In the spirit of our association’s philosophy, “Have fun. Get better.”, our fair play policy was developed to encourage a balance between competitive results and development of all participants. Stronger emphasis is placed on development in the younger levels, but it should always be considered regardless of the league / level. Players and parents should understand that there are circumstances that will prevent execution of the fair play policy such as a 10 run rule being imposed, weather shortened games, absence from games or practices, and discipline factors. Coaches are instructed to take these circumstances into consideration and make every effort to execute the spirit of the policy by the end of the season. Parental feedback on execution of this policy will be considered for the filling of future coaching positions. Specifically, our fair play policy for each level is:
In-House
Grades 1-2: Equal at bats over the course of the season. Coaches should insure that the same players are not always at the top of the batting order, or start the batting order for a game where it left off at the previous game. Equal playing time at all positions in the field. The position matrix should be utilized to manage this requirement. No participant should sit two innings before all others have sat for one inning.
Grades 3-4: Equal at bats over the course the season. Coaches should insure that the same players are not always at the top of the batting order, or start the batting order for a game where it left off at the previous game. Equal infield and outfield playing time and coaches are encouraged to provide a wide variety of positional play in the field for all players. No participant should sit two innings before all others have sat for one inning.
Grades 5-9: Equal at bats over the course of the season. Coaches should insure that the same players are not always at the top of the batting order, or start the batting order for a game where it left off at the previous game. Equal time in the field.
Travel
9-13: Equal at bats over the course of the season. Coaches should insure that the same players are not always at the top of the batting order, or start the batting order for a game where it left off at the previous game. Equal time in the field. Players should begin to master two or three defensive positions.
14-15: No fair play policy. Batting order and playing time in the field is based on merit.
