GRBA ETHICS POLICY

The GRBA requires that its Managers/Coaches, Players and Players’ Parents/Guardians adhere to the following policies of the National Youth Sports Coaches’ Association.

 NYSCA Coaches’ Code of Ethics

I hereby pledge to follow this Coaches’ Code of Ethics.

I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.

I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.

I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.

I will promise to review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players.

I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.

I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players

I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to my players.

I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for each of the skills that I teach. I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for children and not adults.

Parents’ Code of Ethics

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics.

I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports event.

I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win.

I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.

I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.

I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

I will remember that the game is for youth-not for adults.

I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.

I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect, regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.

I will help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectable fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation.

I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches’ Code of Ethics.

Players’ Code of Ethics

I hereby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience and accept responsibility for my participation by following this Players’ Code of Ethics.

I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.

I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coaches if I cannot.

Except when a different rule applies, as in the case of a travel team, I will expect to receive a fair and equal amount of playing time.

I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.

I will treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.

I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun.

I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it’s important to me.

I will do my very best in school.

I will remember that sports are an opportunity to learn and have fun.

2011 Season

In a continuing effort to ensure that all participants in GRBA activities have a safe, fun and enriching experience, we ask that you be familiar with and adhere to the following guidelines:

	Be on time in delivering and picking up your player from all activities. This will make it easier for the managers and coaches who are volunteering their time. Talk to your player about safety in crossing streets and driveways and when in parking lots. Please also obey all posted instructions and warnings regarding traffic and use of the fields and facilities. Instruct your player that the managers and coaches are in charge of all practices and games and that their directions must be followed. This will increase everyone’s fun and learning.

Adhere to the following guidelines regarding equipment:

• Baseballs and Softballs.  Be aware of the types of balls that are used at your player’s level of play.  At the younger levels of play, the GRBA has elected to utilize reduced injury factor baseballs and softballs, and a fairly large quantity of these has been provided to managers/coaches.  Please do not permit your player to bring other balls to practices or games unless they meet the appropriate specifications.
• Helmets.  Players may utilize a personal helmet as long as it fits properly and bears the “NOSCME” logo.  Each equipment box at each field has been stocked with chinstraps.   Encourage your player to use these.
• Chest Protectors for Batters. Each field box except for the Senior Leagues has been stocked with a “flak jacket” to protect players from rib-related injuries. Encourage your player to use these.
• Bats.  Again, certain levels of play restrict the types of bats that may be used by your player.  Baseball bats for Tee Ball, Pee Wee, Junior and Pony leagues must bear the “Approved Little League” logo.  Softball bats must bear the “Approved Little League” logo or the “Amateur Softball Association” logo.  Approved bats are provided to managers and coaches at the T-Ball and PeeWee levels.  Bats for use in the Senior League must meet one of the two following criteria:  1) The “Little League” endorsement; or 2) BESR (Ball Exit Speed Ratio) certification.
• Footwear.  Cleats are not required.  When worn, all cleats must be plastic molded. No metal spikes are permitted.
• Cups. Your player should be strongly encouraged to wear protective cups and supporters (supporters and cups for girls are available) for games and practices.  Hard cups are required for catchers.
•  Be aware of weather conditions.  In warmer weather, please provide sunscreen and a water bottle with sufficient capacity.  Also, instruct your player regarding the hazards of and proper behavior when the weather conditions include the threat or presence of lightning.
• Glasses. Players who wear glasses must have safety lenses or goggles
• Mouthpieces.  Mouthpieces are available and should be considered for all players, especially those who wear braces or other dental appliances.
• Stay on bench. Instruct your player that they must be on the bench when they are not at bat, on deck, or in the field. All on-deck players must utilize the safety batting cages where available and, if safety cages are not available in the Pony and Senior Leagues only, behind the backstop.

You should also be aware of other types of safety equipment you canpurchase for your player. While the GRBA does not mandate these items, these items are available at or through most sporting goods retailers.  You should discuss any questions you may have on them with your player’s manager, or with any member of the GRBA Safety Committee. 

• Sliding Pants – These items protect the hips and upper legs from abrasions caused by sliding into bases.  They are recommended for players in the Senior Leagues.
• Knee Pads – These items protect knees from abrasions caused by sliding into bases.
• Elbow Protectors for Batters – These items protect the front elbow and part of the arm from a thrown baseball or softball.
• Foot Protectors for Batters – These items protect the front foot from a batted ball hitting the ankle area.