2023-2024 Coaches Conduct Contract
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 in sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character”.
Motor City Madness Board of Directors agree with this statement of principles. As a coach of young athletes in the MCM program, I agree to the following:
- I will do my best to make softball a fun, positive experience for players and their families.
- I will do my best to provide constructive criticism to the players in a caring, candid, personal (rather than public) way.
- I will recognize the program is filled with young athletes, not professionals; I will emphasize encouragement over criticism.
- I will coach all girls equally and designate special attention to my daughter outside of the scheduled team practice.
- I will not criticize an opposing team, its coaches, fans or players by word of mouth or by gestures; I will applaud good play and encourage a greater effort when mistakes are made.
- I will recognize initiative and hustle.
- I will congratulate the winner and encourage the loser.
- I will set a good example for players and parents alike.
- I will discuss any problems with the umpires in a civil manner.
- I will discuss serious issues with officials in private, out of view of spectators, parents and players.
- I will not use profane or vulgar language or make “off color” remarks when in the presence of my team.
- I will dress tastefully in accordance with coaching young women.
- I will remember that all managers, coaches, scorekeepers and board members are volunteer workers; I will help make their involvement a positive experience.
- I will try to make every softball activity serve as a training ground for life and a basis for good mental and physical health.
- Together with game officials, I will be jointly responsible for the conduct and control of the team and spectators. Any player or spectator who becomes a nuisance, out of control or aggressive will be asked to leave the game and field area. I will be mindful that player and fan reaction will usually be in step with my reaction.
- I will not consume alcoholic beverages before an event or bring alcoholic beverages with me to a softball event.
- I will not deliberately incite unsportsmanship-like conduct.
- I will uphold all rules and regulations, national and local, regarding youth fastpitch softball.