Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance. Zero Tolerance. Training for everyone involved in Softball in Victoria. vuc.softball.org.

Transcription

1 Training for everyone involved in Softball in Victoria

2 Introduction The association recognises the importance of providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all who participate in or support softball in Victoria. It also recognises that on, and off, the diamond behaviour reflects not only on individuals, but also the team, club, association and particularly the game of softball. The association will not tolerate unsportsmanlike behaviour in any of its forms. The policy is a collaborative effort between the association, umpires, players and coaches. This presentation provides a summary of the regulations - for the full details, please read the judiciary regulations.

3 What you will learn This presentation is separated into different sections: defined What does it mean for... Umpires Coaches Players Others

4 Defined

5 Objectives The objectives of are to: assist in the removal of personal abuse and unsportsmanlike behaviour from all aspects of the game of softball in Victoria protect all participants from exposure to unsportsmanlike behaviour. provide a consistent approach to penalties imposed for breaches of the Codes of Ethics reduce the resources and overheads associated with dealing with minor breaches of the Codes of Ethics.

6 Application applies to:- administrators of softball in Victoria registered participants (Players, Coaches, Managers, Scorers, Umpires) in games, activities and events held under the auspices of Softball Victoria. parents/guardians and spectators involved in games, activities and events held under the auspices of Softball Victoria.

7 Unsportsmanlike Behaviour Unsportsmanlike behaviour brings the game of softball into disrepute and individuals as per clause A1c shall be expected to abide by the Codes of Ethics and not involve themselves in unsportsmanlike behaviour. Unsportsmanlike behaviour, applicable to both the instigation of and response to any incident, will include, but not be limited to: Verbal abuse and threats Physical abuse and/or assault Discrimination Harassment Derogatory statements or gestures Cheating Visible dissention of a decision of an umpire or official Equipment Abuse

8 Categories of and Penalty Unsportsmanlike behaviour has been separated into a number of categories of violation. A table detailing example violations and the appropriate penalty to be applied for breaches of the Code of Ethics has been developed. The following slides provide examples of breaches and the category of penalty (P1 to P6)

9 P1 Category of Violation Incident 1 st Penalties 2 nd 3 rd P1 Use of audible (refer note 5) foul language Disputing judgment or decision of an umpire Answering back an umpire Refusal of a coach or other participant to assist an umpire to control behaviour or to defuse a situation when requested (refer note 4) Intimidating an umpire or other participant Minor Equipment Abuse Frivolous complaints Barging Melee and/or bench clearing (refer note 1) Warning and or Ejection Ejection Ejection & Tribunal Hearing

10 P2 Category of Violation Incident 1 st Penalties 2 nd 3 rd P2 Unduly rough play, pushing etc Actions intended to cause injury Displays of inappropriate aggressive behaviour Disparaging or insulting remarks and/or the use of foul language directed toward another player/team official/umpire/official/spectator. Ongoing abuse of an umpire after ejection for behaviour in P1 category Answering back an umpire on multiple occasions Major Equipment abuse where there is potential to injure participants and/or spectators Provoking a fight but no further involvement Verbally abusing an umpire or official Incidents that happen involving an umpire after the game is finished. Ejection & 1 week suspension Ejection & 2 weeks suspension Ejection & 4 weeks suspension

11 P3 Category of Violation Incident 1 st Penalties 2 nd 3 rd P3 Deliberately causing injury Displays of excessive aggressive behaviour Major Equipment abuse where there is injury to participants and/or spectators Ejection & 2 weeks suspension Ejection & 4 weeks suspension Ejection & 8 weeks suspension

12 P4 Category of Violation Incident 1 st Penalties 2 nd 3 rd P4 Involvement in physical violence Ejection & 3 weeks suspension Ejection & 6 weeks suspension Ejection & 12 weeks suspension

13 P5 Category of Violation Incident 1 st Penalties 2 nd 3 rd P5 Physically or verbally threatening an umpire or official Ejection & 6 weeks suspension Ejection & 52 weeks suspension Ejection &Tribunal Hearing

14 P6 Category of Violation Incident 1 st Penalties 2 nd 3 rd P6 Physically attacking an umpire, official, player or spectator Ejection & Tribunal Hearing Ejection & Tribunal Hearing Ejection & Tribunal Hearing

15 Frequently asked questions Who determines the category / penalty? The umpire(s) on the game, or official / umpire from the association or affiliate, depending on whether it is an on-field or off-field offence respectively. How is it reported? An incident report is completed by the umpire or official, with copies going to the association, affiliate and club. Does there have to be a tribunal? No. If the automatic penalty is accepted, a tribunal is not required. Note that there are exceptions to this see the regulations for more details. Can I appeal? Yes. Appeals can be made to the association in the first instance, and Softball Australia thereafter. See the regulations for more details. When is the record of an offence deleted? P1 & P2 offences will be expunged after 12 months. Others may remain longer. If I am suspended at one competition, can I play at another? No. Penalties apply state wide.

16 End of the formal stuff This is the end of the formal part of the presentation. In the next section, we ll provide some insight into what the policy means from the perspective of various groups involved in the game. We know that it will take some time for some associations to understand what the policy means. For now, it s enough to understand the intent of the policy which is to make sure that ALL participants enjoy participating in our sport. What s your part in this? Imagine that your actions on or off the diamond made it into the newspaper the next day for everyone to read. Would you be proud or embarrassed? What would your kids, workmates or employer think?

17 Click on the relevant link below to proceed to the next section: Click here if you are an umpire Click here if you are a coach Click here if you are a player Click here if you participate in another capacity

18 What does it mean for UMPIRES

19 UMPIRES Every umpire has their own idea of what they will and won t tolerate, for example: Swearing Personally directed verbal abuse Dissent, or questioning of calls The aim of the policy IS: To remove bad behaviour prior, during and after games To increase the enjoyment of all involved that includes YOU To make the game safer The aim of the policy IS NOT: To make it easier to eject participants To remove the need to manage games To remove the aspects of the game that make it exciting

20 UMPIRES (continued) The policy: Provides a common framework for dealing with bad behaviour Removes the need for tribunals for the most common, minor infringements Encourages coaches and players to self regulate their behaviour Makes it clear what the penalties will be Will take time for all involved to understand, but the effort will be worth it! As an umpire, what you need to do: Don t start looking for reasons to use the policy. Remember, we want people to stay IN the game. But know that it s there to back you up. Work with coaches to control behaviour. It s ultimately in their best interests. Do the best job you can do, and always work on improving your game. If someone crosses the line act on it. Issue a warning if appropriate, but have the courage to do what needs to be done.

21 What does it mean for COACHES

22 COACHES Coaches have a special role to play in making the policy work You re in a leadership position Players look to you as a role model You have the authority to manage your teams behaviour You have rights To question an umpire s interpretation of a rule To protest if you believe the umpires got an interpretation wrong To approach an umpire and ask a question...but you have responsibilities too To consider the wellbeing of your players (and batboys/girls, other coaches etc) To be respectful to other participants in the game, including umpires To be respectful and true to the game, because; No one person is bigger than the game

23 COACHES (continued) The policy: Provides a common framework for dealing with bad behaviour Removes the need for tribunals for the most common, minor infringements Encourages you and your players to self regulate your behaviour Makes it clear what the penalties will be Will take time for all involved to understand, but the effort will be worth it! As a coach, what you need to do: Show leadership (in all aspects of the meaning!) Be a role model Take responsibility and accountability for the actions of yourself and your team Help the umpire(s) when asked, or take action when warned Remember that exciting is good for the game. Dangerous or abusive is not

24 What does it mean for PLAYERS

25 PLAYERS Playing softball, or any sport, is meant to be: Challenging Exciting Fun Social Other participants in the game want the same thing that includes umpires The intent of the policy is: To make the game enjoyable for all participants To remove the bad behaviour that gets in the way of a great game To make you aware of what the penalty will be if an infringement occurs To make the penalty worse the more times an infringement occurs To make it worth your while to help control the behaviour of yourself and your team mates

26 PLAYERS (continued) As a player, what you need to do: Take responsibility and accountability for your actions Help the umpire(s) when asked, or take action when warned Support your coach if they re trying to control a situation Let your coach deal with the umpires that s their job Provide positive feedback to umpires if they did a good job, and; Constructive feedback if you think otherwise. Immediately after the game is NOT a good time to do this if you need to cool off first. caution should be exercised when feedback ia provided to novice or junior umpires. Feedback to their mentors or supervisors is preferred. You have the right of appeal if you believe a penalty to be unfair. See the policy for more details. Stay in the game

27 What does it mean for OTHERS

28 OTHERS (officials/spectators/parents) Everyone in softball has a role to play If you re an official, spectator and especially a parent: Support your team Don t encourage or incite others to behave poorly A one-eyed supporter will only see half the game. A good play is a good play regardless of which team achieves it The umpires don t care who wins There is unlikely to be a sheep station prize!

29 What now?

30 What you should do next Read the policy in full and discuss it with your peers, teams, associations, committees, club umpires, spectators... You get the idea. Everyone. Support and implement the policy Support your club umpires If you need assistance, either on the day of competition or before/after a report is lodged, you can call: Kevin Broomhall Jason Carter Leigh Evans Richard Barrow Softball Victoria