Sierra Valley Little League – Code of Conduct

Sierra Valley Little League is a volunteer-based, community organization dedicated to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all players, families, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and spectators.

Participation in Sierra Valley Little League is a privilege, not a right. All participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and integrity.

By registering a player or participating in any Sierra Valley Little League activity, all parents, guardians, players, coaches, and spectators agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

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1. Sportsmanship & Behavior Expectations

All participants are expected to:

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times

• Treat players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and spectators with respect

• Support all players regardless of skill level, background, or family circumstances

• Refrain from profanity, abusive language, obscene gestures, taunting, or harassment

• Accept umpire and league official decisions without argument or confrontation

• Resolve disagreements respectfully and through proper league channels

Winning is never more important than creating a safe and positive experience for children.

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2. Coaches & Parents Lead by Example

Coaches and parents play a critical role in shaping the experience of our players. All adults are expected to:

• Model respectful, calm, and appropriate behavior

• Encourage positive play, teamwork, and effort over winning

• Avoid coaching from the stands

• Refrain from publicly criticizing players, coaches, umpires, or league officials

• Support all children, not just their own

Negative adult behavior will not be tolerated, as it directly impacts the emotional and physical well-being of our players.

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3. Zero Tolerance for Threats, Harassment, or Intimidation

Sierra Valley Little League maintains a zero-tolerance policy for:

• Verbal or written threats toward any league official, volunteer, coach, umpire, parent, or player

• Harassment, intimidation, coercion, or hostile confrontations of any kind

• Retaliation against any individual who raises concerns or reports misconduct

 

Any threats made toward league officials or volunteers will be taken seriously and may result in immediate suspension or permanent removal from league activities. Law enforcement may be contacted if warranted.

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4. Bullying Policy (Applies to Adults, Parents, and Players)

Bullying in any form will not be tolerated. This includes:

• Verbal bullying (name-calling, insults, threats)

• Physical bullying

• Social bullying (exclusion, spreading rumors)

• Cyberbullying (texts, social media, emails, group chats)

This policy applies to players, parents, guardians, coaches, and spectators.

All reports of bullying will be reviewed by the Sierra Valley Little League Board of Directors and may result in disciplinary action.

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5. Sideline & Game Conduct

• Parents and spectators may not confront coaches, umpires, players, or league officials during games or practices.

• Concerns must be addressed respectfully after the event and through proper league channels.

• Disruptive sideline behavior, including yelling at officials, opposing teams, or players, may result in immediate removal from the premises.

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6. Social Media & Public Communication

All participants are expected to represent Sierra Valley Little League in a respectful and responsible manner both in person and online.

This includes social media, group chats, emails, and public forums.

The following are prohibited:

• Publicly attacking, mocking, or defaming players, parents, coaches, umpires, volunteers, or league officials

• Sharing false or misleading information about the league

• Posting threatening, harassing, or inflammatory content related to league matters

Online behavior that disrupts league operations or creates a hostile environment will be subject to disciplinary action.

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7. Respect for Volunteers & League Officials

Sierra Valley Little League is operated entirely by volunteers.

Harassment, repeated messaging, intimidation, or hostile communication toward any volunteer or board member will not be tolerated.

All league concerns must be communicated respectfully and through appropriate channels.

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8. Respect for Visiting Teams & Traveling Conduct

When hosting visiting teams or traveling to other towns, all participants are expected to:

• Treat visiting players, coaches, umpires, and families with courtesy and respect

• Represent Sierra Valley Little League in a positive and sportsmanlike manner

• Follow all host-site rules and expectations

• Refrain from disruptive or disrespectful behavior

Our behavior reflects directly on our league and community.

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9. Inclusion & Equal Opportunity

Sierra Valley Little League is committed to providing every child with an opportunity to play baseball and softball regardless of:

• Family circumstances

• Financial hardship

• Background or personal challenges

We strive to create a welcoming environment where every child feels valued, supported, and safe.

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10. Alcohol, Drugs, and Weapons

Possession or use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons at any Sierra Valley Little League event, game, practice, or facility is strictly prohibited.

Violations will result in immediate removal and possible permanent suspension.

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11. Spectator Privilege Restrictions

The Board of Directors reserves the right to restrict or revoke spectator privileges for any individual whose behavior violates this Code of Conduct.

A player will not be penalized or removed from the league due to a parent or guardian’s misconduct.

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12. Reporting Concerns

Any concerns regarding conduct, bullying, threats, or inappropriate behavior should be reported to:

• Division Player Agent 

• The League President or Vice President

• The District Administrator 

All reports will be reviewed confidentially and handled in a timely and appropriate manner.

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13. Disciplinary Action

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in one or more of the following:

• Verbal or written warning

• Removal from a game or practice

• Temporary suspension from league activities

• Permanent removal from the league

• Revocation of spectator privileges

The Sierra Valley Little League Board of Directors reserves the right to determine appropriate disciplinary action based on the severity and frequency of the behavior.

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14. Final Authority of the Board

The Sierra Valley Little League Board of Directors has full authority to interpret and enforce this Code of Conduct.

All disciplinary decisions made by the Board are final.

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15. Agreement to Abide by This Code

By registering a player, attending games or practices, or participating in any Sierra Valley Little League activity, all participants acknowledge and agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

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No Refund for Removal Due to Misconduct

 

Any participant removed from the league due to violations of this Code of Conduct will not be entitled to a refund of registration fees.