The Wrentham Youth Baseball and Softball Association continues to strive for the highest standards of sportsmanship in baseball and softball. Every participant; whether player, coach, parent, or spectator, has a responsibility to comply with the Zero Tolerance Policy and to behave in a respectable manner.

The Zero Tolerance Policy mandates that anyone attending baseball or softball games, functions or related activities shall act in a respectful and sportsmanship like manner so that baseball and softball will be a desirable and rewarding experience for our children. Disrespectful and/or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.

Loss of self-control is NEVER acceptable.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• All individuals must comply with the Zero Tolerance Policies, By-laws, rules, regulations and policies of all governing bodies.
• In addition, the following are some specific areas of responsibilities.

Coaches

• Mutual respect of umpires, coaches and opposition.
• Strict control of players both on and off the field.

Players

• Strict and complete self-control both on and off the fields at all WYBSA events.
• Mutual respect of umpires, coaches and opposition.

Parents

• Mutual respect of umpires, coaches, players, opposition, parents and spectators.
• Absolute self-control.
• Work with umpires, coaches, and league and organization personnel to assure a positive experience for all.

Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Policy

Coach, Player and Club understand and agree that the best interests of the Coach, Player and Club as well as the League are vitally dependent upon the elimination of any and all use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco by a Player; abuse of alcohol and any and all use of drugs by a Coach. Coaches or Players therefore warrant that at no time during the term of the season will he or she abuse alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Coach or Player further agree to abide by the Board of Director’s policy regarding alcohol, drugs and tobacco, their sale, purchase, use, possession and physical detection, which may be promulgated and modified from time to time and shall be published to the Club and all Coaches and Players. Coach or Player agrees that the WYBSA Board of Directors shall have the power and absolute discretion to suspend or terminate any Coach or Player for a violation of this policy. The Board of Director’s finding and decision shall be binding and conclusive on all parties. Coach or Player hereby releases WYBSA and waives every claim he/she may have against WYBSA, coaches, officers and directors, the Commissioner and/or League for damages and for all claims and demands arising out of, or in connection with, the decision of this matter by the Board of Directors.

Zero Tolerance Classifications

Class A - Inappropriate verbal or non-verbal abuse not covered in Class B or Class C during WYBSA, Cal Ripken / Babe Ruth sanctioned events, and any WYBSA related function and/or team activity.

Class B – Confrontation, verbal or non-verbal reaction to specific events or triggers during WYBSA or Cal Ripken / Babe Ruth sanctioned events, and any WYBSA or Cal Ripken / Babe Ruth related function and/or team activity.

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Open disputing or arguing with the decision of an umpire, coach, spectator or player whether on or off the field. Discussion of said decisions is encouraged to the extent that it is constructive and non-threatening and helps to resolve current and potential issues.
• Obscene or vulgar language or the use of a physical act that is vulgar or obscene, racial or swearing.
• Visual or verbal sign(s) of dissatisfaction with any umpire, coach or administrator’s decision.
• Encouraging abusive or unsportsmanlike behavior in any player, coach, umpire, or spectator.
• Taunting or ridiculing of umpires, coaches, players, or spectators.
• Throwing of any object directed at a spectator or at a person in the playing area (including dugout area) on the field that create the potential for a safety hazard or issue.
• Intentional physical contact using the body or any other instrument
• Not stopping Zero Tolerance conduct once advised to do so.
• Not voluntarily leaving a facility once advised to do so by any umpire or league official

Class C - Complete loss of self control during WYBSA, Cal Ripken / Babe Ruth sanctioned events, or any WYBSA or Cal Ripken / Babe Ruth related function and/or team activity.

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Intentional physical contact (intended to intimidate) using the body or any other instrument.
• Off-field physical violence or fighting, or abusive physical contact while the person is upset or angry.
• Threats of any nature.
• Returning to facility after being ejected.
• Any actions that require the use of third parties to control the conduct or situation, such as an umpire, league officials, or security personnel.

Violations

Penalties listed are the minimum and may be more severe, as in the case of aggravating circumstances or multiple offenses. Suspensions and any appeals must comply with WYBSA By-laws, Rules and Regulations.

Classifications

Class A Violation

• First offense:
  • 1 game suspension for any player, parent or spectator
  • 2 game minimum suspension for any coach with right of appeal.
• Second offense
  • 2 game suspension for player, parent or spectator
  • 4 game minimum suspension for any coach with right of appeal.
• Third offense
  • Suspension for the remainder of the season

Class B Violation

• First Offense:
  • 3 game minimum suspension for any player, parent or spectator
  • 5 game minimum for any coach with right of appeal.
• Second Offense
  • Suspension for the remainder of the season.

Class C Violation

• Minimum 1 year suspension without right of appeal.

Drug Violation

• 1st Offense
  • One year suspension plus mandatory drug counseling.
• 2nd Offense
  • Permanent suspension from WYBSA and forfeiture of all fees paid.

Alcohol/Tobacco Violation

• 1st Offense
  • Three game suspension.
• 2nd Offense
  • One year suspension.
• 3rd Offense
  • Permanent suspension from the WYBSA and forfeiture of all fees paid.

Appeals

Appeals of any WYBSA decision may be made to the Board of Directors. The appeal must be submitted to the President of the WYBSA, in writing, within two (2) calendar days of the Committee’s decision.