Code of Conduct
The actions of players, coaches, volunteers and parents are a reflection of themselves, their team, PBSA and their community. Involvement in baseball or softball provides opportunities and experiences that are important to the development of a well- rounded individual; however, remember that participation in baseball or softball and functions of PBSA is a privilege, not a right.
Treat everyone with respect
Treat team-mates, coaches, opponents, event organizers and spectators with respect
Respect and accept with dignity the decisions of officials and PBSA
Be generous in winning and graceful in losing
Cheer in a positive manner for all competitors Do not interfere with the play or competition
Be courteous and respectful to other spectators, all competitors, coaches, event organizers and officials Remember that our coaches, umpires and board members are volunteers. They are doing the best that they can to teach the players the game, rules, and to act properly on and off the field.
PBSA appreciates the job coaches are doing and expect all participants to acknowledge their efforts as well Everyone participating in PBSA whether as players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators, is entitled to do so in an environment of courtesy and safety
Exercise self-control at all times
Remember that there is no place in baseball or softball for drugs, performance enhancing drugs or supplements, alcohol, tobacco or vaping products. Can(s) of chewing tobacco are not to be on the playing field or kept in the back pocket of a uniform pants or in the equipment bags of players. Umpires will immediately eject a player or coach from the game should either of these tobacco violations occur.
Refrain from disrespectful conduct of any sort, including profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, taunting or other actions that demean any individual. A "zero tolerance" on these points will be taken
Refrain from throwing equipment in disgust (bat, helmet, glove, or any object)
Refrain from the use of physical force outside of the rules of the game
Follow the guidelines set forth by coaches for the team and program
Follow the guidelines set forth by PBSA, GVBA and SBBC.
Follow all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations
Play Fair
Play within the rules and the spirit of the rules of the game at all times
Play within the rules and the spirit of the rules of the PBSA at all times.
Warnings and Ejections
Any player, coach, volunteer, parent or spectator engaged in profane, rude or threatening speech, gestures or actions are subject to ejection from the park by the umpires or a member of the Board of Directors of PBSA.
Umpires have been given the authority by the Premier Baseball Association and Softball BC to determine whether a game continues; the game may be suspended or forfeited until or terminated unless, the violator ceases his or her conduct or leaves the park following their ejection.
Social Media
Peninsula Baseball and Softball Association recognizes the importance of the Internet and social media in shaping the public's perception of our organization. PBSA also recognizes the importance of our members, directors, coaches, players, parents and volunteers in leading and setting the tone of social media interactions in a manner that advances PBSA's mission and goals.
Online, social media and other electronic communication tools such as text messaging have become a prevalent and effective means of personal and professional communication and have fundamentally changed the way many people and organizations interact. This policy sets forth PBSA's expectations with respect to the use of online and social media, as well as other forms of electronic communications.
All PBSA members shall abide by the following guidelines when using social media:
1. Do not post content that would harm or damage PBSA's reputation. Remember that even when you are on your own personal time, you are a representative of PBSA, and people may interpret your online postings or social interactions as though they were official PBSA statements
2. Be positive and respectful, and always take the high road. When disagreeing with others' opinions, remain appropriate and polite. If you find yourself in a situation online that is becoming antagonistic, disengage from the dialogue in a polite and respectful manner.
3. Use good judgment when posting comments. If you are unsure whether a comment is appropriate to post, either do not post it or obtain prior approval from the Club.
4. Be smart about what you publish. Once something is posted, it exists online forever.
Coaches Social Media Code of Conduct
Along with the above social media guidelines, coaches and managers should also consider the below guidelines:
* A coach or manager may respond to a direct inquiry via text message or email from a player regarding logistics of practice times, cancellations, schedules, etc. but our coaches and managers should strive to include another adult on messages whenever possible.
*Coaches and team representatives should only use text messages and email on issues that are baseball or softball related and all communications should include a parent or guardian copied on the message.
*Coaches and team representatives should avoid cell phone conversations with players to the greatest extent possible, and cell phone communications should only be used when absolutely necessary and should only be baseball or softball related.
VIOLATIONS OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
1. PBSA directors shall have the authority to monitor and enforce this Social Media Policy. The directors shall have the authority to remove any inappropriate or offensive comments from official PBSA sites and to block any individual or organization from posting on any official PBSA social media platform if they determine, in their sole discretion, that such removal or block is in the best interests of the Club.
2. The failure of any PBSA Member to adhere to this Social Media Policy shall be considered a violation of the PBSA Code of Conduct, and any PBSA Member who fails to adhere to this Social Media Policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of such individual's involvement in the Club.
Coaches Code of Conduct:
The player/coach relationship is a privileged one. Coaches play a critical role in the personal as well as the athletic development of their players. They must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it. Coaches must also recognize that they are conduits through which the values and goals of PBSA are channeled. Thus, how a player regards playing baseball or softball is often dependent on the behavior of the coach. A coach must not exploit this privileged relationship with players for personal, ideological, material or other advantage. Coaches are responsible for their own behavior as well as that of their players. As well as all other PBSA code of conduct guidelines, coaches should use the Coaches Code of Conduct to aid them in achieving a level of behavior that will allow them to assist their players in becoming well-rounded, self-confident and productive citizens.
Coaches shall actively uphold the rules of baseball and/or softball, the spirit of the rules, and expect players to do the same.
Coaches shall fulfill all league, exhibition, invitational, play-off and championship competition and event obligations in accordance with the expectation of PBSA that all commitments are to be honored.
Coaches shall treat all players fairly and equitably, by refraining from discriminating against any player with respect to race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation.
Coaches shall consider the player's future health and well-being as foremost when making decisions regarding an injured player's ability to continue playing or training; communication with registered medical practitioners and the parents in the diagnosis is recommended.
Coaches shall not use physical force in any kind in the conduct of coaching duties.
Coaches shall not under any circumstances, endorse, recommend, or suggest the use of performance enhancing drugs or supplements by any player.
Coaches shall not under any circumstances require or imply that a player must be involved in an external program as part of their obligation to participate on their team.
Coaches shall ensure and educate players as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment.
Coaches shall be aware of the academic pressures placed on players and conduct practices and games in a manner so as to allow for academic success.
Coaches shall ensure an environment for players that is free of harassment. Harassment takes many forms but can generally be defined as behaviors, including comments and/or conduct, that are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual or group of individuals or which creates an uncomfortable environment.