Parental Code of Conduct & Responsibilities Contract

The Thomaston-Upson County Recreation Department would like to share with you standards, procedures and policies for our
YOUTH SOFTBALL PROGRAM.

Offenders of the below stated code of conduct and responsibilities are subject to immediate removal from any game/practice or possibly the softball program.

UMPIRES
Parents should not use foul or abusive language toward any umpire.  Umpires are trained to make calls.  At times it will be a judgment call or an opinion of that umpire.   Remember that a parent has never over ruled an umpire and never will.  Understand that no one (including an umpire) is perfect…umpires call games as they see them to the best of their ability.   Parents’ conduct should be conduct that you would want your child or other children to model.  Please remember this in your tone, your words and your actions.  Youngsters are watching you and will be influenced by your behavior.

PLAYERS
Your player has registered to play softball.  Playing a sport requires practice, conditioning and perseverance.  Playing a team sport requires having team members present at practice to be conditioned, evaluated and trained for positions.  It is important for a team sport to have all members present for practice.  Players may have limited playing time if they do not adequately attend and participate in practices.  Recreation league rules dictate that every player will be given the opportunity to play.  The continuous batting order will be used with seven and eight year old players with all players in the field each inning.  The continuous batting order will also be used for nine thru seventeen year old players. Nine players will play in the field. Non-starters will play six defensive outs. But this opportunity may be rescinded if player misses practice or has disciplinary problems.  Please make sure you can get your player to practices and games.

Players/parents need to let coaches know as soon as possible if they will not be able to play in a game.  This will allow coach adequate time to revise team strategy.   A coach may limit playing time for missed practices and games. 

CONCERNS
If as a parent you have questions or concerns, please be courteous and professional.   Periods prior to practices or games are not appropriate times to discuss problems you may have with you players’ softball experience.  Coaches should be focusing attention on practice and or the game.  We suggest either a telephone call, email or arrange a time to meet/discuss concerns at a mutually convenient time.   Please speak with your coach first.  Follow the chain of command.  If you still have concerns then bring them to the attention of the Athletic Superintendent, Jeff Middlebrooks.  Submit concerns in writing to him.  He will review, make recommendations and respond.  If after this course of action,  your concerns have not been sufficiently addressed, then present your written concerns to Director, Mindy Daniel.  She will review and respond.   If in the event concerns are still present, you may take item before Recreation Commission.  Must follow procedure to be placed on Commission agenda of submitting in writing request to be placed on the agenda at least 5 working days prior to regular Commission meeting.

PARENT CONDUCT
Enthusiasm for the sport is admirable, but controlled enthusiasm is best.  Always show respect for other team players, spectators and coaches.  Loud and abusive yelling will not be tolerated.  Parental and spectator comments should be positive and controlled. Offenders are subject to the following course of action: (1.) Verbal warning (2.) Letter of reprimand (3.) Meeting with Athletic Superintendent (4.) Suspension. Offenders of the above stated code of conduct and responsibilities are subject to immediate removal from any game/practice or possibly the softball program.

I (we) have read the above information and accept these conditions as part of my player's commitment to the Thomaston-Upson County Recreation Department's Youth Softball Program and acknowledge the consequences of my (our) actions.

CHILD'S NAME PARTICIPATING: __________________________________________________________

FATHER'S (guardian) SIGNATURE/DATE: _____________________________________________________

MOTHER'S (guardian) SIGNATURE/DATE: ____________________________________________________

LEGAL GUARDIAN SIGNATURE/DATE: _____________________________________________________