Code of Conduct - No Tolerance Policy

Please read the document carefully before registering for each season. Each participant and coach is required to acknowledge the Code of Conduct before the season begins, and must abide by the Code of Conduct throughout the entire season.

Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action including suspension - either temporarily or permanently as determined by the Vallejo PAL Board of Directors.

Code of Conduct for Players/Athletes

• I will demonstrate good sportsmanship to players, coaches, officials, opponents, and parents at every game and practice, no matter win or lose.
• I will commit to attending practices and games regularly to learn the value of dedication and teamwork.
• I will arrive on time for practices and games, ready to focus on my coaches’ instructions.
• I will encourage my teammates and praise their efforts.
• I will be honest, fair, and respectful to others at all times.
• I will strive to learn as much as I can from sports and enjoy the experience.
• I will work hard during practice sessions to improve my skills and understanding of the game.
• I will give my full attention during practices by listening carefully and avoiding distractions that could affect my teammates or coaches.
• I will do what is asked of me on the field without complaining for the good of the team.
• I will hustle during practices and games without quitting until they are over.
• I will maintain a positive attitude both on and off the field while representing my team and coaches with respect.
• I will communicate with my coaches in advance when I am unable to attend a team event.

Code of Conduct for Parents

• I will put the emotional and physical well-being of youth participants ahead of a personal desire to win.
• I will respect players, coaches, officials, spectators, and families at all times.
• I will accept decisions made by officials or coaches without argument or confrontation.
• I will refrain from engaging in violence, verbal threats, or profanity under any circumstances.
• I will avoid yelling advice or instructions to my child during games and allow coaches to guide their development.
• I will model good sportsmanship for all youth participants by maintaining a positive attitude during games and practices.
• I will never belittle or ridicule anyone involved in youth sports—in public settings, private conversations, or online platforms.
• I will contribute to making sports fun and positive for every youth participant.
• I will be my child’s biggest fan during game time by encouraging them with positivity rather than criticism.
• I will trust the coaching staff to handle instruction during practices and especially during games without interference from parents or guardians.
• I will communicate respectfully with coaching staff when questions or concerns arise about my child’s participation or development in VALLEJO PAL’s programs.
• I will communicate with coaches in advance when my child is unable to attend a team event.
• I will allow a 24-hour “cooling off” period after a game before contacting the coaching staff with concerns to ensure constructive communication.
• I will refrain from entering the dugout, playing field, or any restricted area intended for players and coaches during games unless explicitly authorized by league officials in emergencies.
• I will never engage in physical or verbal aggression, including shouting or making hostile gestures.
• I will leave the Park facility immediately if asked by any County Parks & Recreation staff, or League official, VALLEJO PAL representative, hosting Athletic Park Association member, umpire, or coach due to misconduct. Failure to comply will result in immediate escalation to law enforcement.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

• I will focus on creating a positive learning experience for athletes where skill development and enjoyment take precedence over winning games.
• I will prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of youth participants above personal goals or competition outcomes.
• I will follow all safety protocols established by the league to ensure player safety during practices and games.
• I will engage with referees or officials respectfully without arguing or undermining their authority during games. Any concerns will be addressed calmly through proper channels after the game.
• I will avoid belittling or ridiculing anyone involved in youth sports—in public settings, private conversations, or online platforms.
• I will treat opposing coaches and athletes with respect while representing VALLEJO PAL in a positive manner at all events.

No Tolerance Policy

VALLEJO PAL has adopted a strict NO TOLERANCE POLICY regarding inappropriate conduct of park participants and patrons. When an umpire or designated officials asks one or more individual(s) to leave a park (or other) facility and they do not leave, or they leave temporarily and return, the Police Department will be called to address the situation. Depending upon circumstances, the individual(s) will be subject to arrest under Criminal Trespass. Any obscene or profane language used in the presence of or addressed to a person under the age of fourteen (14) years commits the offense of Disorderly Conduct.

The following actions are strictly prohibited:

1. Profanity or Obscene Language: Use of vulgar or offensive language directed at players, coaches, officials, spectators—or anyone present at any event.
2. Physical Aggression: Any form of violent conduct or threatening physical behavior toward others at practices or games.
3. Verbal Aggression: Yelling aggressively at officials, coaches, players—or other spectators—during events.
4. Taunting or Ridiculing: Comments intended to belittle or provoke others during games or practices.
5. Obscene Gestures: Any inappropriate gestures that disrupt the event or create hostility among participants.
6. Entering Restricted Areas: Parents and spectators are strictly prohibited from entering dugouts or playing fields during games unless explicitly authorized by league officials.
7. Noncompliance with Instructions: Failure to follow directions given by Park or League officials, umpires, coaches, or any VALLEJO PAL representative.

Enforcement

1. Officials and Coaches: Umpires and coaches must intervene immediately when violations occur during games by issuing warnings or instructing individuals to leave the Park. Failure to comply should be immediately escalated to law enforcement.
2. Post-Incident Reporting: If violations are not addressed during the game for any reason, witnesses (coaches/parents) must submit an incident report to president@vallejopal.org within 24 hours for review by the VALLEJO PAL Board of Directors.
3. Board Authority: The VALLEJO PAL Board or Directors reserves the right to enforce consequences retroactively regardless of whether immediate action was taken at the time of the incident.

Consequences for Violations

1. First Offense: A written warning from the league, and possibly, a mandatory meeting with the VALLEJO PAL Board of Directors.
2. Second Offense: Suspension from next two games or matches.
3. Third Offense: Suspension from remainder of season.
4. Physical Altercations: You acknowledge that any physical altercations may lead to an immediate and permanent suspension from the league.
5. Severe/Repeat Offenses: Temporary or permanent ban from VALLEJO PAL events at the discretion of the VALLEJO PAL Board of Directors.