Decatur Circuit 5 Lutheran Fast-pitch Softball League

Code of Conduct

1. All games played in the league, whether a season or tournament game, will begin with both teams joining in prayer.  This prayer will be led by a member of the visiting team.
2. All players on all teams need to make an effort to show pride in their team and in the league.  This includes keeping the dugouts and stands clean, participating in assigned league workdays, participating in one’s respective team functions, and helping the opposing team get the field ready when necessary, etc.
3. Players also should strive to be good Christian stewards towards each other.  This involves acting civil with players on your own team, players on the opposing team, and towards the umpires.
4. Cursing will no longer be tolerated in the league.  Any player caught cursing by the umpires will be ejected from the game and will need to pay a $20.00 dollar fine before playing in another game.
5. Along with cursing, the throwing of equipment (bats, helmets, etc.) will no longer be tolerated.  This rule focuses on thrown equipment on the field of play but the umpire will have discretion if a player has an over-the-top outburst in the dugout/bleachers area as well.  Any player caught throwing equipment by the umpires will be ejected from the game and will need to pay a $20.00 dollar fine before playing in another game.
6. Effective this year, any player deemed by the umpires as intentionally trying to cause injury to a player of an opposing team will be ejected from the game as well as for the rest of the season.  This includes any intentional attempt to spike a player, run over a player, or lowering a shoulder against a catcher on the opposing team that could lead to serious injury.  Since this is a serious infraction with a lengthy suspension and is ruled on discretionarily, the incident can be reviewed by the team/league leaders as requested by the player in question.  Also, the team/league leaders will review the player’s standing in the league before the following season and determine the best plan of action (fines, etc.).
7. Members of the league will continue to be allowed to drink alcoholic beverages during games with a few stipulations.  No one is permitted to have/drink any alcoholic beverage while on the field or in the dugouts.  The umpires will also have the discretion to make a player sit if they feel that the said player is unfit to perform on the field due to consuming too many alcoholic beverages. The player will not be kicked out of the game or fined, but just asked to not participate for the rest of the game.  We are counting on teams to police themselves when alcohol is concerned.  So please keep it under control and keep the cans and bottles cleaned up around the bleachers and in the parking lot.
8. The most important rule in the Code of Conduct is the Golden Rule.  It encompasses all of the above rules and regulations within itself.  So remember: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’