CODE OF CONDUCT

It's important to remember that the actions of each and every one of us reflect upon the whole organization. We're proud of the Taunton Area Babe Ruth organization and especially proud of our players, coaches and families. Let's work to build our reputation as one of the best Babe Ruth baseball organizations in the state of Massachusetts.

Zero-Tolerance is simply that no inappropriate behavior will be tolerated at any time by anyone associated with Taunton Babe Ruth baseball, and disciplinary action will be taken to enforce this policy. All players, coaches, parents and spectators, are required to conduct themselves appropriately in order to promote the values of good sportsmanship and make Babe Ruth baseball a desirable and rewarding experience for all participants. The Taunton Area Babe Ruth League, Inc. will take action to ensure that no participant is abusive to umpires or other participants. Any inappropriate conduct could result in ejection from the field, a team suspension, or game forfeiture.

In addition, violators can be required to appear before the Taunton Area Babe Ruth League Board of Directors, Conduct Committee, Rules and Conduct committee or other committee so authorized by the Board and subject to additional suspension or other action up to and including banishment from league events. The Taunton Area Babe Ruth League, Inc. can institute disciplinary action even if no penalty is assessed by an umpire or other game official.

The Taunton Area Babe Ruth League, Inc. is instructing its umpires to implement the following actions relating to Zero- Tolerance:

PLAYERS: An ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero-Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player engages in the following conduct:

(1) Openly disputes or argues any decision by an umpire;
(2) Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person;
(3) Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an umpire's decision; or
(4) Otherwise engages in misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior before, during or after a game.

Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, he shall be ejected from the game and removed from the playing area.

COACHES: An ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero-Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:

(1) Openly disputes or argues any decision by an umpire; or
(2) Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime; or
(3) Otherwise engages in misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior before, during or after a game.

Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, he shall be ejected from the game and removed from the playing field area.

SPECTATORS/PARENTS: Umpires can and will stop the game when the spectators/parents displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior that interferes or has the potential to interfere with other spectators or the game. The umpires will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing the spectators/parents from the spectator's viewing and field area. Once removed, play will resume. Violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the Taunton Area Babe Ruth League Board of Directors. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime.
(2) Taunting of players, coaches, umpires or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
(3) Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players dugout or playing field, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.
(4) Otherwise engages in misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior before, during or after a game.

ANY PLAYER, COACH, PARENT OR SPECTATOR WHO IS EJECTED FROM A GAME OR REMOVED FROM THE PLAYING FIELD AREA BY AN UMPIRE FOR ANY INCIDENT OF MISCONDUCT SHALL, IN ADDITION TO BEING SUSPENDED FROM THE REMAINDER OF THAT GAME, ALSO BE SUSPENDED FOR HIS/HER NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED GAME. IN THE EVENT A COACH, PARENT OR SPECTATOR IS EJECTED OR REMOVED FROM A GAME OR FROM THE PLAYING FIELD AREA ON MORE THAN ONE (1) OCCASION, THAT PLAYER, COACH OR PARENT SHALL BE PROHIBITED FROM PLAYING, PARTICIPATING, COACHING OR BEING A SPECTATOR AT ANY TAUNTON AREA BABE RUTH GAME REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE GAME IS PLAYED FOR THE DURATION OF THE BABE RUTH SEASON, INCLUDING PLAY-OFFS, TRAVEL GAMES, SECTIONAL & STATE PLAY, OR FALL BALL. FINALLY, THAT PLAYER, COACH OR PARENT SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY BABE RUTH GAME OR EVENT IN FUTURE YEARS UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY THE LEAGUE PRESIDENT AND AFTER CONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THERE SHALL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.

Attention: Smoking, smokeless tobacco, E-cigarettes, vapors, alcoholic beverages, and glass bottles are strictly prohibited at all of our playing fields and any violation of this policy could result in the loss of use of the field for the league. In addition, profanity and disruptive behavior will result in immediate ejection from the fields. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.   

Any questions, concerns or comments should be directed to the Taunton Area Babe Ruth League, Inc. Board of Directors.