The AMBA discipline policy is a three-strike accountability process beginning in 2027. It applies to all members, families, and spectators, with consequences ranging from a written warning to probation or removal from the Association. Strikes carry between seasons, while serious misconduct may lead to immediate suspension or removal.

Why is AMBA introducing a discipline policy?

Abbotsford Minor Baseball Association (AMBA) is introducing its Progressive Discipline and Member Accountability Policy to promote respectful, safe, and positive participation throughout the baseball community.

Minor baseball depends on cooperation among players, coaches, officials, volunteers, families, and spectators. Everyone contributes to the environment around the field. The policy provides a consistent way to address conduct that does not meet AMBA’s expectations, rather than relying on informal or inconsistent responses.

The policy supports AMBA’s mission to provide minor baseball to youth in Abbotsford, BC. It is not intended to discourage questions, feedback, or reasonable disagreement. Instead, it establishes a clear process for responding when behaviour becomes disrespectful, disruptive, unsafe, or otherwise inconsistent with Association standards.

For related expectations, members can review Rep Season Expectations , consult the Rulebooks , or visit AMBA’s Documents and Policies page.

Who does the AMBA discipline policy apply to?

The policy applies to all AMBA members and people participating in or attending Association activities, including:

• Players and parents or guardians
• Coaches, managers, and team staff
• Volunteers and Association representatives
• Umpires and other game officials
• Spectators and visitors at AMBA activities

The relevant activity may include games, practices, tournaments, evaluations, meetings, team events, Association communications, and other AMBA-related settings. Conduct away from the field may also be considered when it directly affects the Association, its members, or the safety and integrity of its activities.

Every person covered by the policy is expected to act responsibly and respectfully. Adults also have an important role in modelling appropriate conduct for young athletes.

How does the three-strike system work?

The progressive discipline process generally follows three stages. The response may depend on the facts, seriousness, impact, and context of the conduct.

1. Written warning

A first strike generally results in a written warning. This communicates the concern, identifies the expected change, and creates a record of the matter. The purpose is to correct behaviour early and give the individual a clear opportunity to meet AMBA’s standards.

A written warning should be taken seriously even when it does not include a suspension. Members should read the notice carefully, ask for clarification if needed, and make the required changes immediately.

2. Probation

A second strike generally places the individual on probation. Probation means the person remains involved subject to specified expectations and conditions. Further concerns during probation may lead to stronger consequences.

Depending on the situation, probation may include conditions related to communication, attendance, game or practice access, contact with officials, or participation in Association activities. The person must follow every condition communicated by AMBA.

3. Potential removal from the Association

A third strike may result in removal from AMBA. Removal can affect the individual’s ability to participate in, attend, volunteer with, or otherwise engage in Association activities, as applicable to the decision.

The three stages describe the normal progressive framework. They do not prevent AMBA from responding differently when the circumstances require it.

Do strikes carry over between seasons?

Yes. Strikes carry over between seasons. A new season does not automatically reset an individual’s disciplinary record.

This continuity helps AMBA apply expectations consistently and recognize patterns of conduct over time. It also means members should address a warning or probation requirement promptly, even if the original matter occurred near the end of a season.

Members should not assume that registering for a new program, joining a different team, or waiting until the next year removes an existing strike. Questions about a specific decision should be directed to AMBA through Contact Us .

Can serious misconduct result in immediate action?

Yes. Serious misconduct may result in immediate suspension or removal from the Association, without progressing through all three strikes.

Immediate action may be appropriate when conduct creates a significant safety concern, involves serious harassment or abuse, threatens another person, substantially disrupts Association activities, or otherwise requires urgent intervention. AMBA will assess the circumstances and determine an appropriate response.

A three-strike process should not be understood as permission to receive two warnings before serious behaviour has consequences. The nature and seriousness of the conduct matter.

What should members do after receiving a strike?

A member who receives a warning, probation notice, or other disciplinary communication should:

1. Read the notice fully and identify the conduct or concern described.
2. Follow any deadlines, restrictions, or conditions provided by AMBA.
3. Keep communication calm, factual, and respectful.
4. Ask AMBA for clarification through the appropriate channel if something is unclear.
5. Change the behaviour immediately and help prevent a repeat concern.

A response should focus on understanding the expectations and moving forward constructively. Public arguments, personal attacks, or attempts to pressure volunteers and officials can create additional concerns.

Respectful conduct checklist

Before attending an AMBA activity, members, families, and spectators should ask:

• Am I supporting young athletes without directing abuse at players or officials?
• Can I raise a concern calmly and through the correct process?
• Am I following instructions from coaches, volunteers, umpires, and event staff?
• Am I respecting personal boundaries, safety requirements, and Association property?
• Would my conduct support the kind of baseball environment I want youth to experience?

This checklist is a practical complement to the formal AMBA discipline policy. It does not replace the policy or determine the outcome of an individual matter.

How can families support a positive baseball environment?

Families can help by discussing respectful conduct before games and practices, supporting coaches and officials, and showing young athletes how to handle disappointment appropriately. Parents and guardians should avoid confronting officials or opposing players and should use the Association’s established communication channels for concerns.

Coaches and team staff can reinforce expectations during team meetings and explain that accountability applies to adults as well as players. Volunteers can help by documenting concerns accurately and referring matters to the appropriate AMBA contact instead of attempting to resolve serious incidents alone.

Players should be encouraged to listen, speak respectfully, follow safety directions, and ask a trusted adult for help when they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Frequently asked questions

Does every concern automatically count as a strike?

No. AMBA will assess the circumstances and determine an appropriate response under the policy. Not every disagreement or complaint is necessarily a strike. Seriousness, context, impact, and any relevant history may be considered.

Can a strike be issued to a spectator?

Yes. The policy applies to spectators and other people participating in or attending AMBA activities. Spectator conduct can affect youth, officials, volunteers, and the overall safety of an event.

Does a strike affect a player’s eligibility automatically?

Not necessarily. The consequences depend on the person involved, the conduct, and the decision made under the policy. A notice will identify any applicable conditions or restrictions.

Where can I find other AMBA information?

Visit Club News for Association updates, Programs for baseball opportunities, and Documents and Policies for relevant materials. For questions about a specific matter, contact AMBA directly through Contact Us .

Key takeaways for 2027

The AMBA discipline policy gives the Association a clear, progressive framework for promoting respectful conduct. A typical sequence is written warning, probation, and potential removal, but strikes carry between seasons and serious misconduct may lead to immediate suspension or removal. The policy applies broadly to members, families, and spectators. The best next step is to review the expectations, model respectful behaviour, and contact AMBA promptly if you need clarification about a policy notice or participation requirement. The policy can be reviewed here.