CODE OF CONDUCT 

Code of conduct

Players, coaches, managers, umpires and all spectators have an obligation to conduct themselves in a reasonable manner at all times during and after a game.

Certain conduct will not be tolerated by the BCFPL organization, and each member organization should discuss the following rules and procedures with their members to be used as a guideline.

1.   We must all keep in mind that the games of recreational baseball and softball are supposed to be enjoyed by everyone. The purpose of the game is for the kids to have fun and for the coaches/managers to teach as much as they can about the game to all the players on the team. The umpires are there to call the game as they see it, not how we see it, and should not be subjected to abuse and ridicule when we do not agree with their judgment.

2.     Coaches/managers should know and follow the rules for their respective level of play.   Reading the rules for your league and attending the meetings of this organization can only accomplish this. You cannot teach the rules to the players if you do not take the time to learn them yourself.

3.     Coaches/Managers must lead by example. Encourage good sportsmanship and respect for the opposing teams and the umpires.

4.     THINK before you speak. How and what you say before, during and after a game can cause hurt feelings and/or cause friction between the players, coaches, managers, umpires and a community.

  5. Managers/Coaches must lead by example and should caution any player whenever they hear any comments that might generate hard feelings.

6.     DO NOT argue judgment calls made by an umpire. Remember, they can only call the game as they see it. Don't expect them to be perfect because none of us are. If an umpire is consistently bad in his calls, let your District representative know so that he/she can bring it to the attention of the BCFPL commissioner

7.     The manager is the only individual allowed to communicate with the umpire.  That communication should be in a civil manner.

If you disagree with a technical rule call made by an umpire, you must inform the Umpire. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, then have the umpire let the other Manager know that you are playing the rest of the game under protest and have it noted in the scorebook. Have the umpire sign it. You must make your protest at the time of the infraction.

8.     DO NOT speak to the opposing players or their fans in a negative or insulting manner.

9.     DO NOT direct chatter at opposing players.

10.   DO NOT allow negative chatter.

11.   DO NOT throw equipment.

12.   DO NOT use foul and abusive Language.

13.   DO NOT show fits of temper if a call does not go your way or if a player makes a mistake.

14.   DO NOT do anything that would create a spectacle, such as:

        Excessively loud or continuous chanting, screaming, hollering, use of cowbells or air horns.  You may cheer for your team but not against your opponents.

15.   DO NOT speak in an abusive fashion to a player, including your own son/daughter.  Remember, they are there to enjoy the GAME.

16.   Managers are responsible for the actions of the fans from their side. If unable to control a fan, the manager must attempt to contact the local authorities. If the matter is not corrected, the umpire can forfeit the game against the team where the fan is from: 

17.   If the umpire ejects an opposing manager or coach, it is the responsibility of the    opposing manager or coach to contact BCFPL Commissioner to inform of the ejection, (Same day). Umpires must contact the Head of Umpires the same day as well. 

Violations of the above rules are grounds for ejection from a game. An umpire may determine that other actions may constitute grounds for ejection of a player, coach, manager or fan.

IT IS AGREED that if a coach or manager were ejected from a game, he/she will serve an additional (1) game suspension in the next game (regular or post season).

If a player is ejected from a game, he/she will be given a warning from the Discipline Committee the first time. If another ejection occurs, that player will then be issued an additional (1) game suspension the next game (regular or post season).

If another ejection occurs after serving a (1) game suspension, that player, coach or manager will be banned by the BCFPL for the remainder of that year (regular or post season).

If that person is banned a second time, he/she will no longer be allowed to participate in any BCFPL function.

                         APPEAL OF A SUSPENSION

A player, coach or manager may appeal a suspension if one of the following occurred:

(a)    The umpire who ruled on the ejection testified that his decision was incorrect.

(b)    Proof that there were circumstances that were unknown to the umpire at the time the ejection was made, such as:

Umpire ejects player "A" for use of foul language and later player "B" admits that he was the one using foul language and not player "A". Player "B" would be issued the warning on the first offense and/or suspension, whichever would apply.

POLICY TO GOVERN SERIOUS INCIDENT

We will have to handle each incident on a case-by-case basis.

Any manager that believes he/she has a complaint involving a player or manager that warrants discipline must notify BCFPL commissioners 

The opposing manager should notify his BCFPL representative in order to provide him/her with their version of the incident.

The complaining manager must provide his BCFPL representative with a statement providing all the facts along with any witnesses to the incident.

It will be the responsibility of the BCFPL representative of the complaining manager to meet with or provide a copy of the statement to the BCFPL Commissioner as soon as possible.

BCFPL will convene a meeting regarding the issue at hand within a two-week period after the incident.

It will be the responsibility of the involved organizations to arrange for any witnesses to attend.

After hearing the case, BCFPL will decide whether any discipline should be imposed and advise all concerned.

The matter will be discussed at the next BCFPL meeting to hopefully avoid any future incidents.