2012HandbookAurora Softball

Handbook 2012

100% Focus

100% Effort

100% of the Time

Head Coach: Scott Johnson –

Assistant Coach: Rick Titus –

Acknowledgements

  • To all the coaches I have borrowed and learned from: Jerrad Hardin, Rick Kissack, Randy Huebert, Mike Epstein, Tom Holliday, Saul Soltero, Mike Candrea, Patti Gasso, John Tashidaand the many others I failed to mention.
  • To all the outstanding athletes and students I have had the privilege to teach throughout the years.
  • To my assistant coach Rick Titus… thank you for sharing your wealth of information and experience with me. Without you, the journey would be a more difficult one; with you we will build a successful softball program. Thank you to your family for sharing your time.
  • To my administrators, thank you for your continued support and understanding.
  • To the parents of our players, without your support nothing is possible. Thank you for trusting us with your most valuable possession, your children.
  • To all the youth coaches who spend countless hours planning and coaching during the summer and off season. Our program is only as strong as our youth programs.
  • To Wayne Griffith, Doug Kittle and all the others that have made the new, beautiful complex that we practice/play on possible.
  • To Chris Vincient and Aurora CO-OP for their continued support with our programs.
  • To my family, my wife Lora and children: Cierra, Jaden, Kage, and Kyra, thank you for being supportive and understanding.

The Big Picture
Vision
Develop a program in which individuals achieve athletic excellence and
display pride in the game, themselves, their team, and their school.
Mission Statement
The coaches will work for the players and provide them with the support and
discipline that will enable them to maximize their potential.
Philosophy
Through softball, teach and reinforce life skills in players and develop characteristics in
them such as, a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, responsibility, discipline,
commitment, teamwork, and good communication skills.
Head Coach:
Scott Johnson is the head coach of the Aurora Husky Softball Program. The 2012 softball season will be Coach Johnson’s 6th season coaching Husky softball and his 2nd as the head coach. Coach Johnson also has 14 years of experience coaching baseball at all levels including being an assistant coach of the 2008 G.I.S.H state champion baseball team. He teaches 9th grade physical science at Aurora High School, coaches 8th grade basketball, baseball at Grand Island Senior High, and his son’s traveling baseball teams as well as softball in the fall and summer. Coach Johnson’s family consists of his wife Lora, daughters Cierra (19), Kyra (2) and sons Jaden (16) and Kage (13). Coach Johnson’s hobbies are coaching, hunting, reading, and all sports. Feel free to contact him at:
Assistant Coach:
Rick Titus enters his 2nd season as an assistant coach in the Aurora High School Softball program in 2012. Coach Titus brings 23 years of teaching/coaching experience, which includes 9 years of softball coaching. His experience includes many aspects of the game, which includes the development of pitchers and catchers. Coach Titus has three daughters, one who pitched for the Lady Huskies in their last appearance at state in 2008. His wife, Jill, teaches at Aurora Elementary School.
Program Goals:
If we were to run onto the field for our season opener and find that the bases were gone, I’m quite sure we wouldn’t even attempt to play the game. We know without bases we cannot score. Goals are a lot like bases, without them we do not know if we were successful or not. The same is true for us individually and as a team. We must set goals.
Individual Goals:
As an individual, you must set short-term and long-goals. These short-term goals should be attainable but not real easy. Your long term goals will be the result of the small victories you accumulate every day. For example: if your goal is to set the career strikeout record, how many strikeouts must you average a game?
Additionally you need to set specific goals for practice and in the weight room (working on your hitting technique, strengthening your legs to make you quicker and more powerful, etc). When you accomplish these daily goals day in and out, eventually you’ll reach your long term goals.
Team Goals:
Team goals will be discussed and decided by each team (Varsity and Junior Varsity) at the beginning of each season.
Coaching Philosophy
Varsity:
I would like to briefly explain my thoughts towards the upcoming season. Class B Varsity softball in the state of Nebraska is very competitive. Therefore, as the head coach, I feel the responsibility to play the players, regardless of class (9-12), that I feel will benefit our players, coaches, school, and community toward having the most success possible.
Therefore, playing time is not an equal opportunity situation. Yes, some players will play more than others. Each player will have their role explained to them as a team member, by me personally and then it is their choice to work in a positive manner to do everything in their capabilities to achieve success together as a group. It will be their choice to accept that role or decide to not be a member of the softball program.
Your daughter will know exactly where they stand as a member of the team; hopefully accepting that situation and making the most out of it. If we are all willing to do that, great things will happen for all that are involved. EVERYBODY on our team matters!
Junior Varsity:
The Junior varsity team is made up of players in grades 9, 10, and 11. The main goal of this team is to continue to develop individual and team skills while gaining the knowledge of our Aurora Husky softball system. Coach Titus will play as many players as possible, but competing to win is also important. Those players that produce both in practice and games situations will be played. Understand coaching the J.V team is a difficult task and the success of our J.V players is vital to the success of our Varsity team.
Ground Rules to Being a Husky Softball Player:
1. Excel in effort: 100% Effort, 100% Focus, 100% of the time—always! ( field, dugout, classroom)
2. Hustle: On a softball field, walking is prohibited. We will hustle and run at all times! A team that hustles is a team motivated to win and one that plays with discipline and enthusiasm. Hustle does not require awesome talent; it requires simple commitment and desire. This is the part of the game we will always win. Regardless of whom we play, we can control this phase of the competition. We will out hustle every team we play! As a coaching staff we are committed to this.
3. Develop loyalty: Put the team first. Be a team player. Help your team members achieve team goals. The precedent has been set; we will not tolerate disrespect toward your teammates.
4. Support your teammates: Softball is a team game. We win and lose as a team.
5. Think softball: Concentrate. Whether in a game or at practice, keep your mind focused on the Husky softball objectives. We celebrate with class and commit to being rivals to any school that shows disrespect for the game or our community.
6. Master the fundamentals: Learn the basic skills. To become a skilled player on game day, start by being a good practice player. The Husky program will use these fundamentals as a part of the evaluation process. If sloppy practice is accepted than failure during games must be accepted as well.
7. Make every mistake a part of your development: Learn from direction. Mistakes are common in softball. Errors are part of learning the game. Every player will make errors that are both physical and mental. Make a commitment to learn from the experience and correct it through work-ethic.
8. Anticipate each pitch and fielding situation: Players are never spectators—when you are on the field, be prepared to be involved in every play. Know your assignments. With every pitch anticipate the action and get in position to make the play. There is no excuse to remain stationary on any fielding play. Be a student of the game while not on the playing field.
9. No Excuses: Excuses impede learning. Aurora softball players will not make excuses. We will prepare and work hard to earn the desired results we want.
10. Be a good communicator: There is a time to talk and a time to listen—know the difference. Be attentive and listen to your coaches.
100% Focus-100% Effort-100% of the time

Aurora Husky Softball Player Expectations

  • All team members will be held accountable to the expectations set forth in the A.H.S Activities handbook.
  • All players having a 75% or below in any class will attend a mandatory study hall beginning at 7:30am to 8:00am each scheduled school day until they have earned above a 75%. Failure to comply will be treated with the same consequences as missing practices. Grades will be checked every Friday starting the second week of school.
  • All players must attend scheduled practices and games unless the absence is cleared through the head coach at least one day prior to the absence. Exceptions will be held for players with family emergencies, illnesses, or other circumstances deemed understandable by the coaching staff, this may include any school sponsored activity. Please schedule doctor/dentist appointments, pictures, ACT, and etc...so it does not interfere with practices or games.

Unexcused absences from scheduled practices, games, or meetings:

One violation will result in a one game suspension from play

Two violations will result in a three game suspension from play.

Three violations may result in dismissal from the team.

  • Each team member will wear the required practice apparel. Not wearing the required practice attire will result in extra conditioning and/or reduced playing time. No jewelry is allowed during practices or games. If coaches have to continually remind a player of this, consequences will follow.
  • Tardiness and/or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in the classroom.
  • If you need academic assistance from someone at the school take care of it before school or during A.L.C. If it is not possible and you need to stay after school, you must notify your coach ahead of time and bring a pass from the instructor you are staying for. Your coaches need to know where you are.
  • All members of the team are expected to be present for both Varsity and Junior Varsity competitions, with the exception of Varsity Saturday tournaments.
  • All members of the team are required to wear matching uniforms for competitions. This includes sliding guards, visors, helmets, batting gloves, etc… The accepted color for these is red or black. There will be no team apparel or garments other than Aurora Husky Softball allowed during the fall season.
  • All team members are expected to stay in the dugout during competition. Running around, getting food and talking to people during the game shows a lack of focus, lack of respect, and lack of intensity. We can afford neither of these and they will not be tolerated.
  • Any athlete who participates on a softball team other than the school’s team from the first day of practice until the day following the state tournament becomes ineligible for the school’s team. This includes practices, games, and tryouts.
  • Players will be required to ride to all away games with the team. A parent/guardian must sign a release if the player is going to ride home without the team.

Game Day Expectations

  • Each athlete will dress in the game day attire that is decided by the senior class. We are a team and we will all dress alike on game days.
  • Players need to be home and asleep the night before in order to receive adequate sleep.
  • Players are responsible to bring all their needed equipment. It is not the responsibility of another player to “give up” their equipment due to lack of planning of a teammate.
  • Varsity players will watch and support the J.V team. The J.V team will stay and support the varsity team during the varsity game.
  • No parents, friends, or siblings are allowed around the dugout during games. The dugout belongs to players preparing for the game.
  • No horseplay during game time. If you do not have something good or constructive to

say to a teammate about the game, then keep your mouth shut and go do a pitching or

running workout.

  • Stay alert and involved in the game. Keep your focus on the field and the game that

we are playing. As a coaching staff, it causes us distress to see players not supporting

their peers on the field. Players will be given chart duties and game responsibility if

needed.

  • Players should not eat hotdogs, hamburgers, nachos, etc...in between games. Nor should they drink pop. Light snacks, water and Gatorade are acceptable.

Travel Expectations

  • Be on time. Be on the bus and ready to leave at the required departure time. We will leave promptly and if you are not on the bus at the required time you will be left and will not be with the team during that activity.
  • Double check that you have everything you need. It is your responsibility.
  • The 20 minutes before we reach our destination will be used for team focus. These 20 minutes will be silent.
  • Once we arrive to the field, all players will enter the field as a team. All players will need to be dressed when they get off the bus.
  • All cell phones will be put in the designated container on the way to the game. If a player is seen with a cell phone there will be consequences at the next practice, if it becomes a problem suspension may occur. Cell phones may be used on the way home.
  • Each player is expected to travel with the team. Players will not be allowed to leave with anyone other than their parents or guardians.

Possible Reasons for Suspension or Expulsion from the Team

  • Failure to comply with AHS Handbook guidelines.
  • Walking out on practices, meetings, or games.
  • Exhibiting disrespect or negative behavior towards teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, or spectators. Aurora has spent years earning a very highly regarded reputation of a community with great class and sportsmanship. We will do nothing to jeopardize that reputation that has built by those before us.
  • Use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco.
  • Athletes that are on the ineligible list of the school’s downs list.
  • Failure to comply with team expectations and rules.

Requirements for Lettering

  1. All requirements for lettering must be met while being eligible for a minimum of one-half of the varsity competitions.
  2. Must play in 50% of all varsity games.
  3. A player must follow all team guidelines that are stated in the team handbook.
  4. If the team wins conference or district tournament.
  5. If requirements are not achieved, the head coach has the right to award a varsity letter to an athlete based upon that athlete’s contributions to the team.
  6. Receiving a varsity letter is a privilege; therefore the head coach may deny a letter to an athlete if the athlete commits an act that is detrimental to the team.
  7. Player must finish the season in good standing.

Parent Expectations

The best way to assure a successful season is to have great parents. Parents are the ones

who can build a harmonious team atmosphere in which the players feel accepted, learn

mutual respect for others, and develop a spirit of teamwork. Or they can tear it down.

Words parents’ use when speaking to or about players, coaches, opponents, umpires will

heavily influence our team’s attitude toward their participation. To achieve this necessary

team unity, each parent should be willing to follow some essential guidelines.

Usually problems occur due to a breakdown of communication. I will attempt to do my best job of communicating with you and your daughter. However, there will be times that miscommunication occurs. Many times this is due to misinterpretation of what has been said. If there are questions that arise I encourage players/parents to speak with me directly. However, there needs to be a certain process when that time arises.

Please communicate by using the following process:

  1. Player-Coach (face to face-NO TEXT MESSAGES OR EMAILS)
  2. Parent/Player-Coach (face to face)
  3. Parent/Player-Coach-Athletic Administrator

Our children need to learn to advocate for themselves. I will discuss anything concerning your daughter except for playing time, team strategy, play calling, or other players. If those issues are brought up, our conversation will be over.