Okotoks Minor Ball Association

Box 1194, Okotoks, AB T1S 1B2

Experience our Okotoks Outlaws

Work Ethic

One of the primary values of competitive sport is the opportunity to learn and enhance one’s work ethic. The Outlaws believe that each athlete should be exposed to the tremendous benefits of being prepared mentally and physically each and every time the athlete practices and plays.

Competitive Spirit

The Outlaws promote a spirit of positive competition. We strive to play our best and improve each and every time we play, by competing within the rules. We wish to enhance positive qualities in competition.

Role Model

Every coach and athlete that wears the Outlaws uniform represents the entire association.

Focus

One of the key skills we wish to pass on to each athlete is that of being able to focus on the task at hand despite the pressure of the situation.

Adversity

We believe that adversity through athletics is a positive way to build and enhance character in young athletes. Perseverance, ultimately leading to success, is an important educational tool in a young person’s life.

Physical Fitness

We passionately believe that enhancing one’s fitness is a key element of the program. We will expose all athletes to cardiovascular endurance training, muscular endurance and strength training, and speed training programs as well as enhancing specific baseball skills.

Exposure to Sport

One of the key elements of the Okotoks Outlaws, and OMBA as a whole, is to expose young athletes to higher levels of competition.

Code of Conduct Categories

a)OMBA Etiquette

b)Code of Conduct- OMBA Organization

c)Code of Conduct- OMBA Players

d)Code of Conduct- OMBA Coaches

e)Code of Conduct- OMBA Parents

a)OMBA Etiquette

Okotoks Minor Ball Association exists to foster and encourage the growth and enjoyment of the sport of baseball by teaching the values of sportsmanship, skills, commitment and competition. We seek to be regarded as leaders in player and coach development, resulting in increased confidence in athletes.

Our philosophy is that with the tools we provide as the Okotoks Minor Ball Association, our players will endeavour to take their baseball talents to whatever level of competition they choose. Although the sport of baseball is our focus, youth athletics in general creates leaders in their schools and their community. Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the OMBA assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. By espousing virtues of character, courage and loyalty, the OMBA is designed to develop superior citizens, as well as superior athletes.

b)OMBA Code of Conduct – OMBA Organization

Okotoks Minor Ball Association is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Furthermore, OMBA supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices. Members are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of OMBA. Members may be subject to sanctions according to OMBA’s Discipline Policy for engaging in any of the following behavior:

  • Not complying with the rules, regulations or policies of OMBA, as adopted and amended from time to time;
  • Deliberately disregarding the Rules of Baseball/Softball as amended from time to time;
  • Verbally or physically abusing an opponent, officials, umpires, spectators or sponsors;
  • Showing disrespect to officials, including the use of foul language and obscene or offensive gestures;
  • Abusing playing equipment or playing area;
  • Failing to comply with the conditions of entry of an event including any rules with regard to eligibility or advertising;
  • Not adhering to the Town of Okotoks bylaws;
  • Using tobacco products on-field at any OMBA sanctioned competition;
  • Any other unreasonable conduct which brings the game into disrepute, including but not limited to, abusive use of alcohol, non-medical use of drugs, use of alcohol by minors.

The OMBA Code of Conduct shall govern all disciplinary matters to the extent that it conflicts with or augments Baseball Alberta/Calgary Minor Softball Association.

c)OMBA Code of Conduct - Players

As a player for the Okotoks Minor Ball Association, I agree to:

  • Respect my manager and coaches

The managers and coaches are volunteers who donate their time to our organization and my appreciation of their help should be reflected in all my actions on the playing field. It is my duty to listen to and follow the directions of my manager and coaches and to obey the rules set forth by the manager and coaches of the teams.

  • Respect my team members and other players

I will not insult, criticize or verbally abuse any other player. Such behavior does not promote but destroys team spirit and will not be tolerated by the Okotoks Minor Ball Association.

  • Never resort to physical threats or actions to rectify a situation

Physical outbursts are unacceptable and will be dealt with using a zero-tolerance policy. Any occurrence will be immediately directed to the Executive Council.

  • Display good sportsmanship at all times

As a representative of the OMBA, it is my duty to reflect the characteristics of fair play at all times. I will display to others that competition is healthy and I will not lower the standards of the OMBA by engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct.

  • Be a contributor to the OMBA

I play baseball not only for my own personal pleasure and benefit, but for the benefit and as a representative of the OMBA. I will always give 100% to my team by doing the best job that I can.

  • Be proud to be a player for the OMBA and have FUN doing it!

d)OMBA Code of Conduct - Coaches

Being a coach can have a very profound effect on the social, emotional, and physical development of an athlete of any age. Each player’s experience on the baseball field, whether positive or negative may last their entire lifetime. The Okotoks Minor Ball Association strives to assure that the coach/athlete relationship and learning environment is always a positive experience so that each player’s unique development can be maximized. Above all an OMBA coach must exhibit the highest ethical and moral qualities while being a strong role model for each of the players he coaches. As a coach, you play an integral role in ensuring that these core values are met. Therefore, OMBA asks that you read, and abide by, the Fair Play Code set out below:

  • I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices remembering that the players on my team have other interests and obligations.
  • I will teach the players on my team to play fairly and to respect the rules, the officials, their opponents and their team-mates.
  • I will ensure all players on my team receive equal instruction, support and appropriate, fair playing time.
  • I will not ridicule or yell at the players on my team for making mistakes or performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
  • I will make sure that the equipment and facilities are safe and match the ages and abilities of the players on my team.
  • I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and will set a good example.
  • I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
  • I will treat other coaches, players, umpires and other officials with respect.

e)OMBA Code of Conduct - Parents

In order to enjoy the season and to allow others to do the same, OMBA asks that parents please follow these guidelines:

  • I will not force my child to participate in sports.
  • I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
  • I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
  • I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
  • I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
  • I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
  • I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
  • I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
  • I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
  • I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
  • I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
  • I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
  • I will emphasize skill development and practice and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
  • I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
  • I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
  • I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
  • I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action. A copy of the OMBA Discipline Policy can be found on the OMBA website. All procedures outlined in this policy must be followed.

Outlaws Commitment

There are approximately 12 players for each Outlaw team. With such a small roster commitment needs to be very high. Players are expected to attend all practice, game, and team functions as planned. If families are taking extended vacations or have players playing spring hockey and will miss multiple team events during the season this needs to be discussed before the evaluation process. We do not want to take a spot from a full time player for a part time player.

Respect in Sport

Respect in Sport Parent (RIS) must be completed by a parent of any player in the Outlaws program before April 30th, 2014. Players will not be allowed to participate in practices or games until it has been completed.

Tryouts and Evaluations

For each evaluation session a player will be evaluated in 5 areas: pitching, hitting, fielding (grounders & fly balls) and base running.

Each evaluation group will be broken into 5 groups and will rotate through each station for evaluations. Evaluations will be scored on a scale of 1-10.

Each player will receive the following reps:

  1. Pitching2 reps of 5 pitches each
  2. Hitting 2 reps of 10 pitches each
  3. Fielding2 reps of 5 grounders each

2 reps of 5 fly balls each

  1. Base running2 timed runs around all bases

Evaluators will be provided with scoring sheets for each station ranking skills from 1-10. Set guidelines will be provided for each station to help evaluators in the scoring process.

All players must attend the first two rounds of evaluations. Any player that cannot meet this evaluation requirement may not have the opportunity to play Outlaws Baseball. Such a ruling will be determined on a case by case basis.

Head Coach Selection

After the second round of evaluations, head coaches for all teams will be picked. Criteria of selection will be determined based on past coaching experience, coaching credentials and the player rankings of children of coaches trying out for that team. Selection of head coaches will be determined by a committee of 4 Outlaw Committee members + 1 member of the Executive (President or Vice-President). Committee members will be required to abstain from the selection process if nominations of coaches for a particular level involve related family members or themselves.

Once head coaches are finalized the head coaches will be presented with all other coaching candidates for their division as well as the player rankings from the first round of evaluations to help select their assistant coaching staff. Head coaches will forward their selections for their assistant coaches to the Committee for review. The committee will then review based on coaching experience, coaching credentials and the player ranking of children of assistant coaches trying out for teams. Selection of assistant coaches will be finalized before the third round of evaluations.

Outlaws Team Selection

After the second round of evaluations, player rankings will be tabulated. Total scores from both sessions will be used to determine player rankings. Mosquito (11U)division will have the top9 ranked players from the evaluations locked in and Peewee (13U)and higher divisions will have the top 8 ranked players locked in. These top 8-9 ranked players will be a lock for the AA(Orange) teams. Players ranked up to 16 will be used to select the remaining 3-4 positions for the Orange team by a coach pick. Then the next 8-9 ranked players not chosen for AA (Orange)become a lock for the AA (Blue) team. Players ranked up to 28 will be used to select the remaining 4 positions for the Blue team by a coach pick. 11U and 13U Orange carry a 12 player roster. 11U and 13U Blue carry a 13 player roster. 15U and 18U carry a 13 to 14 player roster.

Any player wishing to play up an age group must evaluate in the top 5 of that age group. If a player meets this qualification then that player will be a lock for the AA Orange; evaluating 6th or lower means that the player must play in his/her age group. Any player wishing to play up an age group must be evaluated in both age groups.

A player cannot refuse to play for the Outlaws team that he/she was evaluated for. If a player does refuse, that player will be asked to play in the House division. If a family has 2 players playing in the same age division but one player evaluates for Orange and the other for Blue, then the parent can request that the siblings play together on the Blue team only.

Evaluation Information

After evaluations have been completed and teams have been picked parents of players wishing to have information on their player’s evaluation may request this information from the Outlaws Committee. The Committee will only provide the scores of each area evaluated as well as the player'sgroup ranking (1-16 or 17-28)

Fees

Although OMBA player registration fees cover basic expenses related to Baseball Alberta registration, insurance, basic equipment/jerseys, etc. additional Outlaws fees are collected by the Association through the team budgets once the team rosters are completed to offset various operating expenses related to the facilities, umpires, Baseball Alberta and specific team costs.

Outlawsteams are required to prepare their own team budgets to cover expenses related to additional Baseball Alberta fees, tournaments, additional apparel/equipment, indoor field practices, etc. The amount of fundraising activities varies per team and will have a direct impact on the final cost per player to the families.

Athlete and Parent Agreement

Keeping within the philosophy of the Okotoks Outlaws, which is to train athletes to as high a competition level as they are able to achieve, we the parent/guardian give the coach(es) and executive the authority to, at any time, remove or suspend any athlete or parent from any OMBA event/from the association entirely, should the athlete/parent become detrimental to the training of other athletes, or the association in general.

I ______(athlete) and ______(parent/guardian) have received, read and understand the Experience our Okotoks Outlaws Package.

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Athlete Signature

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Parent/Guardian Signature

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Coach Signature

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Dated (MM/DD/YY)