"Every strike brings me closer to the next home run." Babe Ruth
Answers to all of the questions that players and parents may need... (I hope!:) Please let me know of any questions that you still may have, and I will answer them to the best of my ability. The button below is the official player parent handbook.
Hazing / Initiations and Bullying:
Hazing, initiations, or bullying of students / participants by other team members is not acceptable, and any practice of this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Actions of this type may be illegal, and those involved may be subject to police action as well as dismissal and / or suspension from participation in any activity program. Hazing is defined as committing an act against a student or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization or for any other school-related purpose. Acts of these kinds will result in disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code.
There are NO Circumstances when is Hazing appropriate, funny, or allowed... we are a team, a family, a unit. My job as your coach, is to protect you like I would my own child. I will never condone or allow any type of hazing or initiation on my team. Just as we welcome new members into our family, we also welcome new members into our team.
Answers to all of the questions that players and parents may need... (I hope!:) Please let me know of any questions that you still may have, and I will answer them to the best of my ability. The button below is the official player parent handbook.
Hazing / Initiations and Bullying:
Hazing, initiations, or bullying of students / participants by other team members is not acceptable, and any practice of this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Actions of this type may be illegal, and those involved may be subject to police action as well as dismissal and / or suspension from participation in any activity program. Hazing is defined as committing an act against a student or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization or for any other school-related purpose. Acts of these kinds will result in disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code.
There are NO Circumstances when is Hazing appropriate, funny, or allowed... we are a team, a family, a unit. My job as your coach, is to protect you like I would my own child. I will never condone or allow any type of hazing or initiation on my team. Just as we welcome new members into our family, we also welcome new members into our team.
MSHSL YELLOW FORMS / SPORTS FEE: There will no longer be any forms available in the office, the forms and fees will only be available online. Fee Pay and Forms are now 100% online. Junior High Sports = $25.00; while Senior High Sports = $40.00. You can access Fee Pay on the PCPS Activity Page or by clicking the link HERE. If you are unable to come up with the funds to play Softball, please talk to Coach Dennis, or anyone on the coaching staff, and we have fee waivers for students that are eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch. Please do not let the Athletics Fee prevent you from playing sports. PCHS is willing to work with you and your family to find a way to play.
SPORTS PHYSICALS: Required every THREE years (this is a new change from every two to every three years). The school board has recently changed from requiring a sports physical every two years to now in line with the MSHSL recommendations of once every three years. Sports physicals need to be on file with the nurse and athletic department before an athlete can compete or practice in any sport.
Fairview is offering FREE Sports Physicals in July and August click on the link to a document with all of Fairview's information. CLICK HERE
Bus Parent Release Form: The form can be found with the coach in charge of the event. (Junior High coach, C-squad coach, or Varsity coach only). Parents or legal guardians (not grandparent/not older brother) must sign their own student out in person to take her with them at the end of the game. This does not mean: "See my Dad over there in the crowd, I'm going with him" in addition to this parents or guardians may only sign out their own athletes.
Alternative Transportation Form: Found by clicking HERE. This is the form for anything other than traveling on the school provided transportation or the parent signing her out at the end of the game. For example: Cindy's parent wants Suzy's parent to bring her home after the game - Cindy then must get this form to me two days prior to the game so the Principal and the Athletic Director can check into this to make sure this is a known plan to the parents. The coach in charge of the trip will notify the athlete if this gets approved, and will also have a copy of the approved form for the trip.
Weather Information: On the field each coach has access to a SMART phone with the local radar, if Lightning is spotted, a 30 minute delay is mandatory during practice or games. Safety is our #1 concern so as a staff we are going to error on the side of caution. For Varsity or JV teams, we may practice later in the afternoon depending on Track, Baseball, Tennis, and Golf; so please be flexible with the weather. If school gets dismissed early - ALL activities are cancelled. No optional practices, no nothing. If the weather is bad enough out there that the administration is sending the kids home - we are not going to keep the athletes here to practice. If school is canceled for the day - if by the afternoon things improve and the roads are clear -Varsity Only can have an optional practice. But please specify in your text/email that it is optional when you tell them the time. Make sure to state - if it in not safe driving conditions from where they live, don't chance it.
Missed Practices: School Policy regarding Attendance - It is a requirement that the student be in class the entire school day to eligible for ANY after school activities (Practice or Competition) If the student is not in class the whole day, the coach will be notified by the AD only if he/she should be held out because the reason was not acceptable (approved). Acceptable reason to miss being in class : Doctor and Dentist appointments, Drivers test, College Visits, etc. Not acceptable reasons to miss being in class : Oversleeping, staying home in the morning to get over an illness, going home during the school day to get over an illness, getting removed from class to the BLC or office. Your coach must be contacted BEFORE practice starts that day if you are not going to be there. This can be done in person, email, text, etc. Having a friend tell the coach at practice doesn't count. If the coach is not contacted, then that is an unexcused practice. Unexcused missed time will involve consequences. For the first offense, the player then misses a minimum of 1 inning of play, a minimum of 2 innings for the second offense, and will be put on a coaches contract for 3rd offense. Exceptions are always made in emergency situations, it is important that you are honest and have open communication with the coaching staff so that decisions are not made based on partial information.
Parent Roles / Expectations: Primary role is to support the players throughout the Dragon Softball Program. Remember to praise good work and effort, and most of all listen to the athletes.
SPORTS PHYSICALS: Required every THREE years (this is a new change from every two to every three years). The school board has recently changed from requiring a sports physical every two years to now in line with the MSHSL recommendations of once every three years. Sports physicals need to be on file with the nurse and athletic department before an athlete can compete or practice in any sport.
Fairview is offering FREE Sports Physicals in July and August click on the link to a document with all of Fairview's information. CLICK HERE
Bus Parent Release Form: The form can be found with the coach in charge of the event. (Junior High coach, C-squad coach, or Varsity coach only). Parents or legal guardians (not grandparent/not older brother) must sign their own student out in person to take her with them at the end of the game. This does not mean: "See my Dad over there in the crowd, I'm going with him" in addition to this parents or guardians may only sign out their own athletes.
Alternative Transportation Form: Found by clicking HERE. This is the form for anything other than traveling on the school provided transportation or the parent signing her out at the end of the game. For example: Cindy's parent wants Suzy's parent to bring her home after the game - Cindy then must get this form to me two days prior to the game so the Principal and the Athletic Director can check into this to make sure this is a known plan to the parents. The coach in charge of the trip will notify the athlete if this gets approved, and will also have a copy of the approved form for the trip.
Weather Information: On the field each coach has access to a SMART phone with the local radar, if Lightning is spotted, a 30 minute delay is mandatory during practice or games. Safety is our #1 concern so as a staff we are going to error on the side of caution. For Varsity or JV teams, we may practice later in the afternoon depending on Track, Baseball, Tennis, and Golf; so please be flexible with the weather. If school gets dismissed early - ALL activities are cancelled. No optional practices, no nothing. If the weather is bad enough out there that the administration is sending the kids home - we are not going to keep the athletes here to practice. If school is canceled for the day - if by the afternoon things improve and the roads are clear -Varsity Only can have an optional practice. But please specify in your text/email that it is optional when you tell them the time. Make sure to state - if it in not safe driving conditions from where they live, don't chance it.
Missed Practices: School Policy regarding Attendance - It is a requirement that the student be in class the entire school day to eligible for ANY after school activities (Practice or Competition) If the student is not in class the whole day, the coach will be notified by the AD only if he/she should be held out because the reason was not acceptable (approved). Acceptable reason to miss being in class : Doctor and Dentist appointments, Drivers test, College Visits, etc. Not acceptable reasons to miss being in class : Oversleeping, staying home in the morning to get over an illness, going home during the school day to get over an illness, getting removed from class to the BLC or office. Your coach must be contacted BEFORE practice starts that day if you are not going to be there. This can be done in person, email, text, etc. Having a friend tell the coach at practice doesn't count. If the coach is not contacted, then that is an unexcused practice. Unexcused missed time will involve consequences. For the first offense, the player then misses a minimum of 1 inning of play, a minimum of 2 innings for the second offense, and will be put on a coaches contract for 3rd offense. Exceptions are always made in emergency situations, it is important that you are honest and have open communication with the coaching staff so that decisions are not made based on partial information.
Parent Roles / Expectations: Primary role is to support the players throughout the Dragon Softball Program. Remember to praise good work and effort, and most of all listen to the athletes.
- Parents will be expected to work the concession stand for 1 home game, and for a one hour during tournament days.
- Refrain from coaching from the other side of the fence, instead praise and cheering is more helpful for the entire team.
- During games (including pre-game warmups) family members should refrain from having direct contact with the athletes in order to allow them to focus on the task at hand. Communication should be directed through team managers.
- Remember to use appropriate and positive language in all aspects: Email, Texts, Social Media, or in person. Dragon athletes are excited to represent their school and their sport in a positive and uplifting way. Anything that you can do to promote positive feelings is greatly appreciated.
- Please do not "quit" for your athlete. It is an important life lesson that if you are choosing to stop playing softball you have to tell the person in charge. I will not allow parents to "quit" for their athlete. This must be done in person, and a 24 hour cooling off period must happen before I will accept your daughter's resignation. The resignation must be by the athlete, not the parent.
- Please follow the CHAIN OF COMMAND for any issues that come up in or out of season.
- Player communicates with Coaching Staff
- Guardians and Player meets with Coaching Staff
- Guardians and Player meets with Coaching Staff and Athletic Director
- If something needs to go any further, a decision will be made and agreed upon by all parties.
- I am a very competitive person, and emotional person so I ask that you please allow a 12 - 24 hour cooling off period before contacting me about an issue that has arisen. I will do my best to find a solution as quick as possible, but in order to view the issue impartially and remove any emotions that could cause a rash decision, I ask for this cooling off period to better serve my athletes.
- Please keep all conversations about your specific athletes and how we can work together to make them reach their full potential. It is a breech in confidentiality for me to discuss any other students or athletes that I work with to other parents or guardians.
- Parent's Sportsmanship Code of Ethics
• Understand that a ticket or entry to a sporting event is a privilege and not a license to verbally or physically attack others (including players on either team, coaches, officials, etc.).
• Respect the game and know the rules (ask a player or coach when appropriate after the game is over, never ask the umpire).
• Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach, do not second-guess.
• Treat all players, coaches, officials and opposing fans as you would want to be treated.
• Applaud good plays by the opposing team as well as your own.
• Keep things in perspective, our players are not professionals (yet).
• Show respect for an injured athlete, regardless of which team she plays for.
• Avoid profanity and obnoxious behavior.
• Censor fellow spectators who display negative behaviors. I (the coach) am not in the stands and have become very good at pouring my entire focus on the game for for my players. While you may think it is quite obvious for me to hear, my focus is narrow on the girls and the game.
• Understand that you (a player, parent, bus driver, coach, etc). are an ambassador of our program and school.
Player Conduct / Contract
"Some people are like wheelbarrows; they stand until they are pushed." Lou Holtz
Article on the dynamic 12 things you can do to be a better athlete: CLICK HERE
Varsity
Placement : Anyone who the coaching staff believes has the necessary skills, physical and emotional maturity to handle the demands of participating at this level in your activity. If they are currently in grades 7, 8, or 9 then you must fill out a "Move-Up" form which can be found on the coaches page on our activities website prior to these moves happening.
Skills Needed on Varsity Level: Defensively: Bunt Defense for your position, 1st and 3rd Defensive strategies for your position, Back-up Responsibilities, Rundowns, Pop-up Communication, Cut-Offs, Tag Plays, Defensive Positioning Outfield: Willingness to dive, One hop to throw, hitting the cut off at the Glove shoulder, Drop Step to get to the ball (always coming forward to catch every ball), Do or Die and Routine Grounders Offensively: Base running from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the differences with: lead offs, pop up to infield, pop up to outfield, base hit, slap, hit and run, bunt, ground ball, run downs; Bunting: Sac, Drag, Push, Fake Bunt Hit, Fake Bunt Fake Hit Bunt; Step Step Hit; Signs from coach; Stealing; Sliding; Front runner or back runner positioning;
Playing time: There is no discussion on playing time. It is Coach Dennis' job to produce the most competitive team possible. This being said - if two participants are very close to being equal then the older player should get the nod as their grade may eliminate them from participation at the lower levels which still would be available to a younger player. Ex. Starting the Senior over the nearly equal Freshman is highly suggested because the Senior is not eligible for JV time, but the Freshman could get some opportunities at the JV level as well as being available as needed on the Varsity.
In addition to this, as taking college classes becomes a popular option for High School students, missing practice or games for college courses is not considered to be "excused." Playing sports and being an athlete is a choice and a commitment that you make to your teammates and yourself. In saying this however I would like you to take the opportunities that are best for your future, take a night class and miss practice and start college early and not start the games following missed practices; or commit to softball and your teammates and be there for both practices and games. While I value clearly value education, that is why I became a teacher (I enjoy coaching for the love of the game) it is important to make these decisions with the guidance of family. This is not to be considered a punishment, you will not be kicked off of the team, however someone else is at practice working hard everyday to become better, and they need to be rewarded for their efforts. Missing a practice day each week which will have a detrimental effect on her skill progression which then will most likely cause a decrease in playing time. Its not the missing of practice for educational reasons, but the falling behind the abilities of the other team members who are receiving the benefit of your practices is what will cause less time on the field. Each choice has both positive and negative consequences, these are the types of adult choices that each athlete is going to be making more often as they enter their adult life.
Playing Time is determined at the Varsity Level with a Game Winning attitude, Coaches and Players are at practice day in and day out and see improvements that happen in increments, the coaching staff will be putting the best 9-10 players on the field and in the line up to help us win the game. As a support for your daughter, please follow the chain of command in that 1. Athlete and Coaching staff meeting 2. Athlete and Coaching staff, with Parents and AD.
Practice is mandatory. Missing practice for another sport (i.e. Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball) out of season practices are unacceptable. I NEVER ask you to play softball during these other sports practice times, and as coaches we try to work together to improve you as athletes as you progress through PCHS. Sometimes we miscommunicate, however as a unified VARSITY coaches for girls sports, anyone IN SEASON should never miss a practice for an OUT OF SEASON SPORT.
Junior Varsity
Placement : Anyone in the Junior class or lower who, the coaching staff believes has the necessary skills, physical and emotional maturity to handle the demands of participating at this level in your activity. The exception to this would be a Senior Foreign exchange student. If you are currently in grades 7, 8, or 9 then you must fill out a "Move-Up" form which can be found on the coaches page on our activities website. Practices are mandatory.
Skills Needed on Junior Varsity Level: Defensively: Introducing Bunt Defense for position, basic 1st and 3rd Defensive strategies, Back-up Responsibilities, Rundowns, Pop-up Communication, Cut-Offs; Outfield: Crow hop and throw, hitting the cutoff / communication with each other or cut off; Fly Balls and Ground Balls. Offensively: Base running from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the differences with: lead offs, pop up to infield, pop up to outfield or infield, steal, basic run downs; Sacrifice Bunt, Fake Bunt Hit, Signs from coach.
Playing time : This should be thought of as a developmental activity with the understanding that these participants are next in line for the Varsity. You must utilize these opportunities to be ready for when the call comes to make the move to the big leagues. There is be no guarantee, but every effort is made to get people into the game, while still aiming to win the ball game. Playing Time is determined at the Junior Varsity Level with a Game Winning attitude to prepare the athletes closest to the Varsity level as first priority, then as a fundamental improvement for the remaining players. Coaches and Players are at practice day in and day out and see improvements that happen in increments, the coaching staff will be putting the best 9-10 players on the field and in the line up to help us prepare at the Varsity Level. As a support for your daughter, please follow the chain of command in that 1. Athlete and Coaching staff meeting 2. Athlete and Coaching staff, with Parents and AD.
C-Squad
Placement : Anyone in the Sophomore class or lower who, as head coach, you believe has the necessary skills, physical and emotional maturity to handle the demands of participating at this level in your activity. Again, the exception would be a Junior or Senior who is a foreign exchange student. If they are currently in 7th or 8th grade then you must fill out a "Move-Up" form which can be found on the coaches page on our activities website. Practices are mandatory.
Skills Needed on C-Squad Level: Defensively: Back-up Responsibilities, Rundowns, Pop-up Communication, Cut-Offs; Outfield: Crow hop and throw, hitting the cutoff / communication with each other or cut off; Fly Balls and Ground Balls. Offensively: Base running from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the differences with: lead offs, pop up to infield, pop up to outfield or infield, steal, basic run downs; Sacrifice Bunt, Signs from coach.
Playing time : Being that this level is two steps away from Varsity it should be geared toward generating fundamentally sound players for the future. Emphasis should be on the development of the skills that will be necessary for them to succeed at the Varsity level in two years. Game play opportunities should be emphasized so development in this area can be accomplished.
Playing Time is determined at the C-Squad Level with an attitude to prepare the athletes for the game as a fundamental improvement for the entire game including stealing, bunting, and defensive problem solving. Coaches and Players are at practice day in and day out and see improvements that happen in increments, the coaching staff will be putting the best 9-10 players on the field with great attitudes, work ethic, and willingness to try new things, even if they make a mistake. As a support for your daughter, please follow the chain of command in that 1. Athlete and Coaching staff meeting 2. Athlete and Coaching staff, with Parents and AD.
Junior High - Seventh or Eighth Grade
Placement : If your activity splits the grade levels, priority should be to keep classmates together to foster a team bonding which will hopefully increase continued participation moving forward. Moving a 7th grade participant up to participate on the 8th grade team should only be done out of need due to low numbers at the 8th grade level. This would require you filling out a "Move-Up" form which can be found on the coaches page on our activities website. Practices are mandatory.
Skills Needed on Junior High Level: Defensively: Back-up Responsibilities, Pop-up Communication, Cut-Offs; Outfield: Crow hop and throw, hitting the cutoff / communication with each other or cut off; Fly Balls and Ground Balls. Offensively: Base running from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the differences with: lead offs, pop up to infield, pop up to outfield or infield, steal; Signs from coach.
Playing time: Every participant needs to play in every event. No record keeping needs to be done, but the coach should have a plan in place prior to the event of how the rotation is going to occur. Reduction in playing time for disciplinary measures will be supported, but these need to be made known to the participant and their parents ahead of time.
Playing Time is determined at the Junior High Level with an attitude to prepare the athletes for the game with a fundamental improvement which includes stealing, hitting, throwing, and basic defensive. Coaches and Players are at practice day in and day out and see improvements that happen in increments, the coaching staff will be putting the best 9-10 players on the field with great attitudes, work ethic, and willingness to try new things, even if they make a mistake. As a support for your daughter, please follow the chain of command in that 1. Athlete and Coaching staff meeting 2. Athlete and Coaching staff, with Parents and AD.
Placement : Anyone who the coaching staff believes has the necessary skills, physical and emotional maturity to handle the demands of participating at this level in your activity. If they are currently in grades 7, 8, or 9 then you must fill out a "Move-Up" form which can be found on the coaches page on our activities website prior to these moves happening.
Skills Needed on Varsity Level: Defensively: Bunt Defense for your position, 1st and 3rd Defensive strategies for your position, Back-up Responsibilities, Rundowns, Pop-up Communication, Cut-Offs, Tag Plays, Defensive Positioning Outfield: Willingness to dive, One hop to throw, hitting the cut off at the Glove shoulder, Drop Step to get to the ball (always coming forward to catch every ball), Do or Die and Routine Grounders Offensively: Base running from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the differences with: lead offs, pop up to infield, pop up to outfield, base hit, slap, hit and run, bunt, ground ball, run downs; Bunting: Sac, Drag, Push, Fake Bunt Hit, Fake Bunt Fake Hit Bunt; Step Step Hit; Signs from coach; Stealing; Sliding; Front runner or back runner positioning;
Playing time: There is no discussion on playing time. It is Coach Dennis' job to produce the most competitive team possible. This being said - if two participants are very close to being equal then the older player should get the nod as their grade may eliminate them from participation at the lower levels which still would be available to a younger player. Ex. Starting the Senior over the nearly equal Freshman is highly suggested because the Senior is not eligible for JV time, but the Freshman could get some opportunities at the JV level as well as being available as needed on the Varsity.
In addition to this, as taking college classes becomes a popular option for High School students, missing practice or games for college courses is not considered to be "excused." Playing sports and being an athlete is a choice and a commitment that you make to your teammates and yourself. In saying this however I would like you to take the opportunities that are best for your future, take a night class and miss practice and start college early and not start the games following missed practices; or commit to softball and your teammates and be there for both practices and games. While I value clearly value education, that is why I became a teacher (I enjoy coaching for the love of the game) it is important to make these decisions with the guidance of family. This is not to be considered a punishment, you will not be kicked off of the team, however someone else is at practice working hard everyday to become better, and they need to be rewarded for their efforts. Missing a practice day each week which will have a detrimental effect on her skill progression which then will most likely cause a decrease in playing time. Its not the missing of practice for educational reasons, but the falling behind the abilities of the other team members who are receiving the benefit of your practices is what will cause less time on the field. Each choice has both positive and negative consequences, these are the types of adult choices that each athlete is going to be making more often as they enter their adult life.
Playing Time is determined at the Varsity Level with a Game Winning attitude, Coaches and Players are at practice day in and day out and see improvements that happen in increments, the coaching staff will be putting the best 9-10 players on the field and in the line up to help us win the game. As a support for your daughter, please follow the chain of command in that 1. Athlete and Coaching staff meeting 2. Athlete and Coaching staff, with Parents and AD.
Practice is mandatory. Missing practice for another sport (i.e. Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball) out of season practices are unacceptable. I NEVER ask you to play softball during these other sports practice times, and as coaches we try to work together to improve you as athletes as you progress through PCHS. Sometimes we miscommunicate, however as a unified VARSITY coaches for girls sports, anyone IN SEASON should never miss a practice for an OUT OF SEASON SPORT.
Junior Varsity
Placement : Anyone in the Junior class or lower who, the coaching staff believes has the necessary skills, physical and emotional maturity to handle the demands of participating at this level in your activity. The exception to this would be a Senior Foreign exchange student. If you are currently in grades 7, 8, or 9 then you must fill out a "Move-Up" form which can be found on the coaches page on our activities website. Practices are mandatory.
Skills Needed on Junior Varsity Level: Defensively: Introducing Bunt Defense for position, basic 1st and 3rd Defensive strategies, Back-up Responsibilities, Rundowns, Pop-up Communication, Cut-Offs; Outfield: Crow hop and throw, hitting the cutoff / communication with each other or cut off; Fly Balls and Ground Balls. Offensively: Base running from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the differences with: lead offs, pop up to infield, pop up to outfield or infield, steal, basic run downs; Sacrifice Bunt, Fake Bunt Hit, Signs from coach.
Playing time : This should be thought of as a developmental activity with the understanding that these participants are next in line for the Varsity. You must utilize these opportunities to be ready for when the call comes to make the move to the big leagues. There is be no guarantee, but every effort is made to get people into the game, while still aiming to win the ball game. Playing Time is determined at the Junior Varsity Level with a Game Winning attitude to prepare the athletes closest to the Varsity level as first priority, then as a fundamental improvement for the remaining players. Coaches and Players are at practice day in and day out and see improvements that happen in increments, the coaching staff will be putting the best 9-10 players on the field and in the line up to help us prepare at the Varsity Level. As a support for your daughter, please follow the chain of command in that 1. Athlete and Coaching staff meeting 2. Athlete and Coaching staff, with Parents and AD.
C-Squad
Placement : Anyone in the Sophomore class or lower who, as head coach, you believe has the necessary skills, physical and emotional maturity to handle the demands of participating at this level in your activity. Again, the exception would be a Junior or Senior who is a foreign exchange student. If they are currently in 7th or 8th grade then you must fill out a "Move-Up" form which can be found on the coaches page on our activities website. Practices are mandatory.
Skills Needed on C-Squad Level: Defensively: Back-up Responsibilities, Rundowns, Pop-up Communication, Cut-Offs; Outfield: Crow hop and throw, hitting the cutoff / communication with each other or cut off; Fly Balls and Ground Balls. Offensively: Base running from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the differences with: lead offs, pop up to infield, pop up to outfield or infield, steal, basic run downs; Sacrifice Bunt, Signs from coach.
Playing time : Being that this level is two steps away from Varsity it should be geared toward generating fundamentally sound players for the future. Emphasis should be on the development of the skills that will be necessary for them to succeed at the Varsity level in two years. Game play opportunities should be emphasized so development in this area can be accomplished.
Playing Time is determined at the C-Squad Level with an attitude to prepare the athletes for the game as a fundamental improvement for the entire game including stealing, bunting, and defensive problem solving. Coaches and Players are at practice day in and day out and see improvements that happen in increments, the coaching staff will be putting the best 9-10 players on the field with great attitudes, work ethic, and willingness to try new things, even if they make a mistake. As a support for your daughter, please follow the chain of command in that 1. Athlete and Coaching staff meeting 2. Athlete and Coaching staff, with Parents and AD.
Junior High - Seventh or Eighth Grade
Placement : If your activity splits the grade levels, priority should be to keep classmates together to foster a team bonding which will hopefully increase continued participation moving forward. Moving a 7th grade participant up to participate on the 8th grade team should only be done out of need due to low numbers at the 8th grade level. This would require you filling out a "Move-Up" form which can be found on the coaches page on our activities website. Practices are mandatory.
Skills Needed on Junior High Level: Defensively: Back-up Responsibilities, Pop-up Communication, Cut-Offs; Outfield: Crow hop and throw, hitting the cutoff / communication with each other or cut off; Fly Balls and Ground Balls. Offensively: Base running from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the differences with: lead offs, pop up to infield, pop up to outfield or infield, steal; Signs from coach.
Playing time: Every participant needs to play in every event. No record keeping needs to be done, but the coach should have a plan in place prior to the event of how the rotation is going to occur. Reduction in playing time for disciplinary measures will be supported, but these need to be made known to the participant and their parents ahead of time.
Playing Time is determined at the Junior High Level with an attitude to prepare the athletes for the game with a fundamental improvement which includes stealing, hitting, throwing, and basic defensive. Coaches and Players are at practice day in and day out and see improvements that happen in increments, the coaching staff will be putting the best 9-10 players on the field with great attitudes, work ethic, and willingness to try new things, even if they make a mistake. As a support for your daughter, please follow the chain of command in that 1. Athlete and Coaching staff meeting 2. Athlete and Coaching staff, with Parents and AD.