Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy Amendment

Written and approved by the Board of QSLL

Date Approved: January 10, 2025

Section 1: Purpose

This amendment establishes a formal Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures for managers, coaches, players, and fans to ensure the promotion of respect, sportsmanship, and a positive environment for all participants within QSLL.

Section 2: Prohibition Against Influencing Calls

1. No manager, coach, player, or fan shall make or attempt to influence a call on the field during any game.

2. Any violation of this rule will be subject to disciplinary actions as outlined in this amendment.

Section 3: Manager and Coach Conduct

3.1 Standards of Behavior

1. Managers and coaches must demonstrate professionalism and respect at all times toward umpires, players, fans, and other coaches.

2. Managers only may respectfully seek clarification with the umpires on a rule during the game, provided the intent is not to reverse or influence a call. 

3.2 Prohibited Behavior

1. Attempting to influence a call during gameplay

2. Using foul or abusive language directed at umpires, players, fans, or other participants.

3.3 Disciplinary Actions for Managers and Coaches

1. First Offense: Verbal and written warning.

2. Second Offense: Removal from the game and dugout.

3. Third Offense: Two-game suspension.

4. Fourth Offense: Mandatory meeting with the Disciplinary Committee to review grounds for expulsion from the league for the remainder of the season.

   1. Additional measures, such as mandatory training in sportsmanship or conflict resolution, may be imposed at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.

Section 4: Player Conduct

4.1 Standards of Behavior

1. Players shall exhibit respect and sportsmanship toward umpires, teammates, opponents, and coaches at all times.

2. Players shall not engage in foul language, acts of violence, or unsportsmanlike conduct.

4.2 Disciplinary Actions for Players

1. First Offense: Verbal warning and, if necessary, restorative action such as a verbal or written apology.

2. Second Offense: Removal from the game and dugout. 

3. Third Offense: Two-game suspension, followed by a mandatory meeting with the player, parents, and coach to address behavior expectations.

4. Fourth Offense: Mandatory meeting with the parents and the Disciplinary Committee to review grounds for expulsion from the league for the remainder of the season.

   1. A probationary period may be considered as an alternative to expulsion, depending on the circumstances.

Section 5: Fan and Spectator Conduct

5.1 Standards of Behavior

1. Fans and spectators must uphold the principles of good sportsmanship and refrain from influencing calls, using abusive language, or engaging in disruptive behavior.

5.2 Disciplinary Actions for Fans and Spectators

1. First Offense: Verbal warning by a league official.

2. Second Offense: Removal from the premises.

3. Third Offense: Ban from attending games for the remainder of the season.

Section 6: Reporting and Enforcement

1. Both the teams’ managers/coaches along with eye witness fans/volunteers shall be responsible for reporting any on-field incidents or violations to the league within 24 hours of the game.

2. Reports must be submitted in writing to the league’s Disciplinary Committee; email to [email protected] and [email protected] 

Section 7: Disciplinary Committee

7.1 Composition

The Disciplinary Committee shall be composed of league officials appointed by the QSLL Board of Directors.

1. Proposed Members of the Disciplinary Committee: 

   1. President

   2. Vice President

   3. Umpire in Chief

   4. Player Agent

   5. Add’l Board Members and/or unbiased league parents to be included as necessary if one of the above is involved in the incident

7.2 Responsibilities

1. Investigate reported violations of the Code of Conduct.

2. Conduct hearings and determine appropriate disciplinary actions.

3. Maintain records of incidents and disciplinary measures for future reference.

7.3 Appeals Process

1. Individuals subject to disciplinary action may appeal the decision to the QSLL Board of Directors.

2. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 7 days of the disciplinary decision.

Section 8: Effective Date

This amendment shall take effect immediately upon approval by the QSLL Board of Directors.

Section 9: Amendment Clause

Further revisions or changes to this Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy may be made by majority vote of the QSLL Board of Directors.