Player and Parent Agreement

General Information

Please read the following guidelines that the Storm Softball organization expects its players and parents to follow. In an effort to clearly define what is expected from each player and parent, the following guidelines have been developed. Storm Softball reserves the right to amend these guidelines at any time with or without prior notice to players and parents.

Outside Activities

Storm Softball supports our players’ participation in activities outside of Storm Softball events. This includes recreational (“Rec”) softball, other sports, school activities, music, etc. In order to accommodate this flexibility, coaches will ensure that we roster an adequate number of players to avoid playing short-handed. For more advanced players, we will recommend minimizing their participation in recreational softball to reduce regression. For some players, we will recommend playing recreational softball in order to maximize in-game repetitions and to build confidence.

Parent, Family, Friends, Fans Code of Conduct

This applies to all family members and friends of your player.

I understand that travel softball is a highly competitive sport and there are no guarantees as to the amount of playing time or position that my daughter will play during games. I am aware that the team has limited membership, and as such that my daughter’s participation is crucial in maintaining the high standards of play the team is working to attain. The objective of the Storm Softball organization is to provide our players with a positive atmosphere in which to engage in healthy athletic competition. Another goal of Storm Softball is to build character in our young adults. Because of the excitement and high emotion of some of our games, guidelines regarding what the organization expects from parents, their children, family, and friends appear in this agreement and code of conduct.

Please know that cheering and excitement is encouraged, but please be careful and always express this in a positive manner. Even when being vocal to help a child, you should avoid acting or saying anything that is demeaning to your child or someone else’s. By signing this agreement, you understand you are not in a vacuum when things are said and done at team events. Your daughter, the players and parents from both teams observe and hear everything that is said and done. Parent’s poor or over-the-top behavior will ruin the experience for others.

Parents are welcome to help at practice. Having more adults help run skills stations reduces player standing around time and maximizes allocated practice time.

At games, only the coaches will be allowed in the dugout and/or on the bench.

At games, parents should not sit behind the backstop, between the backstop and the dugout, behind the dugout, or between the dugout and first/third base. Sit past first/third base along the foul lines, in out of bounds territory (typically the imaginary line from dugout fence, parallel to the foul line). Indoor games are an exception where the area along the third base line between home plate and third base is used as the spectator gallery.

The organization will not tolerate any behavior that negatively impacts team culture, or otherwise hinders the spirit of sportsmanship and character building that we foster. You, your family members, and friends that behave negatively during team events may get a warning or be asked to leave the field entirely. Depending on the situation, parent and/or player suspension or termination from the team may also happen.

1. DO NOT COACH YOUR CHILD FROM THE STANDS. The coach and player on the field may have specific signs, or prearranged scenarios to ask a player to do something. Do not interfere with that Coach’s instruction.

2. Abusive and/or foul language is not permitted.

3. I will emphasize skill development with my daughter and agree to practice softball on a weekly basis.

4. Conduct of any guests of parents is the responsibility of the parent/guardian whose child will participate on the team.

5. I will do my part to have my player attend all team events at the designated show-up (different from event start) time.

6. The manager and coaches are volunteers. If I don’t have anything positive to say, I will not say it.

7. Ensure your player’s understanding of the Player’s Code of Conduct and reinforce their compliance.

8. I will make sure my daughter remains in the dugout and/or on the bench when she is not in the game, and cheers on her teammates.

9. I will inform the coaches of any ailment, injury or physical disability that may affect the safety of the child or the safety of others.

10. I will not speak negatively about other players, coaches, parents, or the team in front of my daughter, other players, or parents. Toxic behavior will result in termination from the team.

11. I will respect and be courteous to the officials, coaches, players, and parents of all teams. I will not engage in any disruptive, verbally abusive, or physically abusive behavior.

12. I will not approach, interfere, or confront the coaching staff immediately before, during or after the game. I will request time to speak with the coach outside of team practices or games.

13. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to understand the concept of what it means to be a team player.

14. I will ensure that my child treats other players, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, ability, or difference of opinion.

15. I will not engage in any political or otherwise sensitive conversations at team events.

16. I will learn the rules of softball (from the official rulebook) before I comment on any situations.

17. I will not yell at, criticize, ridicule, my child or any participant.

18. I will reinforce to my child not to ask the coaches during team events about playing time, batting order placement, starting or substitute status. Should I have any questions concerning specific playing time, positions(s), and/or concerns regarding interest in specific areas of the game, I will discuss this matter with the coaches directly at the appropriate time and place (outside of team events).

19. I will praise my child for their effort, not their performance.

20. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility, verbal abuse, or violence.

21. I will not disrespect the property and equipment used at any sports facility. This includes disposing of trash, care for dugouts, restrooms, and parking lot.

22. No alcohol or drug use is allowed at any team events.

23. I will not force my child to play on the team if she does not want to.

24. I may withdraw my player from the team at any time upon written notice to the Head Coach. No fees will be refunded. Any team equipment must be returned to the organization.

Player Code of Conduct

I understand that travel softball is a highly competitive sport and there are no guarantees as to the amount of playing time or position that I will play during games. I will agree to listen and follow the instructions of the team manager and coaching staff at ALL TIMES. I am aware that the team has limited membership, and as such that each player’s participation (including my own) is crucial in maintaining the high standards of play we are striving to attain. As such, I understand my attendance at all team events is important to the team’s success. I agree to display good sportsmanship, positive behavior, cheer on my teammates, take pride in personal & team accomplishments, and accept winning or defeat with dignity at all times.

Obey and understand the following:

1. During games: I understand that team rules require me and my teammates to remain in the dugout and/or on the bench while the game is going on (AT ALL TIMES). I am not allowed to sit with parents or with spectators. (Excused illness or injury only)

2. Take pride, care, and wear my uniform properly at all times.

3. Wear my entire uniform at games (removal of any part for any reason must be first approved by the coach)

4. During the game, I will know where my equipment is at all times.

5. While in the dugout, I will cheer on my teammates. No distracting horse-play.

6. I will pay attention to the game on the field at all times. I will watch and pay attention for base running instructions from the base coaches and not from fans watching the game, including parents.

7. NO player is to question a coach about player position, batting order assignment, or playing time during a game. There are proper times and places for this. Tournament weekend or games isn’t one.

8. I agree to NOT: use foul language, physical aggression, and uncooperative behavior/body language (including: facial expressions, back talk, body gestures that criticize my Manager or any member of the coaching staff or players).

9. I will arrive to team events at the designated show-up time (that means I am ready to walk onto the field and play the game at all times regardless of position or playing status).

10. When in the game, I will pay attention to the game and be ready to make a play to help my team at all times.

11. If I don’t have anything positive to say, I will not say it. This includes but is not limited to comments about my teammates’ performance, mistakes, umpires, coaches, or teammate family members. Teammates have to build each other up, not tear each other down.

12. I will not disrespect the property and equipment used at any sports facility. This includes disposing of trash (to include gum, wrappers, empty bottles, and sunflower seeds), care for dugouts, restrooms, and parking lot.

13. I am aware and understand that there will be the consequences for not following these rules. These may include:
a. Reduced playing time
b. Change of playing position
c. Removal from the game/ lineup
d. Suspension
e. Termination from the team

14. Should I have any questions concerning specific playing time, positions(s), and/or concerns regarding interest in specific areas of the game, I will discuss this matter with my manager or coaches directly at the appropriate time and place (outside of games, practices, the team dug out).

Dues

Players dues are due according to the payment schedule posted on the home page of the team website. There are no refunds of team dues for any reason. This includes injuries or termination from the team.

Fundraising and Volunteering

At Storm, we endeavor to keep player dues as low as possible to minimize the financial barrier for participating in travel sports. One way we do this is through fundraising. Hosting tournaments is one of our most impactful fundraising vehicles. To successfully host a tournament, parents must step up and volunteer. This includes field maintenance, concession stand management, and indoor game door charge enforcement.

Other fundraising vehicles outside of tournament and event hosting are also used. On average, each player should expect to raise at least $200 through these other fundraising vehicles throughout the year. These include 8U skills clinic participant recruiting, Winter workout drop-in player recruiting, Storm team store purchases, popcorn sales, direct donation, restaurant revenue sharing, etc.

Waiver

Parents must complete a waiver for each playing year that their daughter participates in.

Photo and Video Release

Parents must complete a Photo and Video Release for each playing year that their daughter participates in.

TeamSnap

TeamSnap is used for instant message communication, team email distribution, invoicing for team dues, roster management, and schedule management. Parents and player must RSVP for all events in the TeamSnap schedule.

GameChanger

GameChanger is used to manage game lineups, bookkeeping, live streaming, and video recording. Only family members will be approved or allowed to be “Fans” of Storm in GameChanger. Parents should NOT approve “Fan” requests from anyone that is not their family member.