The Cedar Park Youth League (CPYL) Board strives to create a positive baseball and softball experience that you and your children will remember for years to come. To help create this positive environment CPYL has established a strict “No Tolerance Policy” that everyone in the league is required to acknowledge and uphold.
- I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for all children, including my own, while participating in youth sports at CPYL. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials, at every game, every practice, and at all other CPYL Events.
- I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of my desire to win.
- I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
- I will avoid “coaching” from the stands and will limit my comments to positive support.
- I will treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
- I will help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, participating in team events and helping to maintain the CPYL complex.
- I understand the following items/actions are not tolerated at CPYL or CPYL sponsored activities:
- Alcohol products o Smoking o Profanity
- Unsportsmanlike comments towards managers, coaches, umpires, parents and children
- Yelling at, threatening, or physically attacking a league official, umpire, manager, coach, parent or child
- Entering the field of play or dugout during games without permission of the manager, umpire or league official
- Mistreatment of CPYL property or facilities, including equipment, fields, and buildings
- I understand that the umpires are here for the kids and the game. I will not question their calls or make unsportsmanlike comments towards the umpire. I understand that the league provides guidelines for the team manager to address umpires, and I will not approach an umpire during or after a game to question their calls.
- I understand that I should provide guidance to this policy to family and friends that I invite to CPYL.
- I understand that if I fail to follow the items listed above, I could be ejected from the CPYL property.
- I understand that if I am ejected, I must leave the CPYL complex immediately. I understand that depending on the cause for ejection, I may be suspended for a minimum of one game in addition to the game from which I am ejected, and up to permanent suspension from the league based on the “CPYL Policy Regarding Ejection of a Player, Parent or Coach from a Game”.
If a manager, coach, parent or other party is suspended due to a No Tolerance Violation, he or she will not be permitted in the ballpark or on the grounds of CPYL until the suspension is complete. The only exception is for the purpose of picking up or dropping off of the child. If said person has another child with a game at a level that is not involved in the suspension, he/she, still, will not be permitted at the park until the suspension is complete. IE if a coach is suspended 1 game in 12u baseball he/she is not allowed to attend or coach a 8u softball game until the 1 game baseball suspension is completed/served.
CPYL Policy Regarding Ejection of a Player, Parent, or Coach from a Game
(i.e. “The No Tolerance Rule”)
CPYL has NO TOLERANCE for treating umpires, coaches, players, spectators, officials or parents with bad behavior. The following Rules are In Addition to Those Listed in the CPYL No Tolerance Policy Signed by Parents and Coaches Prior to Each Season
CPYL is committed to fostering an environment of respect, safety, and positive sportsmanship. This policy outlines the behavior expectations for players, coaches, parents, and umpires, and establishes consequences for violations. All participants are expected to adhere to these guidelines in order to maintain the integrity of the game and create a positive experience for all involved.
Behavior Expectations and Consequences
Parents/ Family/ Spectators
- Respect for the Game and Participants: Parents, family, and all other spectators are expected to support the players, coaches, and officials in a respectful and positive manner. Actions that can result in removal and/ or suspension include, but are not limited to the following:
- Arguing with, berating, or threatening any coach, player, umpire, or official.
- Directly confronting an umpire or official during or after a game.
- Disrupting the game by shouting at players, coaches, or umpires in an inappropriate or aggressive manner.
- Encouraging players to engage in unsportsmanlike behavior or bullying other players.
- Making racial, homophobic, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory comments toward any participant.
- Consequences:
- First Offense: The person will be asked to leave the game / field area and will be banned from attending the teams next game. That person is not allowed to attend any other team or league practices, functions, or games until that one game suspension is completed. Any subsequent suspensions that occur in the current season and the following season will lead to a second offense.
- Second Offense: The person will be banned from attending any events or games at CPYL for the remainder of the current season. If a parent of a player is suspended, the team’s head coach will also be suspended for one game. The suspended person is not allowed to attend any other team or league practices, functions, or games that season. Any further suspensions at any time in the future, whether in the current season or any future season, will lead to a third offense.
- Third Offense: Permanent ban from attending any CPYL games or events.
Coaches
- Responsibility for Team Behavior: Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players, assistant coaches, and the parents associated with their team. Unacceptable behavior from a coach includes, but is not limited to:
- Arguing with umpires or other officials in an aggressive or disrespectful manner.
- Failing to intervene when a player, coach, or parent is exhibiting inappropriate behavior.
- Instigating or encouraging unsportsmanlike conduct, including arguing or belittling opponents, officials, or other coaches.
- Disrespecting the spirit of the game, such as manipulating or disrespecting league rules.
- Using aggressive or threatening language towards players, parents, or umpires.
- Consequences for Coach for Personally Violating “No Tolerance” Policy:
- First Offense: The coach will be ejected from the game and suspended for the next scheduled game. That coach is not allowed to attend any other team or league practices, functions, or games until that one game suspension is completed. Any subsequent suspensions that occur in the current season and the following season will lead to a second offense.
- Second Offense: Suspension for the remainder of the season, including tournaments and playoffs. That coach is not allowed to attend any other team or league practices, functions, or games that season. Any further suspensions in any subsequent season will lead to a third offense.
- Third Offense: Permanent removal from participation with all CPYL teams and events, with no opportunity to return in subsequent seasons.
- Consequences for Coach for Parents Violating “No Tolerance” Policy:
- First Offense: The coach will be suspended for the next scheduled game. That coach is allowed to attend any other team or league practices, functions, or games while the one game suspension is completed.
Players
- Respect and Sportsmanship: Players are expected to demonstrate respect for their teammates, coaches, opponents, and umpires at all times. Behavior that is considered unacceptable includes, but is not limited to:
- Arguing with umpires or coaches.
- Physical altercations with teammates, opponents, or officials.
- Deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g., intentionally causing harm or attempting to intimidate).
- Taunting or belittling other players, coaches, or officials.
- Refusing to follow the instructions of the coach or umpire.
- Consequences:
- First Offense: The player will be immediately ejected from the game and will be suspended for the next scheduled game, including any tournament play or playoff games. That player is not allowed to attend any other team or league practices, functions, or games until that one game suspension is completed. Any subsequent suspensions that occur in the current season and the following season will lead to a second offense.
- Second Offense: The player will be suspended for the remainder of the season, including tournaments and playoffs. The suspended person is not allowed to attend any other team or league practices, functions, or games the remainder of the season. Any further suspensions at any time in the future will lead to a third offense.
- Third Offense: Permanent removal from CPYL, with no opportunity to return in subsequent seasons.
Treatment of Umpires
Umpires play a critical role in ensuring that games are played fairly and safely. Any disrespect or abuse directed toward umpires will not be tolerated. No player, coach, parent, or spectator should argue with, intimidate, or disrespect an umpire. Only the head coach of the team should be communicating with the umpire. Disagreements should be expressed calmly and through the head coach before, during, or after the game.
Foul Language
Using foul, abusive, or offensive language is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in any form at CPYL events. All participants (players, coaches, and parents) are expected to use appropriate language and demonstrate respect for everyone involved in the game. Excessive profanity or offensive language, as determined by the CPYL Board, directed at any participant will result in immediate consequences.
Physical Abuse or Threats of Violence
Physical abuse or threats of violence are absolutely prohibited and will result in the highest level of disciplinary action. Any physical abuse or threats of violence against any participant (umpire, coach, parent, or player) will result in immediate ejection from the game and may include legal consequences.
- Consequences:
- First Offense: Immediate suspension for the season from CPYL, and possible legal action if applicable. Any further suspensions at any time in the future will lead to a second offense.
- Second Offense: Immediate permanent suspension from CPYL, and possible legal action if applicable.
Rules for Suspensions
- Ejection Reports: All umpires and/ or Board Members involved in an ejection must provide a written report outlining the circumstances surrounding the incident. This report will be reviewed by the Baseball or Softball Commissioner and may be discussed with the Baseball/Softball Committee if necessary.
- Suspension Notifications: The individual who is ejected (player (through parent and coach), coach, or parent) will be notified in writing of the suspension by the CPYL Board and given an opportunity to respond. Written correspondence will include information on the appeals process.
- Appeals Process: A suspended individual may submit an appeal in writing to the CPYL Executive Board within 48 hours of when the written notice of suspension is dated. Any appeal received after that time will not be accepted. ALL SUSPENDED INDIVIDUALS ARE REQURIED TO SERVE THEIR SUSPENSION FOR THE GAME IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT WHETHER UNDER APPEAL OR NOT.
- The CPYL Executive Board will review all appeals and their decision will be final. The Executive Board can request additional information and interview those involved in order to make an informed decision on the incident. The Executive Board is under no obligation to expedite any decisions.
- Removal from a Team: A child may be removed from a team or suspended because of the inappropriate actions of a parent or coach.
General Suspension Provisions
- Inappropriate Behavior Outside of Games: If a violation occurs outside of a game (e.g., off-field incidents), the suspension will apply to the next scheduled game, including any league tournament or playoff games.
- Violation of Suspension: If an individual violates their suspension (e.g., attending a game during their suspension), their child may also be removed from the league for the current and potentially the following season.
- Suspension at Non-CPYL Complexes: Any ejection or violation that occurs at a non-CPYL facility will be subject to review and possible suspension based on the terms of CPYL’s policy. Any current CPYL team playing outside of CPYL are representing the league and subject to all requirements as if playing at CPYL.
Addendum:
- No Tolerance Signage: Signage outlining the No Tolerance Rules will be posted at all CPYL facilities, including dugouts and backstops, for the benefit of all participants and spectators.
- No Tolerance Acknowledgement: All parents, managers, and coaches must acknowledge the CPYL No Tolerance Policy prior to the start of each season. Coaches will be provided with a copy of the policy before the start of practices, and they must acknowledge receipt by signing it.
- Ejection at Non-CPYL Facilities: If an ejection occurs at a non-CPYL facility, the individual may be suspended per CPYL’s policy at the discretion of the Baseball or Softball Commissioner and the CPYL Board.
The CPYL Board reserves the right to modify or amend any penalties deemed necessary to protect the players, coaches, parents, and volunteers, or to act in the best interest of CPYL. All decisions regarding violations and suspensions are final and non-negotiable.