CODE OF CONDUCT

Mission Statement

The philosophy of the Kearsarge Mountain South League (KMS) is to promote the interest in the growth of knowledge and skill in Baseball and Softball for children of our member communities. Kearsarge Mountain South League supports a fun and positive atmosphere, building individual and team skills, positive reinforcement, and valuing sportsmanship winning. 

KMS Board Responsibilities

The Kearsarge Mountain South League (KMS) is a non-profit organization that promotes and organizes recreational Baseball and Softball for children ages 4-16 who reside within the towns and organizations it is comprised of. KMS is a private organization, and all directors, officers, and board members are volunteers. The KMS Board is composed of the respective directors for Softball and Baseball from each town and organization within the KMS area. The primary goal of this program is for all children who sign up to be placed on a team and given the opportunity to participate. Objectives include the development of positive character traits and a knowledge, appreciation, and interest in baseball and softball.

Sportsmanship

It is the obligation of coaches, players, parents, umpires, and spectators to practice the highest principles of good sportsmanship and to adhere to the ethics of friendly competition during all youth sporting events. Good sportsmanship is defined as behavior that displays courtesy and genuine concern for others. Negative or threatening comments from coaches, players, parents, umpires, or spectators will not be tolerated at any Kearsarge Mountain South League event. This includes, but not limited to, practices, scrimmages, games, or any other event sponsored by Kearsarge Mountain South League or those associated within. Problems should be brought to the attention of the local town Director so that they may address concerns with the Kearsarge Mountain South League board and officers. 

Coaches’ Ethics

 Coaches in our League undertake the responsibilities of setting an example for our young athletes and creating and promoting a positive environment for them to learn and grow within their sport. . In all of the coach’s contacts with players, officials, parents, and the public, they are expected to strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct. Coaches are expected to  treat officials with respect; play all players in accordance with league rules; take control of their teams  fans if they become unruly; and always demonstrate a positive attitude. Remember that players and fans are always watching and will emulate the coach’s actions. 

Coach Responsibilities

• Play your players fairly, following all league rules.

• Promote self-confidence through positive reinforcement.

• Teach and display sportsmanship at all times.

• Know, understand, and follow the rules of the game.

• Teach skills appropriate for the level of your players.

• Understand that each child’s skill level, learning ability, and behavior is different.

• Ensure player safety. Never deny your players water. Continually monitor each player’s condition during practice and games. Be aware of any health concerns, such as asthma.

• Ensure that parents and players understand your policy for tardiness and absences for games and practices. KMS strongly encourages adherence to the league rules in regards to players’ play time, however, the coach may use his/her discretion in penalizing players for excessive absences (such as reduced playing time in games). Please make your town director aware of any ongoing issues with a player.

• Treat officials and other coaches with respect. If you have a question about a call, it should be handled privately and professionally. Remember that calls are rarely overturned, and your players and fans are watching. Please keep in mind that most officials are volunteers just like you!

• Try to work with parents to understand KMS rules and policies. Avoid public confrontations with disgruntled parents. However, try to resolve any concerns with parents privately and swiftly, so the situation does not worsen.

• Drugs, alcohol, profanity, threats, or physical violence will NOT be tolerated at practices, games, or any other KMS functions. 

• Walk-up songs/Player Announcements - make sure everyone agrees to have walk-up songs and or announcements happen.

·       Songs must be limited to 8 seconds and must be stopped as soon as the batter’s foot steps into the box or any other appropriate time. Example: time is called by anyone on the field.

·       The volume will be at a respectable level, not distracting to players, coaches, or umpires.

·       Vulgar language is not allowed

·       Please give adequate time to the opposing team to be ready. (Wait for the opposing coach to give you a thumbs up before you pitch)

·       If there is any disagreement from coaches or umpires with the playing of music or announcements, this should cease, immediately, for the remainder of the game. 

·       If there are repetitive issues with this, the board may rescind the allowance of such announcements and walk-up music.

Disciplinary Action

Any Coach(es) who fails to meet the above expectations, or violate League Rules will:

• Be given a warning, (if a second warning is issued within a season, an automatic suspension will result) or

• Be suspended for a game, or

• Be suspended for the season, or

• Be denied a coaching position in the future.

The above penalties shall be rendered in the order they appear.

Disciplinary decisions during games will be rendered by the respective Umpire or Coach.At anytime after the incident, disciplinary decisions will be made by the respective town director (or town board) with appeals handled by the League President in conference with the respective town director. It will be at the League President’s discretion to involve others with knowledge of or involvement in the violation in this process.

Parent Responsibilities

Support your child and team with positive cheers and praise. Never shout derogatory comments at umpires, coaches, players, or other spectators.

Never criticize or second-guess coaches or officials during games. Support your coaches and officials - remember that most of them are volunteers and the league has a difficult time finding people willing to take on these positions. You are welcome to volunteer for one of these positions if you are not satisfied with the performance of others.

Understand that KMS emphasizes players’ participation and sportsmanship above winning. If you have a problem with your coach, try to resolve it privately rather than through a public confrontation. Never approach a coach or official with negative comments during or immediately following a game. This will only cause a confrontation. If you have a formal complaint, document it in writing and bring it to your coach or town director at a later time.

Drugs, alcohol, profanity, threats, or physical violence will not be tolerated at practices, games, or any other KMS functions.

NOTE: Any parents or fans who violate the above rules will:

• Be notified that their actions will not be tolerated (WARNING) or

• Be asked to leave the KMS League event, or

• Be suspended for a game, the season, or indefinitely. Suspension means not attending any KMS events.

The above penalties shall be rendered in the following order: During games - The respective Umpire or Coach, the respective town director or town board, by the League President in conference with the respective town director along with, at the League President’s discretion, others who have knowledge or involvement of the violation.

Version 1. 10/15/2024