Semper Fi Athletics ~ Parent & Player Code of Conduct

Semper Fi Athletics (SFA) is dedicated to developing baseball skills in a safe, positive environment that promotes sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, hard work, and self-esteem. Parents and players both play a key role in upholding these values.

Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent/guardian, I agree to:

  • Treat all coaches, umpires, players, parents, and spectators with respect and dignity at all SFA events.
  • Respect and support the decisions and authority of umpires and coaches without confrontation or argument. Our coaches are primarily volunteers. If you would like to volunteer as a coach, please let us know. Otherwise, please allow them to do their jobs without interference.
  • Focus on positive encouragement and praise. I will not criticize, yell at, or direct negative comments toward any player, coach, or official.
  • Learn the basic rules of baseball and those specific to my child’s age division.
  • Not consume alcohol within 1,000 feet of the playing field or arrive at any SFA activity impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or marijuana.
  • Not use tobacco products, vape, or illegal substances within 1,000 feet of the playing field or during any SFA event.
  • Allow my high school athlete to advocate for themselves first by speaking directly with coaches about concerns. Parents should support this independence while addressing any remaining issues through proper channels.
  • Respect the program’s structure, including travel and team policies. We are committed to developing independent, resilient athletes — excessive or repeated demands that undermine team operations will not be accommodated.

Player Code of Conduct

As a player, I agree to:

  • Show respect to coaches, umpires, teammates, opponents, and spectators at all times.
  • Control emotions and handle adversity with dignity — no throwing equipment, arguing with officials, or unsportsmanlike behavior.
  • Hustle on and off the field at all times.
  • Be coachable and accept feedback positively.
  • Support and encourage all teammates and opponents regardless of playing time or position.
  • Maintain good academic standing — notify coaches in advance if educational commitments require missing practices/games.
  • Remove your hat and respectfully shake hands with opposing players, coaches, and umpires after every game.

Social Media, Public Communication & Online Conduct

Semper Fi Athletics is committed to a positive, respectful, and character-driven environment both on and off the field. We believe concerns should be addressed directly, respectfully, and through the proper channels outlined in this Code of Conduct.

  • Players and parents are expected to bring any concerns directly to the coach first (as outlined in the Communication section of this Code). If the issue is not resolved, parents may then involve program leadership.
  • Anonymous online posts, social media comments, group chats, or public statements that bash, criticize, or spread inaccurate, misleading, or defamatory information about Semper Fi Athletics, its coaches, players, families, or operations are strictly prohibited.
  • Posting or sharing false or libelous information about the organization or its members, whether anonymously or otherwise, violates this Code of Conduct and will not be tolerated.
  • Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal from the program without refund of any fees paid.
  • In serious or repeated cases, Semper Fi Athletics reserves the right to report the conduct to relevant governing bodies, leagues, or associations.

We strongly encourage open, direct, and constructive communication. Families who follow the proper process will always be heard and supported. Public or anonymous attacks undermine the team environment and the development of our athletes.

Consequences

For Parents, Semper Fi Athletics maintains a positive, team-first culture. Parents who are consistently high-maintenance, disruptive, or unwilling to follow communication/travel guidelines may be asked to leave the program. Violations may result in:

  • Verbal warning
  • Suspension from attending games/practices
  • Removal from the program (no refunds)

Violations may be shared with other youth organizations. Appeals must be submitted in writing to SFA within 14 days.

For Players, disrespectful behavior or emotional outbursts may result in bench time, extra conditioning, or reduced game participation. Repeated issues may lead to removal from the program (no refunds).

Communication Guidelines

Primary Tools

  • TeamSnap app — join your team groups for schedules, announcements, and updates.
  • Website: semperfiathletics.com — schedules, policies, concussion protocols, and resources.
  • Social: Facebook & Instagram
  • Email: semperfiathletics@gmail.com
  • Semper Fi Athletics Ownership: Aubrey Jones, 970-217-3253

24-Hour Rule We ask that parents give any issues at least 24 hours before reaching out. This allows time for emotions to settle and ensures thoughtful conversations. Please direct concerns to the team coaches first (not the Joneses). We strongly encourage our high school players to advocate for themselves directly with coaches before involving parents. This builds leadership, responsibility, and independence.

TeamSnap Communication Guidelines TeamSnap is our primary platform for sharing schedules, uniform details, arrival times, announcements, and other essential team information. Coaches will communicate directly with players and post updates here so families stay informed.

Please respect everyone’s time by:

  • Checking existing TeamSnap posts first
  • Asking your child for details already shared by coaches
  • Limiting private messages to coaches for truly urgent matters only

Coaches, employees, and volunteers are expected to focus their time on player development and team operations. To protect this focus:

  • Excessive private messaging, repeated questions already addressed through proper channels, or misuse of team group chats may result in the parent being removed from the platform or blocked from direct communication.
  • Any form of repeated or harassing communication with coaching staff that violates the guidelines in this Code of Conduct will result in warnings and may lead to immediate dismissal from the program without refund.

Please thoroughly review all provided resources (TeamSnap/Heja posts, website, emails, and handbooks) before reaching out with questions. This information has been shared multiple times — please respect coaches’ and administrators’ time by using what has already been provided.

Travel Expectations

Team travel is a core part of our program and serves as important life skills training. We expect our High School players to travel and stay with the team in supervised lodging to build teamwork, independence, accountability, and team chemistry.

Overnight Accommodations

To keep our program costs as affordable as possible for families, athletes may occasionally be asked to share a bed with a teammate during overnight tournaments. This is a common and accepted practice on most competitive high school travel teams as well as in CHSAA High Schools throughout Colorado.

Whenever possible, we prioritize booking VRBO-style homes rather than hotels. This allows the entire team to stay together under one roof, which helps build stronger team bonds and creates a more positive group experience.

Final Thoughts

Our focus is the TEAM. We develop strong baseball skills and character through discipline, hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We expect players to hustle on and off the field, encourage all teammates and opponents, and demonstrate respect through post-game handshakes.

Players may occasionally play at different levels to maximize individual growth and future success (e.g., a strong pitcher may get reps at a lower level even if not needed at varsity). This is about long-term development — not winning every game at every level.

 

Semper Fi Athletics is proud to be a leading program in Severance and Northern Colorado. With committed parents, talented players, and dedicated coaches, we set a high standard every year. Thank you for trusting us with your child. 

Semper Fi,
Ryan & Aubrey Jones