Knapp Ranch Baseball is a City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks youth baseball program. Our mission is to be the premiere youth recreation baseball program. We are fully dedicated to the following principles:
- Sportsmanship
- Character Development
- Equality of All Participants
Each Knapp Ranch Baseball player will receive a baseball hat and a numbered jersey. Each player is responsible for supplying his or her own baseball mitt. Players may use bats, batting helmets, and catcher equipment supplied by the Knapp Ranch Baseball program during official practices and games, under the supervision of the team coach. The following are the official rules regarding uniforms.
Uniforms and Equipment
- A player must wear appropriate shoes at all times during the course of a game. A player may wear tennis shoes, rubber or plastic cleats, or rubber-soled shoes. Metal cleats and removable cleats are not allowed.
- Batting helmets must be worn by batters and base runners at all times on the field of play. Use of helmets will be supplied by Knapp Ranch Baseball during official practices and games. If a player would like to supply his/her own helmet, he/she may do so as long as the helmet is approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).
- After uniforms have been issued, a player must be in complete uniform in order to compete.
- Complete uniform consists of the team hat, team jersey, baseball pants (optional) and legal shoes. Catchers must wear headgear (covering the ears), mask with throat protector, chest protector, shin guards, and a protective cup at all times while catching. Use of catching equipment will be supplied by Knapp Ranch Baseball during official practices and games.
- It is recommended (not mandatory) that all players wear a protective cup while playing in a game.
- For their own safety, it is recommended that players not wear any form of jewelry during games and practices.
General Information - Code of Conduct
Knapp Ranch Baseball places a strong emphasis on ensuring that players and their families exhibit appropriate behavior. Below is the Parent Code of Conduct and the Player Code of Conduct. All parents and players are expected to abide by these codes.
Parent Code of Conduct
- I will place the emotional and physical well-being of the children above any personal desire to win. I will help my child understand the valuable lessons sports can teach.
- I will be a role model of good sportsmanship and character. I will help my child meet his/her responsibilities to the coach and the team.
- I will do my best to make sure that the game is fun for all participants.
- I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all participants. I will treat participants, coaches, recreation administrators, and the public with respect.
- I will help maintain a sports environment for all participants that is free of drugs, tobacco and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
- I will make only positive and encouraging comments to players on both teams. I will not interfere or coach from the stands.
- I will remember to not take the game or myself too seriously.
- I will strive to create a positive recreational experience for everyone involved in the activity.
- I will remember that I am a youth sport parent, and that the game is for children and not adults. Accordingly, I will encourage my child to play sports by providing a supportive atmosphere, but not pressure.
- I will discuss the significance of this code with my family members.
- I will play by the rules and never argue or complain about the official’s decisions.
- I will meet my responsibilities to the coach and the team.
- I will play for the fun of it, and do my best to make sure that the game is fun for all participants.
- I will demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship. I will treat participants, coaches, recreation administrators, and the public with respect as I would like to be treated.
- I will refrain from the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco at all youth sports events.
- I will make only positive and encouraging comments to players on both teams. I will be a good sport by cooperating with my coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials.
- I will remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills, and feel good about playing. I will not take the game or myself too seriously. I will control my temper.
- I will work equally hard for the team as for myself, and will always give my best effort.
- I will remember that I am a youth sports player, and that the game is for my enjoyment and my skill improvement.
- I will demonstrate good sportsmanship.