The Lawrence Township Junior Baseball Softball Association (LTJBSA) is committed to providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for everyone.  To participate in or attend our events, everyone must follow this Code of Conduct.

Expected Behavior

All players, parents, coaches, spectators, and guests must:

• Be a positive role model: Show respect, compassion, and support to everyone.
• Follow the rules: Learn and respect the rules of the game, and encourage players to do the same.
• Prioritize personal growth: Focus on effort and individual achievement over winning.
• Support player development: Help all players improve their skills, build confidence, and develop self-esteem.
• Respect everyone: Treat all participants with dignity, regardless of gender, ability, background, or religion.
• Respect our facilities: Take care of our beautiful Parks, fields, and facilities at all times by keeping them clean and handling all equipment as if it were your own.

Safety First

• Follow safety guidelines: Always prioritize safety by adhering to rules such as wearing helmets, observing pitch counts, and following weather protocols.
• Be aware: Pay attention to your surroundings to prevent accidents.
• Respect boundaries: Only players, coaches, and umpires are allowed in the dugouts and on the playing field.
• Respect weather-related decisions: Understand and respect decisions made by coaches, umpires, or League officials regarding game cancellations or delays due to weather. These decisions are made with the safety and well-being of the players in mind.

Sportsmanship

• Respectful atmosphere: Create a welcoming and comfortable environment for everyone.
• Value teamwork: Promote cooperation among teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials.
• Respect for opponents: Treat all players, coaches, and spectators with respect, regardless of the outcome of the game. Shake hands with the opposing team after the game.
  
• Respect coaches' decisions: Support coaches and their decisions, even if you disagree. Discuss any concerns privately and constructively at a later time.
• Respect umpires: Trust the umpires' judgment and refrain from questioning their calls in a disrespectful or abusive manner. Discuss any concerns privately and constructively at a later time.
• Maintain appropriate conduct: Avoid profanity, ridicule, taunting, negative gestures, offensive remarks, trash talking, and excessive celebrations.
• No violence or aggression: Any physical or verbal altercation will result in immediate ejection and a ban from future LTJBSA events.

Prohibited Actions

All players, parents, coaches, spectators, and guests must comply with all state and local laws.  Additionally, they must refrain from the following actions:

• Discrimination: LTJBSA has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind, including but not limited to discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
• Substance use: Alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, and any other illicit or mind-altering substances are strictly prohibited before, during, and immediately after LTJBSA events.
• Inappropriate relationships with minors: Adults in positions of authority are prohibited from engaging in any behavior that encourages sexual relations with minors.
• Sexual harassment: Any form of sexual harassment, including unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, or other inappropriate conduct, will not be tolerated.
• Solicitation and recruitment: LTJBSA facilities and events are strictly off-limits for soliciting or recruiting participants.
• Misuse of information: Do not misuse any LTJBSA data, documents, or information.
  
• Disruptive behavior: The use of noisemakers or any other actions that distract players or hinder the peaceful enjoyment of the game is not allowed.
• Leaving children unattended: Players must be supervised at all times during games and practices.
• Smoking and vaping: Smoking and vaping are prohibited at all LTJBSA events and facilities.
• Unleashed pets: Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
  

Consequences

• The LTJBSA Board of Trustees has the authority to determine disciplinary action for any violations of this Code of Conduct.
  

This Code of Conduct is enforced in accordance with the following Lawrence Township ordinances:

• Lawrence Township Code § 285
• Lawrence Township Ordinance 2164-13
• Lawrence Township Ordinance 1881-06
• Lawrence Township Ordinance 2130-12
• Lawrence Township Ordinance 1935-07
  

Playing Ball Safely

1. Our LTJBSA Safety Manual, which is updated annually, compliant with the ASAP program, and submitted to Little League International for approval. 
2. Our Volunteer Background Check process, to ensure all individuals that come in contact with players have been fully vetted by LTPD. 
3. Annual  Abuse Awareness and CDC Heads Up Concussion Training, required for any on-field volunteer. 
4. USA Baseball Pitch Smart Guidelines for pitchers. 
5. Equipment safety, such as requiring the use of a USABat compliant bat and NOSCAE-compliant helmets, face guards, and catchers gear. 
6. Emphasis of safety in our Code of Conduct for all players, parents, coaches, spectators, and guests associated with our organization.

• CDC Heads Up Concussion Action Plan
  
• Accident Reporting Form and Process
• Player Medical Release Form