Youth Sports are fundamental to a child’s athletic framework and life skill building. It is built on the examples set & lessons learned. Every parent, coach, official, & board member serves to be a positive role model & to teach the basic understanding of sportsmanship & respect. Due to the awareness of physical & verbal abuse that takes place in the sports environment across the country, many organizations have chosen to adopt a Zero Tolerance Policy towards inappropriate behavior.
The Lodi Little League has decided to take a proactive approach & adhere to the following measures:
The following is the policy for Lodi Little League.
First & foremost, the Umpire is in charge of the game & has the final word on all plays. No one should ever question his call, unless it's a question about a specific rule or regulation. Judgement calls on plays are NOT to be questioned & can lead to immediate ejection by the player, coach, or spectator.
It is the responsibility of ALL coaches, players, parents, relatives, siblings, & other spectators to maintain the highest standards of conduct for their behavior at all Little League sporting events including, but not limited to, practices, games, & tournaments. Abusive, vulgar, & obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting, taunting, harassing, & other behaviors detrimental to the sporting event will not be tolerated. As a reminder, we are all a representation of the town & the league. Our reputation to officials, surrounding towns, & board members should be taken seriously.
It is the responsibility of ALL present to support the presiding official of that particular sport, ie: umpires, officials, coaches etc. There will be absolutely NO YELLING OR BELITTLING of these presiding officials. Distracting behavior will not be tolerated. There will be no ARGUING official calls from the sidelines, dugouts, or surrounding viewing areas. In addition, there will be no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, or intimidation of any kind towards the presiding officials. Failure to follow these simple instructions will undermine the official’s authority & has the potential to lead to a hostile environment for players, officials, & all other participants & spectators.
It is the understanding of any parent, coach, or volunteer that chooses to have their child participate or participate themselves in Lodi Little League events that these simple guidelines MUST BE FOLLOWED.
PENALTIES:
Any person whether coach, spectator, or official that is not adhering to process or penalties against them will face disciplinary action from suspension of games to no longer having access to little league grounds for any event whether, practice, games, tournaments, or league wide get-togethers. We take the well-being of our players, officials, & volunteers very seriously & will not allow anyone to continue to violate measures taken to provide a positive & safe environment. Penalties subject to change based on violation.
ANY MINOR INFRACTION: A verbal request or warning will be given by a coach or umpire, & it is expected that the reason for the warning will stop immediately.
SUBSEQUENT INFRACTIONS OR MAJOR INFRACTIONS: The offending person or player will be asked to leave the playing field & surrounding area immediately until the next scheduled event. The Lodi Little League Board of Directors reserves the right to take further action depending on the severity of the situation within.
SERIOUS OR CONSISTENT INFRACTIONS: Lodi Little League Board of Directors reserves the right to take action as it deems necessary up to & including permanent dismissal from the Lodi Little Leagues & playing areas. Should anyone not comply with this ruling, the Lodi Little League will seek assistance from the District Board & the local Police department immediately.
2025 THREE STRIKES POLICY:
If a parent, player, or coach has three major or minor infractions, then he or she will be dismissed permanently from the Lodi Little League by the Little League President. We are very fortunate to have a growing program, so one or two bad apples shouldn't ruin it for the rest. The Three Strikes Policy is meant to prevent consistent nuisances, but if there is a serious incident, then it could lead to immediate dismissal.
All participants in any Little League sport should adhere to the following principles of good sportsmanship:
Respect the decision of coaches & officials
No expletives, inappropriate comments or derogatory remarks to own or opposing team
Treat opponents with respect
Whatever the outcome of the competition, be respectful. At the conclusion of the game, congratulate & shake hands with the officials, coaches, & opponents.
Do not encourage or participate in conduct that violates the rules or spirit of the game
ON FIELD INJURIES: players will take a knee for the duration of necessary medical aid
The following are some simple guidelines that coaches, players, & spectators are expected to follow:
COACHES:
Coaches are the role models & examples for our youth & will make an impression on the players for years to come. Coaches must demonstrate good sportsmanship on & off the field. “Coach” represents & symbolizes a leadership role in our community & a representative of Lodi Little League at all competitions.
COACHES ARE EXPECTED TO:
Ensure & promote the safety of all participants
Control the behavior of the parents/fans during competitions
Control the behavior of players & adhere to good sportsmanship conduct
Show respect to all players, parents, officials, & opponents
Teach fair play & Lead by example
PLAYERS:
It is a privilege to play a sport, be on a team, & represent Lodi Little League at various competitions. Therefore, players must follow the Lodi Little League rules during all practices, games, tournaments ,& other organized Lodi Little League & Little League events.
PLAYERS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Treat opponents, officials, & spectators with respect
Follow all Little League & Lodi Little League specific rules & policies for sportsmanship
Respect officials & accept their decisions
Win without boasting, lose without excuses- we do not condone sore winners or sore losers. There are lessons to be learned from both a win & a loss
SPECTATORS:
Lodi Little League is honored to have incredible parents & spectators. It is important to remember that the players respond to the actions & behaviors of the spectators. Players can often become an extension of spectator behavior as children are impressionable & look to adults as examples. Spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship & show respect to all players, officials, & coaches.
SPECTATORS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO:
Not coach players from sidelines during the game & do not criticize the officials or coaches
Cheer & support all players regardless of the outcome
Communicate with the coach & create a supportive environment
Understand & respect the different roles of parents & coaches
Understand that improper behavior at any event may result in a parent being asked to leave the field or event by a referee or other official & respect that action
Understand that if asked to leave, to then leave quietly & quickly & not engage officials on the way off the field so the game can continue
Understand that if asked to leave they can send a follow up email to the league or manager the following day so cooler heads can prevail
At all times show empathy for our young developing athletes
EVERYONE:
Promote fitness, well being, & enjoyment through sport, develop new skills & instill a desire to succeed
Teach responsibility, commitment, & cooperation. Prepare one to deal with success & failure, both wins & losses
Provide an outlet for the release of energy & instill a positive attitude towards authority
The children in our program will realize positive sports value is greatly enhanced when everyone shows good sportsmanship. The children in our program will have respectable & elite examples on the field to carry with them in the years to come, having a basic understanding of how & how not to act on & off the field as an athlete.
CHAIN OF COMMAND:
Any issues or concerns will be investigated by Lodi league directors. Please report incidents to a delegate at the snack stand or email [email protected] or the Old Timers President [email protected].