There is nothing sadder than to see on the local news that a youth sporting event was marred by unruly parents to the point that police had to intervene.

Despite the overwhelming number of future Curt Schillings and Derek Jetters that take to perfectly manicured diamonds, before thousands of adoring fans, in youth baseball leagues across the country, there is no excuse for exhibiting poor sportsmanship by players, coaches, or parents.

Many leagues have turned to having players, parents and coaches sign code of conduct agreements, highlighting the authority of the officials, and reciting that improper behavior is in direct violation of the mission statement and philosophy of the league.

While signing a piece of paper will not change the behavior of overly competitive individuals who forget that the word game follows the word baseball, it will serve to list the consequences of such action, including the ejection of the player, parent, or player if the parent refuses to co-operate with the direction of officials and coaches.

The first line of defense in preventing unwanted incidences during a game is for the coach to be proactive about teaching and demonstrating sportsmanship to his team and their parents. Sportsmanship isn't just being fair and supportive to teammates, but to opposing players and coaches as well as showing respect for the officials, even when they don't get a call right. Sportsmanship means being positive during the post game meeting with your team, even after you lose, and reminding the players to be appreciative of the commitment and sacrifices their parents have made for them to be able to play.

Holding a meeting with parents before the season starts is a good way for coaches to set their guidelines with parents, helping to head off any future conflicts. Inform parents of your policies on practice and playing time, and how the two overlap out of fairness to the other players, and how you work rookies into the field.