Preamble
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, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character."

All involved agree that they:

1.   Will not force any child to participate in little league if the child doesn’t want to play.
2.   Will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youths, not adults.
3.   Will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of any child or the safety of others.
4.   Will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5.   Will be a positive role model for all children and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game and practice.
6.   All involved in Washingtonville Little League 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.   Will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.
8.   Will teach all children to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9.   Will demand that children treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
10.  Will teach children that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that children will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
11.  Will praise children for competing fairly and trying hard, and make children feel like winners every time.
12.  Will never ridicule or yell at participants for making a mistake or losing a game.
13.  Will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit children over winning. I will also de-emphasize competition in the lower age groups. (T-Ball, International)
14.  Will promote the emotional and physical well being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15.  Will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront opposing coaches about that authority at the game field.
16.  Will demand a sports environment for the children that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and all will refrain from their use at all little league events.
17.  That all parents refrain from coaching their child or other players during games and practices, unless they are one of the official coaches of the team.

 

John Ross