Coaching Code of Ethics By submitting this form, I hereby pledge to live up to my certification as a DABSA Coach by following the DABSA Coaches’ Code of Ethics:

1. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
Expected behavior:
• Use appropiate language in a respectful manner when interacting with players, officials, referees, umpires, and staff.
• Understand that Des Arc Baseball/Softball Association (DBSA) Youth Sports is a recreational program that emphasizes equal playing time, teamwork, respect, and having fun.
• Include all in team activities without regard to race, religion, gender, or any other legally protected classification.
• Treat all players, officials, referees, umpires, staff, coaches, parents, and spectators with dignity and respect.

2. I will treat each player as an individual; remembering the large range of emotional and physical development within each age group.
Expected behavior:
• Be aware that youth may vary greatly in physical, mental, social, and emotional maturity.
• Understand that some skills, drills, and demands are not appropriate for all youth.
• Be aware that a child may need additional support because of a physical, mental, social, or emotional disability.

3. I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.
Expected behavior:
• Report any safety hazards to DBSA staff.
• Protect players by removing them from play if injured.
• Communicate all player injuries with parent/guardian and DBSA staff.
• Keep all players personal information confidential and only use it for league purposes.

4. I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.
Expected behavior:
• Understand that communication with parents/guardians is important regarding schedules and will do my best to inform parents about any changes to schedules or practices.
• Realize that players may have absences from practices and games due to reasons beyond my control.

5. I will lead by example by demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.
Expected behavior:
• Do my best to encourage, teach, and expect good sportsmanship from my players and their parents.

6. I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. I will refrain from their use at all DBSA sports events.
Expected behavior:
• Be alcohol, tobacco, and drug free at all DBSA Youth Sports activities.
• Remind spectators to refrain from use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs while at DBSA Youth Sports activities.

7. I will be knowledgeable on the rules of each sport that I coach and I will teach these rules to my players.
Expected behavior:
• Encourage parents and players to read the rules and answer any questions they may have.
• Teach and require compliance of the rules from my players.

8. I will remember that I am a youth sports coach representing DBSA. I understand that the game is for the children and not adults.
Expected behavior:
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude.
• Accept and adhere to all league rules and policies.
• Be reponsible for the behavior of my parents/guardians and spectators.

Enforcement of Code of Conduct
Enforcement of the code of conduct will vary based on severity of the issues and complaints. If ejected from a Des Arc Baseball/Softball Youth
Sports game, the coach must leave the facility immediately. An ejection from a game will include an additional one game suspension (or more
based on severity of issue).