Code of Conduct

HOW TO BE A FAN AT A BLASTBALL AND T-BALL GAME 

It is the goal of FHTBA to provide a safe and secure environment for our players and coaches free of any demeaning or abusive behaviour, verbal or otherwise, on the part of spectators at the ballpark.

As adults, we have a responsibility to protect our young people from any abusive and damaging behaviour and to provide them with a safe environment in which to develop their skills and build their self-confidence.

Be Good or Be Gone Policy

The city of Kitchener has implemented a BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY (June, 1999) to encourage appropriate behaviour and activities in all Parks and Recreation Facilities.  Behaviour and activities that obstruct or hinder the rights of others to use and enjoy Parks and Recreation Department Facilities is unacceptable and prohibited.

Inappropriate Behaviour at a Forest Hill T-Ball game includes:

  • Creating a disturbance—verbal or reacting in a manner that undermines the decision and authority of a coach, or others.
  • Shouting any demeaning, rude or abusive comments at a player, coach or another parent.
  • Intimidating or threatening a player, coach or another parent
  • Using profanity / obscene language directed at a player, coach or another parent
  • Harassing a coach over his/her calls behind the plate or on the bases
  • Engaging in verbal or physical conflicts with other parents or fans.
  • Littering or causing unsanitary conditions.

Enforcement Steps:

1. The offending party will be told by a FHTBA Official (a member of the executive or a coach of the teams involved) that their behaviour is not acceptable and they will be asked to stop the behaviour.

2. If the party does not stop with the unacceptable behaviour, they will be asked to leave the facility 

3. If the party refuses to leave, the official will call the Police.

Consequences:

“Anyone who commits inappropriate behaviour or activity under ARTICLE III Section ii, iii and iv may be ejected from the facility immediately and prohibited from returning to a program or event for a period of time”

The coaches on each team are responsible for the behaviour of the spectators associated with his / her team.

TIPS for PARENTS

  • Make sure your child is committed to the team (games and practices).
  • If your child cannot make a game call your coach ahead of time as they need to make up the lineups for the game before they arrive.
  • Encourage your child to attend practices as they are essential in skills development.
  • Make sure your child is dressed properly (FHTBA Hat, Shirt & long pants).
  • Arrive at the park before game time (as directed by your coach).  This will ensure there is adequate time for warm-up and that games will begin on time.
  • Stay and watch the game.
  • Offer to help the coaches with scoring, practices or sometimes coaching.
  • Be a supportive spectator and only make comments that support and encourage the players. Never ridicule young players who make mistakes.
  • Do NOT ask the coach to drive your child to a game or practice—The City of Kitchener Insurance Policy does not cover coaches under these circumstances. Arrange car-pooling with the other parents on the team.
  • If you have any concerns, talk to your coach after the practice or game.
  • Insist that your child stays on the bench not in the spectator area.
  • Take an opportunity to thank the coaching staff of the team—they put a lot of volunteer hours into running the team on and off the field.


10 Commandments For Parents

T-Ball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets 🙂

  1. I shall not criticize the umpire unless I am ready to assume his duties
  2. I shall not complain about anyone unless I have laboured more hours on the T-Ball program
  3. I shall not be a “Grand Stand” Manager
  4. I shall encourage my child to follow the T-Ball Pledge
  5. I shall remember that only 10 players can play at one time
  6. I shall set an example of sportsmanship for my child to follow
  7. I shall not be critical unless I am willing to put out the necessary effort to correct my criticism
  8. I shall encourage my child to follow the T-Ball Pledge
  9. I shall remember that all managers, coaches and league directors are volunteer workers and cannot work on the T-Ball program full time
  10. I shall offer my services for work whenever possible