PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

Every Impact Gold athlete helps create a team where players can learn, compete, and feel supported. These standards apply to practices, games, tournaments, team events, and team-related communication, including texts, group messages, and social media.

 

Player Conduct and Sportsmanship

Represent Impact Gold Fastpitch with respect. Treat teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, families, and event staff appropriately.

Do not use profanity, vulgar language, discriminatory comments, threats, or inappropriate gestures.

Show good sportsmanship in wins and losses. Do not argue with officials, taunt opponents, or throw equipment in frustration.

Bullying, hazing, fighting, harassment, and humiliating others are not acceptable. Include and support teammates during team activities.

 

Effort, Preparation, and Teamwork

Arrive on time with the equipment you need. Let your coach know about absences or delays as soon as possible, with a parent or guardian’s help when needed.

Give your best effort, listen during instruction, and respond respectfully to feedback. Ask questions when you need help.

Support teammates regardless of playing time, position, or role. Celebrate team success and learn from mistakes.

Respect equipment, fields, facilities, and other people’s belongings. Help keep team areas clean.

 

Uniforms and Impact Gold Colors

Wear your team uniform properly, with jerseys tucked in and hats or visors facing forward.

Wear the Impact Gold logo only in approved Impact Gold colors. The exception is organization-approved Cause Uniforms. Ask your coach before wearing an unapproved uniform or logo item.

 

Safety and Raising Concerns

Follow safety instructions and use required protective equipment. Tell a coach or trusted adult promptly if you are hurt, feel unwell, or feel unsafe.

Stay with the team during supervised activities and let your coach know before leaving. Do not bring or use alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal drugs at team activities.

Ask about your development or team role respectfully and at an appropriate time. You may ask a parent, guardian, or trusted adult to help with the conversation.

Tell a trusted adult promptly about bullying, harassment, abuse, or other inappropriate behavior. If the concern involves a coach, you may speak directly with your parent or guardian, area coordinator, or organization leadership. Safety concerns may also be reported to appropriate outside authorities.

 

Social Media and Communication

Use the same respectful behavior in posts, comments, texts, and group messages. Do not threaten, bully, ridicule, or publicly embarrass another person.

Do not knowingly spread false information about others or share private information, images, or messages without permission. You may share relevant information with a trusted adult, organization leadership, or appropriate authorities when asking for help or reporting a concern.

Bring concerns involving another Impact Gold team to your coach or area coordinator. You may always tell a trusted adult what happened or explain something you are worried about.

 

Reported Incidents and Consequences

Coaches and organization leadership will review reported violations, considering the player’s age, the circumstances, the seriousness of the behavior, and any prior incidents. Players will have an opportunity to explain what happened. Parents or guardians of minor athletes will be involved in significant disciplinary decisions.

Consequences may include a discussion, a parent or guardian meeting, a documented warning, an improvement plan, temporary limits on participation, suspension, or removal from the team or organization. Consequences do not have to follow a fixed sequence. Serious misconduct may require immediate restrictions while the situation is reviewed.

 

Correction must be respectful and appropriate for the player’s age. No player may be punished or retaliated against for asking for help, raising a concern in good faith, or participating honestly in a review.

 

Player and Parent Acknowledgment

Player: I have read this code or had it explained to me. By participating on an Impact Gold Fastpitch team, I agree to follow these expectations and ask for help when I need it.

Parent or guardian of a minor athlete: I have reviewed this code with my athlete and agree to support their understanding and compliance. I understand that violations may result in the consequences outlined above.