In an effort to promote healthy youth softball and ensure compliance with PCSA Code of Conduct, the PCSA will increase its emphasis on a "Zero-Tolerance" policy with regard to sportsmanship and behavior. In our continuing effort to encourage a positive and effective environment for all our athletes, we have adopted a zero tolerance policy. While the PCSA has supported such a policy in the past with regards to our code of conduct, we are now publishing, reviewing, and distributing these guidelines to ensure that every PCSA participant, parent and spectator fully understands Zero-Tolerance.
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 PCSA and especially proud of our players, coaches and families. Let's work to build our reputation as one of the best softball organizations in the state of Illinois.
Zero-Tolerance is simply that no inappropriate behavior will be tolerated at any time by anyone associated with PCSA, 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 PCSA softball a desirable and rewarding experience for all participants. The PCSA 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 suspension, or removal from the program. Removal from the program will result in the forfeiture of player, team, sponsor or other fees.
In addition, violators can be required to appear before the PCSA Board and subject to additional suspension or other action. The PCSA can institute disciplinary action even if no penalty is assessed by an umpire or other game official or coach.
“PLAYERS”
An ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero-Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player engages in the following conduct:
- Openly disputes or argues any decision by an umpire.
- Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.
- Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an umpire's decision.
- Otherwise engages in misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior before, during or after a game.
“COACHES”
An ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero-Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:
- Openly disputes or argues any decision by an umpire in a non-respectful manner.
- Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime.
- 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 or she shall be removed / ejected from the game or following game and removed from the playing field area.
“SPECTATORS / PARENTS”
Umpires and coaches 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 or coaches will identify violators 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 PCSA Board. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include, but not be limited to:
- Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime.
- Taunting of players, coaches, umpires or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
- Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players dugout or playing field, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.
- Otherwise engages in misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior before, during or right after a game.
