Coaches Code of Conduct Agreement

Our teams strive to build self-esteem, good sportsmanship, ethics, and positive character growth. In doing so, it is essential that both coaches & parents demonstrate the core principles of respect, responsibility, fairness, and good citizenship.

As a coach (including any coach participating in a PGSA event), I hereby pledge:

Sportsmanship

I will promote good sportsmanship, teach good softball skills, and have fun in the process.
I realize, accept and will practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability, but also on its sportsmanship, courtesy and manner.
I understand that physical or verbal abuse of an official, coach, player, or spectator, including obscene gestures, will not be tolerated and that the offender may be removed from the fields at the discretion of an umpire or PGSA board member.
I understand coaches will refrain from complaining about perceived bad calls to players and fans.
I understand all discussions will be held in conversational tones. Under no circumstances will a coach, fan, or player yell at an umpire, coach, fan, or player. The lone exception to this rule is when a coach or player shouts to another coach or teammate during the course of a play as part of that play.
I understand profanity is expressly forbidden at all times.
I understand alcoholic beverages and the use of illicit drugs are prohibited.
I understand the use of tobacco and vapor products on the fields and in the dugouts is prohibited.

The Umpires and Other Resources

I recognize softball is a game of interpretations, and as a result, disputes will occur from time to time. However, it is important that players learn respect. All disputes that are taken up with the umpire will be handled in a civil manner. I understand only managers may initiate such discussions with an umpire. The managers/coaches will conduct themselves with decorum and once the umpire has made his/her final ruling, the managers will make no further field protest. Off-field protests may be lodged with the Board of Directors.
I understand most of the umpires are “in training” as are the players. I recognize that all umpires will make mistakes occasionally, and as manager/coach, I will give the umpires the respect their position within the game deserves.
I will be responsible for caring for equipment, for keys delegated for my use, for care of fields prior to games and for cleaning up fields, dugouts and stands after games. I will make sure that all league- provided equipment is clean and accounted for when returned after the season.

The Parents and the League

I will maintain an open line of communication with players and their parents. I will be approachable. When approached by a parent to discuss any issue, I will interact and respond in a courteous manner.
I will understand and explain the philosophies, goals and objectives, and Codes of Conduct.
I will ensure that fans of the team conduct themselves with sportsmanship and maturity at all times while in attendance at game sites and will assist the officials in maintaining control of spectators during games. I will make sure that coaches and players are the only persons allowed in the dugout during a game.
I will support (through participation and organization of parents) PGSA in fundraising efforts..

The Team

I will conduct practices in an organized manner, with a planned agenda that focuses on specific skill development appropriate for the skill level of the players.
I will focus on providing instruction commensurate with players abilities so all players have the opportunity to advance their skills towards their full potential, gain confidence and develop self-esteem, as well as establish a solid foundation for further baseball/softball competition.
I will teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat.
I understand that managers are appointed by the league to be responsible for the team’s actions on the field and to represent the team in communications with the umpires, opposing teams and league. If a manager leaves the field, he shall designate a coach as a substitute who will then be responsible and held accountable for the manager’s duties.

Non-Game Duties of Managers

Each manager has considerable duties outside of coordinating practices and managing the games. Accordingly, if I am a Manager, I will adhere to the following as well:
- I will maintain open communication with players and parents to inform them of practices, games and other responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.
- I will attend all required coaches meetings, safety and umpiring clinics unless I am out of town or have a significant previously made commitment. If I cannot attend, I will ensure that one of my assistant coaches attends on my behalf.
- I will complete, obtain and submit to PGSA all required paperwork, which will include Volunteer Applications & Waivers.
- I will make sure that I maintain a notebook containing the PGSA Rules.
- I understand that I am the point of contact between my team and other teams and PGSA officials. I understand that I am the person that is responsible for my team. I will take my obligations seriously and communicate effectively and in a courteous manner.
- PGSA has a “zero tolerance” policy for any aggressive or inappropriate physical contact with any player, coach, umpire, parent, fan or other person and any breach of this rule is grounds for immediate action, including removal from the position of Coach, Manager or Board Member.

Coaches Code of Conduct Agreement

Sportsmanship

I will promote good sportsmanship, teach good softball skills, and have fun in the process.

I realize, accept and will practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability, but also on its sportsmanship, courtesy and manner.

I understand that physical or verbal abuse of an official, coach, player, or spectator, including obscene gestures, will not be tolerated and that the offender may be removed from the fields at the discretion of an umpire or PGSA board member.

I understand coaches will refrain from complaining about perceived bad calls to players and fans.

I understand profanity is expressly forbidden at all times.

I understand alcoholic beverages and the use of illicit drugs are prohibited.

I understand the use of tobacco and vapor products on the fields and in the dugouts is prohibited.

The Umpires and Other Resources

I understand most of the umpires are “in training” as are the players. I recognize that all umpires will make mistakes occasionally, and as manager/coach, I will give the umpires the respect their position within the game deserves.

I will be responsible for caring for equipment, for keys delegated for my use, for care of fields prior to games and for cleaning up fields, dugouts and stands after games. I will make sure that all league- provided equipment is clean and accounted for when returned after the season.

The Parents and the League

I will maintain an open line of communication with players and their parents. I will be approachable. When approached by a parent to discuss any issue, I will interact and respond in a courteous manner.

I will understand and explain the philosophies, goals and objectives, and Codes of Conduct.

I will support (through participation and organization of parents) PGSA in fundraising efforts..

The Team

I will conduct practices in an organized manner, with a planned agenda that focuses on specific skill development appropriate for the skill level of the players.

I will focus on providing instruction commensurate with players abilities so all players have the opportunity to advance their skills towards their full potential, gain confidence and develop self-esteem, as well as establish a solid foundation for further baseball/softball competition.

I will teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat.

Non-Game Duties of Managers

Each manager has considerable duties outside of coordinating practices and managing the games. Accordingly, if I am a Manager, I will adhere to the following as well:

I will maintain open communication with players and parents to inform them of practices, games and other responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.

I will attend all required coaches meetings, safety and umpiring clinics unless I am out of town or have a significant previously made commitment. If I cannot attend, I will ensure that one of my assistant coaches attends on my behalf.

I will complete, obtain and submit to PGSA all required paperwork, which will include Volunteer Applications & Waivers.

I will make sure that I maintain a notebook containing the PGSA Rules.

I understand that I am the point of contact between my team and other teams and PGSA officials. I understand that I am the person that is responsible for my team. I will take my obligations seriously and communicate effectively and in a courteous manner.