“PURSUING VICTORY WITH HONOR”

COACH, PLAYER AND PARENT CODE OF ETHICS

It is the Colorado Stampede organization’s belief that the impact of sports can and should enhance the character and embellish the ethics of our community. Therefore we seek to establish a framework of principles of common values that can be adopted and practiced widely. Parents, fans and coaches who follow this simple code can help reinforce what participating in sports is all about.

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and our six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

It is the duty of sports leadership - including coaches, parents, administrators, directors and game officials to promote and foster the principles of good sportsmanship.

Unfortunately, many parents, fans and coaches don’t realize that their actions, verbal or non-verbal, can have a lasting effect on players. Too many athletes are leaving sports activities as a result of adult conduct. In addition, participation in athletic programs is a privilege, not a right. To earn that privilege, athletes must conduct themselves, on and off the field, as positive role models who exemplify good character and sportsmanship.

COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES:

As coach I will set a good example to my player's, in their softball development, by adhering to the following:

• I will never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
• I will impress upon players that they must abide by the written rules of the game. I will also help them understand the core principles of sportsmanship.
• I will be reasonable in my demands on a young player's time, energy, enthusiasm and performance on the field.
• I will develop team respect for, opponents and judgment of umpires and opposing coaches.
• I will ensure that my player's are never yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
• I will keep my attitude and conduct towards officials, players, spectators, parents and coaches controlled and undemonstrative. It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an opposing coach or players before, during or after a game. Coaches must never demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior towards officials, players, parents and opposing team members.
• I will set a good example and be generous with my praise when it is deserved.
• I will keep informed of sound principles of coaching, growth and development.
• I will follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.
• I will communicate to players and parents my philosophy of playing and coaching softball and my expectations for competition, sideline behavior, practice, and issue resolution.
• I will keep coaching in perspective. Softball is a game, and it should be fun.

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Coach's Signature        

PLAYERS RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a player, I will focus on being a team player, by adhering to the following:

• Playing for personal desire. Not just to please my parents or coaches.
• Learn and play by the rules of the game. The rules are made for discipline reasons, team dedication, and communication. No exceptions to the rules will be allowed.
• Be a positive role model by showing sportsmanship. This will be accomplished by demonstrating respect, courtesy and positive support for all players, coaches, parents and officials.
• Controlling my temper. Never arguing with or complaining about, an umpire's calls or decisions. Most of all, I will resist the temptation to retaliate when I feel I've been wronged.
• Concentrate on playing softball with my best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.
• Treat all players, as you would like to be treated.
• Accept responsibility for being to practices and games on time. Always come prepared with your equipment.
• I will play, to the best of my abilities, any position my coach puts me in.
• There are no excuses. (This is the Colorado Stampede motto)

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Player's Signature        

PARENTS RESPONSIBILITES:

I/we agree to set a good example for my/our daughter in their participation as a Colorado Stampede player by adhering to the following:

• I/we will let the coaches' coach: No coaching of any kind from parents or other spectators is allowed. (This will prevent distractions and allow the player to properly focus and concentrate).
• I/we will be a positive role model: Encouraging sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting events.
• I/we will never criticize the umpire or coach openly or directly during or after games.
• I/we will support the program: By getting involved and volunteering, being knowledgeable of the game and rooting for my child, but more importantly all the players on the team.
• I/we will encourage communication between the player and the coach. (This promotes growth by helping my daughter take personal responsibility).
• I/we will foster an environment that enables my daughter to think for herself. (To perform to the best of their abilities, a player needs to focus on parts of the game that they can control (fitness, positioning, decision making, skill, additional training etc).
• I/we will discourage focusing on things out of her control (field conditions, umpires, the weather, an opponent or the out come of the game before it starts).
• I/we will encourage my daughter to always have a positive attitude while playing with the team.
• I/we will not discuss with the manager or coaches issues concerning my daughter's playing time, team strategy, other players etc, during or immediately following the game. (24 hour rule)
• I/we will pay all fees due to the Colorado Stampede.

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Parent/Parents Signature   

FINAL NOTE TO ALL COLORADO STAMPEDE PLAYERS

There is no limit to what a team can accomplish when everyone works as one towards one goal. Softball is a team sport that relies on everyone being good at what they do to be successful. No team wins without the help of everyone!