THE LRKA ZERO TOLERANCE FOR POOR SPORTSMANSHIP

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The Little Rock Kickball Association was started in memorial in the hopes of developing a charitable social organization that at it core has a fundamental belief in sportsmanship, fair play and community building.  It is the belief of the LRKA that all three of these important elements begin with individual members and extend to entire teams.  Furthermore, it is the responsibility of every player, fan and supporter of the LRKA to ensure that they do their individual part to promote the core beliefs of the LRKA.  While the appropriate level of competitive play is expected in the appropriate leagues, it shall be understood that at no time should the Spirit of the Game, the original vision of the LRKA or any player, fan or supporter be made to suffer at its expense.  Everyone is charged with the responsibility of developing a bond of mutual respect among all players, adherence to agreed-upon rules of play/conduct, promoting the LRKA and for fostering a love of kickball.  Actions such as taunting in an extreme manner, name calling, excessive profanity, dangerous aggression, intentional fouling, or other 'win at all costs' behavior are hereby strictly forbidden and are considered contrary to both the Spirit of the Game and to the Mission of the LRKA and must be avoided by all players

Failure to do so will have severe consequences.

The LRKA, for the remainder of the Spring 2006 Season and for every season from here on out, is instituting a Zero Tolerance Policy for poor sportsmanship, extremely aggressive behavior, trash talking that does not fit within the LRKA code of conduct and for any behavior that is “contrary to the Spirit of the Game.”  Furthermore, excessive profanity, especially stemming from disagreements or during taunting will no longer be permitted and will be considered an example of poor sportsmanship and will be subject to penalties.

entire teams will be penalized for the behavior of individual members

Teams are expected to police the behavior of their members for the entire duration of the season at hand regardless of whether or not they are currently playing.  Any extreme behavior “contrary to the Spirit of the Game” occurring in the stands, after games or at any later date any where LRKA members are assembled will be subject to the same penalties.    Understand that if any member of a team or person known to be associated directly with that team is ejected from the game or park for any violation or if a person is a constant source of controversy, the entire team may be subject to penalty.   

Captains are expected to be the first line of prevention and expected to police their members.   If you cannot control a person on or off the field, you are expected to remove them from the LRKA for the benefit of your team, fellow players and for the good of the league.  If not, your entire team will suffer penalties.  No exceptions.

It is understood that this is everyone’s only warning!!!

I, Larry Betz, will investigate all infractions fairly and aggressively and everyone is reminded of the following fact:  as commissioner of this league, I will have final say on all matters.   I also reserve the right to consult with anyone I see fit.   If warranted, any of the following penalties may be additionally imposed for unsportsmanlike conduct or any behavior that is “contrary to the Spirit of the Game”:

(a)  The offending individual may be banned from all future LRKA events and will not be allowed in LRKA rented facilities.

(b)  The offending player’s team may be further penalized with a 1 week suspension meaning any games scheduled for the following week will be forfeited and the team and its members will not be permitted in LRKA rented facilities for that week.

(c)   The offending team may be dropped from the remainder of the schedule or season.  No refunds will be issued.

(d)  The offending team and any players associated with that team may not again be allowed to participate in the LRKA.

Penalties are not limited to only those listed.

Any violations occurring during playoffs will be considered the most extreme and teams will be immediately forfeited from the remaining tournament.  Additionally, if that team participates in the next season, regardless of their record, without exception, they will not be allowed to participate in any playoffs or be considered conference champs if their record warrants it.  No team will be allowed to participate in that next season’s playoff with 3 or more members from a previously banned team.

It is the responsibility of captains to ensure their team is aware of the LRKA’s Zero Tolerance policy.

Don't be scared contact the Poo today!!! 

thegrandpoo@yahoo.com