Knox County Parks and Recreation sanctioned sports programs are administered with the highest level of sportsmanship and management. The six pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS! are fundamental to all programs, and all participants and spectators are held to those standards.

 In the unfortunate instance of a departure from these principles, the following policies will apply:

Incident/Behavior	Penalty
•    Falsifying an Incident Report, Player Registration Form, or Birth Certificate with exaggerated, misleading, or untruthful information.   •    Ejection from game by an umpire or referee.   •    Verbal confrontation between coaches, parents, spectators, players, scorekeepers, trainers, field directors, security officers, umpires, and/or referees.   •          Destruction of property.	Coaches: Minimum suspension for seven days or the next regularly scheduled or tournament game; no contact with players and/or other coaches during practice or games. Second Offense: Maximum of one-year suspension from all sports. Third Offense: Maximum of expulsion from coaching all Knox County sports. Participants and Spectators: A minimum suspension of attending the next regularly scheduled game to a maximum of suspension for remainder of the season.
• Physical contact or the threat of violence between coaches, players, parents, spectators, and/or game officials.	Coaches: Minimum suspension of seven days to a maximum expulsion from coaching all Knox County sports. Participants and Spectators: Minimum suspension from next game to maximum of one year.

Other Coach and Participant Policies
 

Transfers

•    No more than three participants from the same team may transfer from one program to another unless approved by Knox County Parks and Recreation.

 

•    Participants or coaches may not offer or accept any item or service of value or cash to transfer to another team or program.

 

Payment and Gifts

•    No coach may accept any pay, service or items of value for coaching Knox County Parks and

Recreation teams. This excludes typical coaching apparel items and year end coach gifts.

 

Violation of these policies may result in forfeiture of games or suspension from the program or both.

 

 

Game Protests

If a coach questions the legality of any opposing team, or player on said team, that coach shall present his question to the game official immediately after the game. The coach must notify Knox County Parks and Recreation and provide a $100.00 protest fee within one business day. If the protest is upheld, the fee shall be returned. There shall be no protest on the official’s judgment of player or play during a game.

 

Process for Penalties

All penalties will be assessed by the recreation commission governing the accused team/person or by Knox County. Penalties must be reported to Knox County Parks and Recreation.

 

Knox County Parks and Recreation must approve any partial season or longer suspension for players or spectators in writing. A copy of the recreation commission minutes from the meeting in which the suspension was approved shall be submitted to Knox County Parks and Recreation.

 

The recreation commission board must approve suspension of coaches for more than one game. A copy of the recreation commission minutes from the meeting in which the suspension was approved shall be submitted to Knox County Parks and Recreation.

 

In the event a penalty is assessed at the end of the season, the penalty may be carried over to the following year, or any other season or sport.

 

Appeal Process

One game or one-week penalties may not be appealed.

 

There shall be no appeal of the official’s judgment of player or play during a game.

 

Individuals may appeal penalties to the local recreation commission board. A copy of the recreation commission minutes from the meeting in which the appeal was heard shall be submitted to Knox County Parks and Recreation.

 

Knox County may, if it deems appropriate, assemble an appeal committee comprised of Knox County staff (City of Knoxville staff when applicable) and recreation commission officers to review any appeals of penalties

 

Knox County Ordinance

This Code of Conduct shall be enforceable through applicable Knox County Ordinance.

 

         RESPONSIBILITY CODES      

 

The following responsibility codes are intended to help coaches, players, officials and parents understand what is expected when participating in Knox County Sports programs. We hope that by clarifying our expectations, we can provide a more positive experience for everyone in our program, but especially the youth we are training for tomorrow. Being a good sport is a taught skill, we need to reinforce it, live by example and encourage good sportsmanship whenever the opportunity arises.

 COACHES RESPONSIBILITY 

1.  Realize that as a coach you wear many hats and have many responsibilities. You are first and foremost a role model for your players. They will follow your lead concerning appropriate behavior on and off the field.

2.  Have fun. Lack of fun is the leading reason for dropping sports participation.

3.  Attend training sessions, read the Knox County Coaches Manual and become familiar with potential opportunities and problems related to your sport.

4.  Let players and parents know your expectations and Knox County guidelines at the first team meeting or practice. Be aware of rules that may penalize children for situations beyond their control.

5.  Use positive coaching techniques. Reinforce the six pillars of character and your personal expectations throughout the season.

6.  Be  reasonable  about  your  demands  on  young  player’s  time,  energy,  ability,  performance  and enthusiasm.

7.  Follow the guidelines for your sport concerning player participation in games. Remember, everyone should play, that’s what we’re here for!

8.  Treat other teams as you would like to be treated. Avoid running up the score or having excessive celebration. Pursue victory with honor.

 

PLAYERS RESPONSIBILITY 

1.  Respect the authority of the coaches and officials. Never argue or complain about a coach’s or official’s decision.

2.  Support your teammates verbally and by working hard as a team.

3.  Get yourself ready for practice and games so you arrive on time.

4.  Help out by volunteering for the team, park or gym.

5.  Control your words and actions.

6.  Cheer positively for good play by both teams.

7.  Play by the rules and the spirit of the game.

8.  Remember, you’re here to have fun, learn skills and be a part of a team.

 

PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY

 

1.  Respect the authority of the coaches and officials. Never argue or complain about a coach’s or official’s decision.

2.  Discuss concerns with coaches in private not during games or practices.

3.  Get children to practice and games on time. Let the coach know if you will be late or absent.

4.  Help out by volunteering for the team, park or gym.

5.  Support your child by providing positive encouragement at all times. Let them know that hard work and improvement are more important than winning to you.

5.  Cheer positively for your team, not negatively for the other team.

PLEASE NOTE:

Coaches and parents will conduct themselves so as to create a positive role model for all players, on and off the field. Umpires will have complete control of all games. Coaches may inquire or ask the umpire about rules, but baseball judgement calls will not be questioned. Questions from parents related to any rules should be directed to the head coach of their team. Abusive behavior and language of any type will not be tolerated.

At Farragut Baseball Inc. (FBI), an ejection by an umpire will result in an automatic one (1) game suspension by FBI and that coach’s actions will be reviewed by the Board to see if additional disciplinary action is needed. The League President and/or Farragut Baseball Inc. Board Members have the authority to eject and/or suspend a coach or parent (including dismissal from field premises) if these rules are not followed and unacceptable behavior is shown on or off the field. Two (2) ejections or continued disciplinary issues will result in additional action up to and including loss of coaching privileges, dismissal from coaching for the remainder of the season (including post season), and any future seasons at FBI.

I have read, understand, and agree to comply with these terms as stated and set forth by Knox County Parks & Recreation.  Failure to comply with the above policies, codes, and responsibilities may result in suspension from coaching and any other necessary actions deemed appropriate by Knox County Parks & Recreation and/or Farragut Baseball Inc.

NOTE FOR THOSE VOLUNTEERING TO COACH IN ANY CAPACITY:  This form must be completed along with the Farragut Baseball Inc. Coach Application Form, the Cardiac Arrest Form, and the Concussion Form in order to be considered for coaching for the upcoming season. Failure to do so may negate your opportunity to coach.