Code of Conduct

Head Coaches and Assistants shall remain unconditionally supportive of the commitment to the ideals of good sportsmanship, team play, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority. Likewise, coaches shall remain sensitive to the physical and emotional well-being of the players. In order to adhere to these doctrines, the coaches agree as follows:

• Coaches will be positive role models to their players and players they are competing against.
• Coaches will display and instill in their players the principals of good sportsmanship and team play.
• Coaches will conduct themselves in a manner that provides a positive experience and best serves the interests of the players, their families and the association.
• Coaches treat all players, parents, spectators and umpires with respect.
• Coaches will teach the game of softball to the best of their ability by providing instruction in a manner that is constructive and supportive.
• Coaches will not tolerate behavior that endangers the health or well-being of any player.
• Coaches will refrain from the use of profanity, obscene language or improper actions.
• Coaches will be drug and alcohol free while at any AGSA event.
• Coaches will not use any tobacco products in the dugout or on the playing field at any AGSA event.
• Coaches will comply with the decisions of board members and observe all rules, policies, procedures and requests as established or endorsed by the AGSA.
• Coaches will abide by all rules associated with events they are participating in including, but not limited to, AGSA, USSSA and ASA.
• Coaches acknowledge the need to demonstrate fundamental proficiencies with respect to the game of softball. Consequently, coaches agree to attend any skill sessions that may be required by the AGSA.
• Coaches will communicate effectively and in a timely manner with their team families and serve as a liaison between the AGSA Board of Directors and their team when asked to do so.
• Coaches will commit to supporting all AGSA fundraising activities and acknowledge that ALL additional team fundraisers MUST be approved by the AGSA board in advance.

It is AGSA’s expectation that coaches read, understand, and agree to uphold this Coaches /Assistants Code of Conduct and fully support its intent and essence. If coaches fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines they will be subject to disciplinary action(s) that could include, but is not limited to the following:

• Verbal warning by a board member
• Written warning by a board member
• Game Suspension(s)
• Season Suspension

In order to provide a successful competitive youth softball experience, effort on the part of the parents is as equally important as the effort of the players.  Ankeny Girls Softball Association, Inc. is a nonprofit volunteer-run organization, and in order for it to be a positive experience for my child and all children, it needs my support. 

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, examples, and encouragement for my child participating in the Ankeny Girls Softball Association, Inc. (AGSA) by following this Parents Code of Ethics and Conduct: 

• I will encourage and recognize good Citizenship, Friendship, Leadership, Sportsmanship, and Scholarship by demonstrating positive support for my child and team, all players, coaches, umpires, and league officials at every game, practice or other AGSA sponsored events.
• I will praise good character more than outstanding talent. Most talents are a gift. Character is not given to us.
• I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win. I will remember that children play softball for their enjoyment. They are not playing to entertain me.
• I will praise my child and teammates in public and will only criticize in private. I will never ridicule my child or another athlete for making a mistake during a game. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
• I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment. I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in a private and appropriate manner to coaches, umpires, and league officials.
• I will support coaches, umpires, and league officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all. I will respect an umpire’s decision and encourage others to do the same.
• I will demand and provide a softball environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at the AGSA facilities and all AGSA practices, games, and other sponsored events. 
• I will honor my commitment to my child, team and AGSA by insuring that they are available for practice and games. I will also do whatever I can to help further the mission, purposes, and objectives of the AGSA by being a respectful fan, by assisting in coaching, by being a concession stand volunteer, or any other AGSA volunteer needs.
• I will treat other players, coaches, fans, umpires, and league officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
• I will not use abusive or vulgar language, nor will I harass any individual at any AGSA sponsored activity.
• I promise to help my child enjoy the youth softball experience by doing
• I will hold my daughter’s coach accountable to the AGSA Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct.
• I will uphold the AGSA By-Laws, Player Selection & Playing Rules, and any other league policies and procedures. 
• I myself, and for my spouse, and for any spectator I bring with me to an AGSA practice or game, where ever it may be, on the field or in the stands agree to abide by this Parents Code of Ethics & Conduct. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from AGSA. 
• Until this document is signed by me, the registered player will not be permitted to participate in any AGSA practices or games.

Parents code of conduct must be signed through the AGSA registration process.