Policies & Code of conduct

2020 NLGSA Policies and Code of Conduct

Operating Principles:

  1. To provide a non – competitive environment for teams and players (House League) - through participation in the Community Softball League (C.S.L.)
  2. To provide a safe experience for all participants at every skill level
  3. To promote a sense of spirit among all teams within the North London Girls Softball Association


Convenor Responsibilities:

  1. To ensure the organization can meet all the objectives outlined by the C.S.L
  2. To provide front line support to the front-line volunteers (Coaches, Umpires) to enable them to successfully support our organization and the C.S.L.
  3. To be available to ensure that the objectives of the C.S.L. are being met and that our representatives (Coaches and Assistant Coaches) are overseeing their teams in such a way that allows every participant to have fun, develop their skills and represent the North London Girls Softball Association in a positive manner
  4. To convey information back to the Coaches , Umpire in Chief , Parents, and Players about league rules and activities to keep them up-to-date on information regarding league information
  5. To be decisive resolving conflicts and to ensure that all parties understand that any judgment made is consistent with supporting the C.S.L. objective that all participants are treated fairly and the intent of the rule is upheld.
  6. To display leadership in building a positive C.S.L. atmosphere by reinforcing all of the responsibilities of the Coaches, Umpires, Parents and Players as we administer the divisional game throughout the season
  7. To ensure that personnel are available to the C.S.L to ensure the success of the C.S.L. ‘s playoffs
  8. To fairly divide the available players, to ensure the teams are equitable as possible


Coaches Responsibilities:

  1. To inform the players and parents of the coaches expectations for the upcoming season
  2. To serve as a positive role model to your players, both on and off the field.
  3. To display good SPORTSMANSHIP in all cases, both as a winner and as a loser.
  4. To teach respect for all players, both teammates and your competitors.
  5. To show respect for the rules, the officials and their decisions.
  6. To show leadership in building a team atmosphere, by using constructive advice and positive reinforcement.
  7. To help your athletes develop a positive self-image of themselves, no matter what their skill level.
  8. To give all your players an equal opportunity to learn skills and play different positions.
  9. To provide your players with the enthusiasm to continue a life-long participation in sport.


Parent Responsibilities:

  1. To make it possible for your child to fulfil their commitment to the team and the coaches by seeing that they get to games and practices in time.
  2. Not put pressure on your child to play a sport or a position.
  3. To remember that your child should play softball for her enjoyment, not for yours.
  4. To lead by example and serve as a positive role model. To applaud good plays and performances by both teams on the field. To never resort to abuse or hostility towards any other participant, coach, umpire or league official.
  5. To never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a game.
  6. To teach your child to display good SPORTSMANSHIP in all cases, both as a winner and as a loser.
  7. To show respect for the rules, the officials and their decisions.
  8. Provide your child with the enthusiasm to continue a life-long participation in sport.


Player Responsibilities:

  1. To participate because you want to and to remember to have fun.
  2. To remember to always play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.
  3. To remember that winning isn't everything, that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing your best are also important.
  4. To contribute to your team by giving a full effort and supporting your teammates. It is important not to let your team down by missing games and practices without good reason.
  5. To respect opponents and acknowledge all good plays--both those of fellow teammates and of opponents.
  6. To show respect for the rules, the umpires, the coaches and their decisions.
  7. Display good sportsmanship in all situations.


Registration Policies

  1. Register early - first to register, first to play
  2. The Community Softball League (CSL) caps team rosters @ 15 players. Players are placed on teams based on date of registration. Once 15 players have registered, players are placed on a waiting list until 24 players are reached then a second team will be formed.
  3. Registration date is determined by the date that the North London Girls Softball Association receives your registration. In the event that more than one registration is received on the same date order will be determined by date of birth.
  4. All requests to play up a division are at the discretion of Board of the North London Girls Softball Association and will be dealt with on an individual basis. The President and or board members will review the application and determine what is in the best interest of the player involved and the organization. No player will be allowed to play up a division if a player in the affected age group has to be placed on the waiting list. No decisions will be made before April 15th
  5. All players returning from a competitive team (Tier 1. 3 - Tri-County is considered Tier 2) must inform the NLGSA at the time of registration so they can be placed on a team that is one division above their age group as per CSL rule, failure to do so could result in the player being ineligible to play and be removed from the applicable team.
  6. I allow the North London Girls Softball Association to release their participant’s personal information to the City of London
  7. I allow the North London Girls Softball Association to use photos/videos taken from games, practices or tournaments on their website and social media feeds. If you do not wish for any photos/videos to be used please email our convenor or president.
  8. Refund policies are as follows;
    • 100% refunds will be provided if the convenor is notified in writing before March 31st
        • A $20 processing fee will be deducted from the refund
    • 75% refunds will be provided if the convenor is notified in writing before April 30th.
        • A $20 processing fee will be deducted from the refund
    • No refunds will be provided after May 1st
  9. During the online registration you will be asked to accept the North London Girls Softball Association policies. If you wish to read them before registering they can be found on our Policies page.

Multiple teams in a division; The criteria for team selection will be as follows:

  1. Teams will be capped at 15 participants
  2. NLGSA - first to register first to play policies are in effect until teams reach 12 participants in the specific division, only one team will be declared.
  3. If 12 participants were to register in a division and those 12 participants were previously registered in the NLGSA in the previous season and were part of the same team those participants would form “Team Maroon” - example: if 24 players registered for the novice in 2017 and of those 12 players were registered in 2016 in the novice division the 12 previous NLGSA participants would form “Team Maroon” – subject to the NLGSA - first to register first to play policies
  4. If less than 12 participants were to register in a division and those participants were previously registered in the NLGSA in the previous season and were part of the same team those participants would form “Team Maroon” - example: if 24 players registered for the novice in 2017 and of those players were registered in 2016 in the NLGSA squirt division the previous participants would form “Team Maroon” plus the required number of participants up to team maximum (CSL team rules) subject to the NLGSA - first to register first to play policies
  5. Players will be placed on “Team Maroon” based on the NLGSA- First to Register first to play policies after up to 12 participant registrations then the 13 participants will be placed on “Team White” subject to the NLGSA - first to register first to play policies
  6. The 25 participants will be placed on “Team Maroon”. The 26 participants will be placed on “Team White” and will rotate between “Team Maroon” and “Team White” up to team maximum (CSL team rules) subject to the NLGSA - first to register first to play policies
  7. The NLGSA will only consider “friend requests” if the participant agrees to be the 13 participant and their associated “group” on the list – subject to the NLGSA - first to register first to play policies
  8. If more 1 player from the same family registers in the division and become the 12 and 13 participants registered, then 14 players starts the “Team White” process.
  9. If a participant is identified as a pitcher they could possibly move to "Team White" in order to create a balance between the two teams
  10. The practice and home nights listed on the website only apply to “Team Maroon” and could be on any night of the week for “Team White”. Until registration is complete the number of participants is unknown and to avoid excessive costs the NLGSA makes on commitment of time slots for multiple teams.
  11. In the event of two teams being declared it understood by the participant’s team placement is based solely on pervious registration with the NLGSA and first to register first to play policies.
  12. It is understood the NLGSA strives to balance the two teams and believes that healthy competition between the two teams is more important than having one team being successful.
  13. It is understood that it may come down to one NLGSA team and another NLGSA team for a tournament or league championship that every reasonable effort was made to balance the 2 teams and no one team was given an advantage.
  14. Team division was based on request to play - one per participant, pitching balance, age of participant and was completed by the President and Registrar
  15. Request to play means each participant can request another participant to be a member of the same team providing both participants make the same request. Participants cannot request more than one player.
  16. No requests will be considered after April 1st of the registration year
  17. In the event of two teams being declared it understood by the participant the distribution of equipment is based solely on availability at the time of distribution
  18. I understand that for a player to be placed on the same team, as another player Both players must indicate the desire be placed on the same team, I understand that one player can be requested per player per team.
  19. The NLGSA does not guarantee placement of participants on a team of the participants choice other than offering a spot to play within the registered division ALL jewelry, except for Medic Alert bracelets/necklaces, MUST be removed. This is a safety issue that must not be ignored. Medic alert bracelets and medallions should be worn if required and should not be taped. There is no penalty for medic alert jewelry. Jewelry includes tie wraps or any other objects that might be on the wrist Facemasks are mandatory for pitchers and highly recommended to all players. We strongly encourage all players to have their own facemask. One shared mask is made available per team for the pitcher.


Participation Acceptance

  1. I acknowledge my or my child's voluntary participation in this organization. I understand that while participating in this event, there is a risk of injury. I understand that such an injury can range from minor to major injury.
  2. I hereby waive any and all claims, causes of action, right to entitlements, suites or damages against the North London Girls Association, including any and all employees, agents or representatives, as a result of, or in conjunction with my participation during this event. I also waive any and all claims to any other services, uniforms, equipment, medical or training services, and the like
  3. I verify that I have no physical disabilities, impairments or chemical dependencies that inhibit my participation in softball sport activities. I do not know of any medical reasons why I should not participate in this event. I hereby accept and assume the risk of injury and understand the possible consequence of such injury up to and including death.


Code of Conduct

  1. It is our responsibility all participants (parents, coaches, players and Fans) to set a good example and be a positive role model for our players.
  2. Any disrespect and/or unsportsmanlike conduct toward the umpires/players/coaches/league will not be tolerated. As such, the umpire will warn/eject any coach, parent and/or player who fails to comply with this conduct
  3. The umpire will report all incidents relating to ejections to the league (CSL),The North London President and board.
  4. Foul language, unsportsmanlike behavior of any kind and/or any conduct deemed detrimental to the CSL will not be tolerated.
  5. No disrespect and/or unsportsmanlike conduct toward the umpires/players/coaches/league will be tolerated.
  6. In order to keep the integrity of this league, to create a positive and fun experience for our children, there will be a Zero Tolerance Policy in effect.
  7. North London Girls Softball Association will not tolerate any disrespect and/or unsportsmanlike conduct toward the umpires/players/coaches/league (CSL) /Board Members, behavior Confirmation of this type of Behavior (depending on severity) could result in game suspensions or a lifetime ban from North London Girls Softball Association.
  8. All participants must adhere with the City of London's r-zone policy. Review the city of London's R-Zone Policy
  9. ALL jewelry, except for Medic Alert bracelet/necklaces, MUST be removed. This is a safety issue that must not be ignored. Medic alert bracelets and medallions should be worn if required and should not be taped. There is no penalty for medic alert jewelry. Jewelry includes tie wraps or any other objects that might be on the wrist


Anti-Bullying

North London Girls Softball Association is completely opposed to bullying and will not tolerate it. It is entirely contrary to the values and principles we work, live and play by. All North London Girls Softball Association players have a right to play in a secure and caring environment. They also have a responsibility to contribute, in whatever way they can, to the protection and maintenance of such an environment.

Principles

  • Players have a right to play ball free from intimidation and fear.
  • The needs of the victim are paramount.
  • Bullied players will be listened to.
  • Reported incidents will be taken seriously by coaches and the North London Girls Softball Association Board of Directors and thoroughly investigated.

Definition of Bullying - Bullying is an act of aggression, causing embarrassment, pain or discomfort to someone. It can take a number of forms; physical, verbal, making gestures, extortion and exclusion. It is an abuse of power. It can be planned and organized, or it may be unintentional. It may be perpetrated by individuals or by groups of players.

Forms of Bullying

  • Physical violence such as hitting, pushing or spitting at another player.
  • Interfering with another player’s property, by stealing, hiding or damaging it.
  • Using offensive names, racial or sexual slurs when addressing another player.
  • Teasing or spreading rumors about another player or her family.
  • Belittling another player’s abilities and achievements.
  • Writing offensive notes or graffiti about another player.
  • Excluding another player from a group activity.
  • Ridiculing another player’s appearance, way of speaking or personal mannerisms.
  • Misusing technology (internet or mobiles) to hurt or humiliate another person. i.e. Facebook, Vine, YouTube, Twitter, texting and any other social media site.

The North London Girls Softball Association Coaching staff is responsible to:

  • Foster in our player’s self-esteem, self-respect and respect for others
  • Demonstrate by example the high standards of personal and social behavior we expect of our player’s.
  • Discuss bullying with all teams, so that every player learns about the damage it causes to the player who is bullied, the bully and the overall effect to the dynamic of the team and the importance of telling a coach and/or parent about bullying when it happens.
  • Be alert to signs of distress and other possible indications of bullying.
  • Listen to players who have been bullied, take what they say seriously and act to support and protect them.
  • Report suspected cases of bullying and/or incidents of consequence to the President of the North London Girls Softball Association and ultimately to the board of directors when deemed necessary
  • Follow up any complaint by a parent about the bullying issue, and report back promptly and fully on the action which has been taken.
  • Deal with observed instances of bullying promptly and effectively, in accordance with agreed procedures.

We expect our players to:

  • Refrain from becoming involved in any kind of bullying, even at the risk of incurring temporary unpopularity.
  • Intervene to protect the player who is being bullied, unless it is unsafe to do so.
  • Report to a member of coaching and/or managing staff, Members of the Board of Directors any witnessed or suspected instances of bullying, to dispel any climate of secrecy and help to prevent further instances.

Anyone who becomes the target of bullies should:

  • Not suffer in silence, but have the courage to speak out, to put an end to their own suffering and that of other potential targets.

The Responsibilities of Parents:

We ask our parents to support their daughters and North London Girls Softball Association by:

  • Watching for signs of distress or unusual behavior in their girls, which might be evidence of bullying.
  • Advising their daughters to report any bullying to their coach (Head or Assistant) or Team Manager and explain the implications of allowing the bullying to continue unchecked, for themselves and for other players.
  • Advising their daughters not to retaliate violently to any forms of bullying.
  • Being sympathetic and supportive towards their daughters, and reassuring them that appropriate action will be taken.
  • Keep a written record of any reported instances of bullying and copies of cyber-bullying
  • Informing the North London Girls Softball Association of any suspected bullying, even if their daughter is not involved.
  • Co-operating with the North London Girls Softball Association, if their daughter is accused of bullying, try to ascertain the truth. And point out the implications of bullying, both for the players who are bullied and for the bullies themselves.

The Responsibilities of All:

Work together to combat and eradicate bullying.

Digital and Social Media

Website

  • Our website will include current information on teams, tournament, social events, committees, team schedules, season standings, rules and by-laws.
  • No offensive content or photos will be published.

Email

  • Committee members, coaches and team managers may use email to provide information about tournaments, training, social events and other business, however: communication involving children will be directed through their parents.

Social Media Websites and applications

  • We treat all social media postings, blogs, status updates and tweets as public ‘comment’.
  • Postings (written, photos or videos) will be family-friendly and feature positive news and events.
  • No personal information about our players will be disclosed.
  • No statements will be made that are misleading, false or likely to injure a person’s reputation.
  • No statements will be made that might bring our organization into disrepute.
  • Abusive, discriminatory, intimidating or offensive statements will not be tolerated. Offending posts will be removed and those responsible will be blocked from the site.

Player and Parent Responsibility

We expect our players and parents to conduct themselves appropriately when using electronic communication to share information or posting material on public websites connected to North London Girls Softball Association. This is extremely important when players are in uniform (this includes any or all clothing either provided by North London Girls Softball Association or purchased in conjunction with Spirit Wear sales. You are representing both North London Girls Softball Association well as the City of London).

Electronic Communication

  • Must not intimidate, humiliate or bully another person.
  • Must not offend or demean themselves or another person.
  • Must not be misleading, false or injure the reputation of another person.
  • Should respect and maintain the privacy of members.
  • Must not bring the organization/team into disrepute.
  • This includes all Social Media forums both run by North London Girls Softball Association and or the individual players and parents accounts. Coaches and others who work with children and young people must direct electronic communication through the child’s parents.

PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH ALL REPORT INCIDENTS

Outline below are the steps that will be taken in response to reports of bullying or social media incidences:

  • Contacting parents’/care givers of all players concerned in the bullying incident
  • Player(s) suspected of bullying will face an immediate suspension from all team activities until an investigation can take place by North London Girls Softball Association coaches and board members
  • Feedback/support will be given to all those concerned
  • Confirmation of Bullying will (depending on the severity) result in game suspensions to a lifetime ban from London Lightning Fastball
  • Depending on the offense, local Police could be contacted
  • Unlike ball, there will be no 3 strikes allowed

Harassment is a crime under the Criminal Code. Harassment is when something a person says or does makes someone fear for his or her safety, or for the safety of others. Even if the perpetrator did not intend to frighten someone, she or he can be charged with harassment if the target feels threatened. Criminal harassment is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Defamatory libel is a crime under the Criminal Code. It is most often treated as a crime if the libelous statement is directed against a person in authority and could seriously harm his or her reputation. Defamatory libel is punishable by up to five years in prison.

In Addition: North London Girls Softball Association treats false claims with equal importance. Making a false claim could result in a lifetime ban from North London Girls Softball Association Parent/Guardian Responsibility:As a parent or guardian of a player on NLGSA you will commit to encouraging your daughter to always respect others. You will also respect all other adults (parents, guardians and coaching staff) of North London Girls Softball Association and officiating Umpires. You have instructed your daughter not to bully. You have advised your daughter to report any signs of bullying.