PRIOR LAKE HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN S SOFTBALL HANDBOOK 2017 SEASON

Transcription

1 PRIOR LAKE HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN S SOFTBALL HANDBOOK 2017 SEASON

2 September 20, 2016 GENERAL SOFTBALL PROGRAM INFORMATION INTRODUCTION The following information has been written for the student athletes that are preparing to become part of or continue with the Prior Lake Softball Program. It has been written to provide the student athletes with as much information about the entire Softball program as possible. TEAM OVERVIEW Prior Lake Softball is a sport that maintains four teams and involves tryouts and releases. Roughly, there will be players in the entire Prior Lake high school softball program. Coaches will determine the number of players at each level: - Varsity: players can come from any player eligible. - Junior Varsity: players will come from the Junior class to 8 th grade. Coaches will reserve the right to move a senior down to JV to rehab an injury that has caused an extensive recovery. i.e concussions, stress fractures, broken bones. The player can choose to not take the temporary re-assignment but will understand the consequences of their actions including, but not limited to, less playing time at the varsity level because of missed practice time. - Sophomore: players will come from the Sophomore class to 8 th grade. - Freshmen: players will come from the Freshmen class and 8 th grade. The Varsity team focuses on the skills and team work needed to compete and be successful in the South Suburban Conference. Student athletes playing time on the varsity level will be determined by physical skills, work ethic and leadership. We believe these attributes will provide for the best chance to succeed as a team. The Junior Varsity, Sophomore and Freshmen teams will work on fundamentals and skill development. The primary goals of these levels is player skill development, identifying and developing players for future varsity competition, and implementing Prior Lake High School Softball Team strategies and philosophies. In high school, softball playing time will not necessarily be equal. PROGRAM COMMUNICATION The Prior Lake Softball Program will use several methods to communicate information to the Softball parents, players, and community throughout the year. Some of these methods include: text messages from the captains, announcements within the school(s), posting information within the school(s), messages, Softball Booster Club Meetings, updates, phone calls and the Prior Lake High School Softball Web site at: Additionally, our schedule can be accessed at the SSC website where you can choose to receive or text message updates regarding cancellations and rescheduled games.

3 Both middle schools will be notified as well and make an announcement for changes to practice and game schedules. COACHES CONTACT INFO Varsity Head Coach Matt Haefner Varsity Assistant Coach Dan Beech Junior Varsity Coach TBD Sophomore Coach Dane Schad Freshmen Coach Erin Simon COMMUNICATION CHAIN/ORDER 1. Prior Lake player talks with her head coach 2. If an understanding is not found: Prior Lake player & parent talk with player s head coach 3. If an understanding is not found: Prior Lake player & parent talk with player s head coach and Coach Haefner. 4. If an understanding is not found: Prior Lake player & parent talk with player s head coach, Coach Haefner, and Activities Director Reetz. The coaching staff requests that you, as a parent, adhere to the following grievance guidelines: 24 HOUR NO CONTACT PERIOD WITH A COACH TO DISCUSS A GRIEVANCE. This includes phone calls, social media referencing your grievance, text messages and communications. This is a PLHS policy and can t be ignored. Coaches request that be the initial form of communication between parents and coaches. Please do not approach any coach at the field at any time. At the field, coaches are focused on softball and coaching responsibilities. Coaches will not handle questions and concerns before, during, or after a game or practice. Please do not try to contact any coach at home. Coaches have families and time at home is dedicated to being a part of that family. Softball conversations and issues should not interrupt this valuable family time. During discussions with parents, coaches will not talk about lineups, game strategy, other players, or coaching decisions. Thank you for your understanding. ATHLETIC REGISTRATION FORMS / HANBOOK SIGNATURES Student athletes must fill out an online sports registration form and have an up to date physical on file in order to participate in softball practice and games. The softball program also requires that the handbook has been read and signed.

4 TRYOUTS, TEAM PRACTICES AND GAMES. The student athlete CANNOT participate until all forms and physicals are turned in and up to date. If you miss a tryout day because your forms and physicals are not up to date, there will NOT be make up evaluation sessions available. Registration forms, physical release forms, and payments are all done through the Prior Lake Activities website. Please visit the activities page and click on the registration tab in the left hand column of the page. TRYOUTS/ELIGIBILITY Grades 8 thru 12 are eligible to tryout. Grade 7 athletes are NOT eligible although some may receive an invitation to try-out. Some of those reasons may include a lack of players or a need at a specialty position. The athlete(s) will be evaluated in the same manner as the 8 thru 12 th graders. The invitations are offered at the discretion of the entire coaching staff. The student athlete will participate in a 4-day tryout. Players are expected to attend. If they are not there to have their skills evaluated, they may not make a desired team or reach a desired level. During tryouts student athletes will participate in the following: individual athleticism evaluation physical conditioning evaluation offensive skill/capabilities evaluation defensive skill/capabilities evaluation intangibles (coachable, attitude, behavior off the field, and work ethic) evaluation. Tryouts will be a PROCESS oriented evaluation, and not necessarily a RESULTS oriented evaluation. Coaches will be evaluating player s technique, mechanics, and adjustments and not just whether or not the player hits or fields the ball every time. TRYOUT SCHEDULE: (Season always starts the second Monday in March) DATES: Mon, Mar 20th through Thursday March 23 rd If Spring break occurs on the first week of practice, tryouts will start the following Monday after spring break. LOCATION: Twin Oaks Middle School gymnasium(s). TIME: 3:30 to 5:30pm No equipment will be provided at tryouts. Players are expected to bring their own bats, gloves, and tryout clothing. TEAM SELECTION COMMUNICATION PROCESS Every player will meet with the entire coaching staff individually to discuss their status in the Prior Lake High School Softball Program. This will be done on the Friday of the player s tryout week.

5 SPRING BREAK This is an issue for our program every year due to the timing of our spring break, season start dates and tryouts. If you are not on a spring break trip, we expect you to be at practice. SPRING BREAK SOFTBALL TRIP The PLHS Softball Programs goal is to take players on a spring trip to play softball during spring break. We will take the trip every other year starting with the upcoming 2017 season. It is also our goal that everyone on a varsity or junior varsity team has the opportunity to go at least once. The players that go will be the players selected to last season s section playoff roster. The coaching staff may ask a player to attend by position need only if they didn t make the section playoff roster the previous season. The player is required to attend the Spring break softball trip. More information will be disseminated and a separate meeting will follow. IN-SEASON PRACTICE/GAME SCHEDULE: All teams will practice from 3:30 to 5:30 (Monday through Friday) at Twin Oaks Middle School when indoors and at Daggit Field when outdoors. On game days when Varsity and Junior Varsity are playing on the road, 9 th and 10 th grade teams will be playing at Daggit field on the Varsity and JV field. An activity bus leaves from Twin Oaks Middle School at 2:45 to bring athletes to PLHS. There is a bus from the high school to the middle school after school as well. PLAYER INJURIES All Softball players should report injuries to the coaching staff immediately, regardless if the injury occurred during a game, practice, or outside of the softball field. Coaches must ensure that our players receive proper diagnosis as well as treatment for a quick and healthy recovery. It is recommended that the athlete has a pre-season concussion level test. Those tests are free and offered at the high school. Any and all injuries that requires an athlete to miss some time at practice or on the field is requires to get clearance from a doctor and the athletic trainer. Concussion protocol may require clearance from a neurologist. AWAY GAMES TRANSPORTATION Buses are provided for all players to and from away games. Players are expected to ride the bus with their teammates to and from the away game location. Any exceptions must be cleared by the player s head coach. Players will demonstrate appropriate behavior while on the bus or they will be subject to discipline including, but not limited to suspension from games and/or practices.

6 SCHOOL RELEASE FOR GAMES For away games, we may have to excuse the players early from school. It is our intention to keep the players in school as long as possible. Game times have moved from 4:15 to 4:30 pm to give us extra time to do that. The bus picks us up at the front door of PLHS. Middle School student athletes are expected to take the activity bus to PLHS so they can travel with their respective team. It is also the policy of PLHS that a coach/adult is on the bus every time the bus transports student athletes. PLAYER LEVEL CHANGES Moving student/athletes up from freshmen or sophomore to junior varsity or to varsity or moving student/athletes down from varsity to junior varsity, sophomore or freshmen may take place throughout the season. (Remember: ONLY freshmen can play on the freshmen team). When student athletes are being moved within the program, the coaching staff will talk with the student athlete(s) involved prior to making any level changes. This discussion will provide the reason(s) for the change. SECTION PLAYOFF ROSTER SELECTIONS The Varsity Head Coach will use his discretion as to who to bring up to the Varsity Team to participate in the section playoffs. The Head Coach will consider input from the entire coaching staff as to which player that will be. PLAYER EXPECTATIONS Strive to do your academic best; do not just settle for passing. Support and back-up your teammates on and off the field. Be coachable, we know you bring a lot of experience but keep an open mind. Do not transfer blame or make excuses. Look to yourself and only yourself. Maximum effort at all times. Be on time and be prepared for all Softball activities. Play together and play for each other (Summer too) Show respect for all coaches, students, players, umpires, parents, teachers, and staff. Players will communicate directly with their coach on any issues they may have The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, and any illegal drugs will not be tolerated. If you are caught, punishment will be according to the Prior Lake High School Athletics rules. Lead by example on and off the field. Set the standard high for future Prior Lake athletes to follow. DO NOT do anything that will embarrass your family, the program, your coaches, your teammates, or yourself.

7 Softball is meant to be fun, HAVE FUN. Learn the game and enjoy the privilege of playing the game of Softball. PARENT EXPECTATIONS Insist on academic excellence. Be Loyal to the program. Support all the players in the program, not just your player. Be good fans/representatives of Prior Lake High School Softball program. Ask that your player communicate with the coach on issues first. Let the players play, let the coaches coach. RULES & REGULATIONS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 719 PRIOR LAKE - SAVAGE AREA SCHOOLS CHEMICAL USE AND ABUSE (STUDENT) The following procedures are an extension and interpretation of ISD 719 School Board Policy Students participating in extracurricular and co-curricular activities are held to high standards and will demonstrate respectful and responsible behavior at all times. Prior Lake-Savage Area School District consequences for rule violation are greater than the Minnesota State High School League and therefore take precedence. Penalties will be assessed for rule violation in extracurricular, co-curricular and interscholastic activities. Students shall not possess, purchase, sell, distribute, or be under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, or any other illicit drug including look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia. STUDENTS SHALL NOT BE INVOLVED IN ANY ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR (chargeable offense whether charged or not which may be a violation of civil or criminal law), GROSS MISCONDUCT (insubordination, threats, and/or persistent or flagrant violation of school policy), OR RACIAL/RELIGIOUS/SEXUAL HARASSMENT/VIOLENCE/AND/OR HAZING. Minnesota State High School League guidelines state that students participating in an interscholastic activity must serve a penalty for any rule violation. Students participating in enrichment AND interscholastic activities will serve a penalty in the enrichment AND the interscholastic activity for any rule violation. At the end of one calendar year from the date of rule violation notification, the enrichment activity penalty will expire. There is no sunset clause for serving a penalty in interscholastic activities. A team/activity, in conjunction with the coach/advisor, may increase the severity of a penalty or suspend a student for the season. The coach/advisor shall clearly communicate any additional consequences to parents and students prior to the season. Any additional consequences will be in place until the last game is played or the team banquet is held which ever takes place later. Penalties are cumulative for violations in the chemical abuse category and the harassment, violence, and hazing category. First Offense Consequence 1. Parent/Student Conference held with appropriate school personnel 2. Student will lose eligibility for next SIX WEEKS or 6 games whichever is longer.

8 3. Student will NOT be eligible for any school awards for the seasons which the consequence is served: MVP, Most Improved, etc Student WILL be eligible for Conference and State Awards. 4. For the duration of student s high school career, the student will not be eligible to be a Captain or hold a leadership position in ANY sport or school sponsored activity at Prior Lake High School 5. Student shall make arrangements with their coach regarding reinstatement to on the team. Second Offense Consequence: 1. Parent/Student Conference held with appropriate school personnel 2. Student will lose eligibility for ONE CALENDAR YEAR 3. Student will not be eligible for any further school awards: MVP, Most Improved, etc.. 4. The Superintendent will convene a review board no sooner than four months after the notification of the violation to consider appeals in which a student wishes to be considered for reinstatement: a. During the four-month period, the student must demonstrate behavior free from further offenses. b. Appeals must be written to the Activities Director and Principal Third Offense Consequence: 1. Student will not be eligible for any high school co-curricular activities 2. The Superintendent will convene a review board no sooner than one calendar year after the notification of the violation to consider appeals in which a student wishes to be considered for reinstatement. a. During the calendar year, the student must demonstrate behavior free from further offenses. b. Appeals must be written to the Activities Director and Principal. The District 719 Extracurricular & Co curricular Behavior Regulations are enforced during the entire calendar year and throughout the student s career in the Prior Lake-Savage Area School system. In addition to the regulations: 1. Law enforcement agency citations of substance violations under the Minnesota State Statue 121A.28 will be investigated and enforced as violations under the MSHSL Bylaw A student shall not possess, use, or give away any performance enhancing chemicals. 3. District 719 has extended the MSHSL General Rules Racial/Religious/Sexual Harassment/Violence/and Hazing to be in effect and enforced during the entire calendar year. This extends the rule to include June, July, and August as well as the school year. SOCIAL MEDIA Prior Lake High School, along with the Prior Lake High School Softball Program will not tolerate any reference on social media regarding RACIAL/RELIGIOUS/SEXUAL HARASSMENT/VIOLENCE/AND/OR HAZING. Any behavior on social media that violates this rule will be governed by the

9 RACIAL/RELIGIOUS/SEXUAL HARASSMENT/VIOLENCE/AND/OR HAZING rule referenced above and is punishable by the same methods. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS Student athletes are required to have NO grades as an F at any time. The athletic department does grade checks every 2 weeks. If a student is found to have an F in any class they have 2 weeks to raise that grade to a passing grade. If by that time it is not accomplished the student athlete will be suspended from athletic competition, games, and practices until the grade is raised. Players may be released from their last period early on game days. Please take this into consideration when scheduling your spring classes and consult with your counselor if you foresee any problems. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE Student athletes are expected and required to attend all of their classes throughout the school day. If a student is marked as UNEXCUSED ABSENT during the day, the student athlete must receive clearance from the athletics office for softball practice or games. It is the players job to make sure they are cleared. We get an update everyday as to who is eligible to practice or play. GO TO YOUR CLASSES! It is the PLAYER S responsibility to communicate with their coach if they will miss a game or practice ASAP. LETTERING POLICY For a student athlete to receive a Softball letter 1 of the criteria must be met: 1. Participated 3 consecutive years in Prior Lake high school Softball program or 2. Appeared in 3 varsity games. 3. Those selected to the section playoff roster. DOME BALL Participation in off-season dome ball, starting in January, will first be offered to the returning members of the section roster. The remaining members will be selected by Coach Haefner. The program will also offer some spots as subs for those that cannot attend. END OF SEASON BANQUET There will be an end of season banquet for all players and parents of the softball program. We will communicate the date, time and location as the date gets near. SEASON AWARDS Each coach has the opportunity to hand out team awards to individual players on their respective teams. It is not mandatory for a coach to hand out awards but if they do, they will be the ones who determine who receives an award if the player is in good standing with the high school and the softball program. FIELD MAINTENANCE: We spend a lot of our own time and effort maintaining and improving the field surface and ballpark amenities to improve the player and fan experience. We are constantly making upgrades and sometimes ask for help in the form of a fall maintenance day. We ask players and parents to participate. The day

10 typically consists of help pulling weeds, flattening out the batting cage surface, taking down batting cage nets, adding clay to the batter s boxes and pitching rubber. Sometimes we paint. We ask that after games and practices, we push the dirt and flatten the area around 1 st,2 nd and 3 rd as well as home plate and the pitcher s rubber. Parents can certainly grab a rake after games. Every little bit helps. CAPTAIN SELECTION FOR THE VARSITY TEAM Two Captains will be selected for the next season by all players on the section roster from the previous season. Each player will receive one vote by secret ballot. Each coach in the program will also receive a vote by secret ballot. Each ballot will consist of 3 names ranked from their number one choice to their number 3 choice. The player MAY NOT vote for themselves. The calculation of the results will be in a runoff format: the player receiving the most first place votes will be a captain. The player then receiving the most second place votes will then be the second captain. In the event of a tie between the player that finishes second and third, both players will become a captain, making 3 captains of the team. FUNDRAISING AND BOOSTER CLUB All players are strongly encouraged to volunteer their time and efforts to our fundraising opportunities. All fundraising efforts go directly to the Prior Lake Softball program to assist with uniform costs, equipment, field renovations, ability to hire assistant coaches, etc. We will be participating a variety of fundraisers every year. The Booster Club will handle all the fundraising and money made from the fundraising event. Your willingness to help the program is greatly appreciated. More information will follow. The PLHS Softball Boosters will coordinate all fundraisers.

11 - I have read and accepted the terms of the bylaws presented to us and in the PLHS softball player/parent handbook ****** Please turn in this signed player/parent agreement into the Prior Lake High School Athletic Office. Players will be unable to participate in softball team activities without this form completed. Student Athlete s Printed Name Student Athlete s Signature Signature Date Parent/Guardian Printed Name Parent/Guardian Signature Signature Date