ROSE CAPITAL WEST LITTLE LEAGUE

MANGERS / COACHES RULES OF CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following Rules of Conduct and Responsibilities are set forth as a guide to all Managers and Coaches of the Rose Capital West Little League (RCWLL) and reflect the minimum standards expected and required by the Board of Directors of the RCWLL. Violations or noncompliance with these rules/responsibilities may result in appropriate administrative action by the Board of Directors of the RCWLL.

These rules of conduct and responsibilities are designed to accomplish one primary objective -- to establish a learning and sportsmanlike atmosphere from which our young people can benefit. Your cooperation and adherence to these rules will ensure an enjoyable experience for all involved.

1.                 All Managers/Coaches will fully cooperate with the Board of Directors of the RCWLL and others assigned to oversee authorized activities.

2.                 ALL managers and coaches at all levels of Little League will attend a minimum of three (3) hours of instruction on the Little League/Senior League Rules. The Board of Directors will provide qualified instructors and set the dates, times, and locations for each instructional meeting. Failure to attend the required instruction shall be cause for dismissal by the Board of Directors.

3.                 All managers and coaches must be approved by the Board of Directors.  All managers, coaches, or any individual assisting with players at practice or during a game must complete a personal history questionnaire provided by RCWLL.  This questionnaire will authorize RCWLL to perform a criminal background check on that individual.  Any individual that has not been approved by RCWLL will not be allowed to be on the field with players at any time.

4.                 A minimum of one adult Manager or Coach must be present at all practices.

5.                 It is mandatory for Managers/Coaches to hold a minimum of 2 practice sessions per week prior to the beginning of the season (3 practice sessions are recommended for Major/Minor/Junior/Senior).  It is recommended to have 1 practice per week during the season if possible, weather permitting. Practices will be of sufficient length and determined by the Manager/Coach taking into consideration the players' age, weather, field availability, darkness, etc.

6.                 Managers/Coaches will ensure suitable liquid refreshments are available for players at all practices and games.

7.                 No profanity is allowed at practice or games.  Any use of obscene language by managers, coaches, players, or parents can result in temporary or permanent suspension from the playing field.

8.                 Smoking, Dipping or Chewing Tobacco is prohibited on the field or in the dugout during games. This must be done outside the playing fields. Any violation of this rule will result in automatic removal from the game.

9.                 The consumption of alcohol in the presence of players, either at practice or games, is strictly prohibited. Violation of this rule will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the RCWLL.

10.           All Managers, Coaches, and players are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.

11.             Verbal abuse by Managers, Coaches, players or spectators will not be tolerated. Manager/Coaches must keep themselves, their players and spectators under control at all times.  Failure to maintain control may result in the game being forfeited.

12.             The actions of a player's parents in the stands can be cause for a player to be removed from a game. Umpire-baiting will not be tolerated by players, managers or parents. Players may yell encouragement to their teammates, but not yell at opponents. In all cases, the league president and/or league board will decide what action will be taken. A permanent suspension can result. Permanent suspension must be approved by the league board, and their decision shall be final.  IN ALL CASES, THE LEAGUE BOARD WILL DECIDE WHAT ACTION, IF ANY, IS NEEDED.

13.             Physically striking a player for the purpose of discipline is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal from RCWLL.

14.             Managers and Coaches should foster respect for the decisions of umpires and for the opposing team. Umpires and the opposing team should be treated with the dignity, which everyone deserves.

15.             Arguing with the umpire will not be tolerated.  As a role model to our youngsters, you must be aware of your responsibilities as such. Blatant disrespect toward an umpire through verbal or physical threats, regardless of language used or extent to physical contact, will be considered an extremely serious offense by the Board and appropriate corrective action will be implemented.

16.             Managers are responsible for many RCWLL equipment or uniforms issued to their teams. Managers, coaches and players are expected to take responsible care and not allow abuse of such equipment or uniforms.

17.             Managers, or their designee, are responsible for pickup and turning in equipment and uniforms at times specified. Failure to pick up equipment or uniforms at the specified times will result in delaying the start of practice by your team. This will also result in the Manager being responsible for personally contacting the Equipment Manager and arranging for a mutually acceptable time to receive the equipment or uniforms.

When, during the course of the season, equipment or uniforms become damaged, it is the responsibility of the Manger to return the damaged equipment or uniform to the Equipment Manger before any replacement equipment or uniforms will be issued. Equipment or uniforms damaged through obvious abuse will be the responsibility of the Manger to replace.

18.             Attendance by Managers or their designee at Managers/Coaches meetings called by the Board or League Vice Presidents is mandatory. Failure to have a team representative present may result in appropriate action by the Board.

19.             Managers are responsible for collecting the required sponsor fees.  No uniforms will be distributed until such time as the sponsorship funds have been turned in to RCWLL. Remember—sponsorship of teams is critical to the financial stability and future success of the RCWLL.

20.             All teams are expected to use League Photographer.

21.             Managers will call a parents' meeting within two weeks of the final draft day and explain the importance of their participation in the RCWLL, responsibilities, rules & regulations, solicit volunteers & umpires and discuss sportsmanlike conduct. At this meeting, a Team Representative (or Team Mother) will be selected/appointed. Within three weeks after the final draft day, the Manager will notify the appropriate League Vice President of the Team Representative's name, address and telephone number. Team Representative will be called upon periodically to provide personnel to adequately staff concession stands. Failure to cooperate may result in appropriate corrective actions by the Board.

22.             Managers must ensure their team is warmed up and ready to play promptly at the games' starting time. Teams playing the second game must be warmed up and ready at either the scheduled starting time or the finish of the prior game. Games will start on time.

23.             The purpose of the RCWLL is to impart a knowledge of baseball, develop sportsmanship, build character, interaction through a team concept, instill respect for authority and to enjoy the RCWLL experience. Managers and Coaches should place these concepts foremost in their dealings with players and their parents. These principles and how you project them will determine the success or failure of this baseball season and ultimately the future of the RCWLL.

24.             The various Board members will monitor compliance with these rules and the conduct and actions of Managers/Coaches throughout the season and post-season play.

All Managers/Coaches are expected to adhere to these rules in their entirety.  However, violation of Rules 5, 6, 7, 9 & 12 will result in the immediate removal of the Manager/Coach from the facilities and immediate suspension from the league until such time as the board has had an opportunity to conduct a full review and pass a decision, which will be deemed to be final.

These rules are designed to benefit everyone associated with Rose Capital West Little League. As a Manager or Coach, you are representing the League. Your actions or inactions will greatly influence how the players and parents perceive the League, which will ultimately determine whether that child will want to participate in the RCWLL in the future. Since our only purpose is to allow young people the opportunity to play organized baseball, we must cultivate them in order to exist. This is your job as a Manager or Coach. In your hands rest the future of our young people and the RCWLL.