SYRACUSE CHALLENGER BASEBALL

CODE OF CONDUCT

Our league grows every year, and managing the success of the largest special needs league in the country takes a huge amount of effort from volunteers, coaches, and directors. As the league gets bigger, we are trying to put in place clear protocols and expectations so that everyone can have a good experience on our fields. If we all have patience with each other and look out for our players, we know we can continue to build this amazing community. Our players have all kinds of disabilities, and we welcome the wide variety of challenges that our families face. We hope you will read these guidelines so that you and your player have clear expectations about what it means to be a part of Challenger Baseball.

The Program Directors of Challenger Baseball, a Division of District 8 Little League, have implemented the following Code of Conduct to establish clear expectations regarding the proper role of coaches, volunteers, parents, caregivers, mentors, and any other individual arranged by a parent, guardian, or caregiver to assist players, as well as the behavior we encourage from all of our players.

Parents, guardians, caregivers, and players should review this form prior to participating in our league. All parents, guardians, mentors, and caregivers are expected to abide by and follow all protocols, rules, and requirements listed in this Code of Conduct. The responsibility of parents, guardians, mentors, and caregivers under this Code of Conduct extends, without reservation, to any and all individuals arranged by the parent, guardian, mentor, or caregiver to assist the player during participation.

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles:

• Trustworthiness
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Fairness
• Caring
• Good Citizenship

The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

If my player needs assistance, I will be on the field assisting my player at all times.

I understand that the coach(es) cannot be responsible for every player’s actions at all times, and I will offer to help out on the team.

I assume responsibility for supervising my player and any other family members in attendance. Whether it is my player playing on the field or my other children on the sidelines, I will make sure my player and children are supervised at all times and respect all others around us. At no time will I leave a child unsupervised, and that includes on any playground associated with our fields.

I will provide encouragement and applaud the positive efforts and accomplishments of my player and his/her teammates.

I will encourage my player not to become physically or verbally aggressive toward other players, parents, mentors, and/or volunteers. If it does happen, I will immediately intervene and respect any requests made by the coach to help my player regroup.

I will respect the coaches and other parents/volunteers at all times, along with respecting any decisions that the coaches make on the field. Tough decisions may need to be made to ensure the safety of all members of the team, and I will not encourage other parents to get involved in any decisions regarding a player I am supporting.

I will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behavior or use foul language at any event. Such behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the league.

If I see any behavior that concerns me, I will immediately report it to a coach or administrator.

If a coach or administrator receives a report of behavior by an adult that puts any of our players in harm’s way, the administrators reserve the right to ask the adult to leave the fields while the report is investigated.

I will teach my player that doing one’s best and being a part of a team is the most important part of our games, so that he/she understands that effort and teamwork are more important than the outcome of any individual play. I will praise my player and other players for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my player and other players feel encouraged.

I will respect all of the facilities and clean up after myself and my player.

I understand that my player must be at 7 games in order to receive a trophy at the end-of-year banquet. Players with extended absences due to injury or illness that are communicated to the coach may be eligible to receive a trophy at the discretion of the league.

PHOTOS

I understand that pictures and videos will be taken of all players during games. If I would prefer not to have my player’s pictures displayed on marketing materials, Facebook, or the league’s website, I will immediately let the coach know.

The league cannot control or monitor photos or videos taken by other parents, caregivers, spectators, or visitors at games. If I do not want my child’s likeness used in photos or videos posted online by others, it is my responsibility to respectfully ask the person taking the photo or video not to use or share my child’s likeness in online posts.

SERVICE DOGS

I will respect that players with special needs may have fears associated with pets and will only bring official service dogs to the fields. If asked by a coach or Program Director, I will remove a dog or another pet because I understand that players with autism or other disabilities may run from the pet. That action may cause the dog or pet to chase after the player. If the league asks a dog owner to remove the dog more than once, the owner will be ejected from the league.

SMOKING

There is no smoking on or near the field at any time. The league creates a sports environment for players that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.

GRADUATING FROM THE JUNIOR LEAGUE

Players who are 15 years of age or older on Opening Day will have the opportunity to move from the Junior League to either the Senior League or Adult League. In some cases, players younger than 15 may also be moved to the Senior or Adult League based on their size, maturity, and ability to safely participate at that level of play. All players must graduate from the Junior League by age 17.

We understand that change and transitions can be difficult for many of our players. At the same time, graduating players to the Senior and Adult Leagues allows us to welcome new players into the Junior League and provide them with the opportunity to play.

We ask families to prepare their players as much as possible for this transition and to work with their coach to help explain the change and why it is necessary.

Placement in the Senior League will be determined by the Senior League coaches and Program Directors based on the player’s ability to participate safely, follow coaching direction, remain engaged in the game, and meet the expectations of the Senior League.

Players who prefer to continue playing in a less competitive environment, where strikes and outs are not called, every player receives an opportunity to bat, and there is less emphasis on fielding, will be placed in the Adult League.

The goal of graduation is to find the league that best meets each player’s abilities and needs while allowing Syracuse Challenger Baseball to continue providing opportunities for new players.

SENIOR LEAGUE

The Senior League provides a more advanced level of baseball and is designed for players who are ready to follow the direction of coaches and remain actively engaged throughout the game.

Players in the Senior League are expected to:

• Follow the direction and rules established by coaches and league administrators.
• Understand that strikes and outs are called in the Senior League.
• Remain attentive and engaged while playing in the infield or outfield, including watching the batter and following the trajectory of the ball when it is in play.
• Remain engaged and follow the expectations of the game while in the dugout.
• Respect all coaches, administrators, fellow players, and volunteers.
• Demonstrate maturity and good sportsmanship when decisions, calls, or outcomes do not go their way, and accept the direction of coaches and administrators appropriately.
• Demonstrate behavior that allows everyone to participate safely and enjoy the game.

The safety and well-being of every player is the league’s highest priority. If a coach or Senior League administrator determines that a player’s behavior or ability to follow directions creates a safety concern, the player may be moved to the Adult League. A player may also be transferred to the Adult League at any time if they are no longer able to consistently follow the rules and direction of the coaches and administrators.

Any decision regarding a player’s placement in the Senior League or Adult League will be made by the Senior League administrators. The decision of the Senior League administrators is final.

ADULT LEAGUE

Players in the Adult League play under the same basic game structure as the Junior League, with no strikes or outs called. Assistance from mentors and/or caregivers with batting, base running, fielding, and other aspects of the game is expected when needed. Safety is the number one priority of the league. Mentors and/or caregivers are expected to assist their players with the game. Challenger Baseball does not operate as a “drop-off” facility for adult players.

SAFETY

If a player poses a risk to any other player or if playing the game may cause injury to that player, the league directors, in consultation with the coaching staff, have the ability to move or dismiss players from the league regardless of the league rules stated above. All decisions by the league directors will be final and binding.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND PRIVACY PROTECTION

It is understood that we use social media as a positive outlet to promote players, teammates, teams, and others involved in Syracuse Challenger Baseball. Our league has a page on Facebook for members to interact with. Posting photos and acknowledging individual, league, and team performances on social media makes many aware of the positivity of our league and achievements. Proper use of social media is encouraged and embraced wherever and whenever possible to further promote our League.

It is your responsibility to be respectful at all times on social media. You are expected to show the same respect and regard for people that you would when playing, officiating, coaching, or attending a baseball game. Always assume the person you are talking or writing about will see what has been said or written. Make every reasonable effort to ensure that comments and information shared are accurate and not misleading.

Do not use social media to harass, bully, threaten, demean, or make disparaging comments about teammates, coaches, administrators, volunteers, or spectators. Negative comments and images, bullying, threats, personal attacks, and sexist remarks can be dangerous and harmful to people’s well-being and reputation, along with the image of our players, coaches, volunteers, spectators, and administrators.

It is understood that we as individuals are responsible when using social media and that action can be taken against the violating individual. In the instance of minors breaching the Code of Conduct, their parents will be alerted to the situation.

We do not tolerate or condone poor social media behavior or actions. If you are aware of or observe poor social media behavior or actions, do not accept it. There is no place for it and it will not be condoned. If you believe the breach is serious, immediately report it to the head coach or to the league administrators.

Consequences

The League reserves the right to discuss any inappropriate or harmful use of social media and other group communications with parents and player representatives. We will take any inappropriate or harmful communication as a serious issue and will work with parties to remove posts or emails. A serious breach can result in a participant, coach, volunteer, mentor, caregiver, family, or audience member being asked to leave the program.

RESTROOMS

Any Challenger player under the age of 15 who needs to use the public restroom at Carrier Park will be accompanied into the restroom by the appropriate parent, caregiver, family member, and/or trusted adult.

Any player needing special assistance over the age of 15 who needs to use the public restroom at Carrier Park shall be accompanied into the restroom by the appropriate parent, caregiver, family member, and/or trusted adult.

If the parent, caregiver, family member, and/or trusted adult is unable to physically accompany the player into the bathroom for any reason, the parent, caregiver, relative, and/or trusted adult should seek out a Challenger administrator or volunteer to assist.

Any failure to implement these restroom protocols shall be immediately brought to the attention of the Challenger Baseball Program Director or Administrators.

Any Challenger parent, caregiver, mentor, relative, and/or trusted adult shall be strongly encouraged to work with fellow Challenger families to monitor and keep an eye on the safety of all of our players while using the public facilities and public restrooms.

PARENTS, GUARDIANS, MENTORS, CAREGIVERS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS

All parents, guardians, mentors, and caregivers are expected to abide by and follow all the protocols, rules, and requirements listed in this Code of Conduct. The responsibility of parents, guardians, mentors, and caregivers under this Code of Conduct extends, without reservation, to any and all individuals arranged by the parent, guardian, mentor, or caregiver to assist the player during participation.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is important to the success of this league. Parents, guardians, caregivers, mentors, coaches, volunteers, and players are expected to respond to league communications in a timely manner when a response is requested.

It is understood that if the above Code of Conduct is not followed, a participant, mentor, caregiver, family, or audience member may be asked to leave the program for the season.

All decisions by the league directors will be final.

Syracuse Challenger Baseball is a volunteer organization, and family involvement is critical to making our league a success for everyone involved.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND RELEASE

By signing this Agreement electronically or otherwise, I understand and agree to the following:

Assumption of Risk

I understand that participation in or attendance at any league-related activity, event, practice, game, program, class, instruction, or use of facilities involves inherent risks. These risks may include, but are not limited to, personal injury, illness, property damage, or other harm.

I acknowledge that these risks may occur whether I am a participant, parent/guardian, volunteer, spectator, or otherwise present at any League or Team activity or facility. I voluntarily choose to participate or be present and assume all risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the ordinary negligence of the League or Team.

These risks may include, but are not limited to:

• Use of sports or recreational equipment that may malfunction or break
• Improper or negligent maintenance of facilities or equipment
• Negligent instruction, supervision, coaching, officiating, or training
• Slips, trips, or falls on League or Team premises
• Dangerous or defective conditions on property used for League or Team activities

Release and Waiver of Liability

On behalf of myself, my spouse, my children, heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, and assigns, I hereby release and forever discharge the League and Team, including their owners, trustees, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, affiliates, successors, and assigns (“Releasees”) from any and all claims or causes of action arising out of ordinary negligence related to participation in or presence at any League or Team activity or facility.

This release does not apply to acts of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, to the extent prohibited by law.

I understand that the League and Team provide recreational services and are not engaged in the business of selling or distributing sports or exercise equipment, and that use of such equipment is incidental to participation.

Indemnification

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any loss, liability, damage, or cost (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from my participation in or presence at any League or Team activity or facility.

Communicable Disease

I acknowledge that participation in League activities may expose me or my child to communicable diseases, including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, COVID-19, and any variants thereof. I understand these risks may be serious or life-threatening.

I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks of illness or injury related to communicable diseases, even if arising from the ordinary negligence of the Releasees.

I agree to follow all League rules and safety guidelines. If I observe any unsafe condition, I will promptly remove myself or my child from participation and notify a League official.

Acknowledgment and Understanding

I acknowledge that:

• I have carefully read this Agreement.
• I fully understand that it is a release of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnification agreement.
• By signing, I am giving up legal rights, including the right to bring a claim against the League or Team for ordinary negligence.
• No oral statements or representations have been made that alter this Agreement.

If any portion of this Agreement is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

MINOR PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT (UNDER AGE 18)

I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor participant and that I have read and explained this Agreement to my child/ward in a manner appropriate to their understanding, including the risks involved and the importance of following rules and instructions.

I consent to my child’s participation and agree on behalf of myself, my spouse, and my child/ward to release, waive, indemnify, and hold harmless Syracuse Challenger Baseball and all Releasees from any and all claims arising from my child’s participation, even if arising from ordinary negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

This Code of Conduct will be agreed upon using the GameChanger and SportsConnect signup pages.