Missoula Mud Dawgs Baseball

Player Code of Conduct

Being a part of this travel team is a privilege that comes with high expectations. We play hard, we compete to win, but we always prioritize character, sportsmanship, and development. As a player on this team, you are expected to live up to the following standards:

1. Respect for the Game & Others

• The Umpires: You will not argue, look back, roll your eyes, or show frustration toward an umpire's call. If a call needs to be questioned, the head coach will handle it.

• The Opposition: We respect our opponents. There will be no trash-talking, taunting, or intentional distractions from the dugout or the field.

• The Gear: Treat all equipment—yours, the team's, and the facility's—with respect. Throwing helmets, bats, or gloves out of frustration will result in an immediate benching.

2. Attitude & Teamwork

• Next-Pitch Mental Focus: Mistakes happen—strikeouts, errors, and bad bounces are part of baseball. You are expected to pick your head up and focus entirely on the next play.

• Dugout Energy: A great teammate is engaged in the game even when they aren't on the field. You will cheer for your teammates, track the game, and be ready when your name is called.

• No Finger-Pointing: Win as a team, lose as a team. We never blame a teammate, an umpire, or field conditions for a loss.   Never pick-on or bully any member of your team or any other team.  

3. Commitment & Accountability

• Punctuality: "If you’re on time, you're late." Arrive at the field at the exact time designated by the coaching staff, fully geared up and ready to warm up.

• Effort is Non-Negotiable: You cannot control your hits or the bounces, but you can always control your effort. Run out every ground ball, back up every throw, and give 100% hustle on and off the field.

• Communication: If you are going to miss a practice or game, you (or your parents) must notify the coaching staff at least 1 day in advance.

The Social Media Rule:

You represent this team 24/7. Any online posts, comments, or videos that bully others, use inappropriate language, or reflect poorly on the team will result in disciplinary action, up to removal from the roster.

Consequences for Violations

Coaches reserve the right to manage code of conduct violations based on severity. Generally, the progression will be:

1. First Offense: Verbal warning.

2. Second Offense:  Parent discussion & reduced playing time or benching for the remainder of a game/tournament.

3. Third Offense: Suspended from team activities and a mandatory parent-player-coach meeting to review roster status.

Player & Parent Sign-Off

By signing below, I commit to upholding this code of conduct and understanding that my roster spot and playing time are dependent on my behavior, effort, and attitude.

Player Signature: ___________________________ Date: ______________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________ Date: ______________