CMBA Parental Code of Conduct

Children’s sports are supposed to be fun – for the children. Unfortunately, many parents, fans, and coaches don’t realize that their actions, whether verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because adults unfairly take the fun away.

This is why Cambridge Minor Baseball is dedicated to promoting the healthy development of youth in sports by creating the following Code of Conduct for parents and spectators to abide by at every game. This code of conduct may also be found at our website: www.cambridgeminorbaseball.ca.

Parents, fans, and coaches who follow this simple code can help reinforce what sports are all about… BEING FUN FOR EVERYONE.

I therefore agree:

1. I will encourage my child, in a positive manner, to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the enjoyment of the game is for all involved.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will strive to learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice, or other CMBA event.
6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kid of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing, taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.
7. I will not encourage any behaviours or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.
8. Through example, I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the
    outcome of a game or by his/her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de‐emphasize games and competition at the lower age groups.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. I will respect the official and their authority during games, and will never question, discuss or confront coaches at the game field. I will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place not in view of the players.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all CMBA events.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Verbal or written warning.
• Parental game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by CMBA.
• Game forfeit through the official or coach.
• Parental season suspension.