Player Code of Character & Conduct
The following Code of Character & Conduct has been established to help each team member develop into the positive person they can be. It is not our expectation that any team member would have already attained these traits. However, it is our desire that team members would strive to grow in each of these areas of character and leadership during their time with the
TopHand program. It is expected that you will put forth your best effort to apply these principles to your athletic training and competition, as well as your everyday life.
CHARACTER AND PROPER CONDUCT
Actions speak louder than words
Hustle at all times during games and practice.
Work Hard. Put forth 100% effort all of the time. Do your “work” with all your heart, strength and mind. Practice makes permanent. Preparation produces results.
Stay focused. Keep your head in the game. Pay attention during practice and games.
Have fun. Enjoy the process. Keep a sense of humor, but know when to be serious.
Remember, Sports are a game.
Take pride in how you play the game, how you approach the game, how you wear your uniform, etc. Have “Class” in all that you do. Play sharp, look sharp, be organized, be neat and clean.
You’ve got to have heart, desire, drive, motivation, dedication, and intensity.
Play the game with energy and quickness. Have a little “spring and bounce” to your game.
Be confident, not cocky. Remember, pride comes before the fall. There is much strength in humility.
Be a positive role model and example. Remember, others are looking at you, so influence them in a positive way.
Use proper communication both on and off the field. Develop communication skills whenever you can.
Be Respectful of: Umpires, Coaches, Teammates, Opposing Team Members, Parents and the game itself.
You must agree to submit willingly to the leadership of this team, even when you do not agree with their decisions.
Overcome adversity. Deal with the circumstances you are dealt. Develop the courage to persevere. Never give up or quit.
Demonstrate self-control. Strive to improve on this in the heat of competition. If you disagree with the officiating, make an error, or strikeout, maintain self-control. There are certain things you cannot control; however, you can control your effort, attitude and behavior.
Your strong reaction to something could offend someone. Be sensitive to others’ feelings.
Keep your remarks to yourself regarding such things as:
− Umpire calls − The weather − Field & facility conditions
− Coaches’ decisions − Game circumstances
− Teammates − Opposing team members
If you have a complaint or problem with someone, go to that person directly and work it out. Do not let things build up. If you have concerns regarding the team and how it’s being run, bring them to one of the coaches or to the coaching staff.
Be positive, not negative, critical or judgmental.
Be a team player, not an individual.
Focus on stats for the good of the team, not yourself. Do what it takes for your team to win, not to boost your own stats and ego.
Don’t talk proudly about yourself and your accomplishments. There is no “I” in “Team”!!!
You will be expected to participate with the team as much as possible during all sports and non-sports functions, including special team-building events and team meetings, unless approved by your team leadership.
Encourage your teammates and your opponents.
Expect errors, mistakes and failure, but don’t be satisfied with it – strive for perfection and excellence. Remember baseball and life are difficult “games” to master. It’s a process and nobody is perfect. Extend yourself some grace in failure, don’t let it get you down or discouraged. Get right back up and be ready to go after the next one, competitively and with the proper intensity!
Try to reduce the amount of “physical” errors during a game and set a goal to make even fewer “mental” errors. This is a good goal for life, too.
Seek to improve as a player and person. Be a Learner. Try to learn something every day, in every game, at every practice session and in every circumstance – win or lose, good or bad, easy or difficult.
Demonstrate class at the end of a game in both victory and defeat; shake hands, look the opposing team members in their eyes, and keep your head up high because of the effort you put forth.
Safety needs to be a top priority: All injuries, illnesses and emergencies must be reported IMMEDIATELY to the coaching staff.
Stay alert, use common sense, and make good decisions and choices.
INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT
The following behaviors will not be tolerated; disciplinary action will be taken:
Attitude problems.
Back-Talking a coach or parent.
Crude, profane or vulgar language.
Throwing of equipment in a display of anger or frustration; outward expressions or demonstrations of anger or frustration.
Outward displays of displeasure with the officials. Questioning umpires in a clearly visible and inappropriate manner (verbal and non-verbal).
Trash-talking and outward acts of pride directed towards the opposing team.
Critical, judgmental, or negative talk directed toward teammates.
Leaving the dugout or bench area. (Remain in the dugout or in the bench area during games, unless there is an emergency or you receive permission from one of the coaches).
Horseplay, messing around or silly antics.
Any type of cyber bullying
All athletes must understand that they have a responsibility to act accordingly on and off the field
Consequences for the above actions and attitudes include:
Sent home early from practice.
Not permitted to participate in a drill or practice station (i.e. batting practice, infield workout, etc.).
Some form of extra physical fitness exercise (i.e. running foul poles, push-ups, etc.).
Removal from a game.
Suspended from playing in up-coming games.
Removal from the competition site.
Removal from the program
These policies regarding character and conduct in the TopHand program has been established for your protection, well-being, and character/leadership development. In light of these principles, the final decision regarding any issue resides with your team leadership. The coaching staff’s decision is final. Team members who willfully and repeatedly disregard these policies and the leadership of the team may be temporarily suspended from games and
other team activities or dismissed from the team. If you are dismissed from the team for a Code of Character and Conduct violation, you will be responsible for any additional costs, and NO refunds will be given.
Social Networking
By signing, I agree to adhere and abide by all rules set forth by the TopHand program in regards to its policies towards social networking. I accept all responsibility for any actions on social networking sites and will accept any penalties for any rules not abided by. These
include but are not limited to:
Negative comments involving team, teammates, coaches, or opponents
Swearing and/or abusive language
Any form of cyber bullying