Coal Creek Little League - Code of Conduct
Purpose
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all players, coaches, parents, guardians, volunteers, and spectators. This policy sets forth the expectations and responsibilities of all participants in Coal Creek Little League.
The purpose of Little League, as identified by Headquarters National Little League Baseball, Williamsport, Pennsylvania is as follows:
“Little League is a program of service to youth. It is geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity and training under good leadership in the atmosphere of wholesome community participation. The movement is dedicated to helping children become good and decent citizens. It strives to inspire them with a goal and to enrich their lives towards the day when they must take their places in the world. It establishes the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play."
In light of this, the following Code of Conduct is designed to instill and maintain the highest level of sportsmanship, integrity, fairness and professionalism in the Coal Creek Little League program. All participants (Managers, Coaches, Parents and Players) accept responsibility for adhering to the Code of Conduct upon registration into Coal Creek Little League.
1. Player Conduct
1.1 Players shall always demonstrate their best effort and maintain a positive attitude.
1.2 Players shall show respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, umpires, spectators and league officials.
1.3 Players shall play by the rules and accept the decisions of umpires without argument.
1.4 Players shall refrain from foul language, taunting, or unsportsmanlike behavior.
1.5 Players shall care for uniforms, equipment, and facilities. Throwing equipment (bats, balls, gloves, helmets, etc) in anger or frustration could result in serious harm to others and is a violation of the Code of Conduct and is subject to the Zero Tolerance Policy below (see Section 5).
1.6 Players shall always support and encourage their teammates.
2. Coach & Volunteer Conduct
2.1 Coaches and volunteers shall serve as positive role models for players and families.
2.2 Coaches shall emphasize teamwork, effort, and skill development – all over winning at all costs.
2.3 Coaches shall treat all players, including those on other teams, fairly and respectfully.
2.4 Coaches are responsible for knowing and following all League rules, including those regarding minimum playing time, pitch limits, and the Rules of Little League gameplay.
2.5 Coaches shall respect and cooperate with umpires, parents, other coaches, and league officials.
2.6 Coaches shall promote a safe, supportive, and fun environment for learning the game.
2.7 Coaches shall communicate constructively with players, parents, and fellow coaches.
3. Parent and Guardian Conduct
3.1 Parents and guardians shall encourage their child to play for enjoyment, skill improvement, and teamwork—not solely for winning.
3.2 Parents shall respect coaches, umpires, league officials, and other families.
3.3 Parents shall refrain from criticizing players, coaches, or umpires during games. Any foul language or violation of this rule is a violation of the Code of Conduct and is subject to the Zero Tolerance Policy below (see Section 5).
3.4 Parents shall allow coaches to coach and avoid sideline instructions.
3.5 Parents shall support team and league activities through positive involvement.
3.6 Parents shall model good sportsmanship in both words and actions.
3.7 Parents shall help maintain a clean and safe playing environment
4. Spectator Conduct
4.1 Spectators are encouraged to cheer for all players.
4.2 Spectators shall avoid negative comments, booing, or heckling. Any foul language or violation of this rule, is a violation of the Code of Conduct and is subject to the Zero Tolerance Policy below (see Section 5).
4.4 Spectators shall respect the rules, umpires, and participants at all times.
4.5 Spectators shall promote a family-friendly atmosphere.
5. Zero Tolerance Policy.
Coal Creek Little League maintains a Zero Tolerance Policy for any act of physical or verbal violence. Prohibited Conduct Includes (but is not limited to):
Fighting, shoving, “hard high fives”, or any form of aggressive physical contact.
Threats, intimidation, or harassment of any kind.
Abusive, profane, or offensive language directed at players, coaches, umpires, or spectators.
Bullying or taunting
Repeated unsportsmanlike behavior.
Enforcement Steps
5.1 Immediate Ejection – Any individual (player, coach, parent, or spectator) engaging in Prohibited Conduct shall be removed from the game or event immediately.
5.2 Incident Report – The umpire, coach, spectator, parent/guardian, league official, or player reporting the behavior shall file an incident report with the Board of Directors within 24 hours. Such reports should be made in writing and sent via email to [email protected].
5.3 Board Review – The Board of Directors, acting through the President, the Player Agent, the Safety Officer and the appropriate Division Vice President shall review the incident, conduct the investigation it deems necessary (including conducting interviews with the alleged offender, the victim, those who witnessed the alleged violation and others the Board deems necessary), within 5 days of the report and determine the appropriate disciplinary action.
5.4 Beyond ejection from the game or event, additional disciplinary outcomes may include:
- Written warning and mandatory meeting with league officials.
- Suspension for a set number of games or the remainder of the season. Any acts of physical violence that the Board decides were intentional will result in an immediate suspension from all league activities for at least one week. The Board may decide on extended or additional penalties based on specific facts and circumstances.
- Permanent removal from the league for severe or repeated violations.
5.5 Appeal – Any league disciplinary actions may be appealed to the Board. Such appeal must be made within 72 hours of communication of the disciplinary action by the board. All such appeals must be in writing to the Board of Directors and sent via email to [email protected].
6. Reporting & Accountability
6.1 Any player, parent, coach, or spectator who witnesses conduct that violates this Code may report it to a coach, umpire, or league official.
6.2 Reports may also be submitted confidentially to the Board of Directors via email to [email protected].
6.3 All reports will be reviewed promptly and fairly. Retaliation against individuals who submit reports is strictly prohibited.
6.4 The Board of Directors retains final authority for enforcement and disciplinary actions.
7. Disciplinary Authority
7.1 The Board of Directors reserves the right to impose any additional disciplinary measures as it deems necessary to uphold the standards of this Code.
7.2 This policy shall be interpreted and enforced in the best interests of the league, its players, and the community.
7.3 The Board reserves the right to amend this Code of Conduct at any time.
8. Inclusive Conduct
We recognize that every player is unique and players may experience challenges related to attention, behavior or emotional regulation. Players are expected to follow team and league rules, even when difficult. Coaches and Volunteers will approach behavioral challenges with empathy and consistency, working with players and families. Families are encouraged to share relevant information and their child’s needs.
We believe that with compassion, structure, and teamwork, every child can thrive both on and off the field.
Adopted by the Coal Creek Little League Board of Directors
October 25, 2025