The ABO® Athlete Code of Honor

1.    Do Unto Others: Respect Others and #OurPastime

Shake hands with your opponent across the field from you after announcement introductions and the National Anthem, before you take the field or bat. The field is a hallowed ground to be respected. Walk around the umpire when entering the batter’s box. Baseball is supposed to enrich all who participate, win or lose. Bat flips, showboating, and actions that demean opponents will not be tolerated. Treat coaches, teammates, officials, and opponents with courtesy and respect always. Remember the umpire’s name when possible; honor their role in the game and thank them after the game is over (win or lose). Respect and take care of your equipment.

2.    Take Responsibility and Accountability

Take responsibility for your actions and play #OurPastime honestly to the best of your ability. Do not argue with the umpire. Challenges and contested calls can only come from the Head Coach and must be approached appropriately, not from assistant coaches or the players themselves. Learn from your mistakes and errors in the field and be willing to receive feedback to keep improving your skills.

3.    Put “Team Before Me.”

Put the interests of the team before your own. Listen to directions from the coach or official. If you have questions or do not understand what your directions are, ask your coach. Communicate and work together with your teammates to the best of your ability. ‘Social or skill-based hierarchy’, competition with teammates, or favoritism is discouraged. Teamwork requires working with EVERYONE. Be a good role model for yourself, your team, your opponents, and the greater sport. Set an example you can personally be proud of. You do not have to be the best athletically to set a good example for others.

4.    “One Role, No Role, No Game”

Take your role as a baseball player as seriously off the diamond as you do during practices, games, and other events. Represent the game well. Help keep the baseball diamond clean and leave it in better condition than when you first arrived. Assist the coach and/or event lead with practice, game, and event set-up. Shake hands with and/or thank special guests for attending your game. Follow the laws and behave your best at home. Contribute where your skills best fit. Give back to the sport just as much as you take through the opportunity. Use what you learned as a baseball player to give back to the community during the offseason. If you willfully do not contribute or give your best, it sends a message to others that they, too, can get away with not contributing or giving their best. When everyone works together for the best of the program, your local Alternative Baseball(R) experience can continue improving sustainably.

5.    Enjoy and Learn from #OurPastime

While winning is a great feeling, winning is not the end-all. Whether you win or lose, show proper sportsmanship to your opponent after the game. Use the experience to build friendships; baseball is about building a support system and becoming part of something bigger than you ever imagined. You don’t have to have swung a bat or caught a ball for the first time to set a good example for others. You do not have to be the best athlete on the field all the time to enjoy America’s Pastime to the fullest. Most importantly, it’s important to make the experience your own and create as much fun and excitement as possible; make lasting memories you will remember with others for years to come.