NSPAA SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL POLICY AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK

NSPAA SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL POLICY AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK Revsed January 1, 2017

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. NORTH ST. PAUL SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL Polcy and Procedure Handbook TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Slow Ptch Softball Board... 2 A. Defntons... 2 B. Votng and Quorum... 2 C. Job Descrptons... 2 D. Meetngs... 5 E. Reports... 5 F. Vacances... 5 2. Athletes... 6 A. Regstraton... 6 B. Fees/Refunds... 6 C. Team Assgnments... 7 D. Unforms... 8 E. Expectatons and Responsbltes... 8 F. Repercussons for Bad Behavors... 8 3. Coaches... 9 A. Defntons... 9 B. Procedure to be a SPSB Coach... 9 C. Background Checks... 9 D. Certfcaton... 10 E. Expectatons... 10 F. Assstant Coach Selectons... 10 G. Draft Process for Athlete Selecton... 11 H. Takng the Feld... 12 I. Conduct Consequences... 12 J. Offensve Behavor... 12 K. Game Msconduct... 13 L. Threatenng or Unwanted Physcal Contact... 13 M. Appeals... 13 N. Equpment Request by Team Coach... 13 4. Parents and Guardans... 14 A. Defnton... 14 B. Expectatons and Responsbltes... 14 C. Consequences... 15 D. Grevance... 15 5. Leagues... 16 A. SPSB Program Descrptons... 16 6. Fnance... 17 A. Budget... 17 B. Fnancal Assstance... 17 C. Non-Suffcent Funds (NSF) Checks...18 7. Conflct of Interest... 18 8. Vendors... 18 9. Resources/Documents... 18 1

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. A. Defntons. 1. SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL BOARD The Slow Ptch Softball Board s hereafter referred to as SPSB. Ths group governs the slow ptch softball organzaton. The postons of the SPSB nclude Commssoner, Lt. Commssoner, Treasurer, Secretary, Pony League Drector, Flly League Drector, Mnor League Drector, Junor League Drector, Senor League Drector, Youth Umpre Drector, Facltes and Equpment Drector and Travelng Drector. B. Votng and Quorum. A quorum wll be determned when there s at least 30% of the SPSB present. Majorty wll determne votng. C. Job Descrptons. Each poston on the SPSB has specfc tasks and responsbltes. Samples of job tasks are outlned below. 1. NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Commssoner (hereafter called Commssoner ). a. Serves as the Chef Volunteer of NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball. b. Provdes leadershp to the SPSB. c. Chars meetngs of the SPSB. d. Chars meetngs of the SPSB, who sets polces for Slow Ptch Softball. e. Encourages SPSB s role n strategc plannng. f. Approves league coaches n consultaton wth the SPSB. g. Serves ex offco as a member of NSPAA BOD. h. Leads dscussons regardng ssues confrontng Slow Ptch Softball wth the SPSB.. Helps gude and medate SPSB actons wth respect to Slow Ptch Softball prortes and governance concerns. j. Montors fnancal plannng and fnancal reports. k. Plays a lead role n fundrasng actvtes. l. Evaluates annually the performance of Slow Ptch Softball n achevng ts msson. m. Performs other responsbltes assgned by the SPSB. n. Drects or assgns USSSA Umpres for league play. 2

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. o. Oversees actvtes of Youth Umpre, Facltes, and Equpment drectors. p. Is suffcently famlar wth legal documents (artcles, by-laws, rules, etc.) to note applcablty durng meetngs. q. Serves a mentor for the Youth Umpre Drector. r. Partcpates n fund rasng for Slow Ptch Softball. 2. NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Lt. Commssoner (hereafter called Lt. Commssoner ). a. Performs the Commssoner s responsbltes when the Commssoner cannot be avalable. b. Reports to the Commssoner. c. Works closely wth the Commssoner. d. Serves as the Chef Rules nterpreter of Slow Ptch Softball. e. Partcpates closely wth the Commssoner to develop and mplement SPSB member transton plans. f. Performs other responsbltes assgned by SPSB. g. Partcpates n fund rasng for Slow Ptch Softball. 3. NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Treasurer (hereafter called Treasurer ). a. Regularly attends Slow Ptch Softball meetngs. b. Manages fnances of Slow Ptch Softball. c. Is famlar wth tax exempt status. d. Admnstrates fscal matters of Slow Ptch Softball. e. Provdes fnancal updates to the SPSB as requested. f. Ensures an audt of Slow Ptch Softball s fnances s completed. g. Partcpates n fund rasng for Slow Ptch Softball. 4. NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Secretary (hereafter called Secretary ). a. Regularly attends Slow Ptch Softball meetngs. b. Ensures accurate reflecton of SPSB meetngs. c. Mantans and ensures effectve management of Slow Ptch Softball s records outsde of fnancal. d. Ensures that mnutes or meetng notes are drafted wthn 3 busness days for revew by the Commssoner or Lt. Commssoner e. Partcpates n fund rasng for Slow Ptch Softball. 3

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. 5. Pony League Drector, Flly League Drector, Mnor League Drector, Junor League Drector, Senor League Drector and Travelng Drector. a. Regularly attends Slow Ptch Softball meetngs. b. Make a serous commtment to partcpate actvely n ther specfc league or area of nterest. c. Stays nformed about Slow Ptch Softball matters, prepares for meetngs, and revews and comments on mnutes and reports. d. Gets to know other Drectors and bulds a collegal workng relatonshp that contrbutes to consensus. e. Is an actve partcpant n Slow Ptch Softball s annual evaluaton and plannng. f. Partcpates n fund rasng for Slow Ptch Softball. 6. Youth Umpre Drector. a. Regularly attends NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball meetngs. b. Responsble for overseeng any youth umpres whch nvolves attendng games on a weekly bass. c. Stays nformed about Slow Ptch Softball matters, prepares for meetngs, and revews and comments on mnutes and reports. d. Gets to know other Drectors and bulds a collegal workng relatonshp that contrbutes to consensus. e. Is an actve partcpant n Slow Ptch Softball s annual evaluaton and plannng. f. Partcpates n fund rasng for Slow Ptch Softball. 7. Facltes and Equpment Drector. a. Regularly attends NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball meetngs. b. Responsble for overseeng all felds used by slow ptch softball. c. Responsble for all equpment used by slow ptch softball. Also responsble for any equpment purchases upon approval by the SPSB. d. Prepare and mantan frst ad kts at all felds throughout the season. e. Stays nformed about Slow Ptch Softball matters, prepares for meetngs, and revews and comments on mnutes and reports. 4

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. f. Gets to know other Slow Ptch Softball Drectors and bulds a collegal workng relatonshp that contrbutes to consensus. g. Is an actve partcpant n Slow Ptch Softball s annual evaluaton and plannng. h. Partcpates n fund rasng for Slow Ptch Softball. D. Meetngs. The SPSB wll meet as needed. One of the meetngs should be held before September 1 st for purposes of evaluatng the year end season. Addtonal meetngs may be called by any member of the SPSB. An agenda should be made 48 hours pror to the meetng date and wll be made avalable to the SPSB. Any member of the SPSB may request an emergency meetng of the SPSB. Date, tme and locaton wll be determned by a majorty of the SPSB. E. Reports. The Commssoner or Lt. Commssoner wll prepare a report to be presented to the NSPAA at ther regularly scheduled meetngs. The report wll be made avalable to the SPSB. The Treasurer wll prepare a fnancal report for each meetng of the SPSB or as drected. A year end audt wll be shared wth the SPSB and NSPAA. The report wll be made avalable to the BOD. The Secretary wll prepare mnutes as drected by the SPSB. Mnutes wll be approved by the SPSB at ther next meetng. Each drector wll prepare a report for each SPSB meetng. (See Secton9. Resources/Documents for a template on drector reportng Forms.) F. Vacances. Should any member of the SPSB vacate ther poston (regardless of reason) durng the season, the SPSB wll select an nterm to complete the season. Resgnatons are effectve mmedately unless ndcated otherwse. At the year-end meetng, each member of the SPSB wll confrm ther commtment for the followng season. Vacances wll be communcated to the SPSB. If there sn t any nterest from the current board members about changng postons, then SPSB wll post the vacances to our membershp for consderaton. (See Secton9. Resources/Documents for the SPSB Applcaton Form.) No appontment to the SPSB wll be made durng the September year end meetng. If necessary, members of the Board wll create a nomnatng taskforce for recrutment. There wll be 4 members (2 offcers and 2 drectors). At least 3 of those ndvduals should hold an nterest n retanng a poston on one of the boards. If there s no nterest n any vacatng postons from ether board, applcatons wll be held open untl January 1 st. Acton wll be taken on the applcants at the frst meetng of the SPSB after January 1 st. Appontments to the SPSB wll be confrmed by ether the Commssoner or Lt. Commssoner. 5

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. A. Regstraton. 2. ATHLETES Each year the SPSB wll provde regstraton nformaton to ther membershp. Regstratons wll be effectve for one softball season. Regstraton s open to wthn the geographc boundares of Independent School Dstrct 622. In those nstances n whch the SPSB has partnershps extendng beyond the boundares of ISD 622 those regstratons wll be treated smlarly to the membershp wthn ISD 622. Slow Ptch Softball athletes may partcpate n both an n-house program and a NSPAA Travelng program. Regstraton (onlne or walk-n) for n-house leagues wll be open each year from February 1 st to March 31 st. Exceptons may be made when enrollment s down. The regstraton form must be completed n ts entrety. The athlete must wear the adopted league unform to partcpate wthn the program. Pregnancy: Athletes are expected to share wth ther head coach or a member of the SPSB any known pregnancy. No athlete wll be allowed to partcpate wthn any of SPSB actvtes UNTIL a note has been receved from the athlete s prmary care gver. The note must nclude the athlete s ablty to partcpate n our slow ptch softball programs. Ths note must contan any medcal nformaton pertanng to actvtes related to softball especally f restrctons are present and reference the frst trmester. SPSB wll use dscreton and wll not share ths personal nformaton EXCEPT to those adults responsble for the athlete, such as the head coach. Athletes wll be assgned to teams by a process determned by the SPSB. (See team assgnments.) (See Secton9. Resources/Documents for the Regstraton Form.) B. Fees/Refunds. Each athlete wll be requred to pay a regstraton fee. The SPSB wll determne the rates for all leagues. Fees nclude the cost of the unform. Lost/stolen/msplaced unforms wll be replaced at the expense of the athlete and ther famly. Any checks returned for non-suffcent funds wll be assessed the current bank fee n addton to payment of the orgnal check amount. Once a regstraton form and payment has been accepted, refunds wll be pro-rated based on unform orderng. If the unform has been ordered, those costs wll be kept by the SPSB. If a unform has been ordered based on crtera gathered from the regstraton form and t doesn t ft properly, t wll be the responsblty of the athlete and ther famly to ncur any reorderng fees for a unform. 6

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. The followng pro-rated schedule wll be followed: * Partal refund (mnus unform costs f the unform has been ordered) from date regstraton was receved through the second week of the practce pre-season. *Half refund (mnus unform costs f the unform has been ordered) from the second week of the practce pre-season through Memoral Day. *No refunds wll be gven after June 1 st. *Unform costs: should a new athlete regstraton be able to use the pre-ordered unform, those costs wll be returned to the departng athlete. All members of the Slow Ptch Softball Board wll receve 100% off ther total regstraton fee for all athletes lvng wthn ther household. C. Team Assgnments. Teams are based on current grade level at the tme of regstraton Pony League teams are selected by the SPSB. Athletes partcpatng n Flly, Mnor, and Junor Leagues wll be assgned to a team usng the followng crtera: 1. Returnng athletes wll be placed on ther pror year team, unless the athlete requests to be taken off that team or there s a low number of returnng players n whch the team cannot be sustaned. SPSB reserves the rght to adopt a process to place athletes on team(s) as needed. Athletes that wsh to go back nto the draft wll need to complete a Back n the Draft form at regstraton. (See Secton9. Resources/Documents for the Back n the Draft Form.) 2. Athlete s a sblng of a returnng player. Ths does not nclude cousns or blended famles UNLESS they share the same resdence. 3. Athlete s the chld or grandchld of head coach or assstant. (See coaches secton.) 4. Athlete s placed by draft or assgned by the SPSB after the draft. (See coaches secton.) Should an athlete wsh to move to the next hgher league they must meet the followng prerequstes. 1. Be wthn one year of the next hgher league. 2. Must have played wthn the NSPAA slow ptch softball n-house program the pror year and have secured a year end ratng of 4.70 or hgher. (Ratngs from 1-5). SPSB wll determne who rates the athletes. SPSB wll attempt to rate the athletes a mnmum of twce a season. Fnal ratngs wll be adopted by SPSB before the start of the new season. Frend requests wll be consdered (NOT GUARANTEED). A spot on the regstraton form wll allow for an athlete to place a sngle athlete s name n whch they would lke to play on the 7

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. same team together. SPSB wll revew requests and reserves the rght to change as needed to ensure teams are equtable n age/grade representaton. D. Unforms. Jersey s wll be provded for all leagues. All athletes are requred to wear the adopted team jersey. Jersey substtutons are not allowed for any league. Jersey volatons wll result n suspenson from game partcpaton untl the adopted jersey s worn or has been replaced f lost. Lost/stolen/msplaced jersey wll be replaced at the expense of the athlete and ther famly. Addtonal jersey(s) wll be provded for each team for Pony, Flly, Mnor and Junor Leagues. E. Expectatons and Responsbltes SPSB values our athletes and as such, holds each athlete to certan expectatons and responsbltes. 1. SPSB feels t s mportant to gather nformaton from our athletes. All athletes or parents/guardans of the athlete may be asked to fll out the questons on the back of the skll cards. The questons may be completed at regstraton, pror to the frst practce, or done as a group actvty wth the team. 2. SPSB values postve behavor. Athletes wll at all tmes uphold postve sportsmanshp both on and off the feld. Athletes wll not yeld to negatve behavor n words, actons, or conduct at any tme. 3. SPSB values structure and rules as a necessty, and therefore expects that all athletes wll treat ther teammates, coaches, umpres, and league offcals wth respect and follow the rules. Should a conflct arse, the athletes/parents/guardans should seek a resoluton by followng the procedure outlned under Communcaton. Conflcts should be addressed confdentally OUTSIDE of the scheduled feld tme. 4. SPSB values accountablty and expects our athletes to come prepared for every practce and game. Athletes should come to practce wth the approprate equpment ncludng but not lmted to a glove, head cover, footwear, water bottle, sunscreen, etc. Athletes must come to games n the adopted team unform and wth the approprate equpment as noted above. F. Repercussons for bad behavors. All athletes must conform to the Player Code of Behavor. Regardless of age, expectatons wll nclude postve behavors only. Volatons wll be dealt wth mmedately by the SPSB n the followng manner. Should the athlete be of mnor age, a parent or guardan wll be contacted. If the athlete s 18 years old or older contactng a parent or guardan wll be left to the dscreton of the athlete. A wrtten descrpton of the event wll be provded to the athlete and ther parent/guardan(s) upon request. If the zero tolerance polcy was breached, the athlete may be suspended or expelled. Ths decson wll rest wth a majorty vote by the SPSB. Whle the SPSB s convenng, the athlete wll not be allowed to partcpate n any NSPAA slow ptch softball events. (See Secton9. Resources/Documents for the Player Code of Behavor and Zero Tolerance Polcy.) 8

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. A. Defntons. 3. COACHES The SPSB wll provde opportuntes for nterested adults to apply for coachng postons. The term length of a coach wll be for one season wth elgblty to renew annually or as set by the SPSB. The Head Coach and any assstant coaches on the feld of play are NSPAA certfed adults responsble for a team of slow ptch softball athletes. They have met all requrements establshed by the SPSB. They may or may not have a chld partcpatng n our programs. B. Procedure to be a SPSB Coach. 1. You must be 18 years of age or older to apply. If you are an athlete you are not elgble to apply for a coachng poston n a league for whch you are partcpatng as an athlete. 2. You must complete a coachng applcaton n ts entrety. (See Secton9. Resources/Documents for the Coach s Applcaton Form.) 3. You wll conform to any tranng/certfcaton, etc. as requred by state statute. Should an ndvdual or coach consder brngng an n-house team out of state for an event, that ndvdual wll need to conform to any state statute n whch partcpaton s consdered. 4. Completed applcatons wll be forwarded to the approprate league drector or n ther absence, a member of the SPSB. 5. If you are a returnng coach, consultaton wth the pror year league drector may be requested. Penaltes ssued by the SPSB wll be consdered vald data for any returnng coach s applcaton. 6. You must successfully pass a background check as requred by NSPAA. (See background check secton.) 7. You must complete an onlne concusson certfcaton program and submt your completed concusson certfcate to the SPSB pror to takng the feld for any practce or game. 8. Completed applcaton forms wll be revewed by the league drector. League drectors wll complete ntervews of all completed applcatons. The league drector may comple a wrtten report for the SPSB on ther recommendatons. 9. The SPSB wll revew the league drector s report. Coachng postons wll be confrmed by the league drector or an appontee of the SPSB. C. Background Checks. All adults who have been offered a coachng poston wll be requred to complete a Crmnal Background Check applcaton. Should a background check return any fndngs, the Commssoner wll dscuss those fndngs wth the applcant and reserves the rght to rescnd the offer to coach based on those conversatons. (Background checks from other organzatons wll not be accepted unless authorzed by the NSPAA). 9

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. D. Certfcaton. The SPSB may provde annually a softball coachng certfcaton class. Every nterested coach s encouraged to attend. Certfcaton may nclude an overvew of the programs, structure, rules, expectatons, responsbltes etc. Certfcaton and successful background checks for all coaches must be completed pror to engagng n team actvtes. E. Expectatons. The SPSB values our coaches and as such, holds each coach to certan expectatons and responsbltes. Please see the Coach Applcaton for complete expectatons. F. Assstant Coaches Selecton SPSB values contnuty of the team s coachng staff and as such, allows each head coach to select up to 4 assstant coaches. Assstant coaches must be selected usng the followng crtera. 1. A new or returnng head coach may submt an assstant coach applcaton pror to the draft wth a parent of an athlete comng nto the league. The parent or guardan of an athlete requestng back n the draft cannot be selected as an assstant coach pror to the draft. The athlete must be selected through the draft process. After the draft, the parent or guardan may serve as an assstant coach for the team draftng the athlete. 2. After the draft, head coaches should submt ther addtonal assstant coach requests by the second week of the season so SPSB has an opportunty to revew the requests and ensure the selectons. SPSB values the head coach as a role model for ther assstant coaches and as such, expects the head coach wll serve as a mentor and provde opportuntes for the assstant coaches to fulfll ther roles n practces and games. To ensure ncluson n game day actvtes, only the head coach and assstant coaches wll be allowed to fll the roles of bench coach and base coaches. Once an assstant coach has been selected by the head coach and approved by SPSB, that person wll retan the ttle as long as the athlete who was assgned to the team as a result of the assstant coach selecton s on the team, whether or not the person serves n that capacty n subsequent years. 10

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. G. Draft Process for Athlete Selecton. Returnng players were addressed n the Athletes Secton above. Coaches may be able to complete ther roster through an athlete draft. The head coach and/or assstant are the only elgble personnel present at a draft beyond the SPSB. No athletes or other chldren wll be present durng a draft. The draft process has been establshed as follows: 1. The draft packet s made avalable 15 mnutes pror to the draft va paper only and are collected upon concluson of the draft. The draft packet may nclude the followng: a. Athlete Selecton Worksheet. The athlete selecton worksheet contans the athlete s name, pror year team for returnng athletes, ndvdual skll rankng, overall rankng, and specal nformaton. b. Team Matrx. The Team Matrx s a vsual representaton of the returnng athletes for each team n the league and ther areas of need. The pre-season Team Matrx wll nclude the names of the returnng athletes recorded n a grade approprate space, and the teams pre-season rankng. If a team s number of returnng athletes for a partcular grade exceeds the season grade lmt establshed through regstraton numbers for a partcular grade level, the returnng athletes wll frst be recorded n an open roster spot above the partcular grade level. If there s no roster spot avalable above the partcular grade level, the returnng athletes wll be recorded n an open roster spot below the partcular grade level. c. The Practce Feld Worksheet. The Practce Feld Worksheet s used to assgn practce felds, tmes, days, and locatons. d. Returnng athlete s contact nformaton. 2. New coaches are encouraged to arrve 30 mnutes pror to the draft to answer any questons regardng the sample draft materals provded to them at the tme of ther selecton. 3. SPSB members are restrcted to ther role as board member durng the draft. If they are a member of the coachng staff for that league they wll not partcpate n the player selecton. 4. In the absence of a team s approved head coach, the team s approved assstant coach(s) or a member of the SPSB wll draft that team. 5. The team wth the lowest team rankng wll be the frst team to select an athlete. Each team wll have 1 mnute to make a selecton. An athlete re-enterng the draft cannot be selected by ther pror year team n the current draft. 6. Each team wll make player selectons correspondng to the open felds n ther Athlete Selecton Worksheet begnnng n the upper left-hand corner of the Athlete Selecton Worksheet movng from top-to-bottom and left-to-rght. 11

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. 7. Player trades are permtted wth the approval of the League Drector. In the event that the league drector s a coach wthn that league, a member of the SPSB wll act on trades. The SPSB wll ensure that the drector apponted s not a coach. Trades must nvolve the athletes of the same skll, grade, and status. Once a frend request s honored durng the draft, that athlete should not be traded to another team, unless approved by the SPSB. Trades must be completed at the draft. NO athlete trades wll be allowed after the draft. 8. Team roster sze s suggested but not lmted to 13 athletes. 9. No coach wll come to the draft/team selecton wth athletes pre-assgned to ther team wth the excepton of ther own daughter and returnng players. No assstant coaches wll be consdered at the draft. 10. SPSB may request that no electronc devces/cell phones be used durng the draft. H. Takng the feld. Each team may be ssued a coach s packet. Ths packet wll contan many resources: League rules, SPSB board member contact nformaton, score book, and varous documents. Teams may not practce on felds untl permts have been ssued to the leagues. I. Conduct Consequences. The SPSB s responsble for the conduct of all coachng staff. As such the SPSB has outlned responsbltes and expectatons for all coaches. There s zero tolerance polcy n place and therefore consequences wll be ssued ncludng and up to beng banned as a coach from NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball programs. Penaltes or behavoral concerns should be brought to the SPSB by a head coach, league drector, member of the SPSB, a parent or guardan, an athlete, or a game offcal. Behavoral concerns wll be broken nto the followng categores. 1. Offensve behavor 2. Game msconduct 3. Threatenng or unwanted physcal contact J. Offensve Behavor. Offensve behavor wll nclude: negatve symbols, words or actons, not ncludng bullyng or ntmdaton. Occurrences of ths type are not wthn the expectatons of a coach. The SPSB recognzes that all are human and as such error on occason. However, the role of a coach s a prvlege and should behavors as descrbed above occur outsde the role of a coach, the ndvdual wll receve a verbal and wrtten warnng ssued by the SPSB. There wll be no other consequences IF the coach recognzes the poor taste of hs behavor and rectfes those actons mmedately. Future consequences may nclude suspenson or beng banned as a NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball coach. 12

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. K. Game Msconduct. Game msconduct wll nclude makng negatve comments to the offcals, ncludng yellng, screamng, argung or dsputng who acts as a game offcal, argung offcals calls, gesturng negatvely, mshandlng equpment, etc. The SPSB recognzes the role of a coach s a prvlege and should behavors as descrbed above occur, the followng penaltes wll be ssued. Snce the occurrence was durng a game (defned as team s on the feld), the game offcal wll be asked to provde a descrpton of the stuaton to ether the league drector or a member of the SPSB. The board offcal recevng the dalog from the game offcal wll compose a wrtten explanaton of the stuaton wthn 48 hours. The offendng coach wll be requested to have a conference wth the league drector and a quorum of the SPSB. The coach wll be suspended untl the meetng has taken place. Offenders wll receve a verbal and wrtten notce wth a game suspenson of 2 weeks. Any mssed games due to tardness of a meetng wth the board offcals wll count towards the penalty. If actons are repeated the coach wll be suspended for the remander of the season. L. Threatenng or Unwanted Physcal Contact. Threatenng or physcal actons to another wll nclude verbal assault, physcal assault, puttng an athlete n a harmful stuaton or threatenng to do any of the above. These behavors regardless of who they are drected at wll not be tolerated. In order for the ncdent to be consdered t must occur on a sanctoned practce, game, tournament feld, and parkng lot or permt area. The SPSB recognzes the role of a coach s a prvlege and should behavors as descrbed above occur, the followng penaltes wll be ssued. Wrtten statements wll be gathered by members of the SPSB. An mmedate suspenson of coachng prvleges wll take place whle the nvestgaton occurs. Should other offcal documents be avalable such as a polce report, they wll be taken nto consderaton as allowed by statute. The offendng coach wll receve a wrtten notce outlnng the offense and consequences. The decson to suspend a coach must be made by a majorty vote of the SPSB. The SPSB reserves the rght to termnate the coach s prvleges for any specfed tme. M. Appeals. Any coach who has been dened a coachng poston (not ncludng a faled background check by the NSPAA) or receved a behavor consequence or behavor penalty by the SPSB may appeal. The appeal must be receved wthn 10 busness days of the notce. A meetng of the SPSB wll take place wthn 10 busness days of the appeal notce. The SPSB wll provde up to 45 mnutes for the appeal meetng. The meetng locaton wll be determned by majorty of the SPSB. Immedately followng the meetng, the SPSB wll meet to dscuss the appeal request. A wrtten outcome wll be provded wthn 5 busness days. IT IS THE INTENT OF THE SPSB TO BE DISCREET AND PROTECT THE PRIVACY OF THE INDIVIDUAL TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY. Names wll be avoded n offcal documents ssued by the SPSB. Two members of the SPSB wll note actual names and wll keep the names confdental from the publc. N. Equpment Request by Team Coach. (See Secton9. Resources/Documents for the Equpment Request Form.) 13

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. A. Defnton. 4. PARENTS AND GUARDIANS A parent and/or guardan are those ndvduals lsted on the regstraton form of an enrolled athlete partcpatng wthn the softball programs. The SPSB recognzes that there are blended and sngle famles. B. Expectatons and Responsbltes. The SPSB recognzes the value of parental nvolvement n the success of athletes and as such, wll provde opportuntes to nvolve parents/guardans wthn our program. 1. SPSB feels t s mportant to gather nformaton from our famles. Parents and guardans may be asked to fll out certan forms throughout the season, ncludng but not lmted to: regstraton forms, year-end surveys, etc. The regstraton process wll nclude unform szng for ther athlete. Each athlete MUST physcally try on the unform to secure approprate szng for the entre season. Regstraton fees are an expected part of partcpaton n the program and as such no athlete wll be allowed to partcpate untl the approprate fees are collected. 2. The SPSB values postve behavor. All parents and guardans or famly vstors wll at all tmes uphold postve sportsmanshp. They wll not yeld to negatve behavor n words, actons, or conduct. Team supporters ncludng parents, guardans, and other extended famly and frends are subject to the head coach and wll respond when drectons are provded relatng to a game or practce. All parents and guardans wll utlze postve communcaton regardng any references to athletes, coaches, and game offcals ncludng board members. 3. The SPSB values structure and rules as a necessty, and therefore expects that all parents/guardans wll treat the athletes, coaches, opponents, umpres, and league drectors wth respect and follow the rules. Should a conflct arse, the parent/guardan should seek a resoluton by followng the procedure outlned under Communcaton. Conflcts should be addressed confdentally OUTSIDE of the scheduled feld tme. 4. The SPSB values accountablty and as a parent and guardan wll ensure ther athlete comes prepared for every game. All athletes are expected to come n the adopted team unform wth approprate equpment. Addtonal tems expected to be brought whch are not provded by the SPSB nclude, but are not lmted to: necessary nutrton and fluds for practce and games. Addtonal clothng such as long sleeve apparel that can be worn under the team shrt. Long black sweatpants may be worn. Sunscreen and other medcal tems should be consdered when approprate. 5. The SPSB values communcaton and expects that scheduled absences wll be communcated to the team head coach by the parents or guardans. Examples of scheduled absences nclude; summer camps, famly vacatons and other events. Ths provdes the head coach wth necessary nformaton on preparng practce schedules and game rosters. Unexpected absences such as llness should be communcated to the 14

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. head coach wth as much tme as possble. A suggeston wndow of tme s 4 hours. Lack of transportaton s not an excuse for mssed practce or games. 6. SPSB values our partners n provdng the SPSB program. Included among our partners are ctes of North St. Paul, Maplewood, and Oakdale, Independent School Dstrct 622, and the Mnnesota Recreaton and Park Assocaton. All parents and guardans and other spectators wll follow the Code of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Polces. Specfc regulatons to varous cty or school propertes must be followed, ncludng but not lmted to, refranng from alcoholc beverages, tobacco use (ncludng e-cgarettes), foul language or gestures. 7. SPSB expects that famly pets of any sort wll be left at home for practces, games or tournaments, snce sad pets provde an unnecessary dstracton and health rsk such as game delays, allergc reactons, btes, knockdowns, etc. Those that volate ths wll be asked to leave the property mmedately wth ther pet. 8. SPSB wll follow all offcal documents ncludng those court-ordered, ncludng but not lmted to, custody ssues, orders of protecton etc. C. Consequences. The SPSB recognzes that there wll be occasons when emotons run hgh. The passon for softball s an exctng thng. Whle one may get qute caught up n a game, softball event or stuaton, we expect that postve behavor to be model at all tmes. We have defned the followng behavors: Behavorsms nvolvng foul or vulgar language wll be dealt wth mmedately. Any member of the SPSB reserves the rght to haltng of offensve behavor. If after a verbal warnng the behavors contnue, the person wll be asked to watch the team practce or game from an enclosed vehcle or off the property to whch SPSB holds the permt. Behavors nvolvng argung wth a game offcal or a member of your athlete s coachng staff wll be dealt wth mmedately. Your athlete s head coach s responsble for mantanng control of parents and spectators. Should the head coach ask you to remove yourself from the premses, you must comply. D. Grevance. See the ndvdual secton for athlete, coach or parent concerns. If however these sectons do not address the stuaton, utlze the followng gude. a. All concerns and complants wll be documented. (See Secton9. Resources/Documents for the Grevance Form.) Any completed Grevance Forms should be submtted to the Commssoner. Any Grevance Forms wll be revewed by the SPSB and a response wll be sent wthn ten (10) busness days. No athlete, head coach, parent or guardan names wll be mentoned n any EMAIL documentaton. Wrtten copes wll be provded to the SPSB. 15

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. 5. LEAGUES A. Slow Ptch Softball Program Descrptons. The softball program wll be dvded nto the followng age classfcatons: 4 years old -1 st Grade Boys and Grls Pony League 2 nd 4 th Grade Grls Flly League 5 th 7 th Grade Grls Mnor League 8 th 10th Grade Grls Junor League 11 th Grade 19U Grls Senor League 8 th Grade 20U Grls Travelng League U stands for Under, therefore, 19U, for example, denotes 19 years old or younger. A player s age s as of January 1 of the current year and grade level s ther current grade at the tme of regstraton for the current softball season. 1. Pony League s the entry sport to NSPAA Flly League for grls and NSPAA Baseball for boys. The NSPAA Pony League s an nstructonal league. Players wll be ntroduced to the fundamentals of catchng, feldng, httng off a tee, httng a coach ptched ball, and basc defensve postonng n a compettve game settng. 2. Flly League s a coach/player ptched nstructonal league stressng the fundamentals of catchng, feldng, httng, and basc defensve postonng and ntroduces the players to the fundamentals of ptchng n a compettve game settng. The Flly league shall be regstered wth the Mnnesota Recreaton and Parks Assocaton (MRPA). 3. Mnor League s a player ptched nstructonal league stressng the fundamentals of catchng, feldng, httng, basc defensve postonng, and ptchng and ntroduces the players to the fundamentals of sldng and advanced defensve postonng n a compettve game settng. The Mnor league shall be regstered wth the Mnnesota Recreaton and Parks Assocaton (MRPA). 4. Junor League s a player ptched compettve league stressng the fundamentals of catchng, feldng, httng, basc defensve postonng, ptchng, sldng, and advanced defensve postonng. The Junor league shall be regstered wth the Mnnesota Recreaton and Parks Assocaton (MRPA). 16

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. 5. Senor League s a player ptched compettve league for grls stressng the fundamentals of catchng, feldng, httng, basc defensve postonng, ptchng, sldng, and advanced defensve postonng. The Senor League shall be regstered wth the Mnnesota Recreaton and Parks Assocaton (MRPA). 6. Travelng League s a player ptched compettve softball opportunty stressng team wns over ndvdual opportuntes. Players are expected to have a basc understandng of the fundamentals of softball and should be profcent n catchng, feldng, and httng. Travelng Softball shall be regstered wth the Mnnesota Recreaton and Parks Assocaton (MRPA) and the Amateur Softball Assocaton (ASA). In addton, Travelng Softball may also be regstered wth the Oakdale Athletc Assocaton (OAA). A. Budget. 6. FINANCE The SPSB s a non-proft organzaton under the NSPAA. SPSB may adopt a budget annually. The budget may nclude projected regstraton numbers for each league and team. Revenue and Expendtures may be estmated. The SPSB may operate wthn the annual budget. The SPSB may determne the rates for all leagues. Fees may nclude the cost of the unform. (See the secton on athletes.) Revenue generated s used to support the SPSB programs. Each year the SPSB wll budget the followng expenses: regstraton, membershp fee to the NSPAA, year-end tournament, coachng clncs, opportuntes for athletes, etc. The SPSB wll have a carry-over balance each year. These mones would ensure start-up costs for the followng season. B. Fnancal Assstance. The SPSB may provde fnancal assstance to athletes for softball regstraton who meet certan crtera set by the NSPAA. Each athlete and/or ther famly wll complete a fnancal assstance form. (See Secton9. Resources/Documents for the Fnancal Assstance Form.) Examples of crtera may nclude: a resdent of ISD 622 school dstrct, enrolled n a school wthn the geographc boundares of ISD 622, and qualfy for free-and reduced lunch program. NSPAA reserves the rght to lmt fnancal support. There s no grandfather clause regardng fnancal support. The SPSB wll strve to keep ths nformaton confdental. Travelng or tournament athletes may not be elgble for fnancal ad n the n-house leagues. If an ndvdual payment plan s agreed upon by the SPSB wth any certan famly, all payments must be pad by July 1 or the athlete may not be able to partcpate n the year-end tournament. 17

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. C. Non-Suffcent Funds (NSF) Checks. The SPSB wll accept checks and cash for all ther programs. Any checks returned for nonsuffcent funds wll be assessed the current bank fee n addtonal to payment of the orgnal check amount. 7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST SPSB recognzes that ts board members, coaches, and team helpers are volunteers and as such, may serve multple roles wthn the organzaton whch could place ndvduals n a poston of perceved conflct. It s the expectaton of the SPSB that our volunteers wll set asde personal agendas and devote ther tme, talents and strengths enhancng our programs. 8. VENDORS The SPSB recognzes that to provde our programs we wll need to work wth vendors. The SPSB reserves the rght to solct bds as needed to support the slow ptch softball programs. 9. RESOURCES/DOCUMENTS A. Applcaton Form for Slow Ptch Softball Board Member. B. Drector Report Forms. C. Regstraton Form. D. Back n the Draft Form. E. Player Code of Behavor. F. Zero Tolerance Polcy. G. Coach Applcaton Form. H. NSPAA Background Check Polcy I. Equpment Request Form. J. Weather Gudelnes. K. Umpre Applcaton. L. Fnancal Assstance Form. M. Grevance Form. 18

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. 19

The Slow Ptch Softball Board (upon approval by the NSPAA Board) reserves the rght to edt, modfy, or change any polcy and/or procedure contaned wthn ths document at any tme. 20

ATTACHMENT A

NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball www.nspaaslowptch.com Board Applcaton Approved By: Slow Ptch Softball Only Applcant: Address: Home: Cell: Cty: State: Zp: Work: E-mal: 1. Do you have Board experence? Yes No If yes, how many years? _ 2. In what capacty dd you serve? Presdent/ Vce Presdent/ Executve Secretary Treasurer Commssoner Lt. Commssoner 3. For whch poston are you applyng? Drector Presdent/ Vce Presdent/ Executve Secretary Treasurer Commssoner Lt. Commssoner Drector 4. Do you have a chld n one of the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Leagues? Yes No Drector Drector 5. Are you applyng to coach n one of NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Leagues? If yes, whch league(s)? Pony Flly Mnor Junor Senor Travelng Team 6. On a scale from 1-5 (1 = Poor, 5 = Exceptonal), rate yourself regardng the followng: Communcaton Sklls Slow Ptch Passon Approachablty Slow Ptch Knowledge 7. Do you have coachng or teachng experence? Share your story. 8. Descrbe your nterest n servng on the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Executve Board or Board of Drectors? 9. How long are you wllng to serve on the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Executve Board or Board of Drectors? NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball s expectatons are prnted on the backsde of ths form. 10. What strengths do you have that wll assst you n fulfllng those expectatons? 11. What would lmt you from fulfllng those expectatons? Board Applcaton 01/2011

NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball www.nspaaslowptch.com Executve Board Expectatons In order to provde a qualty and enjoyable athletc experence for our members and develop the sklls of our athletes, NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball must requre consstency from our Executve Board Members: consstency n knowledge, outlook, passon, and character. To ensure consstency, I wll: Attend the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Executve Board, Board of Drectors, and yearend meetngs. Be an advocate for NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball and ts msson. Fathfully fulfll my dutes as outlned n the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Polcy and Procedures Handbook. Govern NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball usng an athlete focused approach whle puttng asde personal agendas. Be an actve partcpant n all NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball fund rasng events. Be an actve partcpant at the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball regstraton. Be an actve partcpant at the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Tournament. Board of Drectors Expectatons In order to provde a qualty and enjoyable athletc experence for our members and develop the sklls of our athletes, NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball must requre consstency from our Board Members: consstency n knowledge, outlook, passon, and character. To ensure consstency, I wll: Attend the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Board of Drectors and yearend meetngs. Be an advocate for NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball and ts msson. Be an advocate for the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball League assgned to me. Fathfully fulfll my dutes as outlned n the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Polcy and Procedures Handbook. Be an actve partcpant n all NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball fund rasng events. Be an actve partcpant at the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball regstraton. Be an actve partcpant at the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Tournament. (Please provde two character references excludng NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Board members) Name: Name: Phone: Phone: Please read the followng statement and sgn n the space provded: I understand servng on the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Executve Board and Board of Drectors nvolves a commtment of tme and energy, and my applcaton to serve as a member of ether Board s contngent upon my wllngness to adhere to the expectatons set forth by NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball and the NSPAA. I understand my applcaton s also contngent upon a successful background check and subsequent background checks n accordance wth the NSPAA Background Check Polcy. I understand that falure to complete the Informed Consent Form n full or provdng false or msleadng nformaton on the form wll result n the denal of my ablty to serve as a member of the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Executve Board or Board of Drectors. Sgnature: Date: Board Applcaton 01/2011

ATTACHMENT B

NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Drector s Report Template www.nspaaslowptch.com NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball BOD Meetng Date: Crcle whch drector report: Facltes Equpment Youth Umpre Provde an update on any projects current or to be completed. Descrbe any challenges or obstacles: Descrbe any opportuntes for NSPAA SPSB: Report by: Receved by:

ATTACHMENT C

NSPAA SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM Webste: www.nspaaslowptch.com League: NSPAA Use Only Athlete: DOB: Sex: School: Address: Grade: Phone: Cty: Zp: Team Last Year: E-mal Address: Mother/Guardan: Father/Guardan: Custodal Parent: Preferred Phone: Preferred Phone: Preferred Phone: Emergency Contact: Phone: Please, provde any nformaton that could be of beneft to our staff (.e. dsabltes, allerges, ADHD, specal needs, etc.): Frend request (NOT GUARANTEED) (one request only): _ JERSEY SIZING Note: NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball beleves the unform s an essental pece of the player s equpment; therefore, the league unform as defned below must be worn for all league games n order to partcpate n the game. If you requre a sze outsde of those lsted below, please talk to a regstraton offcal. S 6-8 PONY LEAGUE ONLY YOUTH T-SHIRT SIZES M 10-12 L 14-16 SENIOR LADIES T-SHIRT SIZES S M L XL 2XL S 6-8 FILLY, MINOR, AND JUNIOR JERSEY SIZE SHORT SIZE Youth Lades Youth Lades Adult M 10-12 L 14-16 S M L XL 2XL S M L S M L XL 2XL I (we), the below sgned parent/guardan, understand there s an nherent rsk when playng sports and hereby gve permsson for our chld to partcpate n ths NSPAA actvty. I (we) understand the NSPAA and ISD622 s not responsble for accdents or njures. The NSPAA reserves the rghts to assgn all players, approve all coaches, lmt the number of players per team, and verfy the grade of the partcpant wth ther school of enrollment. I (we) hereby gve permsson for our chld to be nvolved n publc relatons actvtes (.e. photographs, news releases, etc.). Parent/Guardan sgnature: Date: I wll help a famly n need n the amount of: $ Receved By: Amount Pad for ths regstraton: $ Check No. Total Amt of Check $

Codes of Conduct, Ethcs and Behavor Code of Conduct Coaches are responsble for ther behavor as well as the behavor of ther players and ther fans. Harassment of coaches, offcals, players and spectators wll not be tolerated. Coaches, players and parents must revew the Code of Ethcs provded below. We must strve to teach the chldren of the communty respect and good sportsmanshp. The offcals have control of all games and have the authorty to eject a coach, player, parent or fan from the game and feld area. Any problems wth an NSPAA coach, umpre, player or fan, should be drected n wrtng to the approprate NSPAA Drector. Players are expected to be on the bench or n the Box when they are not playng n the game. Players wll treat ther teammates and opposton wth respect. After each game, the teams wll lneup and shake hands. Throwng of equpment s not tolerated. Falure to comply wth the code of Ethcs wll result n dscplnary actons, Assocaton enforcement and or any local law enforcement polces: Frst nfracton yelds a warnng letter, second nfracton yelds game suspenson and the thrd/fnal nfracton wll yeld a ban from current and possble future partcpaton n NSPAA sponsored programs. The use of Alcohol, Tobacco and Profanty are prohbted. All weapons are banned from all Youth Athletc actvtes n accordance wth MN State Laws. Parents Code of Ethcs I wll encourage good sportsmanshp by demonstratng postve support for all players, coaches and offcals at every game, practce or other youth sports event. I wll place the emotonal and physcal well-beng of my chld ahead of any personal desre to wn. I wll nsst that my chld play n a safe and healthy envronment. I wll provde support for coaches and offcals workng wth my chld to provde a postve, enjoyable experence for all. I wll remember that the game s for chldren and not for adults. I wll do my very best to make youth sports fun for my chld. I wll ask my chld to treat other players, coaches, fans and offcals wth respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ablty. I wll promse to help my chld enjoy the youth sports experence wthn my personal constrants by assstng wth coachng, beng a respectful fan, provdng transportaton or whatever I am capable of dong. Players Code of Behavor I wll do my best at all practces and durng all games. I wll lsten to my coaches when at practces and at games. I wll practce good sportsmanshp by treatng all players, coaches, parents and offcals wth respect. I wll do my best to help my parents get me to games and practces on tme. I wll keep my equpment and the equpment of the team n good condton by not throwng t or usng t mproperly. I wll play and practce the game to have fun and not be concerned about wnnng or losng. I understand that mprovement comes from practce and sometmes I may decde to practce on my own, away from scheduled practces and games. I agree to use safety equpment when nstructed to do so and pay attenton to other safe play deas provded by coaches, players and parents. I support the msson of the NSPAA n affordng all players an opportunty to have fun whle developng ther sklls. I agree wth the Code of Conduct, the rules of partcpaton and understand the consequences of not behavng n accordance wth them. Player Sgnature: Parent/Guardan Sgnature: Date: Date: Code of Conduct 2008

ATTACHMENT D

NSPAA SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL BACK-IN-DRAFT FORM Webste: www.nspaaslowptch.com League: NSPAA Use Only Athlete: DOB: Sex: School: Address: Grade: Phone: Cty: Zp: Team Last Year: BACK-IN-DRAFT DISCLAIMER I am a returnng NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball athlete requestng to re-enter the draft for my league. I understand that by makng ths request I am only assured that I can not be drafted by the team for whch I played last season as noted above. I understand a league offcal wll be contactng me to confrm my decson, and my decson wll become fnal on the nght of my league s draft. Further, I agree to play for the team that selects me because falng to do so wll cause an unnecessary hardshp for the athletes and coaches who wll be dependng on me. Athlete Sgnature: Parent/Guardan Sgnature: Date: Date: BACK-IN-DRAFT SURVEY NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball s always nterested n what motvates an athlete to re-enter the draft for ther league. Please take a moment to answer the followng questons wth complete honesty and candor. Your responses wll be kept confdental and wll only be used to help NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball mprove the slow ptch softball experence of our athletes. 1. What were the crcumstances that motvated you to request to re-enter the draft for your league? 2. Are there any crcumstances that would motvate you to change your mnd?

ATTACHMENT E

Codes of Conduct, Ethcs and Behavor Code of Conduct Coaches are responsble for ther behavor as well as the behavor of ther players and ther fans. Harassment of coaches, offcals, players and spectators wll not be tolerated. Coaches, players and parents must revew the Code of Ethcs provded below. We must strve to teach the chldren of the communty respect and good sportsmanshp. The offcals have control of all games and have the authorty to eject a coach, player, parent or fan from the game and feld area. Any problems wth an NSPAA coach, referee, player or fan, should be drected n wrtng to the approprate NSPAA Drector. Players are expected to be on the bench or n the Box when they are not playng n the game. Players wll treat ther teammates and opposton wth respect. After each game, the teams wll lne-up and shake hands. Throwng of equpment s not tolerated. Falure to comply wth the code of Ethcs wll result n dscplnary actons, Assocaton enforcement and or any local law enforcement polces: Frst nfracton yelds a warnng letter, second nfracton yelds game suspenson and the thrd/fnal nfracton wll yeld a ban from current and possble future partcpaton n NSPAA sponsored programs. The use of Alcohol, Tobacco and Profanty are prohbted. All weapons are banned from all Youth Athletc actvtes n accordance wth MN State Laws. Parents Code of Ethcs I wll encourage good sportsmanshp by demonstratng postve support for all players, coaches and offcals at every game, practce or other youth sports event. I wll place the emotonal and physcal well-beng of my chld ahead of any personal desre to wn. I wll nsst that my chld play n a safe and healthy envronment. I wll provde support for coaches and offcals workng wth my chld to provde a postve, enjoyable experence for all. I wll remember that the game s for chldren and not for adults. I wll do my very best to make youth sports fun for my chld. I wll ask my chld to treat other players, coaches, fans and offcals wth respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ablty. I wll promse to help my chld enjoy the youth sports experence wthn my personal constrants by assstng wth coachng, beng a respectful fan, provdng transportaton or whatever I am capable of dong. Players Code of Behavor I wll do my best at all practces and durng all games. I wll lsten to my coaches when at practces and at games. I wll practce good sportsmanshp by treatng all players, coaches, parents and offcals wth respect. I wll do my best to help my parents get me to games and practces on tme. I wll keep my equpment and the equpment of the team n good condton by not throwng t or usng t mproperly. I wll play and practce the game to have fun and not be concerned about wnnng or losng. I understand that mprovement comes from practce and sometmes I may decde to practce on my own, away from scheduled practces and games. I agree to use safety equpment when nstructed to do so and pay attenton to other safe play deas provded by coaches, players and parents. I support the msson of the NSPAA n affordng all players an opportunty to have fun whle developng ther sklls. I agree wth the Code of Conduct, the rules of partcpaton and understand the consequences of not behavng n accordance wth them.

ATTACHMENT F

NSPAA ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY AGAINST ABUSE The North St. Paul Athletc Assocaton (NSPAA) s commtted to provdng a safe envronment for t s members and partcpants and to preventng abusve conduct n any form. Therefore, we have establshed the followng gudelnes of behavor and procedures for our staff, volunteers and partcpants. All members of ths organzaton, as well as parents, spectators and other nvtees are expected to observe and adhere to these gudelnes. 1. Abuse of any knd s not permtted wthn our organzaton. Ths means we do not tolerate physcal, sexual, emotonal or verbal abuse or msconduct from our players, coaches, offcals, volunteers, parents or spectators. 2. Physcal and sexual abuse, ncludng, but not lmted to, strkng, httng, kckng, btng, ndecent or wanton gesturng, lewd remarks, ndecent exposure, unwanted physcal contact, any form of sexual contact or napproprate touchng, are strctly prohbted wthn our organzaton. 3. Emotonal or verbal abuse s also prohbted. Examples of ths prohbted conduct nclude, but are not lmted to such forms of abuse as nsultng, threatenng, mockng, demeanng behavor or makng abusve statements about a person s race, gender, relgon, natonalty/ethncty, sex or age. 4. We recommend that every actvty sponsored by our program put a buddy system n place. Each youth partcpant should be assgned a buddy durng sponsored actvtes. Wth due regard to the chld s age, t s recommended that no chld should go anywhere to the bathrooms, locker rooms or other locaton wthout hs or her buddy. Smlarly, two adults should be present durng practces, games and specal events. 5. To further protect our youth partcpants, as well as our coaches, offcals and volunteers, we strongly advse that adult persons not be alone wth a chld or wth any group of chldren durng the sponsored actvtes. For example, we recommend that coaches or other adult members of ths organzaton: Do not drve alone wth a non-related chld partcpant Do not take a non-related chld alone to the locker room, bathrooms or any other prvate place Provde one-on-one tranng or ndvdual coachng wth the assstance of another adult or chld s Buddy. If you must have a prvate conversaton wth a non-related youth partcpant, do t wthn the vew of others, n the gym or on the feld, nstead of n a prvate offce. NSPAA Zero Tolerance Polcy March 09

NSPAA ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY AGAINST ABUSE 6. Supervson / Chaperone rato: Where possble, we recommend that for any sponsored actvty, the rato of adults to youth partcpants be reasonable. For example, a rato of 1:8 one (or more) adults for every eght (8) chldren wth a mnmum of two (2) adults for every actvty s recommended. 7. We want to let our chldren know that ther concerns, fears and hopes are mportant by lstenng to them. Open communcaton between chldren and parents or between chldren and other adults n the organzaton may help early warnng sgns of abuse to surface. 8. We encourage parents to become as actve as possble n sponsored actvtes, games, practces and other events. The more the parents are nvolved, the less lkely t s for abusve stuatons to develop. Parents should also understand that t s ther responsblty to montor ther chldren at all tmes. Ths apples both to those chldren who are partcpatng n the event and to those who are spectators. Parents should not drop ther chldren off and leave the premses or faclty. The ultmate responsblty for each chld s safety and welfare les wth the chld s parents. 9. We wll respond quckly to any and all allegatons of abuse wthn ths organzaton. All reports of potental unlawful abuse occurrng wthn NSPAA should be reported to the Presdent of NSPAA. In the event that the alleged abuser s the Presdent, then the report should be made to any member of the NSPAA Board of Drectors. Reports should be made to: Presdent (or Board of Drectors) 2720 Maplewood Dr. Maplewood, MN 55109 e - ma l: dougvand@msn. com Ths nformaton wll be communcated to the proper authortes for nvestgaton and wll be revewed by the NSPAA drectors. The alleged offender wll be notfed of such allegatons promptly. NSPAA Zero Tolerance Polcy March 09

ATTACHMENT G

NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball www.nspaaslowptch.com Coachng Applcaton Accepted By: Approved By: Slow Ptch Softball Only Applcant: Address: Home: Cell: Cty: State: Zp: Work: E-mal: 1. Have you coached NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball? Yes 2. In what capacty dd you serve NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball? Head Coach No If yes, how many years? _ 3. For whch NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball League(s) and n what capacty are you submttng the applcaton? Asst Coach Pony (4A-1st ) Flly (2nd -4 th ) Mnor (5 th -7 th ) Junor (8th -10 th ) Senor (11th -19U) Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Asst Coach Asst Coach Asst Coach Asst Coach Asst Coach 4. Do you have a chld n the League(s) for whch you are applyng? Yes No 5. Are you submttng an applcaton to coach another summer sport? Yes No 6. If yes, n whch capacty do you wsh to serve the other summer sport? Head Coach Asst Coach 7. On a scale from 1-10, rate your slow ptch softball knowledge. 1 2 (1 = No Knowledge, 10 = Very Knowledgeable) 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8. Coachng requres a tme commtment. In your opnon, how much tme s requred each week? _ 9. Why are you nterested n coachng for NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball? 10. Does beng a good athlete equate to beng a good coach (why or why not)? NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball s coachng expectatons are prnted on the backsde of ths form. 11. What strengths do you have that wll assst you n fulfllng those expectatons? 12. What would lmt you from fulfllng those expectatons? Coachng Applcaton 01/03/2011

NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball www.nspaaslowptch.com Coachng Expectatons In order to provde a qualty and enjoyable athletc experence for our members and develop the sklls of our athletes, NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball must requre consstency from our coaches: consstency n age approprate skll development, knowledge, outlook, passon, and character. To ensure consstency, I wll: Attend the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Coachng Clncs and mandatory league meetngs. Read, understand, and abde by NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball League rules and USSSA rules. Be a C.O.A.C.H as defned by NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball. Apply for the Head Coachng poston n only one slow ptch softball league. Avod fallng nto the wnnng-focused trap and mplement an athlete-focused coachng phlosophy. Understand that most athletes are motvated by havng fun, developng sklls, and beng a part of a team. Understand not all athletes are the same and develop a plan usng dfferent teachng styles to motvate them. Understand athletes can have bad days and mplement a postve renforcement strategy to address the ssue. Mantan control of the team by developng a sense of respect and trust wthn the team Commt the tme requred to fulfll the expectatons of the athletes and NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball. Develop a season plan focused on learnng and fun and communcate the plan to the athletes and ther parents Prepare a practce plan to ensure effcent use of practce tme. Provde a safe physcal and emotonal envronment Teach age approprate softball sklls as set forth by NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball. Research, develop, and mplement drlls whch wll teach softball sklls and ncorporate game stuatons. Prepare a game plan ncludng an offensve and defensve lne-up to ensure equtable playng tme. Drect athletes n competton. Revel n the accomplshments of the athletes. Demonstrate postve sportsmanshp and postve support for all athletes, coaches, and game and league offcals. Refran from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and profanty regardless of the crcumstances at all youth events. Refran from usng anger as a coachng tool Communcate NSPAA Rules and Expectatons to the athletes and ther parents and ensure they are enforced. Communcate wth athletes, ther parents, coaches, and offcals n a postve and respectful manor. Ensure proper treatment of NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball equpment and return the equpment n good condton. (Please provde two character references excludng NSPAA Slow Ptch Board members) Name: Name: Phone: Phone: Please read the followng statement and sgn n the space provded: I understand coachng s a prvlege, and my applcaton to serve as a coach n NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball s contngent upon my wllngness to adhere to the expectatons set forth by NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball and the NSPAA. I understand my applcaton s also contngent upon a successful background check and subsequent background checks n accordance wth the NSPAA Background Check Polcy. I understand that falure to complete the Informed Consent Form n full or provdng false or msleadng nformaton on the form wll result n the denal of my ablty to serve as a coach or assstant coach wthn NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball and NSPAA. Sgnature: Date: Coachng Applcaton 01/03/2011

ATTACHMENT H

North St. Paul Athletc Assocaton BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY Secton 1- Purpose: The purpose of ths polcy s to establsh authorty and procedures for collectng and evaluatng background nformaton regardng NSPAA Adult Volunteers and pad employees, such as publc and prvate nformaton held by nvestgatng and other resources avalable to the assocaton such as the Mnnesota Bureau of Crmnal Apprehenson. NSPAA Adult Volunteers are North St. Paul Athletc Assocaton Board members, Commssoners, Head Coaches, Assstant Coaches and other adults that may have unsupervsed contact wth mnors regstered to partcpate n NSPAA actvtes. Pad employees nclude Umpres, offcals; pull tab sellers and other Chartable Gamblng ndvduals pad by NSPAA for servces rendered. An adult s defned as any person 18 years of age or older. Secton 2 Polcy NSPAA wll obtan records and nformaton relatve to an ndvdual s personal background from any number of resources avalable to the Assocaton on each NSPAA Adult Volunteer and pad employee. Each NSPAA Adult Volunteer and pad employee s requred to submt the completed Informed Consent Form (attached as attachment A ) that authorzes NSPAA to conduct the Background Check. Informaton obtaned n ths process wll be revewed by the NSPAA Executve Commttee (Presdent, Vce Presdent, Secretary and Treasurer) to determne elgblty. These wll be performed on a yearly bass at a mnmum. Convctons for crmes of volence, crmes aganst persons and crmnal sexual conduct shall result n automatc nelgblty to contnue or be approved as an NSPAA Adult Volunteer and or employee. Other nformaton contaned n the background check report, ncludng all felones, msdemeanors or arrests, regardless of whether aganst persons or property, may result n nelgblty after a revew by the NSPAA Executve Commttee. Crmes ncluded but not lmted to n background check under Mnnesota Statues Chapter 299C that wll result n automatc nelgblty; * Murder * Felony Level Assault * Kdnappng * Crmnal Sexual Conduct * Manslaughter * Arson * Any Assault Crme Aganst a Mnor * Prosttuton Related Crme * Controlled Substance Abuse * Any of the followng chld abuse crmes commtted aganst a mnor vctm, consttutng a volaton of Mnnesota Statutes sectons: * 609.185,(5) Murder n the 1 st degree * 609.344 Crmnal Sexual conduct n the 3 rd degree * 609.221 Assault n the 1 st degree * 609.345 Crmnal Sexual conduct n the 4 th degree * 609.222 Assault n the 2 nd degree * 609.352 Solctaton of chldren to engage n sexual conduct * 609.223 Assault n the 3 rd degree * 609.377 Malcous Punshment of a Chld * 609.224 Assault n the 4 th degree * 609.378 Neglect or Endangerment of a Chld * 609.225 Assault n the 5 th degree * 152.021, subd. 1,(4) Controlled Substance Abuse n the 1 st degree * 609.2242 Domestc Assault * 152.022, subd. 1,(5) or (6) Controlled Substance Abuse n the 2 nd degree * 609.322 Solctaton, Inducement and Promoton of Prosttuton * 152.023, subd. 1,(3) or (4) Controlled Substance Abuse n the 3 rd degree * 609324 Other prohbted acts of Prosttuton * 152.024, subd. 2,(4) or (6) Controlled Substance Abuse n the 3 rd degree * 609.342 Crmnal Sexual conduct n the 1 st * 152.025, subd. 1,(2), (3) or (4) Controlled Substance Abuse degree n the 4 th degree * 609.343 Crmnal Sexual conduct n the 2 nd degree NSPAA BCP Page 1 5/16/2011

North St. Paul Athletc Assocaton BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY The followng crmes are ntended as a gudelne of offenses that MAY result n nelgblty based on revew by the Executve Commttee; *DWI, DUI (not on probaton) *Theft (f more than fve years ago and not on probaton) *Possesson of a controlled substance (not on probaton) *If a frst offense and not currently under probaton elgble If 2 or more volatons have occurred and not currently on probaton revewed by Executve Commttee for Elgblty. If currently on probaton for any of the above NOT Elgble. Ths lst of offenses s not ntended to be all-nclusve and n no way sets lmts on the offenses that are deemed grounds for nelgblty. Decsons on all other crmes or offenses not otherwse descrbed above wll be made at the sole dscreton of NSPAA. If an NSPAA Adult Volunteer or pad employee s determned elgble for servce and s later arrested for a felony or convcted (ncludng a plea of gulty) of any of the above fore mentoned crmes, he/she s requred to notfy NSPAA. He/She wll be removed mmedately from hs/her volunteer or pad poston untl a revew of the felony arrest and/or convcton s completed by the NSPAA Executve Commttee. Falure to notfy NSPAA of any felony arrests, convctons or gulty plea s from the lst above wll result n the NSPAA Adult Volunteer or pad employee beng mmedately removed from all dutes for a mnmum of 12 months begnnng on the date the falure to notfy was dscovered. Renstatement s not guaranteed. Secton 3 Notfcaton of Inelgblty & Appeal of Decson: If the NSPAA Executve Commttee determnes an NSPAA Adult Volunteer or pad employee s nelgble, the NSPAA Executve Commttee wll notfy the Adult Volunteer or pad employee regardng hs/her nelgblty and afford the Adult Volunteer or pad employee the opportunty to appeal or correct the Background check Report or wthdraw hs/her applcaton for consderaton pror to and wthout further NSPAA acton. If an Adult Volunteer or pad employee requests to appeal or correct a background check report, the NSPAA Executve Commttee shall meet wth the ndvdual to determne contnued elgblty for NSPAA servce. If a member of the NSPAA Executve Commttee s beng revewed, then the remanng members of the NSPAA Executve Commttee wll make the determnaton. An nelgblty decson must be appealed wthn ten (10) calendar days of the notfcaton. The nelgble NSPAA adult volunteer or employee wll be allowed to present ther appeal or request or correcton to the NSPAA Executve Commttee, along wth n-person supportng endorsements, f desred. After any and all appeals are made the Executve Commttee shall decde, by majorty vote, any contnued actons. The results of ths vote shall be fnal and wthout appeal. The NSPAA Executve Commttee shall notfy the Adult Volunteer or employee of the fnal decson wthn 24 hours of the vote. Durng any appeal of nelgblty decson, the NSPAA Adult Volunteer or employee may not partcpate n any NSPAA events (events nclude practce, games, reportng to work or other actvtes or programs sponsored, supported or offered by NSPAA). NSPAA BCP Page 2 5/16/2011

North St. Paul Athletc Assocaton BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY Secton 4 Enforcement All NSPAA Board of Drectors and Commssoners shall submt and Informed Consent Form and undergo a Background Check wthn 30 days of beng elected, apponted or confrmed. Head Coaches, Assstant Coaches and all other NSPAA Adult Volunteers and Employees shall submt an Informed Consent Form and undergo a Background Check pror to coachng an NSPAA sponsored team or performng other servces for NSPAA. The Informed Consent Form s to be complete along wth an Applcaton Form (attached as attachment B ). All NSPAA Adult Volunteers and Pad Employees undergo the Background on a yearly bass. NSPAA Board Members (Offcers and Commssoners) who fal to comply wth ths NSPAA Background Check Polcy shall be removed from ther board responsbltes untl such tme complance has been receved by NSPAA. Where a Board members complance s not forthcomng, sad member shall be removed from offce. Other NSPAA Adult Volunteers or Employees who wllfully fal to comply wth ths NSPAA Background Check Polcy shall be barred from ther responsbltes untl such complance has been receved or be deemed nelgble/termnated. Secton 5 Background Check Report Retenton: All completed Background Check Reports, Informed Consent Forms, Applcatons and related supportng documentaton wll be retaned by NSPAA for a perod of 3 years. Ths polcy supersedes the Background Check Polcy adopted by the Board of Drectors on August 8, 2002 Adopton by the NSPAA Board of Drectors Date: December 20, 2008 Sgned: Douglas C. Van Duyne Ttle: Presdent NSPAA BCP Page 3 5/16/2011

ATTACHMENT I

NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball POLICY AND PROCEDURE Equpment Request by Team Coach: www.nspaaslowptch.com NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball League: _ Team: Coach: Request to add to equpment bag. _ Yes/No Provde a descrpton of tem(s) you want to add: Date receved: Authorzed: Equpment Drector: Date revewed: Yes/No League Drector: Request to deny equpment bag. Yes/No Provde an explanaton of why you don t want the NSPAA ssued coach bag, and what you wll provde for the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball team. Date receved: Authorzed: Equpment Drector: Date revewed: Yes/No League Drector:

ATTACHMENT J

WEATHER GUIDELINES NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball has and wll contnue to operate under the Amercan College of Sports Medcne (ACSM) gudelnes for partcpaton n sports actvtes as t relates to extreme heat. Followng are those gudelnes: 65-80: No Specal measures requred. 81-99: Coaches wll be requred to take extra steps to keep the athletes hydrated and cool. Brng extra water and a cooler wth rags soaked n ce. 100-104: In addton to above, Pony and Flly league games and practces canceled, no trple-headers n the Mnor, Junor, and Senor Leagues, no games before 7:00P, strke count wll be 3-2 wth no courtesy, 5 nnngs maxmum, athletes wll only be allowed to catch two consecutve nnngs, up to 5 mnutes wll be allowed for players to take the feld n between nnngs, unlmted pnch runners wll be allowed at any base, athletes wll be encouraged to st or stand n the shade avalable around the bench area. 105+: All games and practces canceled. WEATHER CANCELLATIONS: If our webste does not lst that games have been canceled, or your League Drector has not notfed your team's coach that your game has been canceled, please show up for your scheduled game tme. Teams that fal to show up for ther scheduled games wll forfet the game. After 4:00pm, games wll be canceled on a game by game bass. WEATHER SUSPENSIONS: If a game s suspended due to the weather, do not go home. If the weather condtons and feld condtons allow for the contnuaton of the game wthn 30 mnutes of the suspenson, the game wll be restarted at the pont t was suspended. Do not leave untl the League Drector or Executve Board (Pony, Flly, and Mnor Leagues) or the Umpre and League Drector (Junor and Senor Leagues) have drected you to do so. A game that cannot be restarted n 30 mnutes may be regulaton f 4 or more nnngs have been played, or f the Home Team s leadng after 3 ½ nnngs. Games that are not regulaton wll be started from the begnnng.

ATTACHMENT K

www.nspaaslowptch.com USSSA Umpre and Youth Umpre Agreement Name: Address: Phone: Emal: *Socal Securty Number: Date of Brth of Youth Umpre: Age: *NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball s requred to submt a 1099 form for any ndvdual that makes over $600 n a year. To submt ths form we must have your socal securty number. All umpres over the age of 18 MUST have completed a NSPAA Background Check and the concusson certfcaton. Sgned: Date: Internal use: Approved: Date:

ATTACHMENT L

NSPAA SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FORM League: _ Webste: www.nspaaslowptch.com Value of offer: Sgnature: Date: NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Use Only Athlete: School: Address: Grade: Phone: Cty: Zp: Team Last Year: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DISCLAIMER In our efforts to provde qualty slow ptch softball programs for the youth of the communty, manage the needs of ndvdual partcpants, and fulfll our fducary responsblty to all members, NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball has found a need to formalze our fnancal assstance program. By completng the followng questonnare, you are allowng the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Executve Board to dscuss your fnancal or need stuaton. A member of the NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball Executve Board wll revew your applcaton wth you and forward the applcaton to the Executve Board for revew. Your applcaton wll be processed as quckly as possble, and a member of the Executve Board wll notfy you of the outcome. NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball understands the personal nature of the content of the applcatons and wll keep all conversatons regardng the content confdental. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE QUESTIONNAIRE NSPAA Slow Ptch Softball empathzes wth how dffcult t may be to dscuss and ask for fnancal assstance; however, the followng questons need to be asked and answered to help us revew your request. 1. For whch fnancal assstance program are you applyng? Partal Full 2. If applyng for the partal regstraton program, how much are you able to pay? $ 3. Do you qualfy for the free or reduced meal program at your school? (must provde paperwork from school dstrct) Yes No 4. Brefly, descrbe the crcumstance that prompted your request? 5. Total amount of fnancal assstance gven: $ 6. We request your help wth volunteerng throughout the season at varous events. Please lst your phone number where we can reach you to volunteer: _ Parent/Guardan Sgnature: Date: