Parent, Player, and Spectator Code of Conduct

Parent, Player, and Spectator Code of Conduct

The New Holstein Baseball/Softball Association (NHBSA) is a volunteer-led recreational youth sports organization. Our primary goals are skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and enjoyment of the game. Winning is secondary to creating a positive, safe, and respectful environment for all participants.

All parents, players, and spectators are expected to adhere to the following Code of Conduct.

1. Expectations for All Participants

• Demonstrate respect toward players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and spectators at all times.
• Remember that this is a youth recreational program, not a competitive travel or elite league.
• Place the emotional and physical well-being of players above personal desire to win.
• Refrain from the use of abusive, threatening, or inappropriate language or behavior.
• Support a positive environment that allows players to learn, make mistakes, and improve.

2. Parent and Spectator Conduct

Parents and spectators agree to:

• Cheer positively and encourage all players, not just their own child.
• Allow coaches to coach and players to play without interference.
• Not coach from the sidelines, including giving instructions, signals, or criticism.
• Refrain from arguing with or confronting coaches, umpires, players, or volunteers during games or practices.
• Address concerns respectfully and at an appropriate time, not during games or in front of players.
• Never engage in or tolerate taunting, profanity, harassment, or intimidation toward players, officials, or volunteers.

3. Player Conduct

Players are expected to:

• Show respect to teammates, opponents, coaches, umpires, and volunteers.
• Play hard while playing fair.
• Follow team rules and instructions from coaches.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship in both victory and defeat.
• Refrain from using profanity, unsportsmanlike conduct, or disrespectful behavior.

4. Coach and Volunteer Support

• NHBSA coaches and board members are volunteers, many with full-time jobs and families.
• Mistakes will happen; volunteers are expected to act in good faith.
• Disagreements should be handled respectfully and through proper channels.
• Public criticism or confrontational behavior toward volunteers will not be tolerated.

5. Umpire Respect

• Umpires are often youth, volunteers, or part-time officials.
• Judgment calls are part of the game and are not open to debate.
• Verbal abuse or harassment of umpires will result in immediate disciplinary action.

6. Zero-Tolerance Behaviors

The following behaviors will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the facility:

• Physical or verbal abuse of any participant or official
• Profanity directed at players, officials, or volunteers
• Threatening behavior or harassment
• Intoxication or substance use at games or practices
• Any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of players or others

7. Disciplinary Action

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

• Verbal or written warning
• Removal from a game, practice, or facility
• Suspension from NHBSA activities
• Removal from the program without refund

Disciplinary decisions will be made at the sole discretion of the NHBSA Board, with the best interests of the players and program in mind.

8. Acknowledgment

By registering a participant or attending NHBSA events, parents, players, and spectators acknowledge and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action as outlined above.