EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2023
Coaching a youth sports program is a privilege that is not to be taken for granted. As a coach,
appointed by the MBC Board of Directors, you have an important role in the development of
the young children in our community. We strive to teach each child the positive values of
trust, good sportsmanship, good citizenship, responsibility, respect, fair play, and teamwork
– values they can use throughout their lives. Sports embody the discipline of teamwork.
They challenge players towards the perfection of physical skills and bring into play the
excitement of tactics and strategy. The very nature of sports also teaches that while every
player eventually strikes out, performs poorly, or is on a losing team, there is always another
chance for success in the next game. With this in mind,d MBC expects each coach to adhere to
the following Code of Conduct:
Sportsmanship
- I will promote good sportsmanship, teach good sports skills, and have fun in the process.
- I realize, accept, and will practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its
playing ability but also on its sportsmanship, courtesy, and manner. - I understand that physical or verbal abuse of an official, coach, player, or spectator,
including obscene gestures, will not be tolerated, and the offender may be removed from
the sport’s facilities at the discretion of an umpire/referee/official or MBC board member. - I understand coaches will refrain from complaining about perceived bad calls to players
and fans. - I understand all discussions will be held in conversational tones. Under no circumstances
will a coach, fan, or player yell at an umpire, coach, fan, or player. The lone exception to this
rule is when a coach or player shouts to another coach or teammate during the course of a
play as part of that play. - I understand profanity is expressly forbidden at all times at any athletic complex.
- I understand alcoholic beverages and the use of illicit drugs are prohibited at all games,
including events outside any sports-related complex where players and their families are
present. - I understand the use of tobacco and vape products at any sporting event is prohibited.
Rules and Policies
- I will know and understand the rules and abide by them (whether local or national). I will
instruct my team members in the rules and coach my team in such a way as to motivate each
player to compete according to the rules at all times. - I will adhere to all League safety guidelines.
- I will understand the local league participation rules for my division. All coaches must
ensure that each player gets minimum opportunities to participate in practice and games.
(Example: Each player will bat and play the field in each game, etc.) - I will fully comply with the Player/Parents Code of Conduct.
- I will review the MBC website on a regular basis to make sure that I am informed of all
updated League and MBC Rules and policies.
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
- I recognize that any sports game has interpretations of the rules, and as a result, disputes
will occur from time to time. However, it is important that players learn respect. All disputes
that are taken up with the umpire/referee/official will be handled in a civil manner. I understand
only coaches may initiate such discussions with an umpire/referee. The coaches will conduct
themselves with decorum and once the umpire/referee/official has made his/her final ruling,
the coaches will make no further field protest. Off-field protests may be lodged with the
Board of Directors. - I understand many of the umpires/referees/officials are “in training” as are most of the
players. I recognize that all umpires/referees/officials will make mistakes occasionally, and as
coach, I will give the umpires/referees/officials the respect their position within the game
deserves. - I will be responsible for caring for equipment, for keys delegated for my use, for the care of
facilities (fields, gym, etc) prior to games, and for cleaning up facilities after games. - I will make sure that all booster’s provided equipment is clean and accounted for when
returned after the season.
Parents and League
- I will maintain an open line of communication with players and their parents. I will be
approachable. When approached by a parent to discuss any issue, I will interact and respond
in a courteous manner. - I will understand and explain the philosophies, goals and objectives, and Codes of Conduct
of the MBC is organized as a recreational league, meant for the enjoyment of all the players. - I will ensure that fans of the team conduct themselves with sportsmanship and maturity at
all times while in attendance at game sites and will assist the officials in maintaining control of
spectators during games. - I will support (through the participation and organization of parents) MBC in fundraising
efforts, concession duty, and volunteering in our community. - I will be courteous to everyone within the MBC organization and respect their
determinations.
Team
- I will conduct practices in an organized manner, with a planned agenda that focuses on
specific skill development appropriate for the skill level of the players. - I will focus on providing instruction commensurate with players’ abilities so all players have
the opportunity to advance their skills toward their full potential, gain confidence and
develop self-esteem, as well as establish a solid foundation for further sports competition. - I will teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in
victory and proud and courteous in defeat. - I understand that coaches are appointed by the league to be responsible for the team’s
actions on the field and to represent the team in communications with the umpires, opposing
teams, and the league. If a coach leaves the field, he shall designate an assistant coach as a
substitute who will then be responsible and held accountable for the coach’s duties.
Non-Game Duties of Coaches
Each coach has considerable duties outside of coordinating practices and managing the
games. Accordingly, if I am a coach, I will adhere to the following as well:
- I will maintain open communication with players and parents to inform them of practices,
games, and other responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner. - I will attend all required coaches’ meetings, and safety clinics unless I am out of town or
have a significant previously made commitment. If I cannot attend, I will ensure that one of
my assistant coaches attends on my behalf. - I will complete, obtain, and submit all League-required paperwork, which will
include Volunteer Applications and background checks. - I understand that I am the point of contact between my team and other teams and MBC
officials. I understand that I am the person that is responsible for my team. I will take my
obligations seriously and communicate effectively and in a courteous manner.
Midway Booster Club has a “zero tolerance” policy for any aggressive or inappropriate
physical contact with any player, coach, umpire/referee/official, parent, fan, or other person
and any breach of this rule is grounds for immediate action, including removal from the
position of Coach, or Board Member these actions are not limited to on-field we must
conduct ourselves in a professional manner.