Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Rules of Conduct, Penalties and Appeals

All Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department programs and facilities are designed for the citizens of Muscle Shoals to use and enjoy during their leisure time with family and friends.  However, over the last few years our programs and activities have grown and as a result of this, the actions, conduct, and problems with parents, participants, and spectators have increased.  Due to this, the Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department has had to develop some guidelines which deal with the conduct of individuals and the consequences which will be administered for inappropriate behavior or actions.

Listed below are some actions which will not be tolerated and the penalties and appeals process for these problems.  These rules of conduct are not being developed to prohibit anyone from playing, participating, or attending activities on Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation facilities.  However, they are being developed to assure that individuals act appropriately while participating or watching Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department activities.

Harassment Of Officials/Players/Coaches/Staff

A)  At no time will harassment of officials, players, coaches, or staff be tolerated.
      Harassment will be interpreted to mean any of the following:

  1. Verbal abuse
  2. Physical abuse
  3. Throwing objects at individuals
  4. Threatening individuals
  5. Negative or derogatory gestures
  6. Detraction to the game

Individuals who commit any of the above offenses are subject to ejection from the game, or facility, as well as being suspended from attending games, or being banned from coaching, participating, or watching an activity on Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department property.

SMOKING

All facilities and property of the Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department are a smoke free facility. 

Alcohol

All alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all City of Muscle Shoals property.  Any violations of this ordinance will result in the individual being banned from park property for a period not to exceed one year.   A second offense may result in the individual being banned from park property permanently.

Firearms

At no time will anyone, other than officers of the law, be allowed to have a firearm on City of Muscle Shoals property.  Individuals who violate this will be subject to being arrested or automatically be asked to leave the premisis.  Offenses may result in the individual being banned from the facilities.

Fighting

A)  Participants fighting - (Youth and Adult Programs)

      1.  Any participants who engage in fighting during a youth sports activity on  
           Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department property will automatically 
           be ejected from that game and be subjected to further disciplinary action.

      2.  Any participants who engage in fighting during and adult sports activity on
           Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department property will automatically be
           ejected from that activity and banned from participating in any adult
           organized activity for a period of six months.

B)  Spectators Fighting

      Any spectators who engage in fighting on Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation 
      Department property are subject to be removed from the premisis and are 
      subject to being banned from attending any activity on Park property for a 
      period not to exceed one year.

Destruction of Property

Any individuals caught vandalizing, dumping, or destroying Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department property will immediately be turned over to the Muscle Shoals Police Department for prosecution.  The individuals will be subject to all fines as outlined by the law and will be required to repair any damaged items back to it's original state.  The individuals may also be subject to being bnanned from using any Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department facility for a period of up to one year.

Destruction of property may be classified as any of the following:

1.  Vandalizing or physically damaging any item on Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department property.
2.  Throwing bats, helmets, or other objects into fencing or buildings.
3.  Hitting balls into backstops/fences or other prohibited facilities.
4.  Driving a vehicle in a manner which causes physical damage to park property.

Dogs in Park

Dogs in open areas are allowed on a leash. Dogs are not allowed at any complex unless authorized by park and recreation staff.

Appeals Process

Any individual who is suspended, ejected, or prohibitted from participating in an activity, or banned from being on Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department property may appeal to the Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department Park Board.  The appeal must be made in writing and within thirty days from which the individual has been banned.

Any appeal which involves a participant being eligible to play in an organized activity on Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department property may be ruled on by staff of the Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department.

Any appeal which involves an individuals right to attend Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department games or activities, or being on Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department property during a game or activity will be ruled on by a quorum of the Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department Board.