WHBL Code of Conduct

“Each of us is a role model for somebody, and if we aren't, we should behave as though we are - cheerful, kind, loving, courteous. Because you can be sure someone is watching and taking deliberate and diligent notes”. Maya Angelou

At the West Hill Baseball League, our goal is to establish an environment that is free of harassment for everyone involved. Harassment takes many forms, but can generally be defined as behaviours, including comments and/or conduct, which are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual or group of individuals or which create an uncomfortable environment.Everyone involved with the League (all players, coaches, umpires, officials, parents, executives and spectators) shall treat everyone else fairly and equitably, with respect at all times, and refrain from discriminating against any player with respect to race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation.

People who create problems seldom do it intentionally. None of us sets out to create a negative experience for anyone else, but we know that it can happen. We fully expect players, coaches, umpires, officials, parents, executives and spectators to exercise self-control at all times and to treat everyone with the utmost respect and dignity.

Following are some guidelines for making our League an even better place to play baseball.

• I will remember that my child plays for his/her enjoyment, not mine. He/she signed up for baseball to develop his/her skills and do his/her best to help his/her team.

• 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 event.

• I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition. I will provide positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.

• I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.

• I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good play/performances by both my child’s team and the opposing team.

• I will remember that child athletes are not miniature professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.

• I will help my child maintain his/her focus on the game / practice by not visiting or approaching the dugout unless requested by the coach.

• I will respect the volunteer coaches, who give their time to provide sport activities for my child, and show appreciation for their efforts.

• I will not have unrealistic expectations, and I will affirm with my child that I enjoy providing the opportunity to play sports, and there are no strings attached.

• I will respect the officials’ decisions or judgement and will encourage participants to do the same. I will remember the only people authorized to communicate directly with the umpires are the two head coaches on the field.

• I will not use offensive language, nor will I harass or abuse, verbally or physically, players, coaches, umpires, officials, parents, executives or other spectators.

• All of us… players, coaches, umpires, officials, parents, executives, spectators… shall exercise self-control at all times, and treat everyone with the utmost respect and dignity.

Also, please note that our League’s umpires, who work the games from T-Ball to Peewee, are mostly young people whose task is to officiate the game on the field. Only the head coach may check with umpires to clarify a call or ruling, and must do so in a respectful manner. Other coaches, players, parents or spectators are not at liberty to question and critique umpires.

Further, umpires should never have to deal with any rude, abusive or otherwise unacceptable behaviour from coaches, players, parents or spectators. We, the adults operating the League, find such behaviour intolerable. The League will take action, up to and including terminating a person’s privilege of attending any WHBL events.

Thank you for helping make our League a better place.