Parent / Fan Misconduct Policy

The key descriptions of acceptable behavior for parents and fans are given in the Parents Code of Conduct that is handed out to all parents at time of registration. Generally we have few or no problems with parents misbehaving in a manner contradictory to that which is described in the Code of Conduct. However, occasionally a situation does arise where the behavior of a parent or fan becomes unacceptable. This policy is intended to describe the procedure that Winter Springs Youth Sports will follow to address such instances.

It is not the intent of this policy to try and define every instance that might be described as constituting parental/fan misconduct. We will however make mention of certain types of known behavior that we have experienced in the past and will use these examples to illustrate unacceptable behavior. Such examples are, but not limited to, the following.

• Boisterous taunting of an umpire, coach, league official, or player in a negative manner.
• The use of profanity or vulgar language.
• Embarrassing negative remarks aimed at the youth athletes while he/she is playing in a game.
• Threatening or aggressive remarks towards umpires, coaches, league officials, or fans.
• Physical confrontations with umpires, coaches, league officials, or fans.

Parents please understand that any such behavior as listed above will be dealt with by WSYS in the following manner, as long as it is deemed appropriate and safe for the situation.

1. First the parent/fan will be addressed by their manager and asked courteously to calm down.
2. Should the parent/fan persist their team’s manager will be ejected from the game. At that point the game will not resume until parental/fan has left the stands and the viewing area of the game and shall not return to for the remainder of the game, and the manager has left the dugout.
3. If the parent/fan fails to leave the stands the game will be called by the official or a Board Member and their team will forfeit the game.
4. Finally, if the parent/fan continues to behave offensively the Winter Springs Police Department will be called to escort them from the park.

It is our hope of the Members of the Board that we do not have to initiate any of the above steps necessary to control parent or fan behavior. It is the intent of Winter Springs Youth Sports to create a family atmosphere for the enjoyment and recreation of hundreds of parents, coaches, and players who are out to enjoy team and family time together. We hope to provide the basis for all players to have fun, learn the game and most of all develop the attitudes and behavior associated with sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork. We are asking you as parents to help us reach our goal. Please lead by example and remember that hundreds of small eyes and ears are looking and listening to everything you say and do.