Code of Conduct

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• Actions speak louder than words!
• HUSTLE at all times during games and practice. 
• Hard Work pays Off!  Put forth 100% effort all of the time.  Do your “work” with all your heart, strength and mind.  Practice Makes Permanent.  Preparation Produces Results!  
• Stay Focused!  Keep your head in the game.  Pay attention during practice and games.  
• Have Fun!  Enjoy the process. Keep a sense of humor, but know when to be serious.  Remember, Softball is a game!  
• Take pride in how you play the game, how you approach the game, how you wear your uniform, etc.  Have “Class” in all that you do!   Play sharp, look sharp, be organized, be neat and clean.  
• You’ve got to have Heart, Desire, Drive, Motivation, Dedication, and Intensity.  
• Play the game with Energy & Quickness.  Have a little “spring & bounce” to your game.  
• Be Confident, not cocky.  Remember, pride comes before the fall.  
• Be a Positive Role Model and Example. Remember, others are looking at you, so influence them in a positive way.  
• Be Respectful of: Umpires, Coaches, Teammates, Opposing Team Members, Parents and the game itself.  
• Overcome Adversity!  Deal with the circumstances you are dealt. Never give up or quit.      
• Demonstrate Self Control! If you disagree with the officiating, or make an error or strikeout…pray for self-control!  There are certain things you cannot control; however, you can control your effort, attitude & behavior!  SMILE and trust God for the results, but continue to work hard and compete.  
• Don’t complain about anything! Your strong reaction to something could offend someone.  Be sensitive to others’ feelings.  Keep your remarks to yourself regarding such things as:

1. Umpire calls - The weather - Field & Facility conditions - Coaches decisions
2. Game circumstances - Opposing team members - Teammates    
3. If you have a complaint or problem with someone, go to that person directly and work it out.
4. Do not let things build up!  
5. If you have concerns regarding the team and how it’s being run, bring them to one of the coaches or to the coaching staff. 

• Be Positive…not negative or judgmental.  
• Be a Team Player…not an Individual.  Don’t talk proudly about yourself and your accomplishments.  There is no “I” in “Team”!!! 
• ENCOURAGE your teammates and your opponents. 
• Expect Errors, Mistakes & Failure, but don’t be satisfied with it – strive for perfection and excellence.  Remember softball and life are difficult “games” to master.  It’s a process and nobody is perfect.  Extend yourself some grace in failure; don’t let it get you down or discouraged. Get right back up and be ready to go after the next one, competitively and with the proper intensity!   
• Try to reduce the amount of “physical” errors during a game and set a goal to make even fewer “mental” errors.  This is a good goal for life, too! 
• Seek to improve as a player and person.  Be a Learner!  Try to learn something every day, in every game, at every practice session and in every circumstance – win or lose…good or bad…easy or difficult. 
• It will be necessary for you to Maintain a Teachable Heart, and to humbly and faithfully fulfill the responsibilities assigned to you. 
• Demonstrate Class at the end of a game in both victory and defeat…shake hands, look the opposing team members in their eyes, and keep your head up high because of the effort you put forth. 
• Safety needs to be a top priority: 

1. For your personal protection, if at all possible, make an effort to be with at least one other teammate when you go to the concession stand, restroom, or just walking around a sports complex (The Buddy System). 
2. All injuries, illnesses and emergencies must be reported IMMEDIATELY to the coaching staff. 
3. Stay alert, use common sense, and make good decisions and choices. 

The following behaviors will not be tolerated; disciplinary action will be taken:

• Attitude problems.
• Back-Talking a coach or parent.  
• Crude, profane or vulgar language. 
• Throwing of equipment in a display of anger or frustration; outward expressions or demonstrations of anger or frustration. 
• Outward displays of displeasure with the officials.  Questioning umpires in a clearly visible and inappropriate manner (verbal & non-verbal).  
• Trash-talking and outward acts of pride directed towards the opposing team. 
• Critical, judgmental, or negative talk directed toward teammates.  
• Leaving the dugout or bench area.  (Remain in the dugout or in the bench area during games, unless there is an emergency or you receive permission from one of the coaches). 
• Use of tobacco products. Consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. 

Consequences for the above actions and attitudes include:

• Sent home early from practice. 
• Not permitted to participate in a drill or practice station (i.e. batting practice, infield workout, etc.).  
• Some form of extra physical fitness exercise (i.e. running foul poles, push-ups, etc.). 
• Removal from a game.  
• Suspended from playing in up-coming games.  

These policies regarding character & conduct on a Florida Impact 2011 team have been established for your protection, well-being, and character/leadership development.  In light of these principles, the final decision regarding any issue resides with your team leadership.  The coaching staff’s decision is final. Florida Impact players who willfully and repeatedly disregard these policies and the leadership of the team may be temporarily suspended from games and other team activities or dismissed from the team. These decisions are at the discretion of the Impact Coaching Staff.  If you are dismissed from the team for a Code of Character and Conduct violation, you will be responsible for any additional costs, and NO refunds will be given.

The following policies regarding the conduct of Florida Impact Softball parents are being established in support of the Player Code of Character & Conduct.  We need parental support and participation as we seek to develop quality young women from girls through the game of softball.  In consideration for your support of this Parent Code of Conduct, you can expect the coaching staff to abide by Florida Impact Softball coaching policies.  These girls need to understand that playing time, positions played, athletic ability, effort, attitude, development and discipline are all key ingredients in how the coaching staff will determine the roster prior to, and during, any game.

• Be supportive of, and reinforce all elements of the player Code of Character and Conduct on and off the field.   
• Don’t complain about things!  You would be surprised as to what trickles down from you to your child.  Even though they don’t listen to us many times, that’s only selective listening.     

1. Umpire calls  -  The weather -  Field & facility conditions -   Coaches’ decisions -   
2. Game circumstances -  Coaches on opposing teams -  Playing time  

• If you have a complaint or problem with anyone on the coaching staff of this team, go to that person directly and work it out.  Do not let things build up.    
• If you have concerns regarding the team and how it’s being run, bring them to one of the coaches or to the coaching staff.  
• Please let the coaches instruct, position players, and handle the running of the game. 

The following behaviors will not be tolerated:

• Allowing a player to leave the dugout or bench to sit with you (except in emergency situations).  Send her back to the dugout.   
• Questioning playing time.  Get used to this. Travel Ball/High School coaches are not receptive to parent interference in the running of their teams.  Use of crude, profane or vulgar language.  Outward displays of displeasure with the officials.   Critical, judgmental, or negative talk directed toward teammates and opposing team members. 

Consequences for the above actions

Most often, you will be asked by the head coach to stop the inappropriate behavior.  In some cases, particularly if you have offended an official or disrespected a coach, you will be requested to leave the field area.  If you do not cease from the behavior or refuse to leave the field area when asked, your daughter may be pulled out of a game, temporarily suspended from participating in future games and other team activities, or possibly even dismissed from the team. These decisions are at the discretion of the Florida Impact Organization.  If you are dismissed from the team for a Parent Code of Conduct violation, you will be responsible for any additional costs, and NO refunds will be given.