McCarren Softball Saturday League

Code of Conduct, Anti-Discrimination Policy and Ethics (“Code”)

The McCarren Softball Saturday League (“MSSL”) mission is to create a fun and authentic urban softball experience for the community in North Brooklyn. In order to realize this mission, we work hard and we play to win, but not at the expense of our culture, values, or the law. We treat each other with respect, we operate fairly and honestly, and we hold ourselves to high ethical standards in everything we do. 

This Code describes the standards of conduct expected of everyone in the MSSL, without exception.    

MSSL Values:

  • Respect The Game: Play hard but honor those that are serving as umpires or league officials to ensure a smooth and fun experience;

  • Respect Players: Even in the heat of the moment, keep in mind to avoid inflammatory language and gestures; and 

  • Respect Humanity: We play ball with fellow park attendees as our audience.  Be an example of competitive recreational sport rather than an emblem for unseemly conduct.   

  1. Introduction 

The MSSL has adopted this Code for all players, coaches and umpires specifying how to conduct ourselves on and off of the field, both from an ethical and a legal standpoint. It does not cover every issue that may arise, but provides guidance on common issues and is intended to help us avoid even the appearance of impropriety. We believe that we have some of the best recreational players in the world, and we expect the best from you on and off of the field. 

Still, issues arise and as such, anyone who violates this Code will be subject to disciplinary action, which could include termination of your relationship with the MSSL through permanent or temporary suspension and other disciplinary action.

  1. We treat everyone honestly and ethically. 

We expect every player and coach to act with integrity and observe the highest ethical standards of conduct in dealing with players, spectators, sponsors and the like.  

  1. We protect and properly use MSSL and Parks Department assets. 

We protect the MSSL’s assets, including our fields, equipment, the shed, and our goodwill in the community.  We know that theft, carelessness, and waste have a direct impact on our reputation, and should be reported without undue delay in order to minimize potential damage. We treat MSSL and Parks Department equipment and facilities with care, and when we see something, we say something.   

  1. We safeguard confidential information and MSSL member complaints.

We maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to the commissioners by MSSL players and coaches.  Should you have a concern about a violation of these policies, unlawful or unseemly misconduct, please report it to us knowing that your complaints will be safeguarded and undisclosed.     

Nothing in this Code is intended to limit, prevent, impede or interfere in any way with the MSSL’s right to provide information to the government or criminal authorities, participate in investigations, testify in proceedings, or engage in any activities protected under law.

  1. We compete fairly and comply with rules.

We want to earn victory through honest hard work and merit, and never through unethical or illegal practices which may involve a violation of our rules or local law. For example, when an issue is brought to our attention, we deal fairly with the complainant and any related parties.  Otherwise, we will never take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of facts, or any other unfair dealing practice. 

  1. We have zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment.

Diversity is a tremendous asset to the MSSL community. As such, the MSSL will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment of any kind, including derogatory comments based on racial or ethnic characteristics or unwanted sexual advances.  This includes on and off of the field behavior, including at our sponsors’ locations.  

We are each responsible for understanding all applicable discrimination and harassment laws and for always using good judgment, common sense, and respecting others.  To be clear, applicable law prohibits discrimination on the basis of someone’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.  Consequently, everyone is advised to think before they speak, know their audience, and avoid hateful speech while representing the MSSL.    

If you have questions on this topic, we would be happy to connect you with one of the professionals we work with so that you can receive educational or training materials.  

  1. We respect the health and safety of our teams.

Violence and threatening behavior have no place in the MSSL and will not be tolerated. We each have a duty to contribute to a safe and healthy environment for ourselves and others. We will not use illegal drugs on the fields, and promise to abide by all laws while conducting ourselves at MSSL, Parks Department, and Sponsors’ facilities, whether you are attending a fundraiser or playing on Field 1 or 2.  This includes from driving while impaired (by drugs, alcohol, or anything else) and “hands on mobile” phone use while driving (even if common practice in your location or permitted by local law). 

  1. We will investigate and take appropriate action for any violations of this Code. 

Reporting and Investigation of Violations.

Any violation of this Code or MSSL’s related rules, as set from time to time, may be reported to either of the co-commissioners or league managers.  

After receiving a report, the manager and/or co-commissioners shall promptly take all appropriate actions necessary to investigate. All players and coaches are expected to play in any internal investigation of misconduct.

Enforcement

The MSSL ensures prompt and consistent action against violations of this Code and its related rules.  If, after investigation, the MSSL determines that a player or coach has violated this Code, the co-commissioners will take such preventative or disciplinary action as deemed appropriate, including, but not limited to, temporary suspension or permanent ban, and in the event of criminal conduct or other serious violations of the law, notification to appropriate governmental authorities.

We consider waivers on a limited, case by case basis. 

Waivers of any violation of this Code may be considered on a case by case basis only by the co-commissioners.  

We do not tolerate retaliation. 

We want you to feel safe reporting any violation of this Code, and we have zero tolerance for any acts of retaliation against any person or coach who makes a good faith report of known or suspected acts of misconduct or other violations of this Code.

  1. We expect everyone to remind themselves that – in the end – this is a recreational softball league.

Each member of the MSSL is a human being.  As such, human beings, deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.  Though we can all get carried away with our competitive nature, it is not an excuse to disrespect or insult another human being.  

In the end, we are here to have fun against the backdrop of stiff competition while promoting a safe environment for human beings to interact and socialize.