CODE OF CONDUCT

The mission of South Florida Club Sport is to promote competition and athleticism through sportsmanship and fair play. Our leagues/events should be played with good sportsmanship. Although competition may become intense, we expect our participants to maintain good sportsmanship up to and after the final whistle. As a participant in any PHPS league, tournament or event, you must pledge to:

• Respect the game, play fairly, and follow all rules and policies.

• Accept the decisions of SFCS officials with good grace.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after games, win or lose.
• Be responsible for the sportsmanship of my teammates and assist in maintaining a respectful environment for all participants.
• Be courteous to opposing teams, officials, monitors, or facilitators and treat all players and SFCS officials with respect.
• Help to maintain and keep all equipment and conditions at the facility/park in good condition.
• Obey all facility rules, while respecting all equipment, common areas, playing areas, parking areas, and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Refrain from the use of abusive language or profanity.
• Not engage in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety, or well being of any player, official, staff member, or spectator.
• Not engage in verbal, written, or physical threats or abuse aimed at any participant, official, staff member, or spectator.
• Not initiate a fight, scuffle, or exchange with any individual (including but not limited to: pushing, shoving, punching, kicking, etc.).
• Not use alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs at any location unless permitted by the facility/venue.
• Wear/use all required and issued equipment and/or uniforms.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Sports are filled with judgment calls and, as a result, disputes between players, opponents, and staff may occur from time to time. However, it is important that participants respect and handle all disputes that may occur in a civilized manner.  No one may argue/protest a judgment call.  Protests for player eligibility or rule misapplications/misinterpretations are time-sensitive and must be made before the next live ball situation.  All decisions made by on-site SFCS officials must be respected and obeyed.  Any feedback regarding rules, players, officials, or staff members should be brought to the attention of a SFCS Director during normal business hours (M-F from 9a-5p).  Any behavior deemed unacceptable by SFCS may result in an ejection, suspension, and/or expulsion as outlined below.   Repeated Code of Conduct violations by the same team could result in a team expulsion from the league without refunds.  All Code of Conduct violations during a dead ball situation will result in a suspension as outlined below.  All violations/fouls/penalties during a live ball situation which result in an ejection are subject to review and a possible suspension. Players may appeal a suspension in writing within 48 hours of a suspension notification.  Players cannot participate during the appeal process.

• An ejection for a minor violation of the Code of Conduct will result in a 1-game suspension.  The second ejection for two minor violations in the same season will result in a 2-game suspension. Minor violations include, but are not limited to:

1. Vulgar, abusive, sexist, racist, and/or discriminatory comments or gestures towards an opponent, teammate, or spectator
2. Throwing equipment in anger at the ground, bleachers, or fence
3. Excessive arguing over judgment calls
4. Leaving the dugout, bench, or substitution area to enter the field and argue a referee's call
5. Leaving the dugout, bench, or substitution area to enter the field during an altercation
6. Ripping the shirt/pants of an opponent not in possession of the ball

• Any player who commits the offense of Assault will receive a 2-game suspension. The second ejection for Assault in the same season will result in a 4-game suspension.  Assault includes, but is not limited to:

1. Vulgar, abusive, sexist, racist, discriminatory comments or gestures towards a referee or staff member
2. Verbal threat of violence towards an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member
3. Attempting to punch, kick, or strike an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member
4. Attempting to strike an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member with a ball, glove, or hat during a dead ball situation
5. Attempting to spit on an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member
6. Brandishing/Displaying any type of weapon (including equipment) in a menacing/threatening manner
7. Charging/Confronting another individual in a combative/threatening manner

• Any player who commits the offense of Simple Battery will receive a 4-game suspension, and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Simple Battery includes, but is not limited to:

1. Striking an opponent with a ball, glove, or hat during a dead ball situation
2. Pushing/shoving/tripping an opponent not in possession of the ball
3. Pulling the hair of an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member
4. Spitting on an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member

• Any player who commits the offense of Aggravated Battery will receive a 12-month suspension, and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Aggravated Battery includes, but is not limited to:

1. Making physical contact with a referee while arguing a call (see Florida Statute below)
2. Kicking an opponent not in possession of the ball
3. Punching an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member
4. Choking an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member
5. Striking an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member with any type of weapon (including a bat)
6. Slapping an opponent, spectator, referee, or staff member