Effective Date: Sep 8, 2025

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1. PURPOSE 
   The purpose of this document is to set out Yolo’s expectations for the conduct of athletes, and by extension, their families.

2. SCOPE/JURISDICTION
   The Code of Conduct applies to the conduct of all Yolo athletes and, where applicable, their families. This Code of Conduct relates specifically to behaviours and incidents:

   • During Yolo events, games, tournaments

   • During Yolo social events related to events, games, tournaments

   • For the duration of a trip when playing for Yolo in an out-of-town tournament

   • Any time while wearing Yolo uniforms, apparel or gear

   • On social media while at any Yolo event, game, or tournament, tagging @Yolobaseball or in any way could reasonably be presumed to be representing Yolo

3. PERSONAL CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

   • Athletes selected to represent Yolo Baseball are extended the privilege of participating. In return for the privilege of representing Yolo Baseball and competing in events, games and tournaments with Yolo, athletes must be willing to accept personal responsibility for their behaviour. Accordingly, athletes are expected to:

     • Demonstrate responsible citizenship and good sporting behaviour

     • Refrain from and be intolerant of physical abuse, verbal abuse, harassment, and intimidation of teammates, coaches, opponents and officials

     • Attempt to resolve disputes and disagreements with teammates through calm conversation, if safe and appropriate to do so.

     • Report any concerns to your team head coach. The head coach will escalate the issue to Yolo General Manager Kristy Watson, as needed.

     • Abide by all government laws, event/tournament rules, and Yolo rules as set forth in this Code of Conduct

   • Athletic Responsibilities

     • Treat your teammates, coaches, opponents and officials with dignity, respect, and good sporting behaviour.

     • Take proper care of equipment and contribute effectively to field maintenance

     • Attend all organized practices and events, unless officially excused 

   • Good Sporting Behaviour. Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

     • Physically or verbally abusing officials, coaches, opponents, or spectators; 

     • Engaging in any comment, whether critical or not, of game officials or the officiating of any contest;

     • Use of obscene or otherwise inappropriate language or gestures;

   • Alcohol, Tobacco, & Drug Use. Athletes are responsible for following all federal, provincial, and local laws and guidelines pertaining to alcohol and drug use. In addition, athletes are prohibited from:

     • Purchasing and/or drinking alcohol

     • Family are prohibited from purchasing and providing alcohol to any athlete 

     • The use of tobacco products, which includes smoking and chewing tobacco, smoking or ingesting cannabis, and vaping. 

   • Physical Assault & Hazing 

     • Yolo will not tolerate any form of physical assault/abuse or hazing. While Yolo cannot control all factors outside of its purview, there may be events which require Yolo’s review and consideration. Any sanctions will be at Yolo’s discretion. 

     • Engaging in hazing of another person will result in immediate suspension. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any action, activity or situation which recklessly, negligently, or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health, welfare, or safety of a person, creates excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, mental or physical discomfort, or exposes a person to extreme embarrassment or ridicule. It is presumed that hazing is a forced activity regardless of the apparent willingness of an individual to participate in the activity. 

   • Other Violations. Situations may arise in which an athlete has engaged in an action that, while not addressed in this Code of Conduct policy, will require Yolo to investigate further and take disciplinary action. Any illegal or inappropriate activities may be subject to sanctions discussed in section 4.

4. REPORTING, REVIEW & SANCTIONS

   • Reporting. Any individual (athlete, family, coach or otherwise) may report an alleged, rumoured, or suspected violation verbally or in writing. Alleged violations should be reported to your team head coach. The head coach will escalate to General Manager Kristy Watson, as needed.

   • Review

     • Yolo will make a best effort to gather information in a timely manner. Temporary suspension during the period of the investigation may be applied by Yolo’s management as required. 

     • Should it be determined that there has not been a violation of the Code of Conduct, all parties privy to the allegation will be informed.

     • If Yolo concludes that there has been a violation of this Code of Conduct, the individual(s) will be informed in writing as to the nature of the violation and the sanctions that may be levied. Any associated sanctions will be at the sole discretion of Yolo. 

   • Sanctions. Sanctions will be based on the findings of the investigation, the number of previous violations (if any), and other relevant factors at Yolo’s discretion, and any extenuating circumstances which might exist. Sanctions for an athlete violating this Code of Conduct can include, but are not limited to, the following: 

     • Warning

     • Probation

     • Suspension

     • Required participation in counselling or community work

     • Dismissal from Yolo

     • Prohibition from future participation 

5. MINIMUM PLAY
   Yolo Baseball will provide its minimum play policy to athletes and families in conjunction with team offers.  These policies will typically vary by age group and will frequently exceed the policies of the tournaments in which Yolo plays. However, unless required by the tournament or specifically stated by Yolo, minimum play policies will not guarantee playing time at specific positions.  Further, note that minimum play does not mean equal play. 

 

Your acceptance of these terms on the registration form indicates that both parent & player have read and reviewed this document jointly agree to abide by these rules.