It is the goal of the Grand Ledge Youth Baseball, Inc to provide a positive and instructive environment for all participants by stressing the ideals of sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, loyalty and courage. The League strives to provide the best possible baseball/softball experience while making the competitive games enjoyable for both players and spectators. As a coach, the responsibility rests with you to create the framework for a successful and rewarding season. You should be aware that you have 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. Your adherence to this Code will
promote fair play, discipline and sportsmanship for the good of the entire Grand Ledge Youth Baseball, Inc program. Therefore, as a coach, I agree that I will:
1. Establish and maintain an appropriate and open line of communication with my players and their parents. This will begin with a mandatory parent meeting at the beginning of every season.
2. Adopt a coaching philosophy that is structured and designed to help every athlete achieve their maximum potential. I agree that every player should be treated as though he or she were my own, and I agree that his or her welfare is my uppermost consideration at all times.
3. Be quick and generous with praise for every player when it is deserved.
4. Offer constructive criticism with only the minimum level of emphasis necessary to get the message across. When a player makes an attempt to make the correct play, I will acknowledge their effort and provide continuous positive encouragement.
5. Work to continuously improve my coaching skills by studying the game, either by reading, watching or attending clinics (league sponsored clinics are mandatory) whenever possible.
6. Conduct regular practices that are designed to teach a wide array of sound baseball fundamentals, while being fun for all involved.
7. Promote and set the example of sportsmanlike conduct for my team. I will encourage my team to cheer positively for their teammates and will not tolerate any negative cheering, trash-talking, taunting or other effort intended to intentionally distract opposing players. I know that this is unsportsmanlike and is not part of the Grand Ledge Baseball/Softball tradition.
8. Never jeopardize a player's health or well being by allowing him/her to practice or play if injured. I will follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.
9. Never verbally or physically abuse any player, umpire or official. I understand that judgment calls (ball/strike, safe/out) are not debatable or appealable under any circumstances. I will teach my team to learn how to accept discretionary calls that go against them, and work to overcome them. I will use the appropriate methods of appeal during the game if I have a rule interpretation issue.
10. Be responsible for, monitor and take appropriate action whenever necessary to assure the proper conduct and behavior of my team, coaches, parents and fans. I will be particularly alert for verbal or physical abuse of other players, parents, umpires or officials.
11. Never use profanity in front of players or parents.
12. Never be under the influence of alcohol at a game or practice. I also understand that I cannot smoke or chew tobacco at a game or practice, which is prohibited by State law and by League rules.
13. Keep registration/emergency contact information, first aid kit, and cellular phone on hand whenever my team is together.
14. Master the contest rules and teach/explain them to my team members. I will always coach and teach the game in compliance with the spirit and intent of the rules, in addition to the strict letter.
15. Meet and exchange cordial greetings with the opposing coach prior to the game to set the correct tone for the event. After the game, win or lose, I will require my players to shake hands and congratulate the opposing team and their coaches.