PBO Coach Waiver, Zero Tolerance Acknowledgement & Participation Agreement 

By registering as a Head Coach or Assistant Coach with the Palos Baseball Organization (PBO), I acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Background Check Requirement

I understand that I am required to successfully complete a PBO-administered background check prior to participating in any team activities, including practices, games, workouts, or team events. I acknowledge that I may not coach in any capacity until the background check is completed and approved. PBO will provide the background check link via email.

2. Coach Approval

I understand that all coaching positions are subject to final approval by the PBO Board of Trustees, and that registration does not guarantee placement as a coach. PBO reserves the right to approve, deny, suspend, or remove any coach at its sole discretion.

3. Zero Tolerance Policy – Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that PBO maintains a Zero Tolerance Policy for all managers, coaches, parents, players, and spectators.
I understand that:

Managing/coaching is a privilege, not a right.

My conduct directly reflects upon PBO.

The Zero Tolerance Policy applies during all games, practices, events, and interactions with players, officials, parents, other teams, and league personnel.

I further acknowledge that the specific behavioral standards and expectations associated with this policy are detailed in the PBO Coach Code of Conduct, which I am required to read and accept separately.

4. Fundraising Participation

I understand that PBO fundraising and sponsorship efforts benefit the entire organization. As a coach, I agree to reasonably support and participate in league-wide fundraising initiatives as requested.

5. Organizational Rules & Operational Responsibilities

I agree to:

Follow all rules, policies, and procedures of the Palos Baseball Organization, Inc.

Ensure practices and games are conducted in an organized, timely, and safe manner.

Communicate clearly with parents and players in accordance with PBO guidelines.

Cooperate with Trustees and league officials on all matters related to scheduling, field usage, safety, and operations.

(Behavioral expectations for coaches—sportsmanship, umpire interaction, communication, sideline conduct, etc.—are fully addressed within the Coach Code of Conduct and are not repeated here.)

6. Player Safety & Supervision

I acknowledge that player safety is my primary responsibility during all baseball activities.
I agree to:

Follow all PBO safety rules and protocols

Adhere to concussion, injury, and return-to-play guidelines

Monitor weather, lightning, and field conditions

Ensure players are properly supervised at all times

Report injuries or incidents to a PBO Trustee promptly

7. Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability

I understand that coaching youth athletics involves inherent risks.
By volunteering, I voluntarily:

Assume all risks associated with coaching activities

Release, indemnify, and hold harmless Palos Baseball Organization, its trustees, officers, volunteers, sponsors, agents, and affiliates from any claims arising out of my participation as a coach, except in cases of gross negligence

8. Disciplinary Process

I acknowledge that any alleged violation of:

The PBO Zero Tolerance Policy

The PBO Coach Code of Conduct

PBO rules or directives

may be referred to the PBO Disciplinary Committee for review.
The Committee may issue consequences including, but not limited to:

Reprimand

Suspension

Removal from coaching duties

All decisions of the Disciplinary Committee are final.

9. Acknowledgement & Agreement

By submitting my coaching registration, I certify that I have:

Read, understand, and voluntarily agree to this Coach Waiver & Zero Tolerance Acknowledgement

Read, understand, and agree to the PBO Coach Code of Conduct

Read, understand, and agree to all applicable PBO rules, policies, and procedures

I understand that acceptance of all three is required as a condition of coaching within the Palos Baseball Organization.