NORTHWOOD BASEBALL LEAGUE - PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of our players.  Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline.  In Northwood Baseball League, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat – all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun. 
   
While on the NBL premises, YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING: 

1. NO SMOKING or DRINKING anywhere on, around or near the ball fields. Please refrain from smoking during any of our events. If you must smoke, you need to go to your vehicle.
   
   
2. NO PETS are allowed on THE PREMISES. Even if they are small and have a cage or carrier. 
   
   
3. No USE OF ANY PROFANITY.  You will be asked to leave the premises if you use profanity on or around the premises. 
   
   
4. Be Alert at all times for Foul Balls and Errant Throws. 
   
   
5.  Help clean up trash in the dugout and around stands after each game.
   
   
6.  Support the children - Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.  Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory – that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game. 
   
   
7.  Always be positive - Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child’s team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.
   
   
8.  Remember that your child wants to have fun - Remember that your child is the one playing baseball, not you. It’s very important to let children establish their own goals – to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.  Don’t put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team.  Children play for the fun of playing.
   
   
9.  Reinforce Positive behavior - Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it’s all part of learning, so encourage your child’s efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
   
   
10.  Don’t be a sideline coach or umpire - Coaches and umpires are usually parents just like you. They volunteer time to help make your child’s youth baseball experiences a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or umpiring from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there’s usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or umpiring to the next level and become one yourself.

Parents Pledge

I shall set an example for sportsmanship for my child to follow.   I shall emphasize team play to my child. I shall show by example respect for umpires, opposing teams and other fans. I shall not be a grandstand manager. I shall remember that not everyone can play at one time. I shall not be critical unless I’m willing to work to correct the problem. I shall attend my child’s games because, it is important to them, they are not young forever. I shall be supportive when my child is successful or when struggling for success. I shall play and practice the skills of the game with my child. I shall be positive and supportive whether the team wins or loses. I shall remember that all managers, coaches and league officers are volunteers. I shall volunteer whenever possible. I shall retain perspective that there are no major league scouts in the stands. I shall remember that the game is for the kids.

Remember: good behavior doesn’t cost anything!!!  However, it does allow the players and other teams to enjoy a game between kids just for the fun of it.

Thank you for respecting our rules.