Mission The mission of the Venom teams will be to provide a high quality program for area select baseball and softball players and their families while offering an opportunity to compete at the highest levels available. For many youth, baseball/softball starts very early in life and their skills are developed and enriched through involvement, participation and often older siblings. With this in mind, Stilly Venom seeks to offer these youth the opportunity to play at the highest level of competition with a select group who will achieve the objectives provided by the organization that are: Promote physical fitness, strength and agility. Develop self- confidence through positive reinforcement and constructive feedback. Develop respect for others, a team mindset, leadership and a warrior spirit through competition. Teach the fundamentals of baseball or softball through example, instruction and encouragement. Incorporate the spirit of good sportsmanship in victory and defeat. Build confidence, integrity and grit through hard work, hustle and a mental edge. Have fun, do your best and always strive to get better. General Information Commitment Select baseball/softball requires a major time commitment from players, coaches and parents through winter workouts and into the tournament season of the summer months, sometimes into August. Each and every player s presence is necessary in order to move the team in a successful direction. Each player is expected to be present at all practices, team functions and team games with limited exceptions. This commitment should not be taken lightly and will be covered in detail by each coach. The amount of work and time dedicated by coaches and players is significant and is imperative for the success of the team and the organization. Failure to commit to the team through lack of participation, notification or a negative attitude WILL result in reduced playing time.
The Stilly Venom Baseball and Softball Club, its coaches and staff are committed to offering a highly competitive environment to each player and their families through commitment. We want each player to realize their importance to their team and understand that the team comes before the individual. A true commitment in sport will carry over to a true commitment in life and through baseball/softball; we hope to build the characteristics of a young leader, in each player, through all their future endeavors. Stilly Venom expects baseball/softball to be the sport of the season. That being said, we encourage kids to be involved in other sports. However, during the season, we expect each player to be committed to their team and their coaches. Absence from training during winter months due to other sports will be considered but ultimately left up to the individual coaches for clarification. Commitment is not only expected from players, but parents as well. In order for each team to be successful and for the players to maximize their potential we need the help of the parents. Please offer the coaches help in any way necessary; whether through planning fundraisers, carpools, team functions, etc., or through experience. Your efforts will not go unnoticed by your player and will reflect your commitment to them and to their team. Player fees Player fees will be determined by each coaching staff based on the needs of the team and will cover team expenses for, but not limited to, the following: Team uniforms Tournament entry fees Equipment and training aids Team insurance Field expenses Indoor facility rental (Cages, fielding, etc. during winter months) First aid kits Other items agreed on by parents and coaches Optional items such as batting jackets, sweatshirts, bat bags, etc. will be decided on by the coaches and discussed with the parents. These items or others may be included in the player fees or deemed a separate cost per player. It is understood that the cost commitment for select baseball/softball is significant and affects different families in different ways. The Venom Baseball and Softball Club will not exclude any player from participation due to financial reasons. Every effort will be made to arrange payment options for any player as deemed necessary. A payment plan will be available per month but all monies must be received by the date outlined in your team budget.
Fundraising Fundraising opportunities will be available should teams choose to participate. The specific fundraising opportunities will be discussed and decided on by the coaching staff in conjunction with those families willing to participate. Teams may combine efforts for fundraising. Participation will not been mandatory. However, monies received will be divided equally among those players families that participate. Participation will be tracked and documented. These funds will be deducted from the total amount due per player and deposited into the corresponding team account. A team may decide to participate in a team fundraiser towards a tournament trip, apparel, gear, etc. Any such fundraiser will be agreed upon by the coaches and parents and will be separate of any player fee subsidized fundraiser. Player/families that do not participate in fundraising will not receive credit for funds from any fundraising efforts. All fundraising monies will be applied to payments of the back end of your account payment schedule. Sponsorship Sponsorships are a great resource for teams and a great opportunity for local businesses, organizations and individuals looking to contribute to the area's youth. Sponsorships received will be applied to the team responsible for securing it. Stilly Venom encourages players and their families to reach out to the area businesses and organizations and educate them on ways they can contribute to the success of today's youth and tomorrow's leaders. Each teams coaching staff will be responsible for the sponsorships of their team and are expected to give recognition to the sponsor for their support, whether financial or otherwise. A giving spirit is always appreciated, never expected and a forever gift towards the future of a child! Family Discounts For families with multiple players participating in the Stilly Venom Baseball and Softball Club, the coaches, along with the family will come to a mutually agreeable reduced amount to be required of the family for player fees to be equally split by the teams for which the players participate. Refund Policy Once a player has been selected on a team and signs a player contract there will be no refunds except for players who suffer a long term injury or illness. All refund requests will be discussed and approved by the coaching staff and Stilly Venom Board of Directors. Each request will be considered based on the totality of the circumstances as discussed with the parent(s) of the player and the coaching staff. If a refund is deemed appropriate, the amount of the refund will be prorated based on the amount of game, practice and player expenses incurred.
Additional Expenses Team coaches may elect to play one or more tournaments that may require overnight accommodations or extended travel. The player fees will cover the entry fee to the tournament but the cost of accommodations, food, recreation, etc. will be the responsibility of the player s family, unless other arrangements have been made. Coaches and parents may choose to organize fundraisers or sponsorships for travel but that decision will be at the discretion of the coach(s) with cooperation of the player s parent(s). It is encouraged, but not mandatory, for players to stay in the same accommodations but it is a positive experience for the players to enjoy free time together. Coaches will discuss their travel plans for the upcoming season with regard to number of tournaments, locations and expectations at team meetings. Winter Training Winter training will be scheduled by the coaching staff of each team. Winter training will consist of hitting instruction, fielding instruction, basic and advanced baseball fundamentals, conditioning and the rules of baseball/softball. Typically each team will have training or practice two days a week for one and a half to two hours each day. Practices and training dates will be scheduled by each individual team and coaches will take into account player schedules due to other sports and activities. However, if the schedule is planned in consideration of those players involved in other activities, those players will be expected to participate in scheduled practices and training. Winter training is an excellent opportunity for players to improve their skill set and baseball/softball knowledge. Winter practices and training sessions are not a recommendation, they are required of each player. Participation in winter training will have an impact on the players role with the team when the season begins. As mentioned previously, this will require a strong commitment from both player and parent(s) but the rewards of this opportunity will have a positive impact on the players confidence, skill set and knowledge of the game. Parents Pre Season Meeting A mandatory informational meeting will be held by the coaches of each team. Each coach will share their expectations, goals, coaching philosophies and tournament plans for the upcoming season. Coaches will also discuss player fees and winter training. Parents are encouraged to ask questions and get involved with the team. The coaches want to create an open line of communication and positive feedback. Games and Practices Winter training will conclude at the end of February in conjunction with the beginning of the Little League Season. Stilly Venom will not interfere with the players opportunity to be involved in their local Little League. Little League involvement is strongly encouraged and practice schedules, games schedules and/ or tournaments will not be intentionally scheduled to interfere
with the Little League season. Coaches may schedule practices on weekends, to allow players the opportunity to work together as a team and continue team building as the tournament season approaches. If a tournament is scheduled during the Little League season, it will be of a time when no Little League activities are scheduled and will not conflict with Little League activities. The number of tournaments and the dates and locations of those tournaments will be at the discretion of the coaching staff. Tournament entry fees will be paid out of team monies and are included in the player fees. Uniforms Uniforms are included in the player fees. The following items will be provided, as a minimum, to each player. * (2) Jerseys * (2) pair of baseball/softball pants * (1) fitted hat * (1) belt * (2) pair of socks If it is agreed amongst coaches and parents, the amount of player fees required could be increased for additional team items to include, but not limited to: cleats, bat bags, batting jackets, batting helmets, etc. Often group rates are more cost effective when ordering these items, therefore; if agreed, the player fee may be increased for pricing efficiency. Equipment Each player must provide their own equipment to include a bat, a glove, cleats and personal protection equipment such as catcher's gear should the player want to play that position. As part of the player fees, game balls, practice balls and other training equipment will be provided. Any damage to equipment belonging to Stilly Venom Baseball and Softball Club due to negligence or intentional abuse will be the responsibility of the player to replace. Failure to do so may result in the denial of any further participation with the Stilly Venom Baseball and Softball Club by the player, the coach or any family member. General Policies Attendance Once selected, every player is a vital part of the team and is expected to participate in every scheduled practice, team activity or game unless otherwise excused by the coach or the coaching staff. Excused absences will be granted for school or school related activities, religious or important family events. However, it is expected the coach will be notified with as much advanced notice as possible for such events. Unexcused absences may result in the lack of playing time once the season begins.
Suspensions Suspensions will be at the discretion of the coaching staff. It is expected of the coach and the coaching staff to be objective and fair in their decision based on the actions, attitude or lack thereof of the player and/ or the parent(s) of the player. Player Removal Once the team is selected, a coach or coaching staff cannot dismiss a player based solely on the players lack of skills. A player may be released for the following specific reasons: Frequent or flagrant disregard for their responsibilities. Continuing to play in such a manner as to endanger themselves or others. Displaying an uncaring or negative attitude which results in the lack of effort, negative impact or influence on teammates and ultimately hurting the competitive potential of the team. Poor sportsmanship to include poor behavior and attitude towards teammates and/or opposing teams. Lack of respect for coaches, parents or teammates. Negative or non-productive attitudes of parents towards other players, coaches or opposing players, coaches or umpires. Continued lack of participation in team activities to include practices and games. Playing Time Select baseball/softball does not require "mandatory" playing time. Playing time is earned and not guaranteed. It is the intention of Stilly Venom to create a fair and unbiased opportunity for each player to earn playing time and positions of choice based on their efforts, attitudes and work ethic. Players will be encouraged to put the team s needs before their own preferences. However, each player will be encouraged and pushed through friendly competition to work hard to earn opportunities, playing time and positions. It is the belief of Stilly Venom that something earned is something to be proud of and builds a strong work ethic and pride in each player. Behavior Sportsmanship, honesty, integrity and a positive work ethic and attitude will be expected of each player and coach. Sportsmanship will also be expected of team parents and supporters. Parents and supports are representatives of the team and of the Stilly Venom Baseball and Softball Club. Players, coaches, parents and supporters are not only representing their team and the organization, but the community they live in as well. Poor conduct or conduct that is detrimental to the team and the organization will not be tolerated. Verbal abuse towards players by coaches and/ or parents is inexcusable and will not be tolerated. It is our intention to correct when needed and always encourage. There is no need or place for parents, supporters or coaches to destroy the confidence, attitude or the love of the game of a player. Tantrums, profanity, physical altercations, aggressiveness, verbal abuse
towards players, coaches, other spectators, opposing players or coaches, umpires or general onlookers will not be tolerated. Conduct as outlined above, or any other conduct deemed damaging to the player, opposition to the organization by the coach or coaching staff may result in dismissal from the team. Players and coaches will treat all other persons with respect at all times. Coaches Responsibilities and Rights Each coach is a teacher, mentor, listener and influence on the players they coach. The role of a coach will never be taken lightly or for granted. Each coach is responsible for the development of all players on the team. The coach is not only accountable to themselves, but to the players and their families. Coaches will treat each player fairly and with the utmost respect. The coach will display sportsmanship, integrity, honesty and be a positive example for each member of their team. They will hold their players accountable in their behavior, attitude, performance and appearance. The coach is expected to provide a learning environment that encourages the players to have fun, compete and deepen their love of the game. The coach will maintain an open line of communication with parents and players. They will encourage and compliment players, creating a positive learning environment while creating positive attitude towards winning and losing. The coach has the right to be treated fairly and with respect by others, to include parents, players, supporters and others. They should expect support and full cooperation from parents as long as the actions of the coach are responsible, with good intent and for the betterment of the team, players or the organization. Coaching is a huge undertaking and responsibility. Coaches are human and likely to make mistakes. However, a coach with good intentions will not be subject to negative criticism whether publicly or privately. Issues with the coach should be addressed maturely and responsibly as covered in the later section. Parents Responsibilities and Rights Being the parent of a select player is a full time responsibility. It requires a lot of time commitment, resources and involvement to afford your child to be a select player. Stilly Venom does not take the role of a parent lightly. Parents are asked to be complimentary and supportive. Please let the coaches coach. The coaches do have the best interest of your child in mind and are expected to treat each child as their own. Support them. Remember, they are not only responsible for your child but the entire team! Parents should not compare their child to other children on the team or speak of other players or coaches on the team in a negative manner. This adversely affects the opinion of your child which, in return, may cause your child's attitude and performance to suffer. Appropriate, positive behavior towards coaches, umpires, opponents and others is required. Volunteer your time... Coaches will love and appreciate you for it! As a parent, you deserve to be treated with respect as does your child. It is your right for your child to play in a fun, safe and healthy environment. Your child will be coached effectively and responsibly by qualified coaches who desire to see them succeed. You will be fully informed by the coaching staff as to schedules, rules, expectations, responsibilities and the strengths and
weaknesses of your child. Weaknesses will never be considered failures and will be approached with an aggressive, supportive plan that will give you child the tools and skill set to succeed. Player Responsibilities and Rights Each Venom player should be proud of their achievements, their team and their community. The player should carry themselves as an example to others and as leaders to those around them. Select players have a unique opportunity to be positive influences on others around them and should take that opportunity to support and encourage others in a positive way. They should have pride and confidence in themselves and maintain a team concept in their efforts. The player should give their best effort at all times with the betterment and best interest of the team in mind. They should be a competitor with a warrior mindset who gives their all for the team regardless of the final score. Each player should be encouraging and supportive of their teammates, never criticizing, regardless of the situation. They should be respectful to all persons they come in contact and treat others as they would like to be treated. Players should take care of their equipment and strive to be neat, clean and organized at all times. Remember: the other team sizes you up upon arrival. Looking put together or squared away can go a long way for the psychological edge of a game. Players should help their coaches by volunteering, assisting without being told and always demonstrate good sportsmanship and a positive attitude. Respect the game and all the small details of it! Players, especially younger players, will make mistakes. That's ok. We learn from our mistakes. Part of the learning process is moving on from mistakes. Baseball/Softball is a game of failures. How players deal with those failures ultimately determine their level of success. It is a team game! Players should not dwell on individual mistakes but strive to contribute to the overall success of the team. This is a valuable lesson in not only sports, but in life. Each player deserves to participate in a safe, healthy learning environment. We want them to have fun and participate as kids and not adults. They will each have the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities and be provided the same opportunity for success. Players will be taught the fundamentals of baseball/softball by committed and supportive coaches with a positive, challenging and fun approach to the game. Most importantly, players deserve our time, our attention and our support! Problem Resolution When a player or parent has a question or questions regarding the policies herein or the status, standing or issue involving a player, they should address the questions or issue at hand with the parent representative. If no parent representative has been appointed or is unavailable, the parent of the player should address the coach. If the parent representative is available, the issue or concern should be discussed with them prior to speaking with the coach. This can often be effective by allowing the person with the issue or concern to vent any frustrations to an unbiased third party. It will be the responsibility of the parent representative to hear the concern and approach the coach with it at which time the coach or parent may request a meeting to discuss the issue at hand. An appropriate time and place should be considered when addressing the coach. The conversation should be in private and out of earshot of players or other parents. Issues or concerns should NEVER be addressed with the coach during a practice
or game. The discussion should be kept professional and each party should be respectful when listening to and addressing concerns and/ or issuing a rebuttal. If the coach has an issue or concern regarding a parent or player, they should address the parent directly whether the concern is with the parent or the child. The conversation should follow the same guidelines as outlined above. Regardless of the issue or concern, it is recommended the player, parent or coach adheres to the "24 Hour Rule". This requires the party with the concern or issue to wait at least 24 hours before approaching the other party regarding the matter. 24 hours often allows time for emotions to settle and rational thinking to return. Issues with children cause emotions to run high and anger can take the place of better judgment. It should never be the intention of a coach to allow emotions to escalate to a level that is out of control or outside of rational conversation. A parent or supporter should, likewise, control their emotions and address issues calmly using the system outlined above. Issues, concerns or complaints should be addressed quickly and with the best interest of all parties involved. They should not be allowed to fester or continue to mount to the point they can no longer be resolved using rational thinking and discussion. If the involved parties cannot resolve the issue or issues at hand, it may be deemed necessary, in the best interest of all parties to dissolve the relationship between the team and coach or the team and the player/ parent. This is not a preferred option or solution and it would be preferred for all parties involved to be objective and open to feedback, constructive criticism and suggestions that would strengthen the relationship between player, parent and coaching staff. A Final Word Stilly Venom is a vision and long-time dream that has become a reality. It is our hope that this organization and its teams can be a positive impact on this community and our youth. We will strive to provide a fun, positive and constructive learning environment for players and a fun experience for families and fans. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be a part of your lives and entrusting us with the teaching and instruction of your child in America s Favorite Pastime. Baseball/Softball is a sport, often times a cruel sport. A sport based on more failures than successes. However, the successes and failures in baseball/softball often resemble the successes and failures in life. Learning to overcome adversity in difficult situations and being a part of something bigger than one s self is a stepping stone in the success of life. The game of baseball/softball affords each of us that opportunity; the opportunity to play a wonderful game, develop lifetime memories and friendships and to face adversity together and win! We may not always win on the field but to win in the game of life is a much greater victory. So Here we go! See you on the diamond!!