2015 Softball Handbook

PTHS Indians

2015 Softball Handbook

Physical:

*A current physical must be on file before a student can practice and compete in any contest.

Forms/Paperwork:

*All forms must be complete and on file before a student can practice and compete in any contest. (Emergency Medical Release, Insurance Waiver, Random Drug Testing Consent – all found online).

Players’ Rules and Expectations:

*Players must adhere to all the rules and regulations as listed in the PTHS Handbook.

Attendance and Punctuality:

*We ask that each player be on time to practice, bus departures, and home games. Being late is not only being disruptive to the team but the player could miss important information being discussed.

*Practices are considered mandatory. Practice time is an opportunity to learn key skills and any time missed will take away from that. We ask that you are prepared to start practice at the designated time. That means if practice starts at 3:30 each player has all of their equipment on and ready to go at 3:30.

*Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. Any absence from a game, practice, meeting, or other team function must be cleared with a coach prior to the absence (except in case of emergency). If a practice session is missed unexcused, the athlete will not participate in the next contest and twocontests for a game missed.

*Any absence during Spring Break = extra conditioning or practice held after/before practice

*Tardiness will not be tolerated and punishable with extra conditioning; repeat offenses will result in dismissal from the team.

Attendance at school:

*In order to participate in after school athletic activities, you must be in attendance during the school day. If you have missed any part of the day due to doctor, orthodontists, etc., you must bring verification of that appointment to Mr. Brunner’s (Athletic Director) Office prior to practice, for clearance.

Practice Times:

*After school practice times may vary for all levels of softball. In general, you are expected to be available for practice from 3:30-5:30pm on school days. In the early part of the season, the allocation of space may necessitate morning (6-7:30am) practice.

Attitude:

*You are a select athlete and will be expected to perform as one. This means that when you come to practice, or to a game, you should bring an attitude which is conducive to the progress of the team. You must try to leave behind you all the frustrations of the day, or anything else that will detract from your performance on the field. We, as a coaching staff, will maintain a positive attitude toward you. There will be times when you will be confronted with mistakes you have made. We ask that you use this constructive feedback as it is intended, to make you a better player.

Captain Selection:

*The selection of a captain or captains will be left to the discretion of the coach. When captains are selected, they will be expected to function as role models for the other players. Their selection will be based on their proven ability to accept leadership responsibilities on the playing field, practice field, and in the classroom. Additionally, they will help facilitate communication between players and the coaching staff. In some cases, captains will be selected by the staff on game days. This may be done on a rotating basis thereby allowing each team member an opportunity to assume a leadership role. Since we often construct a permanent duty schedule, it will be the responsibility of the captain to make certain all equipment is transported to and from the game, by those who are assigned, and to lead the stretching and warm-up activities prior to the game.

Uniforms:

*All players are responsible for her own uniform during the season. Any damaged or non-returned uniforms will be the financial responsibility of the player.

Electronic Devices:

*All electronic devices are to be turned off during practices and games, unless given prior permission by a coach.

Appearance:

*All players must wear softball pants, socks, and a PTHS shirt to practice. Players are expected to dress in an appropriate manner for practices and in uniform for games. If a coach feels a players dress is inappropriate, it will be addressed.

*Jewelry is prohibited during practices and games.

*All players will wear team-designated apparel to games and team functions.

*During games players will be expected to have the appropriate attire for the weather.

*Protective equipment: We are recommending, not mandating, that all infielders wear a protective face mask when playing defense at practice or in a game. First and foremost we are looking out for player safety; however, there has not been a set mask determined to be the best, yet. IHSA has been contacted and has been brought to our attention that a face mask rule will be in order within the next couple years. Therefore, it would be in your best interest to adapt to a mask now.

Internet Usage (Facebook/Myspace/Twitter/etc.):

*Players are expected to use these websites appropriately and with respect to fellow teammates and coaches. If it comes to our attention that there are inappropriate postings, pictures, etc…disciplinary actions will be taken. A parent and player meeting will be scheduled to discuss the situation.

*Remember that every situation is unique in its own way and will be judged on its own merit by the coaches and the school’s policy. Infractions of the rules and policies may result in loss of playing time, parent conferences, removal from the team.

Parent and Player Rules

Contact information:

Nicole Ropp

(815) 844-6113

Phil Sartoris

Elizabeth Hatfield

Amy Gish

Kara McKee

*If a meeting is needed one will be set-up between the coaches, player, and parent if needed.

*Parents are not allowed to interfere at practice and are not allowed in the dugouts during games.

*Respect the officials and their authority during games.

*Do not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, players, parents, or school official such as booing or taunting, refusing to shake hands or using profane language.

*The coaching staff reserves the right to grant rides home with parents on a game by game basis. Players may ride home on the bus or be signed out and taken home by either a parent or guardian. A parent may also send a note allowing the player to ride home with another player’s parent or guardian.

The following document should be viewed as guidelines for the upcoming season:

Our main goal is to have a program and team in which all of us can be proud. We need complete cooperation from the players, coaches, and parents in order for us to achieve this main goal.

We expect everyone to give their best effort. This includes, but is not limited to, on the field, off the field, and in the classroom. Priorities are family/religious commitments first, school second, softball, and then any out-of-season sports or other outside activities (ie. work).

In order for us to be successful, we need to stick together and be on the same page. It is difficult to do that if everyone wants to do something different or doesn’t agree with what the coaching staff wants done. Trust the coaches in every decision; do what they ask of you without hesitation. If you need to talk to the coaching staff about anything, please do so before taking the situation or problem outside of the team (as outlined in the communication proves).

Be exceptional, not an exception. Headbands, wristbands, shirts untucked, being late, cheating on drills, and not giving your best are all things that are exceptions, but have nothing to do with being an exceptional human being, student, athlete or softball player. Exceptional is when you go above and beyond what is expected of you. Who do you want to be?

If you are on this team, you are valuable to your teammates, and especially your coaches – both as a person and as a player. However, if we are to be successful, your playing time is in direct proportion to your productivity on the field. Players are not equal in a skill-based sport; the coaching staff will put who they believe to be the best line-up for each game.

No spots or positions are set in stone. You must earn your spot on a game-by-game basis. Complaining, whining, making excuses or pointing a finger at someone else never makes you look good or help the team. If you make a mistake, learn from it. It is a waste of your time, and ours, if you complain to teammates or parents about teammates or coaches. Work on your weaknesses until they become your strengths.

COMMIT YOURSELF TO CONSTANT SELF-IMPROVEMENT.

Participating in the PTHS Indian Softball Program is a privilege and not a right; wearing the Indian jersey and representing your school, family, and community should be an honor and treated as such. Use your time and energy to commit yourself to constant self-improvement every day – it is the only way for you, and us, to get better and achieve our goals as a team. The coaching staff is looking forward to a very exciting season of Lady Indian Softball.

Go Indians!

PTHS Indian Softball Communication Process

*When a player or parent has questions or concerns regarding the program or a player’s individual role on the team, it is imperative that the following steps are followed. This process provides a clear and effective process that focuses on finding a solution to any questions or concerns that may develop during the season. Playing time will not be discussed as it is something that is up to the coaching staff entirely.

Step 1: The concerned player should approach her immediate head coach to schedule a time to discuss any questions of concerns. If the player does not feel comfortable and satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, move forward to step 2.

Step 2: The concerned player should request a meeting involving herself, her immediate head coach, and the varsity coach. If the player does not feel comfortable and satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, move forward to step 3.

Step 3: A meeting should be requested involving the player, the necessary softball coaches, and parent(s)/guardian(s). It should be requested in advance with a brief, written explanation of the player/parent/guardian concerns. If this meeting does not resolve the situation and/or issues, the player and her parents should move forward to step 4.

Step 4: A meeting should be requested involving the player, the necessary softball coaches, parent(s)/guardian(s), and the Athletic Director/Administration. If this meeting does not resolve the situation and/or issues, additional alternatives should be discussed to resolve the matter.

*Players, by signing your name below, you agree to be a team player and are committing yourself to constant self-improvement every day – keep getting better!

Player name: ______Date: ______

Player signature: ______

*Parents/Guardians, by signing your name below, you continue to agree to support your daughter and the PTHS Indian Softball Program. Thank you for your support, time, and commitment.

Parent/Guardian: ______Date: ______

*We, the coaching staff, agree to encourage, push, and support our team to the best of our abilities for the 2015 season.

Nicole Ropp, Varsity Coach ______Date: ______

Phil Sartoris, JV Coach ______Date: ______