"24 HOUR RULE" and Code of Conduct
“24 HOUR RULE”
Thompson Little League has adopted the “24 HOUR RULE” Effective 10/28/2024 at our October Board Meeting.
Coaches and parents or guardians of players are encouraged to discuss and work cooperatively to resolve any issues or concerns directly. For parents or guardians, it is important to separate their child's sports development from a practice or game time emotions. For this reason, we’ve adopted the “24 HOUR RULE” which simply states that coaches will not discuss practice, game or situation in a practice or game, until at least 24 hours after the fact. Should the Coach and player’s parent or guardian fail to resolve any disputes, the Coach or player parent or guardian may then contact the [email protected] mailbox to attempt to resolve the matter. We ask that moving forward, no member of the board be contacted directly via phone call or text unless emergent. The rule is intended to promote a more constructive and respectful approach to handling issues.
Here are some tips for using the 24-hour rule:
Remember... At the end of the day, this is youth sports - it is and always will be about the kids, nothing more nothing less. We ask, better yet we implore you to just sit back and enjoy watching your kids have fun, enjoy their sport, and soak it all in.
CODE OF CONDUCT
This is imbedded into the Thompson Little League registration; this is a hard stop and must be reviewed and signed before any players registration is complete.
We, the Thompson Little League, have implemented the following Sport Parent Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of parents in supporting their child in sports. Parents should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in our league.
Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games.
The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles:
The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”
1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators every game, practice or other sporting event.
6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.