Prior Lake High School Baseball Program Player Handbook 2017-2018
GENERAL 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 Baseball Program. It has been written to provide the student athletes with as much information about the entire baseball program as possible. TEAM OVERVIEW Prior Lake Baseball is a sport that maintains 5 teams and involves tryouts and releases. Roughly there will be 75-80 players in the entire Prior Lake high school baseball program. Coaches will determine the number of players at each level: Varsity: players can come from all four classes. (freshmen to senior class) Junior Varsity: players can come from three classes (freshmen through junior class) Sophomore: players will only come from the sophomore class (typically sophomores only, freshmen eligible) Freshmen A & B: players will only come from the freshmen class (freshmen only) The Varsity and Junior Varsity teams focus on the skills and team work needed to compete and be successful in the South Suburban Conference. Student athletes playing time on the varsity and junior varsity team will be determined by which players give the team the best chance to be successful. 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 baseball team strategies and philosophies. In high school, baseball playing time will not necessarily be equal PROGRAM COMMUNICATION The Prior Lake Baseball Program will use several methods to communicate information to the baseball parents, players, and community throughout the year. Some of these methods include: announcements within the school, posting information within the school, e-mail messages, baseball booster club meetings, phone calls and the Prior Lake High School baseball Web site at: http://www.plhsactivities.org/page/show/990576-baseball We hope that by utilizing several different methods to communicate our baseball information. COACHES CONTACT INFO Varsity Head Coach Greg Nesbitt plhsnesbitt@gmail.com Junior Varsity Coach Kevin Nagel kevinnagel1984@gmail.com Sophomore Coach Ben Meacham bmeacham@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us Freshmen A Coach Kevin McDonald - kmcdonald@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us Freshmen B Coach Neil Engler nengler@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us COMMUNICATION CHAIN/ORDER 1. Prior Lake player talks with his team s coach 2. If an understanding is not found: Prior Lake player & parent talk with player s coach 3. If an understanding is not found: Prior Lake player & parent talk with player s head coach and coach Nesbitt 4. If an understanding is not found: Prior Lake player & parent talk with player s head coach, coach Nesbitt, and Activities Director Reetz
The coaching staff requests that you, as a parent, adhere to the following grievance guidelines: Coaches request that email be the primary 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 baseball 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. Baseball 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 Student athletes must fill out an online sports registration form and have an up to date physical on file in order to participate in TRYOUTS, TEAM PRACTICES, and GAMES. The student athlete CANNOT participate until all forms are turned in and up to date. If you miss a tryout day because your forms 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 The student athlete will participate in a 4 day tryout. Players are expected to be at all days during the tryout process. During tryouts student athletes will participate in the following: individual athleticism evaluation physical conditioning evaluation offensive skill/capabilities evaluation defensive skill/capabilities evaluation intangibles (coach able, attitude, behavior off the field, character, 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 FRESHMEN: SO/JR/SR DATES: Mon, Mar 5 th Fr, Mar 9 th DATES: Mon, Mar 19 th Fri, Mar 23 rd LOCATION: Twin Oaks MS Gymnasium LOCATION: Twin Oaks MS/Savage Sports Dome TIME: TBD TIME: TBD TRYOUT EQUIPMENT Players are expected to bring their own bats, gloves, and tryout clothing. Some bats will be available, but not enough for every player. Catching equipment will be available for those student athletes participating in the defensive catcher position evaluation TRYOUT COMMUNICATION PROCESS Every player will meet with a coach individually to determine their status in the Prior Lake high school baseball program. This will be done on the Friday of the player s tryout week. Freshmen players will meet with Coach McDonald and Coach Engler Sophomore players will meet with Coach Meacham and Coach Chinn Junior players will meet with Coach Nagel and Coach Larson Senior players will meet with Coach Nesbitt, Coach Geisler, and Coach Iversen
SPRING BREAK PLHS Student Athletes are allowed to go on a SPRING BREAK TRIP in Spring 2018. Tryout schedules have been adapted to not conflict with Freshmen-Senior Tryouts. IN-SEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULE VARSITY & JUNIOR VARSITY SOPHOMORE FRESHMEN WHEN: March 26 th End of the SEASON March 26 th End of the SEASON Inside Location Twin Oaks Middle School Twin Oaks Middle School Outside LOCATION: Memorial Park Ponds 7 Thomas Ryan TIME: 3:30 5:30/6 3:30 5:30/6 WHEN: M-F, not game days M-F, not game days Players are expected to attend all practices. If they are unable to attend, it is the PLAYER S responsibility to communicate that to their coach ASAP. PLAYER INJURIES All baseball players should report injuries to the coaching staff immediately, regardless if the injury occurred during a game, practice, or outside of the baseball field. Coaches must ensure that our players receive proper diagnosis as well as treatment for a quick and healthy recovery. AWAY GAMES TRANSPORTATION Buses are provided for all players to & from away games. Players are expected to ride the bus with their teammates to & 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. IN SEASON OUTSIDE BASEBALL/ATHLETIC ACTIVITY During the Playing Season (March 24 th, 2018 through the end of the Varsity Playoffs) any student athlete in the PLHS Baseball Program must receive permission from Coach Nesbitt before being able to participate in any athletic activities outside of the PLHS baseball program. This would include: Baseball Showcases, Amateur Baseball participation, Club baseball team participation, other sports activities. This does not include participation in any Physical Education classes at PLHS. Failure to communicate and receive permission for participation could result in player suspension or player removal from PLHS Baseball program. 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. LETTERING POLICY For a student athlete to receive a baseball letter 1 of the criteria must be met: 1. Participated 3 consecutive years in Prior Lake high school baseball program or 2. Appeared in 3 varsity games FUNDRAISING All players are strongly encouraged to volunteer their time and efforts to our fundraising opportunities. All fundraising efforts go directly to the Prior Lake Baseball program to assist with uniform costs, equipment, field renovations, ability to hire assistant coaches, etc. We will be participating in both the salt sale and gold card fundraisers this season. Your willingness to help the program is greatly appreciated. More information will follow
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 baseball activities. Play together and play for each other (Summer too) Accept your role on the team. If you do not like it, work harder to change it. 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 Baseball is meant to be fun, HAVE FUN. Learn the game and enjoy the privilege of playing the game of baseball. PARENT EXPECTATIONS Insist on academic excellence Be Loyal to the program Support all the players in the program, not just your son Be good fans/representatives of Prior Lake High School Baseball program Ask that your player communicate with the coach on issues first Let the players play, let the coaches coach STUDENT-ATHLETE CONDUCT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 719 PRIOR LAKE - SAVAGE AREA SCHOOLS 514.1 CHEMICAL USE AND ABUSE (STUDENT) The following procedures are an extension and interpretation of ISD 719 School Board Policy 514.1. Students participating in extracurricular and cocurricular 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, cocurricular, 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. 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. 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 205.00. 2. 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. First Offense Consequence 1. Parent/Student Conference held with appropriate school personnel 2. Student will lose eligibility for 5 games 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 the 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 10 games 3. Student will not be eligible for any further school awards: MVP, Most Improved, etc.. 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 the coach regarding reinstatement to on the team ***Penalty can be reduced (3 weeks or 6 contests, whichever is longer) if the student on his/her own volition enters and satisfactory completes a treatment program from a certified chemical treatment facility. Written confirmation of participation and satisfactory completion of the treatment program from the director/certified counselor of that program is required. Third Offense Consequence: 1. Student will not be eligible for any high school co-curricular activities for 1 calendar year. 2. The penalty may be reduced to 4 weeks for 12 consecutive interscholastic contests, whichever is greater, if the student on his/her own volition enters and satisfactory completion of the treatment program and the following conditions are met: 1. The student is assessed as chemically dependent by a licensed chemical dependency counselor, prior to entering the treatment program. 2. The student voluntarily enters a treatment program approved by the chemical health coordinator and activities director. 3. The director of the treatment facility certifies in writing that the student has successfully completed the treatment program. 4. No sooner than 6 weeks after the student enters treatment can the student begin serving the reduced penalty of 4 weeks or 12 interscholastic contests, which is greater.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS Student athletes are required to have NO grades as an F at anytime. 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 is ineligible for the day and not able to participate in games or practices for that day. The student athlete is still required to attend practice and stay for the duration of that day s game or practice. GO TO YOUR CLASSES AND STAY IN CLASS! If a student athlete misses a day of school (excused absence), they are ineligible for that day s game and/or practice. It is the PLAYER S responsibility to communicate with their coach if they will miss a game or practice ASAP.
Player and Parent Agreement Please turn in to the Prior Lake High School Athletic Office. Players will be unable to participate in team activities without this form completed. I have read all of the information in the Prior Lake Baseball Handbook. I understand what is expected of me as a student athlete and agree to follow all policies, procedures, and expectations throughout the school year. Student Athlete s Printed Name Student Athlete s Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date