Mission, Vision, and Values Statement
Highland Village Area Baseball and Softball Association –
Youth Sports Association
Mission
Our mission at Highland Village Area Baseball and Softball Association (“HVABSA”) is to
provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for young athletes to develop their
skills, foster teamwork, and cultivate a lifelong passion for baseball and softball. We
strive to nurture the physical, mental, and social growth of every participant while
promoting sportsmanship, respect, and community spirit.
Vision
Our vision is to be the premier youth sports association in the Highland Village area,
recognized for our commitment to excellence in athletic development, character
building, and community engagement. We aim to create a supportive network where
young athletes can thrive, encouraging them to reach their full potential both on and off
the field.
Values
• Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior in all our
interactions and decisions.
• Respect: We value each athlete's unique contribution and foster an environment of
mutual respect and appreciation.
• Sportsmanship: We emphasize fair play, humility in victory, and grace in defeat,
teaching our athletes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to continuous improvement and the pursuit of
excellence in coaching, training, and competition.
• Community: We believe in building strong connections within our community and
encouraging active participation from families, volunteers, and local businesses.
Code of Conduct
1. General Conduct (Applies to All: Players, Parents, Coaches, and Volunteers)
• Treat all participants—players, coaches, officials, opponents, and spectators—with
respect and dignity.
• Refrain from the use of abusive, threatening, or inappropriate language or gestures.
• Promote safety and well-being above winning.
• Display good sportsmanship at all times.
• Support an inclusive, non-discriminatory environment.
2. Expectations for Players
• Always try your best, regardless of the outcome.
• Show respect to teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents.
• Accept officials’ decisions without argument.
• Follow team rules and participate in practices and games responsibly.
• Never engage in bullying, taunting, or fighting.
• Maintain a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.
3. Expectations for Parents/Guardians
• Encourage your child to play by the rules and respect the officials and coaches.
• Set a positive example through your own behavior.
• Refrain from coaching your child or others during games unless you are an official coach.
• Address concerns through appropriate channels—never confront coaches, officials, or
other parents in front of children.
• Help teach the value of team spirit, effort, and fun over winning.
4. Expectations for Coaches and Volunteers
• Act as role models, always displaying respectful and ethical behavior.
• Ensure equal playing time and opportunities for skill development.
• Prioritize player safety and emotional well-being.
• Communicate openly and respectfully with parents and players.
• Refrain from using foul language, tobacco, drugs, or alcohol while supervising children.
• Complete required background checks and safety training.
Disciplinary Process
HVABSA takes violations of our Code of Conduct seriously. The following process applies to
all members:
1. Reporting Violations
Violations may be reported by any member of the association to a board member, coach, or the
designated Code of Conduct Officer via written or verbal report. Anonymous reports will be
taken seriously but may limit the ability to investigate. Please consider using our electronic
Grievance Form available on www.hvabsa.com website (click “HVABSA” on navigation bar).
2. Investigation
The HVABSA Board of Directors (or designated Conduct Committee) will review the complaint
promptly. Parties involved may be interviewed. All efforts will be made to maintain
confidentiality when appropriate.
3. Disciplinary Actions
• Ejections, or Written Reports (the filing of an official Grievance) that rise to the level of:
“Threats, Abusive Language, or Out of Control Behavior” will result in an Immediate
Suspension from the team and all league activities.
o Suspended persons shall not attend: Practices, Games, or any Team Activities.
o Umpires are required to report such behavior and must report ALL ejections.
o A detailed investigation will be conducted by the Zero Tolerance Committee (the
committee is comprised of the League President, UIC, the appropriate League VP,
and the General Manager) with interviews of witnesses and/or involved parties.
o Initial Suspension Period is 10 days (while the investigation takes place).
• Reinstatement Procedure.
o Requires an in-person meeting with the Zero Tolerance Committee (and
potentially the Age Group Commissioner and Head Coach, if the suspended
person is an assistant coach or parent, etc.)
o If approved for reinstatement, the length of suspension will be determined as a
result of the reinstatement meeting and will be one of these options:
Ø 10-days (minimum, even if the investigation and committee meeting take
less than 10-days).
Ø 1-month
Ø 1 season (If the season is being played, then the suspension will be the
remainder of that season.)
Ø If not approved for reinstatement for the season, a permanent suspension
may be issued.
4. Appeals
Members have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions in writing to the HVABSA Board of
Directors within 7 days of notification.
Zero Tolerance Policy
HVABSA maintains a Zero Tolerance policy toward:
• Physical violence or threats.
• Harassment or discrimination.
• Substance abuse at games or practices.
• Any behavior endangering the welfare of a child.
Acknowledgment
All parents, players, coaches, and volunteers must sign an acknowledgment of this Code of
Conduct when registering to participate in HVABSA activities. Continued participation in
HVABSA constitutes agreement to abide by the Code of Conduct.