Alliance Spartans' 2011 Player/Parent Handbook by Thomas Swanson

2011 Alliance

SPARTANS Player/Parent Handbook

www.AllianceSpartans.com

Excellence is achieved by the

RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF PERFECTION. - Vince Lombardi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 8 PAGE 9 PAGE 10 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 PAGE 13-14 PAGE 15-16 PAGE 17-18 PAGE 19 PAGE 20 PAGE 21

WELCOME MISSION STATEMENT HANDBOOK PURPOSE COACHING PHILOSOPHY ROLE OF THE PARENT/GUARDIAN PARENT PARTICIPATION EQUIPMENT TEAM OVERVIEW TEAM LOYALTY AND COMMITMENT TEAM CONCEPT PANHANDLE BASEBALL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE PITCHERS OFFSEASON WORKOUTS TRAVEL PRACTICES JOHN WOODEN’S PYRAMID OF SUCCESS 2011 LINEUP PLAYING TIME PLAYER EVALUATIONS PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT (PLAYER’S COPY) * PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT (COACH’S COPY) * AMERICAN LEGION FORM #2 * 2011 PLAYER CONTRACT * PARENT INFORMATION FORM ** ENCHILADA SALES FORM

* Submit completed form immediately ** Submit by Tuesday, March 1, 2011

WELCOME

ALLIANCE SPARTAN LEGION BASEBALL We the members of the Alliance Spartan Legion Baseball Program are glad to welcome you and your player to the organization. As an organization, our goals are the development of team discipline, good sportsmanship, and individual character and leadership qualities in young people. We hope to provide a fun and enjoyable time for each individual that wants to play ball. That is what we, as an organization, are all about, letting the players do what they want to do --- PLAY BALL!! Each player that wishes to participate in the Alliance Spartan Legion Baseball Program will pay a players’ fee of $250.00. Onehalf of the players’ fees will be required by the first game. The remainder of the players’ fee must be paid in full by Districts. You can also make arrangements with Sandy Dietrich or Robert Shimp to make payments throughout the baseball year. Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Alliance High School, in room 211. We encourage everyone to attend. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE ALLIANCE SPARTAN LEGION BASEBALL PROGRAM

MISSION

HANDBOOK The primary purpose of this handbook is to advise players and parents of the rules, policies, procedures, and expectations of the Alliance Spartan Baseball Program. It is an important part of a successful baseball program to have these items outline and understood by all members. This manual is designed with that in mind. It is your responsibility to read, know, and understand the contents of this manual. If there is any area of concern or confusion, please bring it to the attention of the coaches or board as soon as possible. The following pages describe the conduct we expect of all members of this program.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY Our basic philosophy is to develop good baseball players who play smart, strategic, fundamental baseball as a team. We work to help our players develop strong character and work ethics, and respect for each other, their coaches, themselves, and the game of baseball. We strive develop a fundamentally sound team that plays aggressive, alert, and intelligent baseball. This is accomplished by focusing on the athletic needs of individual players and the team as a whole. With every win or loss, we look for learning opportunities: strengths to build on and weaknesses to improve. We emphasize the goals of the team above personal accolades, and aim to play our best as a team when district and state competitions arrive.

Sports do not build character, they reveal it. - John Wooden

The purpose of Alliance Spartan Baseball Association is to provide a volunteer administered, recreational program for the youth of Alliance, in order to promote the sport of baseball, to provide an enjoyable recreational learning experience for all participants, to assist youth in maximizing their potential as both players and citizens, and to instill the ideals of sportsmanship, respectfulness, teamwork, loyalty, competition, and commitment. In attempting to obtain these objectives, Alliance Spartan Baseball Association officials, managers, coaches, and parents shall, at all times, remember that all endeavors shall be pursued with the welfare of these participants foremost in mind.

One man practicing good sportsmanship is far better than 50 others preaching it. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Knute Rockne

ROLE OF THE PARENT/GUARDIAN

As a parent of a ballplayer in our baseball program, you can play an integral part in your sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletic experience. It is our feeling that the athlete, coach, and parent make up what is called the athletic triangle. All three must communicate and give a cooperative effort to make the season a rewarding and enjoyable one for all involved. Below, we have put together some suggestions regarding your responsibilities toward your son and his teammates: 1. To realize that athletics are a part of the education experience. Players learn to cope with many of the important realities of life: cooperation/teamwork, success/failure, preparation/persistence. 2. To exhibit sportsmanship and self-control. 3. To demonstrate dignity and respect in all instances. 4. To praise hustle and positive attitude. 5. To encourage your son to try his best. Emphasize and recognize effort. 6. To learn and understand the basic rules of the game and display respect towards the umpires and opponents fans. 7. To respect the authority and efforts of the coaching staff. 8. To respect the opponent and appreciate their efforts. 9. To cheer for and support your son and his teammates. 10. To always be positive. We want players who are coachable, and parents who allow us to coach!

PARENT PARTICIPATION We both encourage and are in need of parent participation in a number of areas. Running the Alliance Spartan Baseball Program takes a great deal of time, energy, and money. To meet these needs, there are numerous positions, opportunities, and fundraisers for parents to be involved in. Committee Positions:

EQUIPMENT All players are expected to be ready to start practice at the designated starting time. Players should be fully dressed for the starting time: • Baseball pants or sweats • T-shirt, ¾ shirt, or sweatshirt • Baseball hat (worn correctly) • No jewelry • Sneakers indoors and cleats outside • Athletic supports and athletic cups Players will be provided with uniforms just prior to the season. Players must return pants, jerseys, and belts at the conclusion of the season. Players are financially responsible for any equipment lost or damaged

The will must be stronger than the skill. — Muhammed Ali

Field Maintenance • Assist with field clean-up days • Help coordinate field maintenance during the regular season and tournaments • Help with field improvements and upgrades Banner/Ad Sales • Sell banner advertisement space • Sell program advertisement space Concessions/Gate • Schedule workers • Stock and order items for concession stand Enchilada Sales • Our primary fundraiser • Plan and coordinate the event • Acquire supplies • Orchestrate enchilada making

TEAM OVERVIEW

The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. -Babe Ruth

The Alliance Spartan Baseball Program maintains two teams. Each team may contain up to 18 players. Cuts will only be made if the maximum number of players is exceeded. Players will be assigned to teams based on both age and the evaluation of the coaches.

Senior Legion: players born in 1992 and 1993 must play Senior Legion baseball Junior Legion: players born from 1994 to 1998 are eligible to play Junior Legion baseball •

•

The Senior Legion team focuses on the skills and teamwork needed to successfully compete in district and state tournaments. Athletes’ playing time on the Senior Legion team will be determined by practice and game performance and coaches’ evaluations of the players. The Junior Legion team focuses on the development of individuals’ skills and knowledge of the game. Playing time will be determined by practice and game performance with an emphasis on playing all athletes in as many games as possible.

TEAM LOYALTY AND COMMITMENT •

•

Athletes are expected to be supportive and helpful to all athletes and coaches at each level of the Alliance Spartan Baseball Program before, during, and after the season, both on and off the field. Athletes should always demonstrate good sportsmanship towards teammates, coaches, opponents and officials at all contests

TEAM CONCEPT Players will be part of the Alliance Spartan baseball family throughout the next several months. Your actions as members of this family should reflect positively on the program. Please demonstrate respect and support of your teammates at all times. The quickest way to begin working towards success on the field, is to develop positive relationships with your teammates off the field.

PANHANDLE CONFERENCE

Conference Teams: Alliance Chadron Chappell Gering Sidney

SCHEDULE The Alliance Spartans’ schedule is in the process of being finalized, and will be made available as soon as possible. The following are other important dates to know: • Tuesday, March 1 – Enchilada forms are due • Saturday-Sunday, March 19-20 – Enchiladas made and distributed • Sunday, May 1 – Field Clean-up • Sunday, May 8 – Field Clean-up make-up day • Friday-Sunday, June 17-19 – Clair Conley Tournament in Alliance We have worked with the football and basketball coaches to avoid scheduling conflicts during our season. There will be no games schedule during the Chadron State Football Camp. The basketball team has several camp dates available. Players are asked to work around the baseball schedule when selecting a basketball camp to attend.

I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game. - Walt Whitman

The Alliance Spartans will continue to participate in the Panhandle baseball conference. This will include two conferencescheduled games against each conference team. A conference champion will be awarded at the conclusion of the regular season. Conference standing will be based on our record in each of the two mandated games against each conference opponent. We will likely play several of these teams more than the two mandated times. Individual conference awards will also be awarded at the conclusion of the season.

PITCHERS

Good pitching will beat good hitting any time. - Bob Veale

All players will try-out as pitchers. This does not guarantee that all players will pitch. It guarantees that we will be able utilize all players talents. In order to be eligible to pitch all pitchers will be required to complete a qualification process. During designated practices, players will have the opportunity to qualify as pitchers. This process is a build-up workout developed by coaches at LSU. Starting from 45 feet, pitchers will be required to throw 8 of 10 strikes. Upon doing so, distances will be increased by five feet. To be qualified to pitch, pitchers must â&#x20AC;&#x153;build-upâ&#x20AC;? to 60 feet 6 inches. This qualification process will be done weekly. Pitchers who fail to qualify will reattempt to qualify the following week. This is done to stress the importance of throwing strikes and hitting spots. Walks almost always lead to runs. A team that averages 6-7 walks per game is starting off each game in a 6-7 run hole. When you throw strikes, you give your defense an opportunity to make plays and prevent runs

OFFSEASON WORKOUTS Offseason workouts will begin on Sunday, January 23rd. We currently have the Burkholder scheduled from 4 to 6 every Sunday this winter and spring. We are actively pursuing other indoor facilities for practice space. Hitting leagues will be forming at the Scottsbluff indoor facility in March. Information will follow when it is available.

TRAVEL

Travel for away games will utilize the team van. However, the van can only hold 11 players. To meet our travel needs, we will need assistance from parents traveling to games. We would appreciate it if parents who are able to travel with the team meet with us at the Alco parking lot prior to our departure time, and help transport players.

PRACTICES

Practices are your opportunity to earn playing time. If you fail to attend an adequate amount of practices, you will forfeit your opportunity to earn playing time. Weekday practices will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Times and dates will be made available as soon as practice space is acquired. When the weather warms, we will begin practicing outdoors immediately. Sunday practices will be held in the Burkholder from 4-6pm until we are able to move outdoors. It is important that those participating in high school sports participate in the Sunday practices. Practice times indicated signify the start of practice. At this time, players not dressed and ready to begin practice will be counted as late. Dress appropriately for all practices. Hats and pants are required for all practices. Cut-offs or tank tops are not permitted. For indoor practices, wear sweatpants, windpants are not permitted. Shorts will only be allowed for designated practices. Most importantly, come prepared to work at every practice. Our goal is to get better each and every day.

Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. - Vince Lombardi

During winter and spring sports, the sport that is in-season holds priority. Weekday practices missed as a result of other sports that you participate in will be counted as excused absences, and will not be penalized. You must notify the coaches of any additional practices that you will miss, prior to the scheduled practice, in order for them to be counted as excused. Additional excused absences will be granted for emergency situations only. Schedule all appointments and other events so that they do not interfere with planned practices. Each player has two, unpenalized, unexcused absences. Any subsequent unexcused absences will result in the loss of a starting opportunity.

WOODEN’S PYRAMID OF SUCCESS

Coach John Wooden of UCLA developed the Pyramid of Success after years of coaching. It led to decades of success for his programs and many others. The pyramid shows the steps that Coach Wooden believed were necessary to achieve “Competitive Greatness,” or success, in athletics and in life. There are no shortcuts to achieve success.

Donʼt measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability. - John Wooden 10

2011 LINEUP

Starting Lineup Player

Pos.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

One of the greatest parts about each new season is that it offers new opportunities for each player. Your past performances will not guarantee you playing time, nor will they restrict your playing time. As of this point, our starting lineup is completely open. Starters for Game 1 and subsequent games will be based on evaluations done throughout practices and preparations for the season.

The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above average effort. - Colin Powell

PLAYING TIME

It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks in life and those of opportunity. - Frederick Phillips

Everyone will have an equal opportunity to earn playing time. Equal playing time is not guaranteed.

At the Senior Legion level, not everyone will receive equal playing time. As players, it is your responsibility to earn playing time through practice and commitment. As coaches, it is our responsibility to put the 9 guys on the field that have done the most to earn a starting spot, and that give us the best chance to win every game. This also means that you may be asked to play positions that you are not previously accustomed to. Embrace this opportunity to contribute to the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. At the start of the season, every player will receive 5 starts in the lineup. Following this period starters will be determined based on merit

PLAYER EVALUATIONS Players will be evaluated on a number of characteristics. All of these characteristics will be taken into consideration when creating lineups. 1. Athletic Ability: speed, range, power, arm strength, bat speed reactions, and quickness 2. Conditioning: endurance 3. Character: hustle, mental toughness, loyalty, commitment, trust, reliability, citizenship, desire, coachability, attitude 4. Skills: throwing, hitting, bunting, fielding, base running, pitching, and catching Players will meet with the coaches to discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and expectations for the player. This will be done in order to help the player to improve and become an active contributor to the team.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT American Legion Baseball is a national organization sponsored by the largest veterans’ group in the world. Members of the American Legion are veterans who have served in the military during war time, and they take great pride in their organization, their country and the ideals for which they stand. The American Legion sponsors American Legion Baseball to give players an opportunity to develop their skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities and to have fun – and also to learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, leadership and good sportsmanship. Their continuing sponsorship requires players on American Legion teams to observe a level of discipline, responsibility and sportsmanship compatible with the ideals of the American Legion. American Legion baseball players represent not only themselves, their teammates, their families and their towns while playing, but also the American Legion organization. The following rules of conduct are intended to provide clear and unambiguous guidelines regarding the expectations for behavior and responsibility while participating in Alliance American Legion Baseball. 1. Sportsmanship · All players are expected to treat teammates, coaches, umpires, opponents and spectators with respect and courtesy. · Teammates are expected to be supportive and encouraging of each other and to promote teamwork. · American Legion players are expected to carry themselves with maturity and dignity in both victory and defeat. 2. On-field Behavior · Abusive language and profanity are prohibited. · Arguing with or heckling umpires, opposing players, coaches or spectators is prohibited. · No throwing or abusing of equipment will be tolerated and no violent behavior of any kind will be permitted. 3. Personal Appearance · Players are expected to wear complete uniforms during all American Legion games and to maintain a neat and orderly appearance (including keeping shirts tucked in and hats worn properly). 4. Lawful Behavior · Criminal activity of any kind will not be tolerated. Any violation of the law or other criminal activity will result in severe consequences, including possible suspension or expulsion from the Alliance American Legion Baseball program. 5. Drug and Alcohol Use · The purchase, distribution, or use of alcohol or any illegal substance by any player is absolutely prohibited. · No player shall report to any team function or related activity (including games, practices or other team activity) if they have consumed alcohol or used any illegal substance.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT 6. Commitment to Team · Participation in Alliance American Legion Baseball requires a significant commitment. It is expected that players attend all practices and games and arrive ready to play based on the guidelines established by each team’s coaches. If a player expects to miss a practice or game, it is his responsibility to inform his team’s head coach with as much advance notification as possible. 7. Representing the Team · Players are expected to represent Alliance American Legion Baseball in an appropriate manner. This means that in all instances where players are representing the team, they are expected to adhere to the above guidelines. This includes, but is not limited too: games and practices, tournaments and team trips, whenever in uniform, or while where team apparel. Violation of any aspect of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action. Such action will be at the sole discretion of the Alliance American Legion Baseball Board of Directors and coaching staff. Any decisions or actions taken will be final and not subject to review or appeal. By signing below, the player agrees to accept and abide by the Code of Conduct and to act responsibly on and off the baseball field consistent with the principles and ideals of the American Legion and Alliance American Legion Baseball. _________________________________ Printed Name

______________ Date

_________________________________ Signature

The price of greatness is responsibility. - Winston Churchill

Player’s copy

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT 6. Commitment to Team · Participation in Alliance American Legion Baseball requires a significant commitment. It is expected that players attend all practices and games and arrive ready to play based on the guidelines established by each team’s coaches. If a player expects to miss a practice or game, it is his responsibility to inform his team’s head coach with as much advance notification as possible. 8. Representing the Team · Players are expected to represent Alliance American Legion Baseball in an appropriate manner. This means that in all instances where players are representing the team, they are expected to adhere to the above guidelines. This includes, but is not limited too: games and practices, tournaments and team trips, whenever in uniform, or while where team apparel. Violation of any aspect of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action. Such action will be at the sole discretion of the Alliance American Legion Baseball Board of Directors and coaching staff. Any decisions or actions taken will be final and not subject to review or appeal. By signing below, the player agrees to accept and abide by the Code of Conduct and to act responsibly on and off the baseball field consistent with the principles and ideals of the American Legion and Alliance American Legion Baseball. _________________________________ Printed Name

______________ Date

_________________________________ Signature

The price of greatness is responsibility. - Winston Churchill

Coach’s copy

American Legion Baseball 2011 Form #2

Player Agreement

Please PRINT or TYPE

PLAYER’S NAME First, MI, Last (as it appears on driver license or birth certificate)

I certify that the information shown above regarding me is correct. I agree to devote my entire service as an American Legion Baseball (“ALB”) player this season to ___________________________________ (Team name). I agree to abide by all the rules and regulations of the ALB. I agree to accept the sole, exclusive and final jurisdiction and authority of The American Legion National Appeals Board over any ruling(s), dispute(s), disagreement(s), or subject matter having to do with or having any impact or effect upon the ALB Program, rules, tournaments, administration, or games. Voluntarily and of my own free will, I elect to participate in the ALB program and as a member of my ALB team. I understand and acknowledge that the very nature of baseball has its hazards that can cause serious injury and/or death. I assume all risks of injury and damage incident to my participation in the ALB program. I agree in the event of illness or injury during an ALB game or practice, I hereby give consent to the performance of such diagnostic, medical, and/or surgical treatment as may be deemed medically necessary to assure my safety. I irrevocably consent to, and authorize the ALB, its licensees, agents, successors and assigns, to use my name, likeness, and voice and to reproduce, distribute, display, and to prepare derivative works of any images or recordings of me taken, or in which I may be included, in conjunction with or without my name, made through any medium, for publicity, advertising, promotional or any other lawful purpose without compensation to me. I have read ALB’s Privacy Policy, Drug and Alcohol Policy, and Fan Conduct Policy (copies of which are available at http://www.legion.org/baseball/resources) and agree to be bound to the terms of each such policy.

Player’s Signature

Last four digits of Player's SS#

Player's Printed Name

Date

I am a parent with legal custody or legal guardian of the above Player and hereby consent and agree to the foregoing terms and provisions on the above Player’s behalf.

Player’s Parent or Legal Guardian’s Signature

Parent or Legal Guardian’s Printed Name

Date

Medical Insurance & Policy Number for Player

Family Physician & Phone Number

Emergency Contact Person & Phone Number

Relationship to Player

Parent's Phone Number

It is strongly recommended that this form be notarized – most hospitals require consent form to be notarized.

Send copy to Department Baseball Chairman - Team Manager Shall Retain Original

This form is available online at www.legion.org/baseball

In consideration of the privilege to participate in the ALB program, hereby release, discharge, relinquish, agree not to take legal action against, hold harmless, and indemnify The American Legion, its officers, agents, representatives, employees and officials, ALB sponsors, supervisors, participants, players, agents, coaches, managers and persons transporting me to and from ALB activities, from any claims, demand, actions, and cause of action of any sort, arising out of my participation in the ALB program, including, but not limited to, (1) any injury or death sustained in connection with my participation in the ALB program, including but not limited to travel to and from program related activities, whether the result of negligence or for any other cause; and (2) any ruling(s), dispute(s), disagreement(s), or subject matter having to do with or having any impact or effect upon the ALB Program, rules, tournaments, administration, or games. Except as otherwise provided above, I agree that any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Indiana, notwithstanding any conflicts of law principles. Any action relating to this Agreement must be filed and maintained in a court in the state of Indiana, and users consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in such courts for such purpose.

American Legion Baseball 2011 Form #2 Continued Please PRINT or TYPE

Player Information Sheet Playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Name (First, Middle, Last)

Parents' Home Address (Street Address, City, State, ZIP Code)

Parent's Telephone

High School Attended

Year of Graduation

School Enrollment (10; 11; 12 grades)

Player's Birth Date

Primary Position

Bats

Player's Height

Player's Weight

Throws

recommended that this form be notarized â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most hospitals require consent form to be notarized. 18It is strongly Send copy to Department Baseball Chairman - Team Manager Shall Retain Original Revised 9/2011

1086115_1

This form is available online at www.legion.org/baseball

Player's Email Address

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Player: Name:

Cell Phone #:

Address:

Email address:

Parents: Name:

Address: Cell Phone #: Work Phone #:

Email address:

Address:

Name: Cell Phone #: Work Phone #: Email address:

Medical Information Doctors Name: Phone #: If your Son/Daughter has any health issues, that the coaches need to know about, please list them below.

NOTES