PLYMOUTH LITTLE LEAGUE Code of Conduct

Plymouth Little League (PLL) exists to provide a safe, fun, and character-building experience for every child who participates.

Little League Baseball is a program of service to youth, dedicated to helping children become good citizens through teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play.

All adults share responsibility for upholding that mission.

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, including managers, coaches, players, parents, guardians, and spectators, at every PLL game, practice, and league event, regardless of location.

Registration is not complete, and no volunteer shall be approved until this form has been signed and returned.

Violations of this Code are taken seriously. Plymouth Little League maintains a formal disciplinary process to ensure every situation is handled consistently and fairly.

Consequences range from a written warning to removal from the league, depending on the nature and severity of the conduct.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT | ALL PARTICIPANTS

Every participant, regardless of role, is expected to:

• Treat all players, coaches, umpires, officials, and spectators with respect at all times;
• Refrain from the use of profane, abusive, discriminatory, or threatening language;
• Refrain from any physical contact intended to intimidate, harm, or threaten any person;
• Comply with directions from umpires, Board Members on Duty, and league officials;
• Refrain from possessing or consuming alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances at any PLL facility, game, or practice.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CODE IS VIOLATED

Plymouth Little League has a formal disciplinary process to address conduct violations fairly and consistently.

The Disciplinary Committee reviews incidents and determines appropriate action based on the seriousness of the behavior and any prior history.

Step	Consequence
Written Warning	Issued for a first or minor violation. The warning is documented in the individual's record and serves as notice that further violations will result in more serious action.
Game Suspension	Issued for a second violation, a moderate first offense, or any ejection. The individual is suspended from one to three games or practices. Any ejection by an umpire automatically results in suspension from the following game.
Extended Suspension	Issued for repeated violations or a serious first offense, such as threats, aggressive behavior, or abusive conduct directed at a player. Suspension of four or more games, up to and including the remainder of the season.
Removal from League	Reserved for the most serious conduct, including physical assault, credible threats of violence, or behavior the Board determines is incompatible with a safe environment for children. Requires a formal Board vote.

Participants subject to an extended suspension or removal may submit a written appeal to the League President within 48 hours of receiving notice.

The full Board of Directors will review the appeal within 7 days.

PARENT AND GUARDIAN PLEDGE

As a parent or guardian of a player registered with Plymouth Little League, I understand that youth sports exist to benefit the children.

I pledge to support that mission by agreeing to the following:

1. I will not force my child to participate and will remember that the game is for the youth, not the adults.
2. I will be a positive role model, demonstrating respect and courtesy toward all players, coaches, umpires, officials, and spectators.
3. I will remain in designated spectator areas during games and will not approach the dugout, field, or umpires during play.
4. I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct, including booing, taunting, profane language, or refusing to shake hands.
5. I will not coach players during games unless I am a rostered coach on the team.
6. I will direct concerns about calls, playing time, or coaching to the appropriate coach after the game, never during it and never in front of players.
7. I will support all players with positive encouragement, regardless of team affiliation.
8. I will teach my child that effort, sportsmanship, and doing one's best matter more than winning, and that respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and umpires is non-negotiable.
9. I will model and reinforce good behavior at all times, understanding that my child is watching and learning.
10. I will maintain a sports environment free from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances and will refrain from their use at all PLL events and facilities.
11. I understand that violations of this Code may result in my removal from PLL events and, in serious cases, may affect my child's continued participation.

I have read and understand the Plymouth Little League Code of Conduct and agree to abide by its standards.

MANAGER AND COACH PLEDGE

As a manager or coach in Plymouth Little League, I understand that I am a role model for every child in this program.

I pledge to uphold the following standards:

1. I will model sportsmanship and ethical conduct at all times, recognizing that players learn by example.
2. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of players above any personal desire to win.
3. I will never argue with, berate, or show disrespect toward umpires, and will seek rule clarification through proper protest procedures only.
4. I will never use physical punishment, public humiliation, or demeaning language with players.
5. I will not consume alcohol or use tobacco products before, during, or after any game, practice, or league event at the facility.
6. I will address unsportsmanlike conduct by parents on my team promptly and directly.
7. I will report any conduct violation or ejection to the Board Member on Duty in writing within 24 hours.
8. I will treat each player as an individual, mindful of the wide range of emotional and physical development within any age group.

I have read and understand the Plymouth Little League Code of Conduct and agree to abide by its standards.