2026 Parent Code of Conduct
Parent Code of Conduct
We have established policies for parents that hopefully will help support our mission and our coaches. Our goal is not only to build a cohesive team on the field, but also to have a community of parents who support the team, players, coaching staff, and organization.
Here is what we ask from our parents:
· Always represent the organization and our families in a positive light during games and practices. As adults, we always want to be the example for our players and other organizations on how to conduct ourselves during youth sports.
• Do not yell, berate, or argue with umpires. We don't want our players to argue with umpires on the field, and we don't want to argue with umpires off the field.
• Please make sure we are cheering for our teams and teammates. Please do not cheer against the other team. Please do not talk directly to players or coaches from other teams.
• Sometimes in youth sports, situations can escalate. We always want to try to de-escalate situations.
· Let the coaches coach. Let the players play.
• The goal of our organization is to allow parents to sit back and enjoy watching their kids play a sport they love without the pressure of coaching them on the field.
• During practice and games, please allow players to be coached and play with their teammates.
• Boundaries between On-Field and Off-Field: Please do not enter the dugout, practice fields, or game fields unless it is an emergency or when dealing with the aid of a player. Games always have their ups and downs, and we want players to confide in their teammates and coaches during team play.
• Please provide players with ample water or snacks during games to avoid players leaving the dugouts. If a player needs something, they can ask the coach to leave the dugout.
• If players are struggling in a game or at practice, we want players to confide in their teammates and coaches. We want to teach players problem-solving skills to further their development.
• Please avoid yelling directions to players while pitching, hitting, fielding, etc, about their mechanics or any other process of their game. Part of the development of a player is to learn how to look inward and make in-game adjustments. Also, parents' directions may conflict with what a coach has been working on with them.
· Always, please, be positive. We should never talk negatively about other players on the team or coaching decisions regarding any strategy, playing time, etc. It can trickle down to players or create a divide and mistrust amongst the parents. There are always a million different factors when it comes to playing time and strategies, and we all need to trust that we are all trying to do what's best for the team, players, and organization.
· If a player is questioning why a coach is doing something, please encourage players to speak with their coaches at an appropriate time. We want to have an open-door policy so they know they won't be punished for asking questions.
• Usually, an appropriate time to talk to a coach is before or after a practice. If a parent wants to be part of the conversation, they are welcome to do so if necessary.
· 24-Hour Rule – if there ever needs to be a conversation that you feel like needs to be had with a Coach or Riptide Management, please take the time to allow a situation to cool down and follow up the next day to set up a meeting. If the problem does require immediate attention, such as an emergency or health issues, please do not be afraid to act in a timely manner.
Consequences of the Above Actions
If there is any inappropriate behavior during practices, games, or tournaments, the coach will ask the behavior to stop. If the behavior continues, coaches will have to take steps they think may help the situation, whether it's asking parents to leave the area or field. If behavior continues to be an issue, Riptide management may suspend or expel players or parents without refunds.
If there are ever situations where parents need to speak to Riptide Management about pressing matters, parents are welcome to reach out to Corey Gross (corey@riptidebaseball.org), Paul Garcia (Pkgarcia3@aol.com), Ron Thompson (thomps92@gmail.com), or Matt Monastero (Monasterom@gmail.com) to address them.
