The Groton-Dunstable Youth Baseball League (GDYBL), as affiliated with Cal Ripken Baseball – a division of Babe Ruth League, Inc., has implemented the following Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct. GDYBL believes in sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork, positive energy, good citizenship, respect, and healthy competition. Players, coaches, and, especially, umpires should be treated with the utmost respect for the time and dedication they put in to grow the sport of baseball and teach our children the values that America’s pastime instills. Opposing players and fans should also be celebrated for their efforts to make baseball great. 

Baseball is a difficult sport, and parents and fans need not make it harder than it already is. At GDYBL, we play baseball to teach the importance of hard work, discipline, preparation, tactical execution, teamwork, camaraderie, and, above all, having fun while playing a kid’s game where even the best fail 75% of the time. 

GD parents should read, understand, and sign this Code of Conduct prior to registering their children to participate in GDYBL and affiliated leagues/tournaments. Any parent, family member, or fan guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the facility and will be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games, and could impact the result of the team’s results on the field. 

Therefore, by signing my child or dependent up to play for a GDYBL team I, and representing my family members and guests, agree that: 

1. I will not force my child to play baseball, and will not engage in negative ‘coaching’ from the sidelines. 
2. I will respect that we are playing a game designed for children and teens, not adults. 
3. I will teach and encourage my child to play by the rules and keep good sportsmanship at the heart of everything they do.
4. I understand that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and I will teach my child to treat other players, coaches, officials, and fans with respect regardless of age, sex, race, color, or ability. 
5. I understand that if I want a voice, I must volunteer. 
6. All coaches and GDYBL board members are volunteers who spend hours and hours each year to help my child grow, play, and have fun. I will never harass nor chide these volunteers.
7. I will never approach my child’s coach at practice or a game to provide suggestions/tips or to express feelings about playing time, strategy, positions, etc. 
8. I understand that, if I have specific feedback for the coach pertaining to the safety or well-being of my child or their teammates, that I will speak with them at an agreed upon time.
9. I will learn the policies of my league and do my best to understand the rules of the game, as administered by Cal Ripken Baseball, the MacIntosh Baseball League, and any other GDYBL-affiliated leagues/tournaments.
10. I will not step on the field to coach or assist my child or other players unless I have passed the league’s background check and harassment training procedures. 
11. I will not enter or approach the dugout to talk to my child during a game or practice — unless due to injury — nor will I enter the dugout to help my child collect his/her gear while other players/coaches are in said dugout. 
12. I will not, under any circumstances, speak negatively to the umpire(s) or complain about calls. I understand that, if I do, the umpire and/or coaches reserve the right to eject me from the field. 
13. I, and my guests, will not show any form of unsportsmanlike conduct to umpires, officials, coaches, players, or opposing players or fans, including complaining about calls, taunting, profane language, harassment, cheating, booing, or refusing to shake hands. I acknowledge that, if I do, umpires, officials, and coaches have the right to remove me from the field. 
14. I understand that violence of any kind will never be tolerated at a GDYBL facility or event, and that the league will report any such conduct to local authorities.
15. I will inform the coach of any ailment, disability, or condition that could impact the safety of my child or others.
16. I will give my best effort to inform the coach(es) if my child will not attend games or practices.
17. I will be a positive role model for my child and his/her teammates while encouraging good sportsmanship to all players, officials, coaches, fans, and teammates. 
18. I will teach my child that, while they should compete and try their best, winning is not the most important thing. I will praise them for competing, doing their best, and showcasing great sportsmanship, and never, under any circumstances, yell at, taunt, or ridicule my child or any other player from the sidelines.
19. I will encourage my child to practice skills they have learned outside of GDYBL-organized activities, and I will give my best effort to be involved in their development — physically and mentally — when their coach is not present.  
20. I will never encourage any action or activity that could endanger the wellbeing of others during a GDYBL event. 
21. I insist on a baseball environment that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.