Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct – BC Minor Baseball

Rule 13 On and off Field Code of Conduct for Managers, Coaches, Players, Parents and Spectators

13.1 Jurisdiction

BC Minor Baseball (BCMBA) is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. BCMBA supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices. Participants are expected to always conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values of BCMBA.

The Rule Book extends to all Local Sport Organization (LSO) events, meetings, and gatherings where baseball is the focal point of the assembly. This includes but is not limited to games, tournaments, practices, places where people watch as a spectator, and off-field conduct during team sanctioned road trips. Participants are subject to sanctions according to BCMBA Discipline Policy for engaging in any of the following behavior:

Not complying with the rules, regulations, or policies of BCMBA.
Deliberately disregarding the Rules of Baseball, as amended from time to time.
Verbally or physically abusing an opponent, officials, Umpires, spectators, or sponsors.
Showing disrespect to officials, including the use of foul language and obscene or offensive gestures.
Abusing playing equipment or playing area.
Failing to comply with the conditions of entry of an event including any rules regarding eligibility or advertising.
Anyone at any age using tobacco, cannabis, non-prescription drugs, or alcoholic products on-field at any BCMBA sanctioned competition.
Any other unreasonable conduct which brings the game into disrepute.
Any violation of the Baseball BC Safe Sport Policies.disregarding the Rules of Baseball as amended from time to time.

The BCMBA Code of Conduct shall govern all disciplinary matters to the extent that it conflicts with or augments the Code of Conduct of any association. BCMBA reserves the right to adopt and amend polices and rules within the Rule Book as required for the safety of all participants.

13.2 Player, Coach, Parent and Spectator Expected Behavior

Players, managers, or coaches engaging or persisting in conduct or actions unfavorable to the spirit, principles and objectives of good sportsmanship may, if the Umpire deems it appropriate, receive one warning from the Umpire. If the offense or offenses continue, offender or offenders will be removed from the game.
Parents and spectators attending BCMBA sanctioned events are expected to role model appropriate behavior for the youth players competing on the field. When conflict situations occur, parents and spectators are expected to resolve the conflict appropriately. Players, coaches, and Umpires have the right to participate in the game without being subjected to abuse or distractions from outside the playing field.
Examples of unacceptable behavior include but are not limited to showing disrespect to Umpires, opposing players, coaches, parents, and league administrators. This includes taunting, insulting language, angry outbursts, gestures, and physical aggression. Coaches are expected to make their best efforts to ensure these expectations are met by their parents and supporters. Any parent or spectator that fails to meet these expectations may be asked to leave the area surrounding the field by the coach and, or the Umpires.
The Umpire may speak directly to the individual being asked to leave or may choose to have the appropriate coach communicate this decision to the parent.
If a parent or spectator refuses to leave the area surrounding the field the Umpire may suspend the game without making any judgment as to the final score, which will be determined by the BCMBA. Any BCMBA Director may request that a parent or spectator leave the area surrounding the field of play as per the requirements of Rule 14.
The BCMBA shall review reports submitted in writing regarding unacceptable behavior and may contact the affected member Associations as deemed appropriate and, or issue discipline as warranted.

13.3 Prohibition of Cannabis, Tobacco, Alcohol and Non-Prescription Drugs

Non-Prescription Drugs, whether lawful or unlawful, and alcohol are always prohibited on the playing field from the warmup, during game play, and the equipment clean up after the game.
The consumption of alcohol is not permitted at BCMBA sanctioned games.
Coaches, players, managers, parents, spectators and Umpires, or any Official must not use cannabis, tobacco products including smokeless tobacco or e-cigarettes on the playing field. If anyone is found using of any of the above-mentioned items, they will be ejected from the game by an Umpire or Official.
Coaches, Players, Managers, Parents, Umpires, or any Official must not be on the playing field, benches, dugouts, or any areas within the boundaries of the playing field while in possession of or impaired by any legal or illegal substance.

13.4 Travesty of the Game

This rule will apply to all BCMBA sanctioned games, with particular emphasis in tournament situations. Travesty of the game is defined as an attempt to intentionally lengthen or shorten a game or manipulate the score of a game by any means that has players “not playing to win”. This would include batters or runners obviously attempting to make outs, pitchers obviously trying to miss the strike zone when pitching and fielders obviously trying to make errors. The penalties for making a travesty of the game will be the ejection of the Head Coach.
This rule may be enforced by the Umpires or a Tournament Director. The game will be defaulted and if the travesty continues during a tournament, disqualification of the team from the remainder of the tournament. Written reports by Umpires will be forwarded to the BCMBA Discipline Chair as soon as practically possible. Additional sanctions may be levied by the BCMBA Discipline Chair at any time and may extend to the players involved.

13.5 Artificial noise makers

Artificial noise makers, including but not limited to air horns, cow bells, thunder sticks, and bottles filled with rocks, are not permitted to be used by players, coaches, and spectators. Umpires may show discretion by advising the person using the device to stop. If the conduct continues and the Umpire believes that the device is interfering with game play the Umpire may eject the spectator using the device.

Communication Process and Procedures between Coaches, Players and Umpires During Gameplay

13.6 Communication at 13U and Younger Age Groups

Before, during or after a game coaches or players may not approach an Umpire for any reason except that they may:

Attend the plate meeting.
Request the Umpire to call “Time.”
Raise a safety concern.
Approach the Umpire to make a substitution on defense or offence.
Request the plate Umpire to ask their partner for help on a half swing when the plate Umpire calls the pitch a ball, but not when the pitch is called a strike. The plate Umpire will consult with the other Umpire for a determination which will be final.
Approach the Umpire to protest a game based on an interpretation of the Rule of Baseball on terms as set out in this Rulebook. (No protests are allowed at 11U and younger divisions.)
Shake the Umpires hands post game.
Thank the Umpires and or offer words of encouragement.

13.7 At 13U and Younger Age Groups Coaches or Players at any time may NOT:

Argue any Umpire’s decision which involves judgment, such as, but not limited to, whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out.
No player, manager, coach, or substitute shall object to any judgment decisions.
Players leaving their position in the field or on base, or managers or coaches leaving the bench or coaches box, to argue on BALLS AND STRIKES will not be permitted. The Umpire shall immediately eject any manager, coach, player, or team representative that continues to approach an Umpire after their decision has been made.
Harass or verbally abuse any official on the field of play before, during or after any game. Contravention will result will be the person being ejected from the game subject to further possible discipline by BCMBA.
If the manager comes out to argue with first or third base Umpire on a half swing they may be ejected as they are now arguing over a called ball or strike.

13.8 Communication at 15U and Older Age Groups

No player, manager, coach, or substitute shall object to any such judgment decisions related to any Umpire’s decision which involves judgment, such as, but not limited to, whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out. The Umpires decision is final.
Players leaving their position in the field or on base, or managers or coaches leaving the bench or coaches box, to argue on BALLS AND STRIKES will not be permitted. The Umpire will warn them if they start for the plate to protest the call. If they continue, they will be ejected from the game.
If a manager has reasonable doubt that any Umpire’s decision, excluding judgement calls, may be contrary to the rules, the manager may request to approach the Umpire to and ask that a review of the ruling be made. Such request shall be made only to the Umpire who made the decision. The Umpire may reject a review.
If the Umpire permits the review of the decision, the Umpire making the decision may ask another Umpire for information before making a final decision. If the Umpires consult after a play and change a call that had been made, then they have the authority to take all steps that they may deem necessary, in their discretion, to eliminate the results and consequences of the earlier call that they are reversing.
This includes placing runners where they think those runners would have been after the play, had the ultimate call been made as the initial call, disregarding interference or obstruction that may have occurred on the play; failures of runners to tag up based upon the initial call on the field; runners passing other runners or missing bases; etc., all in the discretion of the Umpires.
No player, manager or coach shall be permitted to argue the exercise of the Umpires’ discretion in resolving the play and any person so arguing shall be subject to ejection.
A manager is permitted to ask the Umpires for an explanation of the play and how the Umpires have exercised their discretion to eliminate the results and consequences of the earlier call that the Umpires are reversing. Once the Umpires explain the result of the play, however, no one is permitted to argue that the Umpires should have exercised their discretion in a different manner.
Nothing set out in section will prevent the right to protest under any other Section of this Rulebook.
The manager or the catcher may request the plate Umpire to ask their partner for help on a half swing when the plate Umpire calls the pitch a ball, but not when the pitch is called a strike. The plate Umpire will consult with the other Umpire for a determination which will be final. On a half swing, if the manager comes out to argue with first or third base Umpire and if after being warned if they persist in arguing, they can be ejected as they are now arguing over a called ball or strike. The ball is live on appeal of a half swing, there is no stoppage of play.
Players, Coaches and Managers may request the Umpire to call “Time” or raise a safety concern.
Coaches, Players, and Spectators may not argue any call by making comments to a third party, make any gesture or comments that shows public disagreement with an Umpire’s decision. Contravention will result in the person being ejected from the game.

13.9 Prohibited Recruiting

Coaches or associations may not recruit players who reside in another association’s boundaries. Recruiting is defined as any communication with a family regarding another program and, or the opportunity to play in another program. Players who reside in open territory may be recruited.
If and association does not field a team at the AAA level their players may be contacted about opportunities to play in another association at that level only.
When an association cuts player from their 15U AAA team these players may be contacted by other 15U AAA teams about opportunities to play in other associations at that level only. It is the responsibility of each coach to verify (through email) that the player has been cut from the other association’s 15U AAA team prior to any recruiting occurring. This verification could be in email form. Coaches are to cut players in writing, so players/parents can forward this email as confirmation to other coaches they wish to speak to.

Suspensions and Procedures for Appeals

13.10 Power to Suspend with Corresponding Discipline

The BCMBA disciplinary committee shall have the power to suspend any coach, manager, parent, or other team official violating the provisions of Rule 13. This committee will investigate as they deem appropriate and will communicate their decision to the individual being suspended and the LSO association President. Any decision made by the disciplinary committee may be appealed through the appeal process outlined in Rule 16. A suspension will be held in abeyance until the appeal is heard.

13.11 Suspensions for Serious Misconduct

Suspensions for physical contact or any serious misconduct between any Manager, Coach, Player, Umpire, Parent, Fan and, or Other Official, or the use of illegal players in any instance deemed severe enough by the BCMBA President or delegate, will not be held in abeyance until the appeal is heard. All suspensions must be served during any Regular Season game, Post Season game, Provincial Championship game and, or Championship Tournament game.

13.12 Automatic Suspension

If a member of the coaching staff and, or a player is ejected from a game, excluding a Provincial Championship, they may not participate in their next scheduled game. If a member of the coaching staff or a player is ejected from the first game of a “Double Header” they may not participate in the second game. Invitational Tournament games and Exhibition games do not count in any suspension to be served.

13.13 Suspensions, Discipline Process and Procedures

The BCMBA Discipline Chair will receive an ejection report or allegation of misconduct from the Umpire and, or Complainant. The Discipline Chair will read the written report from the Umpire and, or Complainant.

The BCMBA Discipline Chair will review and forward the ejection report and the allegations of misconduct to the BC Minor Division Chair or Director for that division and the affiliated LSO President. The LSO President will forward the ejection report and, or allegations of misconduct to the person indicated in ejection report or allegations of misconduct.

All discipline files will be handled by means of written submissions.
The BCMBA Discipline Chair may determine that an Oral Hearing is required. If required, a neutral location will be determined by the BCMBA Discipline Chair. All Oral Hearings will be heard by a minimum of three (3) BCMBA Board of Directors and, or representatives appointed by the Discipline Chair.
If granted BCMBA will be responsible for all expenses related to the Oral Hearing. When the BCMBA Discipline Chair requests an Oral Hearing, a decision will be rendered within forty-eight (48) hours. Oral Hearings may be held over electronic means to ensure timely and fair process while avoiding travel and costs. The discretion belongs to the Discipline Chair.
Any player or spectator who is ejected from a game is automatically suspended for one additional game minimum. If the Discipline Chair believes an ejection or misconduct requires more than an automatic suspension due to elevated inappropriate misconduct the Discipline Chair will notify the LSO President in writing of the finding. The Discipline Committee Chair may review the incident, make a finding, and issue an appropriate suspension corresponding to the misconduct. This may be issued in games or for a length of time.
If the Discipline Chair believes an incident or ejection requires more than the mandatory suspension due to serious misconduct the Discipline Chair will notify the LSO President in writing of the finding. The Discipline Committee Chair may review the incident, make a finding, and issue an appropriate suspension corresponding to the misconduct. This may be issued in games or for a length of time.

13.14 One Game Suspensions

One game suspensions will include infractions that are made without malice or ill-intent. They include:
An ejection for arguing balls and strikes or an ejection for arguing a call on the field of play.
A single incident of a disrespectful, offensive behavior directed towards others, including but not limited to peers, opponents, athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, spectators, and sponsors.
Unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts or arguing.
Basic non-compliance with the rules and regulations under which BCMBA events are conducted.
Any violation related to the tobacco prohibition.

13.15 Two Game Suspensions

Covering any base or Home Plate with dirt, removing any equipment from the field of play, or throwing any object, or any otherwise excessive disagreements while arguing balls and strikes or arguing a call on the field of play.
Repeated incidents or disrespectful, offensive behaviour, or any abusive comments or behavior directed towards others, including but not limited to peers, opponents, athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, spectators, and sponsors.
Repeated unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts.
Sustained non-compliance with the rules and regulations under which BCMBA events are conducted.

13.16 Three Game Suspensions

A second suspension after a one or two game suspension.
Coaches at the 13U Age and under who are ejected for arguing balls and strikes or an ejection for arguing a call on the field of play as in Rule 13 above.
Arguing with or mocking an Umpire off the field of play. This includes but is not limited to parking lots or change rooms, or the concession stand.
Any abusive, racist, or sexist, comments or behavior.
Activities or behavior which interfere with a competition or with any athlete’s preparation for a competition.
Pranks, jokes, or other activities which endanger the safety of others.
Deliberate disregard for the rules and regulations under which BCMBA events are conducted, whether at the local or provincial level.
Use of alcohol.
Any violation related to the prohibition of Cannabis, Alcohol and Non-Prescription Drugs.

13.17 Five Game Suspensions

Any suspension after a three-game suspension.
REPEALED 2024 AGM
Any physical contact with an Umpire or other game official.

13.18 Extraordinary Misconduct and Discipline

The BCMBA Discipline Chair may remove a Coach, Player, or LSO Official until further notice where they believe any of the following conduct has occurred:
A Coach, Player of LSO Official knows or is a party to a player participating under an assumed name, or has falsified an affidavit or roster, or is giving false information to tournament officials.
A player or coach is knowingly participating while ineligible.
A player, coach or LSO Official is knowingly competing with or against players who have been disqualified.
Any use, promotion or possession of banned performance enhancing drugs or methods.
Any serious misconduct that creates an unsafe environment for participants within the game of baseball.

Should a Coach, Player, or LSO Official be removed the onus is on them to demonstrate why they should be allowed to return. The Coach, Player, or LSO Official may appeal pursuant to Rule 16.

13.19 Confirmation of Suspension and Disciplinary Measures

In the case of the BCMBA Discipline Chair levying any suspension under Rule 13 the BCMBA Discipline Chair or applicable BCMBA Division Chair or Director will make a written request by email to the appropriate Member Association President and request confirmation by the member Association President that the specific discipline has served.

13.20 Disciplinary Direction for Corrective Measures

The purpose of this Rule Book is not solely to be punitive. LSO’s, Coaches and Players need to learn the Rule Book and abide by required conduct. Where the Discipline Chair deems it appropriate, the Discipline Chair may direct an LSO Official, Coach, Player, or Spectator to:

Undertake a recommended Conflict Resolution Process.
Conduct Training as required to facilitate safe play.
Complete a review of any required section of the Rule Book.
Complete a written apology.

13.21 Provincial Championship

Discipline ejections of a coach, manager, player, parent, or other team official during a Provincial Championship do not carry an automatic suspension at any level of play and are instead reviewed by the BCMBA Director in charge of the Championship who will determine if a suspension is warranted. The BCMBA Director has the authority to use this process during a provincial championship to investigate any incident to witnessed or dealt with by the Umpires. The following disciplinary process will be used:

The BCMBA will receive a written ejection report from the Umpire.
The BCMBA Director, which may also include the Umpire in chief, will meet in private with the ejected individual and one other team official.
The ejected individual will have an opportunity to read the Umpire’s report and provide his perspective to the BCMBA Director.
The BCMBA Director will then determine whether further discipline is warranted and will advise the Head Coach of the decision in private.
The BCMBA Director has the power to issue a suspension for the duration of the Provincial Championship. Should a BCMBA Director feel a further suspension is warranted they will refer the matter to the BCMBA Disciplinary Committee at the conclusion of the tournament.

13.22 Appeals

Any portion of Rule 13 may be appealed pursuant to Rule 16.

13.23 Other Oversight Boards

Notwithstanding anything in Rule 13 or within the Rule Book, should BCMBA decide to have a superior oversight board administer discipline, or should a superior oversight committee decide to administer discipline, that process will supersede Rule 13 and the Rule Book. The process will not be duplicated as to form any part of double punishment or for two sets of jeopardy for one person who is the subject of the discipline.