
Athletic competition of athletes should be fun and should also be a
significant part of a sound educational program, embodying high standards
high standards of ethics and sportsmanship while developing good character
and other important life skills. Essential elements of character building
are intrinsic in the concept of sportsmanship and the six core ethical
values: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring,
and good citizenship (the “Six Pillars of Character”). The highest potential
of sports is achieved through T.E.A.M. concept (Teaching, Enforcing,
Advocating and Modeling these values) and by committing to the ideal
of pursuing victory with honor. Good-faith efforts to honor the words
and spirit of this Code will improve the quality of our programs and
the well-being of all sports participants.
Coaches and Managers who do not follow our Code of Conduct are subject
to disciplinary proceedings as outlined in The
BBSA's Disciplinary Policy.
TRUSTWORTHINESS
Trustworthiness – Always act so as to encourage and justify
trust. Look for opportunities to reinforce the meaning and importance
of trustworthiness in players, coaches and parents/guardians.
Integrity – Teach and model the importance of integrity by doing
the right thing and making the right call even when the cost is high.
Admit mistakes openly and honestly. Enforce the rules as written, as
faithfully as they can in manner consistent with guidelines and interpretations
of the rules committee.
Honesty – Be honest and demand honesty. Do not encourage in
or permit dishonesty by lying, deception or omission.
Reliability – Fulfill commitments. Impress on players and coaches
the values of promise keeping and reliability. Demonstrate consistency
in the way you enforce the rules throughout the season and during playoffs
and championship games, regardless of the potential outcome of the game.
RESPECT
Respect – Treat players, coaches and parents/guardians with
respect and require the same of athletes and coaches.
Courtesy – Encourage and, where appropriate, require athletes
and coaches to treat opponents, teammates and others with respect and
courtesy.
Disrespectful Conduct – Seek to control the conduct of parents/guardians,
spectators, coaches and players to prevent negative cheers, name calling,
insults, drinking or any other conduct inconsistent with a positive
atmosphere of character development. Use proper authority to assure
that the rules against profanity, trash-talking, taunting, arguing calls
and other forms of bad sportsmanship are consistently and strictly enforced.
When appropriate direct those responsible for game management to exercise
control over spectators, bands and spirit groups.
Respect for Coaches – Listen to coaches and others who respectfully
and in the appropriate setting wish to discuss the rules, interpretation
of the rules or your control over the moral environment of the game.
Sports Experience – Ensure that the sports experience is one
of fun and enjoyment. Correct and instruct players in constructive ways.
Be generous with praise when it is deserved.
Prejudice – Treat all players as individuals, appreciating
their diversity in skills, gender, ethnicity and race. Never permit
statements or acts of prejudice.
RESPONSIBILITY
Self-Control – Exercise and demand self-control. Do not fight,
scream, or otherwise demonstrate uncontrolled anger or frustration.
Do not permit players, coaches or spectators to display inappropriate
anger.
Grace – Encourage players to win or lose with grace and dignity.
Accountability – Accept responsibility for your choices of both
action and inaction. Those in charge of assisting officials are responsible
to: 1) assure that those selected to officiate games are qualified,
2) assure that officials receive training and have been subjected to
reasonable character screening, and 3) adopt and enforce rules limiting
the number of games an official can work in a specified time.
FAIRNESS
Fair Play – Model and insist on fair play. Make sure all teams
compete honorably.
Fair-mindedness – Be open to the ideas, suggestions and opinions
of others.
Impartiality – Make all decisions fairly and treat all participants
with impartiality. Fair, consistent and competent officiating is essential
to a quality baseball program that promotes sportsmanship and fosters
respect for the game and development of good character.
CARING
Concern of Others – Demonstrate concern for others. Discourage
selfishness.
CITIZENSHIP
Play by the Rules – Strictly and consistently enforce all rules
of the game. Enforce game rules in a manner that it advances the goals
of sportsmanship, ethics and character building.