Code of Conduct & Expectations
Powhatan Little League is a recreational youth baseball and softball program dedicated to teaching fundamentals, teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect while providing a safe and positive experience for all participants.
Powhatan Little League adopts and enforces the official Player, Parent/Spectator, and Manager/Coach Codes of Conduct issued by Little League Baseball®. In addition, Powhatan Little League has established the following league-specific expectations to support a positive, respectful, and development-focused environment. Powhatan Little League reserves the right to enforce this Code of Conduct in accordance with Little League rules and league policies to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
Powhatan Little League is a community centered organization. Being such, we aim to uphold our values through PLL AND in the community that we serve. Powhatan Little League has a zero tolerance policy on bullying, hazing, fighting, and psychological harm. Any PLL player or volunteer that commits any egregious acts towards others within PLL or the community, will be held accountable for such actions as deemed appropriate by the Powhatan Little League Board of Directors within the Powhatan Little League organization. Such consequences include, but are not limited to, game suspension, team suspension, or banned from PLL. As a pilar in the community, we not only represent ourselves, but this amazing league that provides unmeasurable opportunities to our youth.
This Code of Conduct applies to all players, parents/guardians, non-participating children attending PLL events, coaches, volunteers, and spectators. Participation in Powhatan Little League activities constitutes agreement to comply with both Little League policies and Powhatan Little League standards. Where expectations differ, the higher standard shall apply.
Participation in Powhatan Little League is a privilege. All players, parents/guardians, coaches, and spectators are expected to always comply with this Code of Conduct.
Player Expectations & Conduct
As a Powhatan Little League player, I agree to:
Always show respect to teammates, opponents, coaches, umpires, and league volunteers.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship, whether winning or losing.
Use appropriate language and behavior and avoid taunting, teasing, or disrespectful gestures.
Listen to coaches and umpires and follow instructions to the best of my ability.
Stay engaged and supportive of my teammates while in the dugout.
Remain in the dugout during games, unless instructed otherwise by a coach or in case of an emergency.
Understand that Little League is a developmental program where learning, effort, and teamwork are emphasized.
Participate fully and positively in practices and games.
Follow all Little League safety rules, including proper use of equipment and respectful conduct on and off the field.
Powhatan Little League believes in providing equal practice opportunities for all players. Playing time during games may vary based on game situations, player readiness, safety considerations, and league rules.
Unsportsmanlike or disrespectful behavior toward players, coaches, parents, or umpires is not permitted.
Violations of these expectations may result in corrective action, including warnings, reduced playing time, suspension, or removal from the team or league.
Parent / Guardian Expectations & Conduct
As a Powhatan Little League parent or guardian, I agree to:
Support all players and coaches by modeling positive behavior and sportsmanship.
Allow coaches to coach. I will not coach from the stands during practices or games.
Use positive encouragement and refrain from negative comments toward players, coaches, umpires, or spectators.
Never verbally abuse or confront umpires, players, coaches, or volunteers.
Accept responsibility for the behavior of all guests and family members attending games or practices with me.
Actively supervise my player(s) and any accompanying non-participating children while attending Powhatan Little League games, practices, or events.
Treat all members of the Powhatan Little League community with respect, including in conversations, emails, text messages, and social media.
Understand that Little League is a developmental program, and that game situations, positions, and batting order are determined by coaches in accordance with league rules.
Communicate concerns appropriately, waiting until at least the day after a game to contact a coach or league representative unless there is an urgent matter.
Help create a positive environment where all players feel supported, encouraged, and safe.
Powhatan Little League has zero tolerance for abusive, threatening, or unsportsmanlike behavior from parents or spectators.
While Powhatan Little League strives to provide a safe environment for all participants, the League is not responsible for the supervision of children outside of organized on-field activities. Parents and guardians remain solely responsible for supervising their player(s) and any accompanying non-participating children at all times. Incidents, injuries, or disputes occurring outside of active participation or as a result of lack of supervision are the responsibility of the involved families.
Powhatan Little League has zero tolerance for taunting, abusive, threatening, or unsportsmanlike behavior by parents, players, non-participating children, or spectators, whether occurring on or off the field during league activities.
Violations may result in removal from the facility, suspension, or additional disciplinary action in accordance with Little League policies.
Coach Expectations & Conduct
As a Powhatan Little League coach, I agree to:
Serve as a positive role model and uphold the values of Little League at all times.
Teach fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Maintain emotional control, using calm and respectful communication.
Treat every player with patience, fairness, and respect, recognizing that players develop at different rates.
Constructively provide instruction and correction, never through threats, ridicule, or humiliation.
Respect umpires, opposing teams, parents, and league officials, even in challenging situations.
Follow all Little League rules and safety requirements, placing player safety first.
Address concerns privately and professionally, avoiding public confrontations.
Coach the entire team, focusing on overall development rather than individual outcomes.
Coaches are expected to model the behavior they wish to see in players and families.
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in suspension or removal from coaching duties.