INTRODUCTION. Mike Delaney, Head Varsity Coach

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1 INTRODUCTION The primary purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with the policies, philosophies, and expectations of the Burbank High softball program. You are responsible to read, understand and know the complete contents of this handbook. If there is something within these pages that you do not understand, please bring it to a member of the coaching staff immediately. Mike Delaney, Head Varsity Coach Sara Budrick, Assistant Varsity Coach Emily Seidel, Assistant Varsity Coach Bridgette Pisa, Assistant Varsity Coach John Stansbury, Head JV Coach Chuck Jones, Assistant JV Coach

2 Table of Contents 1. Mission Statement 2. BHS Softball Core Values 3. Staff Contact Information 4. Team Leaders 5. Leadership 6. Communication 22. Offensive Philosophy 23. Hitting Philosophy 24. Short Game Philosophy 25. Practice Philosophy 26. Game Philosophy 27. Acknowledgement 7. Uniform 8. Cell Phone Policy 9. Game Day Conduct 10. Practice Policy 11. Absent or Tardy Violations 12. Field Maintenance 13. Team Travel 14. Team Room 15. Social Networking Policy 16. Academic Tips 17. Fans 18. Team Behind the Team 19. Coach Delaney s Coaching Philosophy Life Lessons Learned on the Ball Field 21. Defensive Philosophy

3 Mission Statement Burbank High Softball is dedicated to excellence in the classroom, in society, and in the competitive arena. We are driven, intelligent, and consistent in our work ethic and attitude as we strive to reach the pinnacle in sport and in life. We are resilient and persistent in sport and life as we march toward our goals with a sense of expectancy. We will honor our sport and life by being respectful, grateful, classy, and of upstanding character. We will commit to giving our best each day to help the team become better each day.

4 BHS Softball Core Values Accountability Be on time Show up in a positive frame of mind, willing to work hard Create positive team chemistry daily Be a leader on the field, in the classroom and in the community Remember your Buckets Take care of yourself Your team is counting on you to get plenty of rest, dress properly and eat properly. Effort Relentless effort-no part timers. Compete daily Strive to get better each day Above the line behavior daily. We have set the standard- Stay above it Team First Put the team above yourself Make purposeful decisions on and off the field Embrace and succeed in your role Encourage and help your teammates to be their best

5 Staff Contact Information Varsity Head Coach Mike Delaney: Cell (818) JV Head Coach John Stansbury: Cell (818) Assistant Principal of Athletics & Activities Higinio Lujan (818) ext Athletic Director Patrick McMenamin (818) ext

6 Team Leaders Studies show there are 7 characteristics that lead to excellence in Team Leaders 1. They have very high personal standards. 2. They are mentally tough, especially in times of adversity. 3. They build team chemistry. They are builders! 4. They help take and have the pulse of the team. 5. They manage conflict and neutralize it. They resolve issues. 6. They help players new to the program get acclimated quickly. 7. Great leaders insure the team does not engage in senseless or harmful activities. The emotions distributed by a leader will have a direct impact on a team. Great leaders inspire optimism, forgiveness, and gratitude -Terry Pettit

7 Leadership R-O-L-E M-O-D-E-L-S Responsible: To be given duties, assignments, and trust that they will be completed in a timely and detailed manner. Objective: Set aside personal feelings, listens, and gives feedback with an open mind. Liaison: Between player and coaches. You are the voice of the team in both directions-coaches to players and players to coaches. Example: Displays a strong sense of character, integrity, and work ethic in your efforts as a student, athlete, and person. Mature: As a team leader, you will be more visible than most of your teammates. It is important that you represent your team and school with respect and honor. Opportunistic: Takes advantage of moments to praise, celebrate, or constructively correct a teammate s behaviors. Disciplined: Our team will go where our leaders lead them. Your ability to discipline, your work ethic, behaviors, and emotions will be central to the success of the team. Ethical: Make sure your actions and conduct model our Mission Statement. Leader: Both on and off the field. Where you lead, we will follow!

8 Communication Coaches want the same thing as player s.teams that play and feel like a team and win championships TOGETHER! The cornerstones of any successful organization are hard work, discipline, desire, and talent..all of these characteristics need one another. A coach s job is to challenge you to get better, encourage you to be your best, and not settle for anything other than your best effort. Time, tone, and place. There is a time and place to question a coach. Respect is the key. Think about it- is it the right time, the right tone, and is it the right place? Communication among team members is vital. Let someone know when you are having a bad day. Resolve your issues prior to stepping onto the field. Once you step onto it, we need your full attention and participation. You have decided that you want to be a part of our program. We have high expectations and this can only be accomplished when you know what is expected of you. A team is many voices with a single heart

9 Uniform Uniforms will be tucked in at all times. This includes pregame. We want to look and play like champions. Visors and/or sunglasses must be available at all times. I lost it in the sun is not a valid or acceptable excuse. Each player must have one blue and one white long sleeve under amour shirt. If under amour is worn, it must be of contrasting color to the jersey (i.e. blue jersey with white under amour). Matching socks will be worn during games. Any white metal cleat is acceptable. Only the team batting helmet may be worn. A white helmet with approved facemask. It is your responsibility each day to have it with you and make sure that all padding and the face mask is secure. If it is not, please bring it to the attention of the coaching staff immediately. No alterations to your uniform may be made without Coach Delaney s approval. If your uniform needs repair, make sure you inform a coach prior to game day.

10 Cell Phone Policy All cell phones must be put on silent, vibrate, or turned off during team time. This includes all meetings, games, practices, clinics etc. During home games and practices, all personal effects (including cell phones) will be stored in the team room. At away games, cell phones will be stored in bat bags or back packs. Please keep your personal effects to a minimum. Cell phones may be checked at mid-way breaks in practice.

11 Game Day Conduct This is the player s day a culmination of all your hard work, having the opportunity to play itself out with the rest of your teammates. Come to the ball park rested, nourished, and in the right mental frame of mind to compete. Warm ups are important! Take pride in them. Their sole purpose is to prepare for victory. Be dressed in uniform or team hitting jacket for pregame. Gloves, bats, nets, and warm up balls are ready to go. Let the coaching staff do the arguing with the umpiresyou concentrate on playing. Respect your opponent and the game. Play with passion and enthusiasm. Sprint on and off the field. No throwing bats, helmets or other gear. Know which uniform you will be wearing for the game and make sure it is clean. No food other than sunflower seeds, fruit, water, energy bars, or sports drinks are allowed in the dugout or during games. Make sure to eat prior to leaving for the game. If you are unsure what is acceptable, please see a coach. All players are to remain on the field or in the dugout during games. No trips to the stands or players room (if home game) will be permitted. Play to Win!

12 Practice Policy Be Here Now. Be on time and when you are here, we want all of you! NO ONE misses a practice, meeting, or other team function unless excused by Coach Delaney. Practices missed due to injury or illness must be verified by a note from a doctor or parent. Injured players are required to attend practices. All treatments or taping for illness or injury will be done prior to the start of practice. Only team shirts with black practice pants may be worn during practice. All shirts will be tucked in and all jewelry removed prior to the start of practice. Cells phones will be stored prior to practice. Always do your best. DESERVE THE VICTORY! PREPARE TO WIN! Attention to details-leave nothing to chance. The difference between a championship and a good team lies in perfecting the small details - John Wooden

13 Absence & Tardy Policy Being held accountable for one s actions and the reliability of doing what is required are very high standards for BHS Softball. As a student-athlete at Burbank High School, the position comes with many demands and responsibilities. As a Student-athlete and a member of the BHS softball program your accountability to your teammates and coaches is important. It is your responsibility to be at all practices and games for their duration. Please schedule tutoring, extra help sessions, book reviews, make up tests, doctor and dentist appointments etc. so they do not interfere with practice and game times. We would suggest scheduling appointments on early-out days, pupil-free days or on Fridays, when there are no weekend games, as this day will usually be a shorter practice day. Consequences for unexcused absences or tardiness are as follows: Team meeting or function = 10 foul poles Practice = 15 foul poles Game day = 30 minute conditioning session Repeated absences or tardiness will result in additional consequences at the coaching staff s discretion including, but not limited to, additional conditioning, benching, suspension from team or dismissal from team.

14 Field Maintenance Specific, individual duties will be assigned to each player. Each duty must be carried out after every practice and game unless excused by the coaching staff. Daily duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Install bases prior to practices and games. Remove bases and store after practices and games. Rake bullpens Set up hitting and protection nets and screens. Store hitting and protection nets and screens. Clean all dugout areas, including the visitor side. All trash and dirt must be swept and picked up. Pick up trash underneath and around stands. Rake first, third, home, and pitcher areas. Water infield. Set up sound system if used during practice and store afterwards. NO ONE may take off their cleats or leave the field until all of the duties have been completed. If you work as a team, this should take no more than 10 minutes and is incorporated into the daily practice plan.

15 Team Travel Be early for all departure times. Make sure you have the proper uniform combination (jersey, pants, and socks) It is your responsibility to make sure your equipment is placed in the vehicle in which you are traveling in. No cell phones, laptops, or ipods during team meals. Think of others first. Be conscientious with regard to your noise in public places. Leave your environment in equal or better condition than you found it. This includes restaurants, buses, and dugouts. We only have ONE chance to make a first impression. Make a good one! Music, cell phones, etc. will be turned off once we exit our transportation and start the walk to the field. Families may go to dinner with us. We are a family friendly team; however, the team will always sit together. On overnights, no one other than designated chaperones may enter your room. The coaching staff will provide a list of chaperones who will be assigned to each room. You may not leave your room after curfew without permission from your chaperone or a member of the coaching staff. Always travel in pairs. This includes trips to the bathroom.

16 Team Room The team room is to be used to store softball gear and booster club material only. During games and practices, personal items may be stored but must be removed at the conclusion of the game or practice. The team room will be closed 10 minutes after each game or practice. If you need to store your gear after practice or a game don t take your time getting it there. Once new shelving is in place, all bat bags and personal items should be hung or stored off the floor. Catcher bags will be stored in the equipment shed. Booster items are off limits to all players. Anyone found not adhering to this rule will face consequences. If you need something ask Coach Delaney. The team room is a team responsibility in keeping it clean and swept. Bulletin or White Board are for coach s use only. Do not post or write something on it unless asked to do so by a coach.

17 Social Networking Policy Playing and competing for BHS Softball is a privilege not a right. Student-athletes in our program are held in high regard and are seen as role models within the school community. As leaders, we have the responsibility to portray our team, our school, and ourselves in a positive manner at all times. In recent years, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social networking sites have increased in popularity. Student-athletes may not be aware that third parties, including media, future employers, NCAA officials and others can access their profiles. If a student-athlete s profile and its contents are found to be inappropriate in regard to school and team policies or shed a negative image upon the program or the school, disciplinary action may be taken, including suspension and or removal from the team.

18 Academic Tips Go to class! Being a student is your first responsibility as a member of the BHS Softball team. Unexcused absences or excessive tardiness in classes will result in disciplinary action including conditioning, extra field work, benching, and in extreme cases, suspension or removal from the team. Listen to your teachers in class! Your education is ours and your top priority. Did we mention- GO TO CLASS! If you fail class due to lack of effort, disciplinary action will be taken. Oh, yes... You should always STAY AWAKE and LISTEN in class. We are asking that you give your best effort in the classroom. Sit in the first three rows in class. The view is better. Ask for help when you need it! Do not wait until it is too late. We have team mentors who are willing to help you.

19 Fans Appreciate them Thank them Smile and wave (except during a game or practice) Encourage friends and family to come out and support our team. Give them a reason to be excited about BHS Softball! Spend some time with the youth groups that come to watch you play. You were them once. Go Bulldogs!

20 The Team Behind the Team The team behind the team is our support system. It consists of family members, friends, fans, faculty, administration, our booster club, and our sponsors. This group of people works tirelessly to support BHS Softball in a variety of ways. Their reward is watching a highly motivated program compete at a high level every year and knowing that their support allows us to do so. If you see one of these people (trust me, they will be easy to spot), please let them know how much you appreciate all their time and effort! We are fortunate to have many sponsors who donate to our program. Please support their businesses whenever possible.

21 Coach Delaney s Coaching Philosophy The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player 1.Adaptable: If you won t change for the team, the team may change you. 2.Collaborative: Working together precedes winning together. 3.Communicative: A team has many voices with a single heart. 4.Competent: If you can t, your team won t. 5.Committed: There are no halfhearted champions. 6.Dependable: Teams go to go-to players. 7.Disciplined: Where there s a will, there s a win. 8.Enlarging: Adding value to teammates is invaluable. 9.Enthusiastic: Your heart is a source of energy for the team. 10.Intentional: Make every action count. 11.Mission Conscious: The big picture is coming in loud and clear. 12.Prepared: Preparation can mean the difference between winning and losing. 13.Relational: If you get along, others will go along. 14.Self-Improving: To improve the team, improve yourself. 15.Selfless: There is no I in team. 16.Solution Oriented: Make a resolution to find a solution. 17.Tenacious: Never, Never, Never Quit!

22 27 Life Lessons Learned on the Ball Field 100% effort and positive attitude. Be aware. It s either positive or poison that comes out of your mouth. Priorities: Family, School, Sports. It s that simple. Hustle doesn t ever take a day off. Get 1% better each day. Don t look right or left. Be your own captain. Sit in the first rows in school and life. Lead from the front. Live the 33% rule. Hang with the top third people. They are dream makers. Middle third blow in the wind. Bottom third suck the life out of you. Good talent is flexible. You are more gifted than you think. The game, like life, will test you. Have resolve. Bring it! Daily Inventory. Say 3 positive things about yourself every day in the mirror. Pick diamonds. You are a reflection of your friends. Pick good ones! The game will test you. Love it unconditionally. Work hard every day. Celebrate competition. Focus on the process. Honor the game. Hustle on hits and outs. Play like a senior. The game doesn t know how old you are. Master the fundamentals. The game will pay you back. Teammates. If you don t love them, you must find a way to respect them. Love the anticipation! Waiting for the game takes the longest amount of time. Competitive greatness never looks at the score. Give 100% of what you have. Sad, sick or injured. Anticipate the play on defense. Always have plan A and B in your head. Stamina. Enjoy the struggle! You learn nothing when you do all the talking. Dress sharp, be smart, and take care of your equipment. Umpires aren t perfect. Get over it! It is the human element of the game. If you play on a team, you commit to being #2 in your own life. Team first!

23 Defensive Philosophy Defense wins championships. Be prepared. Have plan A and B in your head at all times. Know where you are going with the ball. Know who has the ball, who has the bag and who has the back-up at all times. Play with your feet first. Communicate. Know the defensive priorities. Never commit an error under your glove. Make all the routine plays. No four out innings. Get the lead runner whenever possible. Back runners cannot replace lead runners. Play with desire. Every ball matters.

24 Offensive Philosophy Object of the game is to score more than your opponent. Pass the bat mentality. Get on, move her over, bring her in. Strikeouts and pop ups are useless. Focus on having a quality at bat. Do all of your thinking before stepping into the batter s box. Be a clutch hitter. Be a great base runner. Master the short game-all championship teams do. Put pressure on the defense. Don t let them get comfortable. Play the game, don t work the game. Focus on the current pitch. Nothing else. Embrace the pressure-expect success. 60 feet and turn left. It s a simple game. Don t over think it!

25 Hitting Philosophy A batter s swing is personal. Understand yours. Have a plan for practice and games. You will see better pitches early in the count. Be ready! Once in the batters box, see the ball, hit the ball. Yes, yes, yes. You must have a process to release negative thoughts, energy, and pressure to get ready for next pitch. Situational hitting wins games. Hitters must be selfless, accountable, and confident. Be mentally tough. You must be able to recover from a negative event quicker than the game requires. The ability to focus on the current pitch is crucial. With runners in scoring position, a hitter must be ready to hit 1 st hittable pitch. If 1 st pitch is down the middle, you better swing! Understand the difference between good walks and bad walks. Master all short game skills. Get it done when it matters. Use pregame to establish rhythm and timing. Observe the opposing pitcher if possible and take some practice swings. KISS

26 Short Game Philosophy Championship teams master the short game skills. Short game puts pressure on the defense. Team bunting foundation should be standard and consistent. The best slappers execute all 3 slap types well. Hit and run, bunt and run, slash and run...the hitter must protect the runner. The base runner is treating these as a straight steal. The batter must commit to fake bunt or slow swing to protect a base runner. Be aggressive on the bases. Take 2 whenever possible.

27 Practice Philosophy Be on time. Mentally, no distractions. Softball bucket only. If you can t, let us know why before practice. Only BHS T-shirt and black practice pant for practice. No travel, club or other sport attire or equipment. Relentless effort for duration of the play. Compete daily. Above the Line commitment. No one misses a practice, meeting, or other team function unless excused by Coach Delaney. Practices missed due to illness or injury must be verified by a note from a doctor or parent. Injured players are required to attend practices in practice gear. You can help coaches and teammates even if you are injured and restricted from practicing. Shirts tucked in and no jewelry at practice. We will practice like we will play. Store your cell phones. They may be checked during water break. If the coaches do not feeling you are being relentless in your effort and you have given them no reason as to why you cannot give relentless effort, the following will happen: Warning to pick up your effort Removal from drill Sent home from practice with phone call and to parent. sent to BHS Athletic Director Suspended from team Removed from team. Bullet items 3-5 will be addressed to repeat offender of bullet items 1-2

28 Play at a high energy level. Win every inning. Game Philosophy Commit 100% to the game plan. Commit to an individual hitting plan. Pressure the opponent at every opportunity. Acknowledge all signs. Communicate. Trust your training and preparation. Everyone has a role. Focus on one pitch at a time. Answer back. Anytime our opponent scores, we must answer with a score of our own. Have fun-it s Show Time!

29 Acknowledgement Upon receipt of this handbook, it is understood that you accept responsibility for the guidelines, rules, and policies contained within. I look forward to coaching championship caliber players and I am excited to see the success I know this team will enjoy. Please take the responsibility of being a part of the BHS Softball family seriously. Our program is something to take pride in. Every time we step on the field, we are representing those who have competed before us, as well as our school. We want to be known as leaders, not only in our sport, but in our school, and in our community. Sincerely, Coach Delaney Player (Please Print): Signature: Date: Parent (Please Print): Signature: Date: Please return this signed & dated Acknowledgement Form to Coach Delaney by Wednesday, January 11, 2017

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32 2017 TEAM HANDBOOK