ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
FT Softball Zero Tolerance Policy
Revised 3/10/23
In an effort to promote healthy youth softball and ensure compliance with the FT Softball Code of Conduct, the FT Softball Board will increase its emphasis on a "Zero-Tolerance" policy with regard to sportsmanship and behavior. While FT Softball has supported such a policy in the past with regards to our code of conduct, we are now publishing, reviewing, and distributing these guidelines to ensure that every FT Softball participant, parent, and spectator fully understands Zero-Tolerance.
It is important to remember that the actions of each and every one of us reflect upon the entire organization. We are proud of FT Softball, and especially proud of our players, coaches and families. Let's work to build our reputation as one of the best softball organizations in the state of Indiana.
Zero-Tolerance simply means that no inappropriate behavior will be tolerated at any time by anyone associated with FT Softball, and disciplinary action will be taken to enforce this policy. All players, coaches, parents and spectators are required to conduct themselves appropriately in order to promote the values of good sportsmanship and make FT Softball a desirable and rewarding experience for all participants. FT Softball will take action to ensure that no participant is abusive to umpires or other participants. Any inappropriate conduct could result in ejection from the field, a suspension, or removal from the program. Removal from the program will result in the forfeiture of player, team, sponsor, or other fees.
In addition, violators can be required to appear before the FT Softball Board and are subject to additional suspension or other action. The FT Softball Board can institute disciplinary action even if no penalty is assessed by an umpire or other game official or coach.
PLAYERS
An ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero-Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:
1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an umpire;
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person;
3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an umpire's decision;
4. Otherwise engages in misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior before, during or immediately following a game.
Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, the player shall be removed / ejected from the game, or a following game.
COACHES
An ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero-Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:
1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an umpire in a non-respectful manner;
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime;
3. Otherwise engages in misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior before, during or immediately following a game.
Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, he or she shall be removed / ejected from the game, or a following game.
PARENTS / SPECTATORS
Umpires and coaches can, and will stop the game when parents/spectators display inappropriate and disruptive behavior that interferes, or has the potential to interfere, with other spectators or the game. The umpires or coaches will identify violators for the purpose of removing the parents/spectators from the spectator's viewing and field area. Once removed, play will resume. Violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the FT Softball Board. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
2. Taunting of players, coaches, umpires or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, or threatening physical violence.
3. Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players dugout, or playing field, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.
4. Otherwise engages in misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior before, during or immediately following a game.
*Treat your team with respect, the umpires with respect, and questions and comments should be voiced later in an adult atmosphere.*