Rockland Girls Softball League
Player Code of Conduct 2026
Purpose
The purpose of this Player Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe, respectful, positive, and enjoyable environment for all players, coaches, officials, families, and spectators. By participating in the Rockland Girls Softball League, each player agrees to uphold the following standards on and off the field.
1. Sportsmanship and Respect
Players are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times, regardless of the score, outcome, or circumstances of the game.
Players must:
Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect at all times.
Demonstrate positive sportsmanship in both winning and losing.
Refrain from taunting, trash-talking, bullying, teasing, or any form of harassment.
Avoid negative comments, gestures, or behavior toward opposing players, coaches, umpires, or spectators.
Accept officials’ decisions respectfully. Arguing with, yelling at, or showing disrespect toward umpires is prohibited.
Represent the Rockland Girls Softball League in a positive and respectful manner at all practices, games, tournaments, and league events.
2. Bench, Dugout, and Team Behavior
Players are expected to contribute to a positive and supportive team environment while on the field, on the bench, and in the dugout.
Players must:
Use appropriate and respectful language on the bench, in the dugout, and on the field.
Encourage teammates and avoid negative comments, blaming, yelling, or arguing.
Refrain from making comments toward or about opposing teams, players, coaches, or umpires.
Avoid disruptive behavior that distracts teammates, coaches, or the team during games or practices.
Listen to coaches and remain engaged with the team during games and practices.
Understand that arguments, conflicts, or disrespectful behavior between teammates will not be tolerated.
Any player conflict should be brought to a coach in a respectful manner so it can be addressed appropriately.
3. Safety and Fair Play
Players are expected to play safely, fairly, and within the rules of the game.
Players must:
Follow all rules of the game and league expectations.
Use equipment properly and safely.
Maintain control of their body and actions to avoid dangerous play.
Notify a coach or league official of any injury before participating.
Refrain from intentionally aggressive physical contact, reckless behavior, or actions that could cause harm to another player, coach, umpire, or spectator.
4. Conduct and Behavior
Players are expected to behave appropriately and respectfully at all league activities.
Players must:
Refrain from using profanity, offensive language, inappropriate jokes, or inappropriate gestures.
Refrain from any form of bullying, intimidation, or exclusionary behavior.
Arrive on time and be prepared for practices, games, and team events.
Give full effort and maintain a positive attitude.
Follow directions from coaches and league officials.
Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal substances on or near the field during games, practices, or league events.
5. Team Commitment
Players are expected to be reliable members of their team and contribute to a positive team culture.
Players must:
Communicate scheduling conflicts with coaches as early as possible.
Attend practices and games consistently.
Support teammates and contribute to a positive team environment.
Respect coaching decisions regarding positions, playing time, batting order, and strategy.
Understand that softball is a team sport and that attitude, effort, attendance, and sportsmanship are important parts of being a team member.
6. Respect for Facilities and Equipment
Players are expected to respect all fields, dugouts, facilities, and equipment.
Players must:
Help keep fields, benches, dugouts, and facilities clean.
Use league and team equipment responsibly.
Report damaged, missing, or unsafe equipment to a coach.
Clean up personal belongings, trash, and team areas before leaving practices or games.
7. Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Rockland Girls Softball League maintains a zero-tolerance stance for serious misconduct, including but not limited to:
Fighting or attempted fighting
Threats, intimidation, or abusive behavior
Bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind
Intentional harm or attempted harm to another player, coach, umpire, or spectator
Repeated disrespect toward teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, or league representatives
Unsafe or reckless behavior
Use of profanity or inappropriate language directed at others
Violations may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to a verbal warning, parent/guardian notification, removal from a game or practice, suspension, or removal from the league, depending on the severity of the situation.
8. Social Media Conduct
Players are expected to represent themselves, their team, and the Rockland Girls Softball League respectfully online.
Players must:
Refrain from posting negative, hostile, inappropriate, or harmful content about the league, teams, players, coaches, officials, or opponents.
Avoid engaging in online bullying, harassment, or arguments related to the league or other players.
Represent the league in a positive and respectful manner on social media and other online platforms.
9. Parent/Guardian Support
Parents and guardians are encouraged to review this Code of Conduct with their player and support the expectations of the Rockland Girls Softball League.
Parents/guardians should help reinforce positive sportsmanship, respectful communication, commitment to the team, and appropriate behavior at all league events.
10. Agreement
By participating in the Rockland Girls Softball League, the player acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to follow this Player Code of Conduct. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action as determined by coaches and/or league officials.
Player Name: ______________________________________
Player Signature: __________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________
Date: ___________________