BEAVER BASEBALL 2021 Table of Contents

Welcome & Overview………………………………………………………………3

Preseason Checklist/Student Athlete/Grades...…..……………………………….4

Player Expectations/Team Rules…………………………………………………..5

Lettering and Coaching Philosophies……………………………………………..6

Practice Information……………………………………………………………….7

Dress/Attire………………………………………………………………………….8

Communication and Travel Policy………………………………………………...9

Uniform Care……………………………………………………………………….10

Baseball Checklist…………………………………………………………………..11

Fundraisers…………………………………………………………………………12

Badger Conference Sportsmanship……………………………………………….14

Beaver Schedules and Bus Times………………………………………………….17

Player Costs……………..………………………………………………………….20

Player/Parent Agreement………………………………………………………….21

2 WELCOME PLAYERS and PARENTS:

Welcome to the Reedsburg Beaver Baseball program! The “2021” Beaver Baseball season is quickly approaching and your coaches are looking forward to a spring of exciting baseball. Please understand that participating in athletics at RAHS is a privilege, not a right. Thus, deciding to participate in the Beaver Baseball program comes with certain responsibilities. As a result, the material on the following pages is meant to give you an overview of expectations for our program

Parents, please read this packet and complete the consent form, which is on page 21. No uniforms will be issued until this form is returned. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Chris Hahn, Varsity Head Coach Email: [email protected] Work: (608) 768-8942 Ext. 2611 Cell: (608) 415-2778

Brandon Peyer, Varsity Assistant Email: [email protected] Cell: (608) 495-0490

Travis Van Zile, Varsity Assistant Cell: (608) 772=6509

Erik Ribbke, JV Head Coach Email: [email protected] Cell: (608) 393-3801

Ron Pagel, Head JV2 Coach Email: [email protected] Cell: (608) 495-3614

Dale Turner, Volunteer Assistant Coach

Reedsburg Baseball Website: https://sites.google.com/rsd.k12.wi.us/rahsbaseball Contains up to date schedules, parent information, etc.

Check for game day and schedule updates https://www.badgerconference.org/ Go to the right side and click on notify me to sign up for late minute cancellations and updates.

3 PRESEASON CHECKLIST ❏ Physical Form OR Alternate Year form (depending on year) turned into coach or RAHS office. ❏ Athletic Fee ($50 to RAHS main office) ❏ Online Registration Form and Athletic Code Form (http://www.rsd.k12.wi.us/schools/high/activities/athletic-registration.cfm) ❏ ImPACT Baseline Test (Good for 2 years, A.T. will update)

“STUDENT-ATHLETE” ● Athletes are required to abide by Reedsburg Area High School’s athletic code of conduct. Additionally, all of the following documents must be signed by the athlete/parent and on file with the Activity Director’s office before the athlete can practice: o Athletic Code of Conduct (submitted online now) o Code of Academics o Attendance Policy o Valid Physical/Alternate Year Card o Athletic Participation Fee (payable to RAHS, deliver to High School office) o Any and all other RAHS Activities Requirements

● The RAHS athletic code of conduct as it refers grades is as follows: o ALL student athletes should be passing ALL of their classes in order to travel with the team to contests and participate. . Grades are checked by the RAHS athletic office every Wednesday. o Student athletes with 1-F are considered on academic probation. Thus, they can practice and play for 15 days. If the student is still failing after the 15 day period, they are considered grade ineligible and cannot practice or play until all grades in all classes are at a passing level. o Student athletes with 2-F's or more are considered grade ineligible and cannot practice or play until all grades are passing.

● You are a student-athlete, and the academic expectations of a Beaver Baseball student-athlete are as follows: o Know your class syllabus. This will allow you to plan the semester accordingly and make arrangements for any missed classes with your teacher ahead of time. o In the event in which you will miss class as a result of a baseball game, teachers will be much more willing to accommodate your absence IF you do the following: ▪ Inform them in plenty of advance time that you will be missing their class on the specified date(s). ▪ Instead of asking what you will need to do to make up for the missed work, present possible solutions to your teacher. (The time and effort of determining solutions to your absence should not be their responsibility—you are the one missing their class!)

4 PLAYER EXPECTATIONS

The expectations listed below are designed to help the Beaver Baseball program achieve maximum educational benefit and success, while the student-athlete positively represents himself, RAHS, the community, his family, and his team. *Please also note that participants are additionally held to the standards of RAHS, the RAHS Athletic Department, and the WIAA*

● Athletes will exhibit sportsmanship at all times. ● Athletes will exhibit classroom behavior that is appropriate in regards to courtesy and respect to teachers, fellow students, guests, and school activities. ● Athletes will reflect a positive image upon their team, coach, school and community. ● Athletes should give their maximum effort and commitment to the team. ● Athletes are loyal, dedicated, and committed to the in-season sport. ● Athletes will fulfill their obligations to the sport in which they are involved. ● Athletes are supportive of teammates. ● Athletes are self-disciplined and are drug, alcohol, and tobacco free. ● Athletes have the pride to be honest, trustworthy, and accountable for their actions. ● Athletes will have the courage to win together and lose together.

If the athletes strive to meet these expectations, and the coaches hold the athletes accountable for meeting these expectations, both the individual athlete and the entire baseball program will benefit. We ask for parents’ assistance in helping their son(s) meet these expectations

TEAM RULES:

● Listen with your full attention when a coach is instructing. ● You must hustle. ● We will not tolerate any of the following: ○ Any throwing of equipment ○ Swearing ○ Arguing or “showing up” an umpire or coach ○ Trash talk ● No wearing of spikes in school or on the bus. ● You must attend all practices, unless excused by a coach.

VIOLATIONS of the ABOVE and you simply WILL NOT PLAY!!

5 VARSITY LETTER REQUIREMENTS ● A member of the Varsity Team (for 10 games) or who is moved up and contributes to the team, which is determined by the coaching staff. ● Participates in team fundraisers (unless excused by a coach).

COACHING PHILOSOPHY JV2 Team o All players will have an opportunity to participate in some games. While the majority of the JV2 team will be freshmen, it is possible for a sophomore with limited experience to also play on JV2. The program is geared to teach fundamentals, learn to compete, and encourage team participation.

JV Team o All players may have an opportunity to participate in some games. Sophomores primarily make up our JV Team. Some juniors may have the chance to play for the JV Team depending on the needs of the program. Some freshmen may be moved up to the JV level, depending on ability and needs. We stress fine-tuning fundamentals in a “team first” environment as we prepare players for Varsity.

Varsity Team o Varsity players will be determined based on player skill and team needs. Playing time during our games will be dictated by situations, ability, and player production. For 2021, varsity members will NOT be shuffled with the JV team. If a player is moved up or down, the move is permanent.

o Any cuts, if necessary at any level, will be made by the coaching staff based on the following: 1. Ability 2. Experience 3. Attitude 4. Eligibility Concerns 5. Safety Concerns o If cuts are necessary, final cuts will be made no later than April 23rd. .

6 PRESEASON PITCHERS/ PRACTICE April 12-16 (4:00pm-6:00) in the RAHS large and small gym. It is HIGHLY recommended and STRONGLY encouraged that pitchers and catchers of all levels attend these practices in order for their arms to be game ready in April.

WEEK 1 PRACTICE INFORMATION ● First day of practice: April 19 ● Tryouts will take place April 19-23 (cuts and/or initial roster placements will be made by the 23rd). The schedule is as follows: o All grades will practice together from 6pm-8pm at RAHS from April 19-23. (Wednesday, April 21 will be 5:00pm-6:30pm due to RAHS Family Night policy). o Weather may change these times and locations. We will update the players during pitcher and week. ● NO PLAYERS CAN PRACTICE UNTIL THEY TURN IN THEIR PHYSICAL/ALTERNATE YEAR FORM

SUMMER BASEBALL It is expected that spring High School baseball players play baseball in the summer. Compared to other high school sports, the spring season for baseball is quite short (less than 3 months). Therefore, summer is a time for players to develop and get live reps against quality opponents. If given the opportunity, players are allowed to play for travel teams in the summer (MVP, GRB Rays, Rawlings Hitters, Silver Sluggers, etc) instead of Reedsburg’s summer team. Our summer baseball schedule will not interfere with football practice, and players are always allowed to take time for family vacations, mission trips, etc. Players and their families should contact their summer coaches to inform them of any and all trips, absences, etc, so the coaches can make roster changes in advance as needed. Some high school multisport athletes may get opportunities to travel across the country for other sports like wrestling, basketball, and hockey. This rare circumstance would be an acceptable reason for not playing summer baseball, as the athlete will be physically active and training in intense athletic situations.

7 ALL PLAYERS WILL BE “ON-TIME” Beaver baseball players will take pride in being prompt and prepared. “On Time” means that if you have not arrived and are not prepared at least 10 minutes prior to the listed start time of any baseball function, you are late. If you are ever going to be late, you must notify a coach in person or via text/phone call 2 hours in advance. If you are late for a bus departure, we can/will leave without you.

“YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION” For most people, the first impression of an individual directly affects how that person thinks, treats, reacts and respects that individual. If you make a positive first impression, chances are that the individual will treat you with respect and think higher of the groups you are associated with. Contrarily, if you make a negative first impression, chances are that the individual will not have respect for you, and may think less of the groups you are associated with. Although first impressions can be misleading, it is important that all Beaver Baseball players ensure that they are positively representing themselves, their team, their school and their community at all times.

“Winners pay attention and take care of the ‘little things’ ALL the time”

● DRESS/ATTIRE Beaver Baseball players will adhere to the following dress code rules. Game dress ▪ Players need to wear their full uniform on the bus. The only item you should be changing in the dugout is your shoes….be game ready when getting off the bus. ▪ All buttons of uniform top buttoned up (first button unbuttoned is OK) ▪ Team cap is worn with the bill facing forward at all times (on & off field) ▪ No jewelry is to be worn on the (in accordance with WIAA regulations) ▪ Shoes/cleats are to be black, gray, navy blue, or white in color, tied securely, and cleaned regularly. ▪ Any accessories (EvoShield, arm sleeves, wristbands, etc.) must be of a team color and shall not be distracting in nature. ▪ Pitchers must always wear a sleeve on their throwing arm, and if pitching, it must be a solid color (not white). Practice dress ▪ ALWAYS COME PREPARED FOR ALL WEATHER ▪ Baseball practice pants or sweatpants must be worn for all practices unless otherwise allowed by the coaching staff. NO GAME PANTS AT PRACTICE. ▪ A RAHS athletics or baseball shirt (or blank navy blue, white, or gray t-shirt) must be worn for all practices unless otherwise allowed by the coaching staff ▪ The RAHS Beaver Baseball hat is the only hat to be worn at practices unless otherwise allowed by the coaching staff. The team cap is to be worn with the bill facing forward at all times (on & off field) ▪ Shoes/cleats are to be of a neutral or team color (i.e. black, gray, white, navy blue), tied securely and cleaned regularly. ▪ Pitchers must wear a sleeve on their throwing arm unless it is 70 degrees. “It is not important to attract attention to our appearance, but rather, our play on the field.”

8 COMMUNICATION POLICY ● The following communication policy provides a structure for communication between all players, coaches, parents etc. regarding the Beaver Baseball program. This policy, when followed, ensures that all issues are resolved as effectively and efficiently as possible. o If a player or parent has an issue/concern with anything regarding the Beaver Baseball program, the process below must be followed to ensure effective and efficient communication. 1. Player requests to speak with a coach about the issue. If this does not resolve the issue then…. 2. A meeting will be organized to discuss the issue with the player, the coach and the Athletic Director If this does not resolve the issue then… 3. A meeting will be organized to discuss the issue with the player, the coach, the parent(s) and the Athletic Director. o Please note that all decisions and issues regarding playing time and roster placement are not up for debate!!!! o Parents are not permitted to talk to any member of the coaching staff after the game regarding playing time or in-game decisions. Please allow 24 hours to gather your thoughts and to let everyone’s emotions simmer down. o The coaching staff is not discouraging direct communication with parents. We do appreciate feedback, and are more than happy to respond to any general questions that parents may have (i.e. scheduling, transportation, fundraising, etc.). However, for on the field issues/questions such as playing time or roster status, it is the responsibility of the individual player to voice their concern to the coach. A coach will not speak with a parent regarding these issues until the player has first discussed the issue with a coach. It is our belief that this reinforces the vital characteristic of personal responsibility within all. TRAVEL POLICY The Reedsburg Athletic Department provides transportation to and from all athletic events. The baseball coaching staff believes that it is important for all athletes to travel with the team. This helps build the concept of a team and allows the coaches to have access to their athletes. Therefore, we hope that you allow your son to travel with the team to and from contests. ● We do realize that sometimes it is necessary for an athlete to travel by other means. If that becomes necessary, parents are required to fill out a “Transportation Request Form” before taking the athlete with them. This form can be acquired from the athletic office. If you are personally transporting your child, you may give the signed form to the coach at any time. If your child is riding with another adult, the form must be filed with the Athletic Director by 1 p.m. on the date of the event. ● Under no circumstances may athletes drive themselves to contests or ride with a minor. Please call Bryan Yager (Activities Director) at 608-768-8928 ext. 1104 if you have any questions.

9 TEAM EQUIPMENT/UNIFORMS The cost for a new uniform is costly to our program budget, and I, therefore, request that you follow the proper washing instructions so we can make these uniforms last for several years. UNIFORMS WILL NOT BE GIVEN OUT UNTIL THE ATHLETE’S SPRING ATHLETIC FEE IS PAID. Washing ● Wash all garments on a gentle cycle. ● Wash with cold water only. Hot or warm water will cause bleeding of fabrics and inks. ● Use only mild soaps and detergents. ● DO NOT use any bleach on the uniform tops or fabric softeners. ● DO NOT soak garments. ● Wash all garments separately. ● Remove garments from the washer promptly. Drying ● To prevent fading or bleeding, all garments should be hung to DRIP DRY. No metal hangers! ● If you use a dryer, use the “AIR ONLY” setting and remove garments from the dryer promptly.

All uniforms must be returned after the completion of the season. Failure to turn in an item will result in the player paying the appropriate fee to replace the item

January 1, 2020 – Catcher’s chest protector must have NOCSAE approval stamp – All levels. Please add this to the chest protector bullet: You have three options for NOCSAE catcher chest protection: 1) a new traditional chest protector that protects the heart/cardiac silhouette and meets the NOCSAE performance standard; 2) a body protector (compression shirt with heart guard built into the shirt) that that protects the heart/cardiac silhouette and meets the NOCSAE performance standard under the traditional chest protector; 3) a chest pad that that protects the heart/cardiac silhouette and meets the NOCSAE performance standard that fits on top of the traditional chest protector.

10 BASEBALL CHECKLIST

● Persistence is more important than talent. ● There is a reason that the word STUDENT comes first in student/athlete. ● Practice hard because you play the way you practice. ● It doesn’t take any talent to hustle. ● Help your team win no matter what your role, or whether you play or not. ● Never argue with an umpire. ● Do not cut class or disrespect your teachers. ● Maintain the grades that will keep you eligible. ● Don’t tell people what you are worth, prove it to them. ● Don’t let anyone make an excuse for you. ● Love the game. ● The only thing that coaches owe you is HONESTY. ● Body language screams! It never whispers. ● Balance makes champions. If you focus on hitting and ignore the defensive part of your game, you will never be a complete player. ● Be as diligent on defense as you are on offense. ● Defense wins more games than offense. ● Pitching sets the tone. ● Work on your game every day of the year. The guy who beat you out for the starting job did and so did the team that beats you. ● You don’t have to be a great athlete to be a good baseball player. ● Who you are today is a result of who you were in the past. Fill your past with smart work and good deeds and you will maximize your potential. ● Baseball reveals character…...it doesn’t build it. ● Character means doing the right thing when nobody’s watching.

11 FUNDRAISERS Calendar Raffle o The Athletic Club will be sponsoring a calendar raffle for all spring sports teams to sell. o Sale Rules 1) Minimum of 3 calendars sold per athlete 2) $10 each=$30 minimum financial contribution per family 3) All $ raised by spring programs will be used to fund financial requests or assistance for spring programs. 4) Sale Dates: TBD 6) Winners will be notified by the Athletic Club and money will be paid out promptly. 7) When people win, their name does not come out of the hat. *If all spring programs participate, the goal of the Athletic Club is to raise $10,000 for financial support of all spring programs.

Beaver Baseball Clinic o For all Little League players and coaches……... o Date: May 8, 2021 Place: Nishan Park Time: 8:00 **All Varsity and JV players will be required to participate. This is a great opportunity for our players to help the Little Leaguers learn fundamentals and also help upgrade our own program.

Concession Stand o All JV and Varsity parents will be placed on a schedule to sell concessions. Schedules will be handed out by Coach Hahn and Coach Ribbke after team rosters are set. o Due to COVID-19, we may not be able to do concessions. We will keep you posted.

12 PAST FUNDRAISER PURCHASES Pitching Machine Outdoor batting cage Baseball storage shed/L-screen—field drag Indoor batting cage Replacement Uniforms/Catcher’s Gear Instant Screen New Uniforms Varsity warm-up coats Lite-Flight pitching machine Player Socks Nishan Club House Locker Name Plates Tanner Tees Indoor pitching mound Zepp Swing Track System BP3 Pitching machine 1 Rukket 9x12 net 3 Steal Sock nets with T’s Pocket Radar 6 X 12 Hitting mat

13 REEDSBURG ATHLETICS & BADGER CONFERENCE

Parent/Player Sportsmanship Expectations

TEAM

(Together Everyone Achieves More) SPORTSMANSHIP OUR #1 PRIORITY

The Athletic Directors and Principals of the Badger Conference want to invite all students, parents and community members to attend as many of our sporting events and activities as possible. The students who participate in our programs and the coaches who give countless hours and energy working with these students deserve and appreciate positive support from their peers and the community. The administration, coaches and students of the Badger Conference want the games/matches/events to be positive for all.

The Badger Conference and its school reputations are impacted by the conduct of spectators at co-curricular events Our conference has worked hard on sportsmanship and it is paying dividends, as the Badger conference has developed a very good reputation around the state. However, we need your assistance to keep it that way. Please keep the following in mind as you attend events:

● Cheer positively for your team

● Be gracious in winning and losing

● Keep contests in perspective

● Being openly critical of OFFICIALS is unacceptable

● Courteous, respectful and sportsmanlike behavior is a must for spectators at all times

● Theme nights and cheers should not mock the other team or its fans

● A safe, positive and sportsmanlike environment is our main objective for ALL.

Removal of a fan from any sporting event will have a negative effect on that individual, team, community and the Badger Conference.

14 15 16 2021 Beaver Baseball Schedule

Opponent Date Game Time Location Bus Departure

@ Mt. Horeb Tuesday 4/27 5:00 pm Mt. Horeb HS 2:40pm

Mt. Horeb Thursday 4/29 5:00 pm Nishan -----

@Tomah Monday 5/3 5:00pm Tomah HS 2:45 pm

Portage Tuesday 5/4 5:00 pm Nishan -----

@ Portage Friday 5/7 5:00 pm Portage HS 3:00pm

Little League Clinic Saturday 5/15 8:00 am Nishan -----

@ Beaver Dam Tuesday 5/11 5:00 pm Beaver Dam HS 2:00pm

Beaver Dam Friday 5/14 5:00 pm Nishan -----

Wisconsin Dells Saturday 5/15 11:00 am Nishan -----

@ Sparta Monday 5/17 5:00pm Sparta HS 2:30pm

@ DeForest Tuesday 5/18 5:00 pm DeForest HS 2:45pm

DeForest Thursday 5/20 5:00 pm Nishan -----

@ Baraboo Saturday 5/22 11:00 am Mary Rountree 9:30 am

@ Baraboo Saturday 5/22 1:00 pm Mary Rountree

@ Waunakee Tuesday 5/25 5:00 pm Waunakee HS 2:45pm

Waunakee Thursday 5/27 5:00 pm Nishan -----

@ Sauk Prairie Tuesday 6/1 5:00 pm Sauk City Jaycee Park 3:10pm

Sauk Prairie Thursday 6/3 5:00 pm Nishan -----

Milton Saturday 6/5 11:00 am Nishan -----

Milton Saturday 6/5 1:00 pm Nishan -----

Regionals 6/10, 6/15, 6/16 TBD TBD TBD Sectionals 6/22 State June 29-July1

17 2021 Beaver Baseball Travel Schedules

Varsity & JV Opponent Date Game Time Departure Time Class Release Time

@ Mt. Horeb Tuesday 4/27 5:00 pm 2:40pm 2:25pm

@Tomah Monday 5/3 5:00pm 2:45 pm 2:30 pm

@ Portage Friday 5/7 5:00 pm 3:00pm 2:45pm

@ Beaver Dam Tuesday 5/11 5:00 pm 2:00pm 1:45pm

@ Sparta Monday 5/17 5:00pm 2:30 pm 2:15 pm

@ DeForest Tuesday 5/18 5:00 pm 2:45pm 2:30pm

@ Baraboo Saturday 5/22 11:00 am 9:30 am

@ Baraboo Saturday 5/22 1:00 pm

@ Waunakee Tuesday 5/25 5:00 pm 2:45pm 2:30pm

@ Sauk Prairie Tuesday 6/1 5:00 pm 3:10pm 2:55pm

Regionals, Sectionals, and State TBD TBD TBD TBD

18 2021 JV2 SCHEDULE AND BUS TIMES

Opponent Date Game Time Departure Time Class Release Time

TBD Tuesday 4/27 5:00 pm

@ DeForest Friday 4/30 5:00 pm 3:00 pm 2:45 pm

DeForest Monday 5/3 5:00 pm

@ Waunakee Friday 5/7 5:00 pm 3:00 pm 2:45 pm

Beaver Dam Monday 5/10 5:00 pm

Portage (DH) Saturday 5/15 11:00 am

Waunakee Monday 5/17 5:00 pm

@ Beaver Dam Friday 5/21 5:00 pm 2:30 pm 2:15 pm

@ TBD Monday 5/24 5:00 pm 2:45 pm 2:30 pm

TBD Friday 6/4 5:00 pm

@ Sauk Prairie (DH) Saturday 6/5 11:00 am 9:19 am

19 Player Costs

REQUIRED

HAT ($25.00)

OPTIONAL

WINDOW STICKER ($5.00)

*****both are payable to Reedsburg Baseball or cash.*****

20 REEDSBURG AREA HIGH SCHOOL BEAVER BASEBALL

Parent/Player Agreement

The preceding expectations and guidelines increase the team’s chances for success and ensure that you as an individual and the team are positively representing yourself and the people and groups you are associated with at all times. The coaching staff is committed to helping you become the best student, baseball player and young man possible. We, as your coaches, will work tirelessly and enthusiastically to that end. We want you to leave RAHS and the Beaver Baseball program mentally, physically, and fundamentally sound in the game of baseball, and confident and prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities life will present to you. Do not shortchange yourself or your team. Come to every practice with a commitment to improving. Give 100% effort, 100% of the time!

Cut here and return bottom half ------

I fully understand the expectations of being a Beaver Baseball player. I pledge my daily commitment to my teammates, to the goals of the program, and to the team guidelines. I have read and understand the expectations and related consequences should I not follow these expectations.

Player Name (Print) Signature Date

______Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Signature Date

______

------

*Return Signed Sheet to Coach Hahn prior to the first day of practice*

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