Missoula Mud Dawgs Baseball

Parent Code of Conduct

Travel baseball requires a major commitment of time, energy, and resources from families. Your support from the stands is vital to our team’s success. Because your actions directly reflect on our players and organization, all parents and guardians are expected to adhere to the following standards:

1. Trust the Coaches & Respect the Dugout

• The "One Voice" Rule: Let the coaches coach. Giving tactical instructions from the stands (e.g., telling your player when to swing, drop their hands, or where to throw) confuses the players and often contradicts team strategy.

• Dugout Boundaries: The dugout is the players' and coaches' workspace. Parents are asked to stay clear of the dugout before and during games unless there is an emergency or medical need. Let the players focus on their team.

• The 24-Hour Rule: If you have concerns regarding playing time, positioning, or game strategy, wait 24 hours after the conclusion of a game or tournament before contacting the coaching staff to request a private conversation.

2. Sportsmanship from the Stands

• Umpire Relations: Zero tolerance for yelling at, mocking, or arguing with umpires. Contentious calls are part of baseball. Bad behavior from the stands only hurts the team's reputation and sets a poor example for the kids.

• Cheer For Our Team, Not Against Theirs: Keep all comments from the stands positive and supportive, for both Mud Dawgs and the opposing teams’ players. Do not engage with opposing fans, taunt opposing players, or celebrate their mistakes.

• Dignity in Adversity: Help your player process tough games constructively. Avoid criticizing teammates, coaches, or opponents on the car ride home—this is when kids form their attitudes toward the sport.

3. Team Commitment & Logistics

• Punctuality: Ensure your player arrives at the field completely geared up by the exact time designated by the coaches. Getting to the field on time reduces stress for the player and the staff.

• Communication: Proactively update the team communication app regarding attendance for practices, games, and team events so coaches can plan effectively.

The Representation Clause:

Your conduct on tournament grounds—including hotels, restaurants, and social media—reflects directly on our organization. Out-of-line behavior or abusive actions can result in a parent being barred from attending games, or in extreme cases, the player being removed from the roster.

Consequences for Violations

To maintain a safe and positive environment for the players, the organization will address parent misconduct through the following steps:

1. First Offense: A verbal warning and discussion with the coaching staff or program director.

2. Second Offense: The parent will be suspended from attending the team's next game or tournament.

3. Third Offense: Permanent suspension of the parent from all team events, and a mandatory review of the player’s continued status with the program.

Parent/Guardian Commitment

I look forward to supporting my player and the team this season. I understand that my behavior impacts the team culture, and I commit to keeping youth baseball fun, competitive, and positive for everyone involved.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________ Date: ______________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________ Date: ______________