Mifflin County High School Huskies

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1 Mifflin County High School Huskies Softball Team Handbook Being part of the Mifflin County High School Huskies Softball Team is a privilege and not a right. By becoming a part of this team you are agreeing to be held to a higher level of standards than the average student in this school. You are also agreeing to represent our team, school and your community in a positive way as we travel across the state. It is your responsibility to be a positive representative for the community and school at all times. Athletes, coaches, and fans are the most visible ambassadors of the Mifflin County High School, so we need to take this responsibility very seriously. If you wish to participate in this program and help in building a quality program, you will be successful in this system. If all the players, parents and coaches give 100% commitment to the Mifflin County High School softball program it will be successful. The mission of the Mifflin County High School softball program is to develop student athletes who are committed to achieving excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. All rules set forth along with the Mifflin County Student Handbook shall be adhered to with no exceptions. Team Rules: We, as coaches, urge you to maintain high grades. Do not be satisfied with "just getting by." Poor grades may affect your athletic eligibility or your admittance into the college of your choice. Respect your teachers and classmates at all times. Your classroom behavior reflects the type of student-athlete we keep in this program. Any type of misconduct will not be treated lightly and may be cause for dismissal. Attend class regularly and be punctual. Attendance will be monitored; cuts and excessive tardiness is unacceptable. Academic progress will be monitored by the player/coach during the softball season. Any player on the borderline of becoming academically ineligible shall notify the coach immediately. All players should come to practice prepared to go inside or outside every day. If the temperature is above 45 degrees, practice will more than likely be outside so have the proper attire. Attendance for practice is mandatory. Practice will begin at 3:40PM and end at 5:40PM through the week, and we will practice on some Saturdays from 10AM 12PM. Be on the field and ready to begin practice.

2 In an emergency, if it is necessary to miss practice or arrive late, every effort to contact a coach directly is expected. Leaving a message is a last resort. Anyone unable to attend a practice/game must directly contact a coach. Do not send a message with a friend. It is your responsibility. Equal playing time will not be guaranteed. At the varsity level, playing time is NOT guaranteed. Every effort will be made to give every athlete on the team a role. Accept and embrace your role. At no time should a player be disrespectful to a coach, teammate, umpire, opposing player, fan, or the equipment. Conduct yourself with class and honor the game. Walking on and off the field is not permitted. This reflects a poor attitude and is not representative of this program. Hustle is required at all times. BE ON TIME, ALL OF THE TIME! If you are five minutes early-you are on time; if you are on time-you are late. Exhibiting disrespectful or negative behavior towards teammates, coaches, officials, or spectators will not be tolerated. Each case will be handled on an individual basis. No swearing, throwing equipment, doing homework or using cell phone during games/practices. Players should be at the school no later than 15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to leave. Players are responsible for their uniforms and equipment. Players will refrain from discussing coaching decisions with anyone on the coaching staff or teammates on days of competitions. This only serves to distract you, coaches, and the other members of this team. If you want to talk to the coaching staff about technical aspects of the game, we will be more than happy to set up a meeting time that will be convenient for all involved. We will not discuss playing time. Instead, discussions will center on what the player needs to improve to earn more playing time. Any disagreements with a coach or teammate should be discussed in private. Stay focused on the game. Players must carry out all duties to the best of their abilities. Players not directly in the game will be delegated responsibilities.

3 All team members are expected to stay in the designated dugout during competition. Running around, getting food and talking to people during the game shows a lack of focus and intensity. Alcohol or Illegal Drugs: The school district has a strict policy about drug and alcohol use, and all policies will be upheld. Closed Practices: Only players, coaches and team managers may attend. Media persons are the only exception, and they will only have limited access. Practices are meant to be distraction-free. Players are required to ride home with the team after each away contest. In some circumstances, we will allow a player to ride home with their parent provided a transportation liability form has been reviewed and signed. The player is still responsible for their assigned equipment. Attendance at all practices, meetings, and games is mandatory for the entire season. Players are to communicate to the coaches when they have to miss a practice/game. If a player misses a practice the day before a game, for any reason, she will not start that game, but can still play in the game. Excused Absence: If the absence would be acceptable for school, it will be excused and notification to the coach needs to occur BEFORE the absence. Doctor s appointment, Illness, or a Family Emergency requires a note from parent/guardian to be considered excused. Unexcused Absence: Any absence (including the ones listed above) that was not communicated or prearranged with coaches before practice/game will incur these consequences: Practice- 1 st unexcused = 1 game suspension (next game) Practice- 2 nd unexcused = 2 game suspension (next 2 games) Practice- 3 rd unexcused = recommend the player leave the team. Tardiness: 1 st tardy to practice- reminder/5 minutes. 2 nd tardy to practice- will not start next game. 3 rd tardy to practice- 1 game suspension. 4 th tardy to practice- recommend player to leave the team.

4 Game: 1 st unexcused = recommend player to leave the team. Other Extracurricular Activities: It is important that student athletes are involved in other activities and organizations in school. However, softball during the season must be a priority. All athletes must attend scheduled practices and games unless the absence is cleared through the head coach before the day of the practice or game (you are fighting for a position each day) Parent Coach Relationship 1. Please encourage your daughter and be positive. 2. Not all players will earn a regular starting position, but EVERYONE can be a valuable member of our softball team and have a positive experience. Please help your daughter recognize and understand her role on the team. 3. If a player has a question about their own playing time or status, please have your daughter speak first to one of the coaches and follow up with the head coach, if necessary. We want players to develop self-advocacy skills. When talking with your daughter about the outcome of discussions with the coaching staff, please be positive. At no time will any other player s playing time be discussed with another parent or player. 4. If the player still has questions or concerns after the player has meet with the coach, about their own progress, the parent may request a meeting with the head coach at a mutually agreeable time to see what the player can do to improve and build on their skills 5. Your attendance and support at all games is important to your daughter. Please be positive during the game. She will be trying her best, as are her teammates and coaches These Rules and Expectations are here to assist you in your daily endeavors. They are not designed to punish. Please understand that anyone who violates the above policies hurts everyone connected with the Mifflin County High School softball program. Violations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

5 There will be very few second chances given. The coaching staff will NOT tolerate any deliberate disrespect or violation of the softball program s Rules and Expectations. PLEASE BELIEVE THIS! I have received, read and understand the expectations of participating in the Mifflin County High School softball program. I also understand that failure to abide by any or all of the policies could result in loss of practice time, game time, and possible dismissal from the program. Student Name: Student Signature: Parent Name: Parent Signature: Date: Parent Cell #: Texting Y or N Parent Work #: Home #: Game day Parent Address: