CONTRACT Preamble The terms and conditions of this contract serve to insure USA Elite Fastpitch programs will be a pleasant athletic experience for all. The terms and conditions shall be agreed upon and followed by the USA Elite Fastpitch Organization, the player and the player's parents or legal guardians. In the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, the USA Elite Fastpitch Softball Organization, the player and the player s parents or legal guardians shall execute this contract. USA Elite Fastpitch teams are comprised of dedicated athletes, parents and coaches. It is necessary to maintain a positive relationship in order to provide a good experience for all. Although you may not always agree with staff and coaching decisions, you are encouraged to support your staff and coaches in this sometimes thankless task. As a competitive program, players are not guaranteed equal playing time; however, the coaches will, in exercising their discretion, make various decisions which will provide for as much playing opportunity as they see fit. Playing time will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to, the coaches assessment of: Ability Game Performance Attendance Practice Performance Attitude and Dedication 1 of 4
Coaches Code of Conduct Coaches are expected to perform as professionals. Coaches will not use profanity, scream or yell to instruct the players. Coaches may raise their voices to gain attention on the field of play; however, USA Elite Fastpitch coaches will not belittle or berate any player or parent. Coaches will make decisions which are in the best interest of the team; these decisions will be made without the influence of parents or players. Coaches will attend all coaching meetings and training clinics as scheduled. Each team will have a team representative attend board meetings when requested by the Board of Directors. Coaches will be responsible for all equipment and medical kits which must be returned to the equipment manager within seven days after the conclusion of the season. Coaches shall not allow athletes to participate in practices, games or other functions if player fees are delinquent absent prior approval from the Board of Directors. Parents Code of Conduct Parents shall participate in all USA Elite Fastpitch fundraising events. Parents conduct shall be professional and positive when attending games, practices or other team and organization functions. The role of parents shall be as supportive fans. Parents shall refrain from conversations or conduct which is not in the best interest of the team, players, coaching staff and officials. The following are examples of inappropriate behavior considered disruptive to the team and organization, and all parents shall refrain from the following: Entering dugouts during game time Communicating with umpires, players or coaches during the game except for situations involving the safety of an umpire, player, coach or parent Removing your child from the field of play or dugout during games Making negative remarks regarding players, coaches, the opposition or umpires Using inappropriate language directed toward umpires, players, coaches or the opposition Discussing playing time of an athlete during or at any tournament or game Inappropriate conduct or behavior detrimental to a safe athletic environment Inappropriate conduct or behavior directed toward umpires, players, coaches or any USA Elite Fastpitch personnel Parents /Legal Guardians' Financial and Other Obligations Parents and/or the player's Legal Guardians are responsible to: Be active participants in fundraising activities when assigned Pay the $150 commitment fee on or prior to its due date Pay all remaining player fees on or before their due dates 2 of 4
Pay NSF Bank fees on any checks which are returned to the Organization Return to USA Elite Fastpitch all medical release forms, copies of birth certificates, ASA cards, Contracts or other documents requested to be completed Parents hereby acknowledge that in order to field competitive teams, USA Elite Fastpitch, at the start of and during the course of each season, undertakes a substantial financial obligation. Further, it is each player s and player s parents obligation to meet their portion of this financial commitment on a timely basis in order to allow USA Elite Fastpitch to meet these financial obligations. As such, each player and their parents acknowledge that failure to meet their individual financial obligation to USA Elite Fastpitch within the payment schedule provided prior to the start of each season will result in the player being declared inactive to participate in practices, tournaments or other functions until the obligations are brought current. Ongoing failure to bring the player s account current (absent relief granted by the Board of Directors based on unique hardship, to be determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion) shall result in the player s dismissal from the team and the player s delinquent status being turned over to ASA Softball. Further, USA Elite Fastpitch, in its discretion reserves the right to file a Small Claims action in order to recover all amounts not paid. It is hereby acknowledged and agreed that a player who voluntarily leaves the team prior to completion of the season; or who is dismissed from the team due to failure to meet financial obligations; and/ or the player's, parent(s) or legal guardian(s) violation of the Code of Conduct will not relieve the player's parents or legal guardians of their financial obligation to pay the player's full share of player fees. Communication and Dispute Resolution Parents are expected to adhere to a 24-hour cooling down period prior to discussing player issues with the team coach. If the discussion with the team coach does not resolved the issue, the parent(s) shall use the following channels to discuss all concerns regarding players, coaches, parents, playing time, etc. Parents must address the above concerns with the Director of USA Elite Fastpitch. All issues will be discussed by appointment only. Please call the Board President to schedule an appointment with the Director of USA Elite Fastpitch. Your concerns will be managed in a professional environment taking into consideration and offering insight from the perspective of the parent(s), the player's and the coaches. The USA Elite Fastpitch Director will discuss issues related to your concerns and make decisions which are in the best interest of the team, athletes and coaches Violation of the above policies will not be tolerated and will result in the player s removal from all USA Elite Fastpitch functions, including practices, games and other activities. Player Code of Conduct All USA Elite Fastpitch players will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Players are expected to refrain from approaching coaches and staff during games or tournaments to discuss playing time concerns. All USA Elite Fastpitch players will follow a Code of Conduct that represents the values of good sportsmanship and fair play. The Player Code of Conduct is highlighted below: 3 of 4
Attend all practices Arrive no less than one hour before all game times Maintain, at a minimum, no less than a 2.0 GPA Notify your coach of schedule conflicts which may prevent your attendance at games (72 hours in advance) or practices (24 hours in advance) Support all of your teammates and coaches Respect the umpires, players, coaches and parents from all organizations Return your uniforms laundered within 7 days of the end of the season. Failure to do so will result in a $100 replacement fee No tobacco or drug use No inappropriate language Display good sportsmanship at all times Do not address your coaches by their first name alone. Always use the title Coach Return all contracts and other forms with the necessary signatures to your coaches on a timely basis All Signatures are Required for Participation with USA Elite Fastpitch I (we) agree to the above terms and conditions for participation as members of the USA Elite Fastpitch Organization. As the parent/guardian of a player under the age of 18, I am entering this contract on behalf of myself and the player. This contract cancels and supersedes all prior USA Elite Fastpitch Contracts. Date: Player: Parents: Mother/Guardian of Player Father/Guardian of Player USA Elite Fastpitch: _ Team Coach 4 of 4
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