Player Code of Conduct 

As a member of the TN Nighthawks team, players must understand and agree to the following:

• I agree to display good sportsmanship, positive behavior, cheer on my teammates, take pride in personal and team accomplishments and accept winning or defeat with dignity at all times

• I understand that travel softball is a highly competitive sport and there are no guarantees as to the amount of playing time or position that I will play during games 

• I agree to arrive at practices, tournaments, and team functions promptly at the designated time

• I understand that all players will remain in the dugout during the game. I am not allowed to sit with parents or spectators, even if I am not in the game. (Exceptions will be made for injuries or illness)

• I agree to wear my uniform properly at the field

• I understand that I am responsible for any and all equipment necessary to play the game. Abuse of equipment (throwing bats, helmets, gloves, etc.) will not be tolerated

• While in the dugout, I will cheer on my teammates and pay attention to the game on the field

• I agree to listen to instructions from the team coaches and not from fans or parents

• I understand that there will be no phone usage in the dugouts

• I agree not to use foul language, physical aggression or uncooperative behavior/body language that disrespects my coaches, teammates, other players or parents

• I agree to only give positive feedback to my teammates and leave the coaching to the coaches

• I understand that there will be the consequences (at coach’s discretion) for not following these rules, some of which may include:

  • Change of playing position and or reduced playing time

  • Removal from the game/lineup

  • Release from the team

Expectations for Parents

• Parents’ main role is to cheer on their daughters and the team with positivity and encouragement 

• Parents will refrain from giving instruction or negative feedback to the players while they are on the field or in the dugout

• Parents are never allowed in the dugout unless invited by the coach for an injury or other emergency

• Parents are expected to bring their child to practice and games on time. This means dressed and ready to start at the designated time, not pulling into the parking lot at the designated time. 

• We ask that you remember that coaches are unpaid and volunteering their time and effort to the team. If parents have constructive criticism or complaints after a game, we ask that you wait at least 24 hours to contact the coaches. We are happy to address your concerns once everyone has had time to sleep on it. 

• We ask that on game days (and especially during and between games) you provide healthy food and drinks for your daughter. No sodas, donuts, hamburgers, etc. 

• Early communication about missing practices/games is a necessity! We create tailored practice plans and line-ups based on who we expect to be there. Making unexpected, last-minute adjustments can be difficult and take our focus away from instructing the players.

• Once team fees are collected, there are no refunds for players choosing to leave the team or being dismissed for violations of our code of conduct.

• If a player chooses to leave a team mid-season or is dismissed for violations of our code of conduct, we ask that all numbered and logoed uniforms and equipment are returned to the team. This includes jerseys, bags, and practice shirts and will allow us to outfit pick-up/new players to fill the vacated roster spot.