PURPOSE

In an effort to provide participants with a healthy, safe and developmental athletic environment that encourages fair play, effort, teamwork and sportsmanship, SVPB supports a Zero Tolerance Policy for players, parents, coaches, game officials, umpires, team officials, league administrators and spectators. This policy requires that a sportsmanlike and developmentally positive atmosphere exist before, during and after all SVPB and/or PONY BASEBALL sanctioned events.

 POLICY

 All SVPB players, coaches, team officials, league administrators and parents are expected to conduct him/herself in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner at all times before, during and after SVPB and/or PONY BASEBALL sanctioned events. Good conduct is expected to extend to umpires, game officials, spectators, as well as to opposing players, coaches and parents.

 The following is Southeast Valley PONY Baseball’s Zero Tolerance Policy:

 Physical Violence by any person will result in immediate expulsion.

 Players

 A minor penalty (warning) for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:

 1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.

 2. Uses obscene or vulgar language and/or gestures at any time, including any swearing, even if  it is not directed at a particular person.

 3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision. Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.

 4. Displays unsportsmanlike behavior toward any player.

 Coaches

 A minor penalty (warning) for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:

 1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.

 2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.

 3. Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision with the intent of inciting the officials, players or spectators. Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty.

 Officials

 Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times. The actions of an official must be above reproach. Actions such as "baiting" or inciting players or coaches are strictly prohibited. Officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in mind.

 Parents/Spectators

 The game will be stopped by game officials or league administrators when parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. 

The game officials or league administrators will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectator's viewing and game area. Once removed play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.

 Use of obscene or vulgar language and or gestures in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time. Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence. Throwing of any object in the spectator's viewing area, player's bench directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.

 SOUTHEAST VALLEY PONY BASEBALL ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

 01/06/2014

 In addition, the following Codes of Conduct for parents and spectators should be adhered to:

 Parents:

 Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desire to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.

 Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.

 Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit.

 Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. Deemphasize games and competition in the younger age levels.

 Know and study the rules of baseball/softball, and support the officials on and off the field. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game.

 Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat and enforce the positive points of the game.

 Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice. It is destructive. Work toward removing physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.

 Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport.

 Communicate with them and support them.

 If you enjoy the game, learn all you can and dedicate time as a volunteer!

 Spectators:

 Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials.

 Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans. Enjoy the game together.

 Cheer good plays of all participants, avoid booing opponents.

 Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.

 Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing objects on the field can cause injury to players and officials.

 Support the umpires and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.

 Be responsible for your own safety and remain alert to help prevent accidents.

 Respect dugouts as private areas for players, coaches and officials.

 Be supportive after the game, win or lose. Recognize good efforts, teamwork and sportsmanship.

 Failure to abide by SVPB Zero Tolerance Policies may result in disciplinary actions against the player(s), parent(s) and/or spectator(s) involved, at the sole discretion of the SVPB Board of Directors