coaching methods – how to balance discipline and fun, how to be generous with praise and how to correct athletes without being demeaning.
• The Coach shall know E.B.G.S.L.  rules (e.g. safety related) and will take the lead role in enforcing them.
• The Coach shall master the fundamental rules of the game and shall teach them to his or her team members.  The rules of softball are clear and coaches need to pay reverence to them by never doing anything that would dishonor the game.  The coach shall never seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules.
• The Coach shall avoid the use of alcohol and/or tobacco while interacting with players.
• The Coach shall exert his or her influence to enhance sportsmanship by spectators.
• The Coach shall respect and support the umpires.  The coach shall not indulge in conduct which would incite players or spectators against the umpires.  Public criticism of officials or players is unethical.
• The Coach should meet and exchange cordial greetings with the opposing coach to set the correct tone for the event before and after the game.

Discipline

• Coaches are expected to abide by both the Spirit and Letter of the above listed Code.  Those who, in the judgment of the EB Softball Board of Directors, violate this code will be subject to suspension.  Repeated violations of the Code may result in further disciplinary action, including multi-game suspensions and being relieved of coaching duties at the discretion of the Board.
• In the event that a Coach/Manager is ejected from a game by an Umpire, and the ejection is deemed valid by the EBGS Board that coach will automatically serve a 1 game suspension. 
• Any Coach/Manager who is ejected from a game MUST leave the park and may not remain in the vicinity to observe the remainder of the game. 
• If an ejected Coach/Manager:  continues to argue, incites others, otherwise escalates the situation, does not leave the field immediately or refuses to leave the vicinity, the game will be called and the offending coach’s team will forfeit the game.
• Suspended coaches MUST attend a meeting before the EBGS Board within 72 hours to determine whether the offense warrants additional disciplinary action.  Failure to appear at the time designated by the Board will result in an indefinite extension of the suspension.