Lemon Grove Little League's brand of baseball/softball is meant to be a fun and rewarding experience for all involved (players, coaches, umpires, family and friends). To ensure the appropriate atmosphere for these activities to be achieved, the league has adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy. The following policy has been approved by the Lemon Grove Little League Board Members.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

In an effort to make Little League a desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, Lemon Grove Little League has instructed the umpires and officials, to adhere to points of emphasis relating to sportsmanship and conduct for managers, coaches, team moms, players and spectators. This campaign is designed to require all players, coaches, parents/spectators, umpires, team parents and Board Members to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all Little League games. Thus, the following points of emphasis will be implemented and monitored by all umpires and board members.

PLAYERS

A player may be removed from the game for any of the following reasons:

1. Openly disputes or argues any decision made by an umpire.

2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including swearing, regardless if it is directed at a particular person or not.

3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction associated with an official's decision.

4. Conducts himself or herself in an unsportsmanlike fashion.

5. Taunting of other players, coaches, managers, umpires, or spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or use of physical violence.

Any time a player commits any of these actions they shall be removed from the game and are also required to miss the next game. If a player is removed from a game for the second time, that player may be suspended for the balance of the regular season and/or post season play following a majority vote by the Board Members.

MANAGERS/COACHES

A manager and/or a coach may be removed from the game for any of the following reasons:

1. Openly disputes or argues in an unsportsmanlike or unprofessional manner any decision by an umpire.

2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including swearing, regardless if it is directed at a particular person or not.

3. Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with any umpire decision with the intent of inciting the umpires, players, or spectators.

4. Is unable to control the conduct of their respective team’s players and spectators.

5. Taunting of players, coaches, managers, umpires, or spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or use of physical violence.

Any time a manager and/or coach participates in any of these actions, he/she will be removed from the game and will also be required to miss the next game. If a manager and/or a coach is removed from 2 games, he/she will be required to appear before the board of directors to explain his actions at which time he/she may be removed from the team pending a board of director’s review. Managers/coaches who have been ejected from a game must leave the park immediately. They must also stay away from the park the following game. A report shall be submitted to the Coaching Coordinator by the ejected manager/coach within twenty-four hours of the ejection. Failure to submit the report could result in additional games missed.

PARENTS/SPECTATORS/TEAM PARENTS

A game will be stopped by the umpires when parents or spectators display inappropriate and disruptive behavior that interferes with other spectators or the game.  The umpires will place each team in their respective dugouts and communicate in a professional manner to each manager the reason for stoppage of play.  The umpire will identify violators to the manager as well as a board member for the purpose of removing the parents or spectators from the game and park. Should the spectators refuse to adhere, LGLL reserves the right to contact local law enforcement to escort the individual(s) from the park.  Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the Board of Directors. Inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include, but not limited to:

1. Use of obscene or vulgar language to anyone at any time.

2. Taunting of players, coaches, managers, umpires, or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or use of physical violence.

3. Throwing any object in the bleachers or playing field directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.

4. Consuming any alcoholic beverages within the park is a violation of regulations. Individuals found to be intoxicated in a team setting will be deemed in violation of the Lemon Grove Little League Code of Conduct and subject to suspension and or dismissal from Lemon Grove Little League.

5. Any actions that breach the Lemon Grove Little League Code of Conduct.

If Parents/Spectators are ejected a 2nd time, they will be suspended indefinitely from Lemon Grove Little League. At such time, the individual(s) reserve the right to appeal their suspension before the Board of Directors.