Code of Conduct at Games/Practices
Sportsmanship is that quality of honor, which requires one to be courteous, fair and respectful, and is interpreted in the conduct of players, coaches and parents.
- Treat officials and opponents with respect.
- Control your temper.
- Be a good sport whether in victory or defeat.
- Respect the property of others and field on which you play.
Before, during and after each game you represent the City of Dell Rapids and everyone who lives in Dell Rapids.
Code of Conduct Off the Field
Baseball is not a South Dakota High School Activities Association sanctioned or endorsed sport, but South Dakota High School baseball is governed by the South Dakota High School Baseball Association. Coaches and players are subject to the SDHSBA Code Of Ethics (SDHSBA Code Of Ethics can be found in the SDHSBA manual at www.sdhsba.com). In addition, the Dell Rapids Baseball Association has adopted the same rules as the Dell Rapids School District. These include the prohibition of any alcohol, or tobacco products, controlled substances, and prescription drugs (without prescription). Additional rules may be imposed by a coach for any particular age bracket.
Sanctions for any violation will be determined by the coach of person violating the Code of Conduct. It is suggested the sanctions follow approved policies of the Dell Rapids High School District and St. Mary High School. The coach may ask members of the DRBA for guidance regarding any sanctions.
Not that all training rules for all school-sponsored sports are in place and enforceable year round. Any violation during the baseball season will be reported to the school.
Parent/Coach Communication
If a situation warrants a conference between the coach and the parent, set up an appointment to visit with the coach to help promote a resolution to the issue or concern. These are encouraged. It is important both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position
Procedure you should follow if you have a concern to discuss with a coach
- Level 1 – The athlete and the coach should have a conversation
- Level 2 – The parents/athlete contact the coach to set up an appointment. Please do not attempt to confront a coach or meet with him/her before, during, or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution, embarrass your child (and the rest of the team), and not present Dell Rapids in a good light.
- Level 3 – Call and set up an appointment with the Dell Rapids Baseball Association. Call the Board President to see if they can help resolve the issue and if necessary they will notify the rest of the Board to get them involved
Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult positions. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of others and provide greater benefits to children. As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.
General Communication parents should expect from coaches
- The expectations placed upon their son (attendance, out-of-season conditioning, special equipment, out-of-season conditions, and other team requirements).
- Locations and times of all practices and sporting events.
- Disciplinary actions that may result in the denial of a student’s participation in an athletic event.
General Communication coaches should expect from parents
- Advance notice of any situation that may interfere with participation in practices and/or games.
- Appropriate concerns expressed directly to the coach concerning individual injury, academic, or discipline problems.
What are some appropriate concerns that may be discussed with the coach?
- The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
- Ways to help your child improve.
- Concerns about your child’s behavior.
Issues not to be discussed with coaches
- Playing time
- Team strategy
- Coach’s philosophy
- Other student-athletes
It is very difficult to accept your child is not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all participants involved and to promote the goals of the baseball program. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things must be left to the discretion of the coach. It is important to understand there may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.
Please remember the fields are your child’s classrooms. Many valuable lessons are learned within these athletic arenas. Our program is an educational one in which participants will grow from both positive and adverse situation.