1. The primary objective of GYB is to help the players develop socially acceptable qualities of citizenship and sportsmanship. Managers and coaches are expected to display these qualities in their conduct toward other adults and to teach these qualities to the youth in their charge.
2. GYB has a “zero tolerance” policy pertaining to any manager, coach, player or parent acting in an abusive or unsportsmanlike manner toward players, umpires or opposing teams. Only the manager is allowed to speak to the umpire and only regarding rule clarification, or to address a spectator or player behavior issue. The manager may never discuss or make comments regarding an umpire’s judgment call during or after the game. Arguing a call with the umpire is considered unsportsmanlike behavior and is addressed below (see rule A.5.).
3. Each manager is responsible for the conduct of his/her coaches, players and parents. In the event of any disagreement regarding a rule, a question about play, or to address unwarranted behavior of a player or spectator, a time out should be called and the two managers should meet with the umpire for a discussion and ruling. Frequent communications between opposing managers during the course of a game is necessary and desirable.
4. The manager is responsible for the proper care of uniforms and equipment entrusted to him/her. Any broken or malfunctioning equipment must be returned to receive a replacement.
5. All managers, coaches, umpires, players and fans shall endeavor to maintain a dignified, mature relationship with other players, umpires or opposing teams. All GYB participants shall adhere to established channels of communication with all league personnel. Abusive language and actions will not be tolerated. Any abusive language or unsportsmanlike behavior by a manager, coach, player or fan may result in immediate removal from the game or the stands. If a manager, coach, player or fan has already received a warning about such behavior from an umpire, the second occurrence of such behavior shall result in removal. The penalty for a manager, coach or player being removed from a game is a suspension for a minimum of one game, pending an appeal. Any manager, coach, player or fan removed from a game has 24 hours from the time of the removal to contact the respective League Representative and appeal the suspension. The League Representative will then convene a meeting of the Disciplinary Committee within 72 hours of being notified. The Disciplinary Committee will review the incident and impose the appropriate penalties. The Disciplinary Committee’s ruling is final. If the League Representative is not notified within 24 hours from the time of removal, the manager, coach or player removed from the game will be automatically suspended for the following game. If a manager, coach or player is removed from a game a second time during the season, a mandatory hearing before the Disciplinary Committee is required.
6. The Disciplinary Committee shall consist of the GYB President, the Head Manager and remaining Executive Board. At least three members of the Disciplinary Committee must be present at a hearing.
7. A manager who is responsible for a forfeited game will be temporarily suspended until the Board reviews the circumstances of the game. The Board reserves the right to terminate the services of any manager or coach for violation of the rules. Any manager or coach shall be entitled to a hearing before the Board prior to such termination.
8. Each manager is responsible for requiring his/her team’s male catchers to wear a cup-type athletic supporter and to encourage the wearing of athletic supporters by all male players.
9. GYB prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and/or illicit drugs by managers, coaches, players and umpires on the field during games and practices. Any manager, coach, player or umpire found to be using alcohol, tobacco and/or illicit drugs during any GYB-sanctioned practice or game will be immediately suspended for a minimum of one game, pending appeal to the Disciplinary Committee. A second infraction of this rule requires a mandatory hearing of the Disciplinary Committee.
10. Peanut and Tree-Nut Free Dugouts: GYB also prohibits peanuts, peanut-containing products, tree nuts, and tree-nut-containing products at any GYB-sanctioned practice or game.
11. It is the policy of GYB that refunds of player participation fees will be made up to two weeks after the registration cutoff date. Refunds after that date will be made only in case of a medical condition that prohibits a player from participating in any games through the course of the season. There will be no refunds made under any condition after Opening Day. All refunds are subject to the discretion of the Executive Board.