2018 Player and Parent Handbook

Transcription

1 2018 Player and Parent Handbook 1

2 Table of Contents Letter to the Parents 3 Coaching Philosophy 4 Goals for the Season 5 Guidelines 6 Rules and Expectations 9 Parental Expectations / Code of Conduct 11 Contact Sheet / Important Dates 13 Calendar, Schedules, Standings, etc. 14 2

3 Alan Maddox Head Coach Dear Parents, Once again, the high school softball season begins. For all the returning parents, welcome back and we are looking forward to another great year. For all the new parents to the program, welcome to the Loganville Softball family. We are extremely excited about the upcoming 2018 Softball season and the possibilities it brings. We have a lot of returning talent and a large group of upcoming freshmen. It s really a great time to be a part of fast pitch softball in Georgia and we really appreciate your support. This season we are going to need your support in several ways. First of all, I hope that each of you will try to make it to as many games as possible (at both the Varsity and JV levels). The girls have been working extremely hard and have put in countless numbers of hours to prepare for this season. It means so much to them to see fans cheering them to victory and success. There s nothing more exciting than playing in front of a big crowd. Our hope this season is that we can get as many supporters out to games and support both of our teams, despite the hectic schedule and other obligations. Please invite all of your family and friends to come watch our games too. Secondly, we are going to need your financial support. As most of you know, it takes a lot of money to run a high school softball program. This season, our projected budget is well over $30,000. The school and County provide us with very limited funds for clothing and equipment. Also, as our facilities begin to age, we have to start replacing and repairing them. Therefore, we need your help in order to meet our financial needs. Each year it gets a little tougher to accomplish our goals because of more schools/programs competition for sponsors. However, there are a lot more people and businesses moving to Loganville which will open up new opportunities. So with a little more effort and determination I know we can reach our financial obligations. The way we plan to accomplish our financial goals is through player s fees and fundraising opportunities. The player s fees/financial obligations for this year are $1000. This will be broken up into 3 separate installments. The player s fees go to cover all clothing items (shorts, t-shirts, game-day shirts, uniforms, cleats, etc.), equipment costs, field/facilities maintenance, coaching supplements, travel expenses, pre-game meals, senior night, and the banquet. The player s fees also include your family s Lady Diamond Club membership dues for the upcoming year. Player s fees will be due by the following dates: $250 by Tuesday, May 29 th $375 by Friday, June 29 th $375 by Sunday, July 29 th Dues can be turned into Carrie Smith or Jeff Canady. 3

4 However, in an effort to limit the amount of money that has to be paid out of each family s pocket, we are offering several fundraising opportunities to go directly to player s dues. The fundraising opportunities we will offer this season are an online donations campaign, sign boards, business sponsorships, a raffle, etc. If you receive any money for fundraisers, please turn all the money/sponsorship forms into Carrie Smith or Jeff Canady. Sponsorship forms are available on the softball website. If you choose to opt out of fundraising and would like to pay your players fees out of pocket, the payout option is $1500. Please make the check out to LHS Lady Diamond Club and turn that in to Jeff or Carrie. Another area we need your support is in the concession stand. The LHS softball concession stand is a major service we conduct as a program. The concession stand is not only important to provide refreshments for our players and fans, but also a great way to earn money. We need EVERY family to get involved. We ask that EACH family member to sign up for at least 2 games in the concession (either Varsity or JV). With the location of the concession stand, you are still able to work the concession and see the game. Please see Jeff Canady in order to sign up for concession duty. Finally, we are going to need help to assist in maintaining the field and facilities. The coaches and several parents work very hard in the off-season to get the field and facilities ready for the season. However, there is always more to do. We will need to have several workdays throughout the season in order to accomplish everything we want on and around the field. We need as many people as possible to be at the workdays to help out. The more people we have to help, the quicker we will get things accomplished and more we will get done. Also, if you enjoy working around the field and want to be part of the grounds crew (the group that gets the field ready before games), please see Coach Maddox. We hope this letter (and handbook) helps answer some of the questions you may have and provides you with some essential information for the upcoming season. If you have any more questions or concerns, please see Coach Maddox or one of the Diamond Club Board Members (Jeff Canady, Michelle Brown, Carrie Smith and Gary Miles). Thanks for all of your continued support! Sincerely, Coach Maddox & The LHS Lady Diamond Club 4

5 A Tradition of Excellence Coaching Philosophy The 3 C s of Coaching: Character always conduct yourself with honesty and integrity. Commitment always put your whole heart and effort into what you do. Caring treat all players like you would want someone to treat your child. Do what is best for the players and the program. Other basic philosophies of my program: Put 100% into EVERYTHING you do. Don t leave anything on the field or any questions unanswered. HUSTLE! This means at all times! Practice doesn t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. Get better everyday you practice. If you do things right at practice, you will do them that way in the game. It s the little things that can make the biggest difference. Take pride in the way you look, the way you act, and the way you play. It reflects not only on you, but on your team, your coaches, your parents, and your school. Win or Lose, Sportsmanship is a must. Win with class, lose with class, and play with class. Win with Pride, Lose with Dignity. Believe in yourself, your teammates, and your coaches There is no I in Team. One person will not make us successful; it will take all of us to make us successful. Play like a Champion TODAY!! Character Hustle Attitude Motivation Pride Integrity Optimism Necessity Goals for this softball season: 1. Create fundamentally sound softball players. 2. Have all players develop a further respect for the game. 3. Exhibit good sportsmanship. 4. Create team players and good teammates (build relationships) 5. Learn life lessons through softball (dealing with success and adversity) 6. Develop quality student-athletes that will have opportunities to play at the college level 5

6 Guidelines Practice We practice every day from 3:00 to 6:00 (sometimes a little later) see calendar. Players need to be dressed, ready for practice and on the field prior to the start of practice. All players must be in the proper practice clothes. There will be a practice uniform schedule on the website. Players must have cleats and turfs every day. Turf shoes MUST be worn to hit in the cages. No cell phones are allowed on the field or in the dugout during practice. Parents are welcome to watch practice. However, please do not come on the field or in the dugout. Also, please refrain from talking to the players during practice. Parents if your child cannot drive, please make arrangements for your child to be picked up after practice each afternoon. Game Days All players must be at the field on time (time will be specified by coaches and may vary from game to game). Transportation will be provided to all away regular season games. We may need parents to help drive during tournaments. If you cannot drive for tournaments please find another family for your child to ride with. Coaches cannot drive players to games. If a player rides the bus to a game, she must ride the bus back to the school (any exceptions to this rule must be approved in advance by the coach or athletic director). Once the players arrive at the field, parents please limit conversation with your child or other players. This is their time to get focused on the game. No parents are allowed on the field or in the dugout during a game. Parents please no coaching from the stands. The players have enough to concentrate on as it is without us giving instructions to them. We (and this includes the coaches) need to support them and cheer for them during games situations. Coaching and teaching occurs during practice and when they are in the dugout, not while they are on the game field. After the games, all players will have to clean up the field/dugouts. Parents, please allow them to finish their job before talking with them or taking them home. Injuries Please notify one of the coaching staff of any ache, pain, injury, or illness. The coaching staff can provide advice or medical treatment for minor injuries (cuts, scrapes, sprains, strains, etc.). A trainer will also be available during practice and games to provide assistance. Any major injury must be treated by a qualified medical doctor. Any major injury that requires physical therapy, surgery, or other medical treatment (provided by a doctor) needs a medical release in order for the players to return to playing. This includes injuries sustained in the off-season. If a player gets ill during the season and is contagious (strep throat, flu, stomach virus, skin infections, etc.), and is treated by a doctor, she will also need a medical release in order to resume playing. 6

7 All major head/spine injuries sustained in practice or games require the player to sit out for a minimum of 24 hours (unless released by a medical doctor). Common colds, allergies, and viruses do not need a medical release. Please notify the coaching staff of any player s medical conditions or allergies. For all major injuries during the season, the coaching staff will file an injury report with the school nurse. Sportsmanship Sportsmanship is a priority and a MAJOR point of emphasis of the GHSA. Sportsmanship is the responsibility of the players, coaches, umpires, parents, and fans. All are expected to conduct themselves in a proper manner that exhibits the highest standards of sportsmanship. Those that exhibit poor sportsmanship will be removed from the playing field/site. Any player ejected from a game will have to sit out the next two games at that same level (GHSA rule). Any parent ejected or removed from the ballpark will not be permitted to attend the next two games (or until 2 games at that same level have been played). Please refrain from making negative comments to the umpire. They are human and are trying to do their best. They will make mistakes from time-to-time. Let the head coach address all situations with the umpires. Parents please read the Code of Conduct. Parental Concerns and Questions As always, this coaching staff has maintained an open door policy with all players and parents. We have always been willing to discuss questions or concerns dealing with our program. This means that we are willing to speak about concerns or questions but at appropriate times. If your daughter has a question or concern, talk with her first and have her talk with the coaches about that question or concern. If you would like to discuss a question or concern (after talking with your daughter), please or call Coach Maddox to set up an appointment. We (the coaching staff), the parents and player can then sit down and discuss the situation rationally. Do not expect me (or the other coaches) to answer questions during practice, before or after games, during a game, or on the phone. Set up an appointment and we will discuss things in a professional manner. I (and the other coaches) DO NOT discuss playing time. If at any point our conversation involves your child s playing time or another player s playing time, then the meeting will end. Please understand that this is a very competitive program and not everyone plays equal amounts of time in competitive programs. If you have a question about a coaching philosophy, I am always willing to explain my viewpoints and why we do things a certain way at LHS. Travel Softball Travel softball is an integral part of the college softball recruiting process. The coaches at LHS understand the purpose of travel softball and the necessity for playing on a quality travel team. We try to respect the travel teams and coaches during the spring and summer by scheduling workouts and practices on days (and at times) not 7

8 typically used by travel teams. We ask the same from travel ball coaches/teams during our season. Players will not be permitted to practice or play in travel softball during the season. Exceptions to this rule are: 1. Showcases for seniors. 2. Tryouts for a travel team (weekends only and only it there is not a conflict our schedule). 3. Hitting practice on Sundays with travel teams. Players will not be permitted to do anything with travel ball during the region or state tournament for GHSA. GHSA Policies All players must have a current physical and insurance on file before they can participate (physicals are good for 1 calendar year). All players must meet eligibility requirements pass 3 of 4 classes during spring semester and be on-track to graduate in order to participate. High school softball is governed by the NFHS, not ASA. Most rules and regulations are the same, but not all. Uniform standards: - Uniforms must match and cannot be modified in any way (sleeves tied up, waist bands folded down, etc.). - All ribbons, hair bands, wrist bands, etc. must be a neutral or school colors. - No jewelry is allowed during games (tape cannot be placed around new piercings). This includes rubber bands or hair bands being worn around the wrist or neck. Medical bracelets are an exception to this rule. - Metal cleats are allow in high school softball, but are not mandatory. - All bats must meet ASA standards and all catchers gear must meat NOCSAE standards. Varsity games allowed: 26 Junior Varsity games allowed: 18 games No player may play more games (Varsity / JV combined) than originally scheduled at the Varsity level. Only one game per week (Monday Thursday) can be scheduled after 6pm. No games on Sunday. Run rule/mercy rule is in effect for all games (15 after 3, 12 after 4, and 8 after 5). Varsity games must be played to completion (no time limits or ties). JV games can be played under a time limit and may end in a tie. Courtesy runners are also allowed for the pitcher and catcher. Being a courtesy runner does not count as a game played (towards total games allowed), but does count towards lettering. Lettering Qualifications Only Varsity players can letter. A player must play in 1/3 of all Varsity games in order to letter. Exception: a pitcher can letter by pitching in at least 4 games and recording a win/save. Seniors automatically letter if they make the team. If the Varsity qualifies for Columbus (Elite 8), any Varsity player that has played the majority of the season and doesn t meet the other lettering qualifications will also receive a letter. 8

9 Lady Devils Softball TEAM RULES 1. You MUST attend practice every day. If you checkout from school, let your coach know. If you are not going to be at school, call your coach and leave a message to that effect. 2. If you miss practice or you are late to practice, you will run to make up for the time missed. The amount of running will be determined based on the amount of time you miss practice. You cannot start the next game if you miss practice for an unexcused reason. If you miss a game for an unexcused reason, you will sit out the next game and run for time missed. Suspensions from school will not be tolerated. If you are suspended from school (ISS or OSS), you will not be allowed to participate in practice and/or game on the day of your suspension. You will also run to make up for time missed. Late to Practice or Missing Practice After Practice Conditioning Missed Game (unexcused) Sit out the next game and After Practice Conditioning. I.S.S. 2 days of After Practice Conditioning for each day of I.S.S. O.S.S Miss the number of games equal to the number of days of O.S.S. and 2 days of After Practice Conditioning for each Day of O.S.S. 3. If you are ejected from a game, you will be suspended for the next two games at the same level (GHSA Rule). There may also be additional punishment from the coach depending on the circumstance. 4. NO use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. 5. No use of profane language or inappropriate conduct while on the field or representing Loganville Softball. 6. All players will conduct themselves appropriately while using social media and will abide by the LHS Softball Social Media Agreement. 7. No jewelry on the field (GHSA Rule) this includes practice. 8. Grades must be passing. If you are failing a class, you must show improvement to play. You will not start a game until improvement has been shown. 9. The coach reserves the right to suspend of remove any player whose actions or attitudes are detrimental to the team of school goals. 9

10 Lady Devils Softball FIELD RULES / EXPECTATIONS 1. HUSTLE at all times. 2. Know the daily schedule and where you should be. 3. Be on time this means dressed and ready to start at the proper time. 4. No horseplay. 5. Keep the dugout clean. Bags are to be kept out of the walking areas of the dugout. LOCKER ROOM RULES / EXPECTATIONS 1. Keep your locker clean and in order (see clean-up chart). 2. Clean up after yourself. Don t leave food, drinks, wrappers, etc. lying around. 3. NO BOYS!! 4. No inappropriate conduct or harassing behavior. 5. Keep the bathroom area clean. 6. Take your cleats off before entering the locker room. Make sure the mud/dirt is knocked off of them. 7. No excessively loud music. BATTING CAGES RULES / EXPECTATIONS 1. No horseplay. 2. Know the schedule and do what is expected of you. 3. Helmets must be worn when you are hitting (or pitching) in the cages). 4. Turfs must be worn in the cages (no bare feet or flip-flops) 5. Clean up the balls, helmets, and bats after you are done. 6. Make sure all equipment (tees, screens, etc.) are in their proper places. 10

11 Lady Devils Softball Parent Code of Conduct GHSA SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT "The GHSA and its member schools have made a commitment to promote good sportsmanship by student/athletes, coaches, and spectators at all GHSA sanctioned events. Profanity, degrading remarks, and intimidating actions directed at officials or competitors will not be tolerated, and are grounds for removal from the event site. Spectators are not allowed to enter the competition area during warm-ups or while the contest is being conducted. Thank you for your cooperation in the promotion of good sportsmanship at today's event." Dr. Ralph Swearngin, Executive Director Georgia High School Association The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship. The six core principles of sportsmanship are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of athletics is achieved when competition reflects these six pillars of character/sportsmanship. I therefore agree: 1. I will remember that children participate in softball to have fun and to represent their school and that the game is for youth, not adults. 2. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or injury that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others. 3. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of GHSA and NFHS (they are different from ASA). 4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game and practice. 5. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing, taunting, bad-mouthing, or using profane language or gestures. 11

12 6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes. 7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. 8. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability. 9. I will teach my child that doing one's best and supporting the team is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance. 10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition. 11. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over playing time or winning. 12. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to play or to win. 13. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place. 14. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all sports events. 15. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team 12

13 Coaches Alan Maddox Home Cell Tracy Cann Cell Rodney Born Cell Kenny Greaves Cell Contact List Diamond Club Officers Jeff Canady President Michelle Brown Vice President Cell Cell Carrie Smith Treasurer Gary Miles Secretary Cell Cell Important Dates: Senior Dinner Pictures First Games: Varsity JV Diamond Club Meetings: August 1 st August 12 th August 9 th August 15 th July 20 th August 28 th September 26 th October 23 rd 13

14 Softball Website Calendar of Events Schedules (schedules tab) or Game Results (Varsity and JV) GameChanger Region Standings/State Rankings (Varsity only) 14