This Code of Conduct sets expectations for how the entire Capitol City Little League (Cap City) community supports our kids and ensures a positive competitive environment. As part of the registration process, players, coaches, and parents agree to follow this code. Participant conduct is subject to review and action by the Cap City Board of Directors.

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Good Citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

For everybody:

• I will positively support all managers, coaches, and players and respect the decisions of the umpires.
• I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.
• I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of Capitol City and uphold the League’s principles.
• I will treat everyone with respect and never ridicule or yell at participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• I will cheer only in a positive and encouraging manner.
• I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as using profane, obscene, or vulgar language or gestures.
• I realize, accept and will practice the idea that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability, but also on its sportsmanship, courtesy and manner.
• I understand that the actions of players, managers, coaches, umpires, parents/guardians, spectators, volunteers, and league officials must be above reproach. Any violations of league rules or standards of conduct are subject to review by the Board of Directors and appropriate disciplinary action.

For Players:

• I will follow the spirit of the Little League Pledge to play fair, strive to win, but win or lose always do my best.
• I will not argue with umpires or other game officials
• I will not verbally disrespect another player, coach, umpire, game official, league official, volunteer or spectator.
• I will not throw bats, helmets, gloves, balls or other equipment in anger.

For Coaches:

• I will teach all children to play fair and do their best.
• I will promote good sportsmanship, teach strong baseball/softball skills, and have fun in the process.
• I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development that is present for players in the same age group.
• I will focus on providing instruction commensurate with players’ abilities so all players have the opportunity to advance their skills towards their full potential, gain confidence and develop self-esteem, as well as establish a solid foundation for further baseball/softball competition.
• I will teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat. I will emphasize and foster a team atmosphere and not individual achievements.
• I will work collegially with umpires, opposing coaches, and league officials and seek to deescalate conflict and collegially resolve disagreements.
• I will adhere to all Little League safety guidelines from the LL handbook and the Cap City Safety Manual.
• I will treat all umpires, regardless of age, with respect. In the event of a dispute, I will conduct myself with decorum and once the umpire has made their final ruling, I will respect that ruling.
• I will be responsible in caring for equipment, fields, dugouts, and stands.
• I will maintain an open line of communication with players and their parents.
• I will be approachable. When approached by a parent to discuss any issue, I will interact and respond in a courteous manner.

For Parents:

• I will not force my child to participate in sports.
• I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
• I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
• I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
• I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
• I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the players.
• I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
• I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning.
• I will de-emphasize the final result of games, particularly in the younger age groups.
• I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
• I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question or confront umpires or coaches at the game field.
• I understand that, in the event of a dispute over a call, only coaches are permitted to engage the umpires.
• I also understand that Capitol City Little League’s permit from the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation to use Chevy Chase Field is contingent on league families not parking on the 41st Place cul-de-sac.
• I will not park on the 41st Place cul-de-sac for any Capitol City Little League games, practices, or other League events.