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

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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 Zero Tolerance 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.

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au What you will learn This presentation is separated into different sections: Zero Tolerance defined What does it mean for... –Umpires –Coaches –Players –Others

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au Zero Tolerance Defined

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au Objectives The objectives of Zero Tolerance 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.

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au Application Zero Tolerance 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.

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au Categories of Offence 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)

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au P1

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au P2

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au P3

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au P4

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au P5

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au P6

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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.

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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?

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au What does it mean for UMPIRES

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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.

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au What does it mean for COACHES

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au What does it mean for PLAYERS

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au What does it mean for OTHERS

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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!

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au What now?

Victorian Umpiring Committee Zero Tolerance vuc.softball.org.au 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