All parents and players participating in the Rogers - Otsego Youth Baseball Association need to adhere to the code of conduct policy.

Preface

We, Rogers-Otsego Area Youth Baseball Association (“ROYBA”) believe that youth baseball plays an important role in promoting the physical, social and emotional development of players. To help achieve this goal we have implemented a Code of Conduct for Coaches, Players, Parents and Spectators. This Code is designed to enhance the player's experience and maximize their ability to learn and enjoy the great game of baseball. We believe that sincere efforts to honor the words of this Code will improve the quality of our program.

I understand that as a Coach, Player, Parent and Spectator, I must act in accord with the following Code of Conduct:

• Always keep the best interest and well-being of the children as the highest priority.
• Stress fair play and good sportsmanship during practices and in games whether winning or losing. Don’t engage in or allow trash-talking, taunting, boastful celebrations, or other actions that demean individuals or the sport. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
• Positive Coaching-use positive coaching methods to make the experience enjoyable, increase self-esteem and foster a love and appreciation for the sport. Refrain from physical or psychological intimidation, verbal abuse, and conduct that is demeaning to athletes, parents or others. No profanity is allowed!
• Effort and Teamwork-encourage your athletes to think and play as a team, to do their best and continually improve through personal effort and discipline. Discourage selfishness and put less emphasis on the final outcome, than upon effort, improvement, teamwork, and winning character.
• Rules-maintain a thorough knowledge of the rules and ensure that your athletes understand and follow the rules.
• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain the game rules and the acceptable player and parent behavior.
• Coaches shall model inclusive behavior, actively supporting cultural diversity while opposing all types of discrimination, including but not limited to, racism, sexism and physical abilities.
• Always remember, it's not about winning but developing mature and well-adjusted children.
• Make it fun — if it's not fun, re-evaluate how you are teaching.
• Provide positive reinforcement and build esteem — every practice, every game.
• Remember, attitude is learned, both positive and negative.
• Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the umpire.
• After the game, thank the umpire and ask your players to do the same.

Zero Tolerance Policy for Coaches, Players, Parents and Spectators

All individuals responsible for a team and all spectators shall support the umpire. Failure to do so will undermine the umpire's authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for everyone involved. Consequently, ROYBA has adopted the following rules:

• Coaches may ask questions before the game, request clarification of a rule/call, call for substitutions, point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the umpire if addressed.
• NO YELLING at the umpire, EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, foul language, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.
• Offenders at games may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action.

I hereby agree that if I fail to conform my conduct to the foregoing while coaching, playing or supporting baseball for ROYBA I will be subject to the following disciplinary procedures and penalties:

Disciplinary Procedures and Penalties: ROYBA League Commissioners or Board of Directors has the right to remove any coach, player, parent or spectator from a game or practice that does not abide to the ROYBA Code of Conduct. Once an alleged violation is reported to ROYBA, the following procedures will take place:

1. The Commissioner/Board will conduct an investigation into the alleged violation and verify details of the allegation, including interviewing the person or persons who have made the report, as well as any witnesses who may have observed the incident. Each party will have 5 days to respond.
2. The Commissioner/Board, at its discretion, may suspend a coach, player, parent or spectator from participation in league activities while they investigate the allegation.
3. The Commissioner/Board will determine if disciplinary action should be taken based on the findings of the investigation, the nature and severity of the offense, and on whether this represents a repeat offense.
4. If a coach, player, parent or spectator is found in violation of the Code of Conduct, they will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following penalties in any order or combination:

• Official warning/reprimand- In writing, a letter that gives notice that an action or conduct will not be tolerated by ROYBA and the offender is made aware that future violations of the Code of Conduct will bring more severe penalties.
• Suspension-While on suspension the person may not participate in any ROYBA practice, game or event. Suspension periods may last from a period of one week to one year.
• Upon completion of a suspension, the offender will be given a probation period to be determined. A person on probation that commits the same offense will be assessed a minimum of one week suspension and additional disciplinary action may be taken.
• Ban- A person may be banned when the violation is severe or is a continual occurrence that would involve the emotional or physical safety of players, parents or other persons associated with the team, association or league. When a person is banned that person may not attend or be on any property or location that is under the control of ROYBA. Banned periods may last from a period of one week to a lifetime ban.

Appeal Process: If an offender disagrees with the penalty issued they have (7) seven days to submit in writing to the ROYBA Board of Directors requesting a formal hearing. A formal hearing shall then take place no longer than 30 days from the date of request. A committee of three Directors, separate from the League Commissioner, shall sit at the appeal hearing. The decision of the ROYBA Board of Directors is final and binding. No further appeals will be available to the offender.

Appeal Hearing: Shall be set within 30 days from date of the appeal request. The committee of 3 Board of Directors from ROYBA shall commence the appeal hearing (the Directors will be free of conflict of the parties appearing). The appeal hearing shall last 60 minutes. The location of the hearing will be decided upon by ROYBA. The appellant may provide testimony, witnesses or documents at the hearing. A final decision will be returned to the appellant no longer than 5 days after the appeal hearing.

Due to the large size of our leagues and continued increase in registrations, we are no longer allowing house players to "play up" to a different grade level EXCEPT for the Majors league  (2nd-4th grade).

Please register for the league that corresponds to your "current grade".

ROYBA is affiliated with MYAS/ Gopher State thus will follow the bat standards outlined by this governing organization.

MYAS/Gopher State Baseball Standards and Guidelines >>>   http://www.myas.org/baseball/guidelines-for-organizations/

MYAS/Gopher State Baseball Bat Standards >>>http://www.myas.org/baseball/gopher-state-baseball-league/gopher-state-baseball-resource-center/bat-standards/

If you have any questions about which is the right bat to purchase for your child, check out this link from Dick's Sporting Goods >>>  https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/baseball/choosing-the-right-baseball-bat