Pontiac Indians Baseball

To Parents, Welcome to the 2012 baseball season. It is with great excitement that we are here today to start a new season. We hope for it to be a fun filled spring where all players, parents and coaches can enjoy a season of great baseball. We truly hope that each of you is not only willing, but also eager to make the necessary personal sacrifices to help our season be a successful one. All worthwhile accomplishments require sacrifice and hard work. It has been said that a true leader is always interested in finding the best way to accomplish a goal rather than just having his own way. I sincerely hope that our coaching staff comes under that category. We must work together if we are to measure up to our potential. Anything less than that means some degree of failure. Parents of athletes who make a serious commitment to the team face a challenging task. The coaching staff wants you to know that we are available to help in whatever way possible to assist you in your effort. I have put together this notebook in an effort to insure that together we can provide a program in which every player can have the kind of experiences that will help make him a successful young man. There are no simple magical answers when it comes to raising a son who has the pressures of becoming a better baseball player along with all his other responsibilities. Love, concern, and emotional support are not displayed according to a mathematical formula, nor does mixing them together ensure a perfect solution. Parenting, just like coaching, is an art, not a science; and parents must provide a unique mixture for each child. We can sometimes feel like we are doing all the right things and still things do not turn out like we thought. Undoubtedly, your son will experience both excitement and discouragement as he attempts to fulfill his commitment to the team. Your son will need your help, love and support throughout this year. I am interested in each player as an individual, but as a coach, we must always be conscience to what is a benefit to the entire team. Your child’s (and your own) ability to work in the framework of our philosophy of team play will play an important role in what influence he can make on our team. Furthermore, his personal conduct and adherence to rules that are instituted will also be taken into consideration. As a coaching staff, we do not want our players to do anything that would embarrass himself, his family, his team, his school or his coach. We want the players to be successful on the field but more importantly off of it. Remember, as a Pontiac player, the players become role models for their peers and to the younger kids in the community. The baseball season is a long one. You as a parent are going to go through many ups and downs along with your son. This is to be expected, and something I hope this notebook will help in dealing with some of the ups and downs. As a coach, I realize that I am dealing with your pride and joy and I understand that you are going to look out for what is best for your son. However, I need you to understand that we will have numerous pride and joys and it is very difficult to give them what they want-7 innings of playing time. This is where our job becomes difficult. Our opinion may be different than yours. While I hope this will never happen, it most probably will. We need to make sure we do not let this differing of opinions become detrimental to your son and the program. Our ultimate responsibility must be to the welfare of the team. Many times this may bring hard judgment calls that could affect each player and family. Please understand our position, as the team must come before individuals even though I share the hurt and pain with each player. I will always keep my door open for each player to come in and talk to me whenever he feels like it. If there are questions regarding playing time please have your son come to us. I believe this is important for you as a parent to encourage your son to do this because a lack of communication can divide a team. I want to have an open communication with you as a parent and we are bound to disagree on some things. Our ability to handle this and keep the welfare of the entire team as a priority will go a long way in how successful our season will be. In conclusion, this year is going to change our lives. We will be different people as a result of our experiences-good or bad. It will certainly change the athlete more than us adults, but everyone will be changed to some degree or another. It is up to us to make that change for the good. The real purpose of this notebook is to influence parents to make a special effort to work for the right attitude so that the coming change in our players will be as positive as possible. I hope that this notebook will serve us by providing, through open communication and concern, an unselfish spirit that enables us to become a true TEAM. I am looking forward to a great season and building a successful program in the years to come. Yours in baseball,

Stephen Kraft Head Baseball Coach Indians Baseball Team Attitude

The Right Attitude

Young people who play, enjoy, and learn from sports have parents with special characteristics. Coaches can play an important role in helping parents develop these characteristics and understand their son’s sport experience. What are these special trademarks that make up the characteristics of such parents? There is a simple formula which we stress in the program which is: CONCERN + COMMUNICATION + UNSELFISHMENSS = ENCOUGAGMENT. Therefore, the first characteristic is for parents to show CONCERN not only for their son, but also for other players on the team. I would like to suggest that each parent COMMUNICATE that genuine care and love to all members of the team. If we can establish a supporting group of parents who UNSELFISHLY care about all team members, communicate that love and do so without petty jealousy then we will have laid the foundation of effective ENCOURAGEMENT for all our players. When someone on the team is discouraged then it is not only the coaches who should serve as a source of encouragement to the player and his parents, but also the other players and parent of the team who should help by saying, acting and having the right attitude. Encouragement is the greatest motivator.

An Acrostic for parents on Attitude:

A - AWARNESS AND COMMUNICATION T - TRUTHFULNESS T - TRUST I - INTELLIGENCE T – THOUGHTFULNESS U – UNSELFISHNESS D – DISCIPLINE E – ENCOURAGEMENT

AWARENESS AND COMMUNICATION In order to be a successful player in a championship program, the player must be aware of what is happening on and off the floor. It is not enough to have players who are aware of the important things related to our basketball family, but it is extremely important to have parents who demonstrate a good sense of awareness and the ability to communicate a positive manner to coaches and others. As a coaching staff, we will do our part to communicate the entire goings on of the program.

TRUTHFULNESS Communication is a very important part of our system of play. The skills that are related to open communication certainly would include the characteristic of truthfulness. Nothing will victimize an organization any quicker than members who do not speak the truth will. On the other hand, honest open communication can set us free from quilt and petty jealousy if it is done with a loving heart. Feel free to communicate with me and I will trust that your comments and thoughts will be with the welfare of the team in mind.

TRUST I have a philosophy as a coach that in order for us to begin to succeed, we must first learn about CONCERN, RESPECT, AND TRUST for others and ourselves. No one is bigger than the program and we must be able to put the welfare of the group effort above our own selfishness. It is important that you can trust me as a coach of your son’s team, believing that I will treat him with love and respect. I must also be able to trust that you as the parent of a member of the team will trust and have confidence in my judgment concerning your son.

INTELLIGENCE I like simple formulas to remember things that I consider being important. One formula that I will use with the players which hopefully helps them remember this important concept is that KNOWLEDGE + UNDERSTANDING + BELIEF = DOERS. Please, before you act on emotions take time to get and weigh the facts concerning a situation. If you son has done something that you are upset about get all the facts before you act. If you hear that the coaches have done something that you disagree with please get all the facts as well. I have found that rational people in normal situations do not always act the same way when it comes to their son’s athletics.

THOUGHTFULNESS/UNSELFISHNESS The ability to display unselfishness is probably one of the last traits we develop as human beings, and it certainly shows a great deal of maturity and self esteem when it is exhibited by either an individual or a team. We live in a child-centered society in which we teach our children to get, get, and get. Yet we all get more self-satisfaction when we know that we have given of ourselves to others. On a team, it is the job of the coach to take these youngsters and teach them to be a “team” member who is willing to put the welfare of the team first. Working together to get better on the field, sharing roles in field maintenance; all of these are traits we hope to develop into a long-term character builder.

DISCIPLINE I tell the players that we define discipline as doing what you have do to, when your supposed to do it, doing it to the best of your ability and doing it that way every time. The best way to encourage discipline is for the coaches and parents to exhibit it in our behavior. I have very little tolerance with players who lack discipline. I believe discipline should be shown not only on the court but off the court as well. My father had the philosophy that if I was disciplined at school than I will be disciplined at home. I believe that the same goes for our program. If a player is disciplined at school than the program will discipline them as well. If a player is suspended then they will serve a suspension from games for as many days they were suspended from school plus one.

ENCOURAGEMENT I believe that a team full of positive encouragers is a very powerful force in athletics. Since parents will have a big influence on the team’s attitude, I think that their encouragement through the discouraging times as well as the good time is extremely important. I will be your son’s biggest critic but I will also be your son’s biggest fan (next to you, of course!) Rules and Regulations

1. Academics and Eligibility - Academics are a priority and athletic activities are a privilege at Pontiac High School. -You are a STUDENT-athlete. Student comes first. Which means grades are the most important, and will be checked regularly. High School is the easiest thing you will work through in your life. There is no excuse for a failing grade. Study sessions are required of those who receive low grades. Many teachers can be reached for help before and after school. You get out of your education what you put into it.

A. Eligibility rules will be followed in compliance with the student handout book.

2. 365 Day Rule: You are a member of the Indian Baseball Program 365 days a year (year round). Any action at anytime during the school year that is deemed inappropriate brings embarrassment to the Baseball program will bring discipline action.

3. RESPECT: Demanded towards coaches, players, umpires, opposing teams, fans, equipment and parents. If something needs to ne said to an umpire or other team, your coaches will handle it. Your parents make a lot of sacrifices for you, and for that you should be grateful. I guarantee that your equipment did not make you strike out, or make an error.

-Respect in the classroom is also needed. Same as coach, you need to call teachers Mr., Mrs., Ms, or Coach. That is the biggest form of respect.

4. Alcohol/Tobacco Use: The use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco will not be tolerated. The coaching staff will follow school policy as outline in the student handbook.

5. Language/Actions: There will be no use of profanity before, during, or after games and practices. I do not care if you played the worse game of your life and struck out four times and made four errors in the field. No one wants to hear your language. Bad Days/Games happen. Baseball is a mind game and you cannot let it beat you. THIS IS A POINT OF EMPHASIS THIS YEAR. 6. Athletic Fees/Physicals Students who participate in an athletic program are required to have all insurance waivers and medical release forms complete. All forms must be repeated with each sport and year.

7. Suspensions/Detentions: I believe discipline should be shown not only on the field but off the field as well. Discipline in school also equals discipline on the field.

The school policy on suspension/detentions/disciplinary issues will be strictly followed. Rules for Practice

1. We start practice every day at 3:30 and not a second earlier or later.

a. Be in the dugout at 3:30 dressed, ready to go, and waiting for instructions

b. We are one team; do not be down the line getting ready on your own.

2. Dress appropriately

a. You will wear a hat every day

b. You will wear PANTS every day

i. Do not wear nice pants, expect to slide and dive

ii. Do not ask me if we can wear shorts, ever

c. You will wear sleeves

i. You will wear long sleeves until I say otherwise

ii. You will NEVER wear a cut off shirt

iii. Sunbathing equals running

3. Come prepared

a. Always have your equipment

b. Always be ready to work hard

4. Stretching and running will be done together

a. Everyone does the same stretch at the same time for the same length of time

b. Have a ball ready, don’t waste time running back

5. HUSTLE

6. When a coach is talking stop and listen

7. Everything will be done at game speed or FASTER

a. Don’t go through the motions

b. Practice is when you try too hard, not games

8. Field work is not an option, EVERYONE will help

9. DO NOT PACK UP until everything is done a. Expect to stay and get things done

b. Our new field needs everyone’s attention

10. HAVE FUN and LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR GAME EVERYDAY

13 characteristics that make up the player: 7. Hates to lose everyday 1. Embraces high standards 8. Coachable 2. Focuses on team goals 9. Does things that people don't see 3. Unselfish on and off of the field 10. Focuses on improvement 4. Accepts role, takes pride in it, executes 11. Competes hard and aggressively in all that we do 5. Uses strengths and recognizes weaknesses 12. Tells the truth

6. Keeps life simple 13. Makes no excuses

HELP THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Throughout the year the coaching staff may be coming to you for some help. We have several projects that will require some type of work from the parents. Some of this help will be from doing different fund raising Please note that although your help is monumentally appreciated to the fullest degree, this does not affect playing time. This applies to those who help and those who do not. PRACTICE AND GAME SCHEDULE I have supplied each player with a practice schedule and game schedule. These schedules will also be kept as up to date as possible on our website and on the calendar board outside the boy’s locker room.

Indians Baseball Team Attitude

PARENTS WORKING WITH COACHES

A son who is to grow into a successful athlete will need a good coach, one who enjoys developing the player. Parents must constantly strive to say and do things that foster the development of a positive and trusting relationship between the coach and their young athlete. Parents who accidentally or intentionally cause friction between coach and athlete will likely hinder their son’s athletic development. There needs to be a constant between the coach and parents. Working together they can help the athlete develop into the player they strive to be. Many times coach-parent problems occur when the coaches’ goals and values are different from parents’. Parents must realize that the more they are committed to certain beliefs. The more hesitant they will be to accept information that threatens those beliefs. When parents and coaches both have strongly held beliefs that are the same, everything is fine. When their beliefs differ, however, there may be increased conflicts. When such a conflict arises, something must be done. Parents can try to change a coach to their way of thinking, either through calm, logical reasoning or through emotionally charged moral arguments-which will usually put both the coach and the parent on the defensive and the attempt will fail. I recommend that you simply contact me and I will be glad to talk with you concerning the problem. Instead of becoming emotional, you should trust me and remain flexible in your ability to adjust to my ideas. I will also be open to and flexible to your concerns as well.

WHEN YOU AND THE COACH HAVE DIFFERENT EXPECTATIONS

Nothing feeds the fire of discord like a coach who has low expectations. I would rather expect too much of your son than not enough. But I also must be realistic. I may believe that your son has little talent, whereas you may think that he has unlimited ability. Given this situation, you may feel that I have judged him prematurely and that he is not getting a fair chance. Far too often parents become emotional and defensive. In such a situation, one must be careful of a response that could lead the coach to become increasingly alienated from the parent. By reacting emotionally, parents may just decrease the chances of a rational solution to the problem. You must be careful not to let your love for your son because you to jump to faulty conclusions. If you do so, the outcome will be fairly predictable. You will not be satisfied with your son’s progress. Some parents become blind to their son’s weaknesses. As a result, they see only the positive aspects of their son’s contribution and are unwilling to accept their son as being anything but exceptionally talented. To these parents, the grass is always greener elsewhere. Other coaches seem better or more qualified, and the program never seems to run as well as they would like. Parents experiencing all or some of these feelings must attempt to evaluate honestly their feelings, their son, and the coach. As a parent, ask yourself what you can do to improve the situation. Do what you can to make the sport experience more positive for your son. If you still feel that I am failing your son, do not hesitate; bring it to my attention in a non-threatening manner. This approach will gain respect for you and will be a much more effective contribution. Strive to be a part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

WHEN YOU ARE PUBLICALY CRITICAL OF THE COACH

When young athletes experience sport-related problems, it is all too common for parents to criticize the coach publicly. The following comment from a parent is a good example: (from “Parenting Your Superstar”) “We’re really disgusted. Our son is really interested an excited about playing and improving. This darn program is so crummy we cannot believe it. There is no way anyone can get good in this program. The coach does not seem to care about the program. He probably doesn’t even know what he is doing. Heck, our son is talented and is just being wasted.” Parents with this view receive far more than their fair share of the coach’s time, attention and energy. But what is the value of this attitude for their son? Or for the program? Publicly critical parents seldom complain directly to the coach, but they do complain to each other, to parent of the athletes (especially unhappy ones), and to their son. Such parents seem to take pleasure in putting coaches down. On the surface, their thoughts and complaints might seem logical, but parents who understand the coach’s viewpoint and are aware that the coach has many other players to teach, find the complaints irrational. Regardless, complaints of critical parents are wasted on those powerless to explain behaviors or institute change. Only direct discussion with the coach offers the possibility of understanding or resolving the complaints. Unfortunately, a young man living in a home where the parents are critical of the coach has a choice to make: either shut out the parent’s thoughts or begin to lose faith in the coach. The latter choice will prevent the son from accepting the coach, believing in the coach’s approach and adjusting to it. The former choice is an obvious negative one for the family. The son will be the loser either way. Parents who find themselves in this situation may believe family authority is the ultimate authority. They fell they know more about helping their son than the coach does, and therefore are the only ones who know how to work with their son. However, parents must allow themselves to trust their son’s coach. If they continue to complain and criticize in public, they will only guarantee problems for their son and the program.

WHEN YOU WANT TO EXPRESS YOUR CONCERNS

The emotionally charged nature of sports, the public attention give to athletes, and the parent’s and player’s love of sports make it easy for parents to react emotionally and irrationally when they are unhappy with their son’s progress. Parents must try to evaluate situations objectively so their responses will not be emotional or irrational. It is usually not the event or situation by itself that causes the hostile reaction; it is the individuals’ negative perception of the situation. You must place your son ahead of your desire to let your emotions flow. You must be free of emotionally charged reactions when you write to or talk with the coach, even though it may be easier to ridicule, attack, or speak in an annoying tone of voice. Remember the following points when you feel emotionally upset about the coach’s actions: * An emotional reaction or attack on your son’s coach seldom helps your child; in fact it often results in harm * Always trust that your son’s coach is looking out for your child’s best interest until it is proven otherwise. * The chances of teaching your own son how to respond effectively to his own coach are far greater than the chances of changing the coach * At the first thought of concern over your son’s treatment by a coach, take the Initiative. Talk with the coach and ask the question or questions that are upsetting you. If you must talk with me about your son’s problem, learn to walk the fine line between assertiveness and hostile aggressiveness. An assertive approach does not put the coach down but does allow you to clearly express your feelings. When you are talking with a coach about an issue regarding your son, you should state your true feelings, stay calm, and listen attentively to the coach’s reply. Try to remember that, like parents, coaches also experience stress. Realize that you are both more likely to respond in a defensive, emotional manner if either of you is upset. Keeping this important point in mind will allow you to have a better chance of helping rather than hindering your son, if you decide it is time to intervene.

RESPONDING TO COACH-ATHLETE FRUSTRATION

While we feel that playing a sport is always a positive situation one has to understand that anyone who participates in athletics could experience failure, disappointment and frustration. Learning to deal with such situations and the resulting negative feelings is actually one of the true benefits of sports. Let your son say what he wants to say. Let him get rid of his thoughts and emotions. If he is emotional, he won’t be able to listen to your advice at that moment anyway. When you feel he is ready, ask question for him to ponder, rather than telling him how to behave or think: “Why did you think you aren’t playing more? Do you try as hard as the other kids do? Do you suppose your coach is trying to motivate you or get you to work harder? Son, do you think that hanging your head and acting depressed or angry showed the coach you cared? Maybe he thought it meant you had a bad attitude.” If your son is having a conflict with a coach and is frustrated, lend a receptive ear and ask questions that will help the boy discover a solution. The young athlete must try to understand and change the coach’s perception of him. The necessity of getting an authority figure to believe and trust in him is a major value of the sports experience for your son. Belief and trust must be earned; they are not readily given away. When your son is frustrated at an inability to attain them, you must remind him that coaches generally love their athletes and will do what is best for them and the team. But your child must realize he is not the team, just one part of the team. The interactions between parents, coaches, and players present a challenging triangle. They can be filled with invigorating and beneficial opportunities for growth or stifled by jealous conflicts. The most important element is to maintain open lines of communication and to deal with disagreements privately. Avoid emotional reactions. They seldom accomplish anything positive and may in fact ruin the opportunity for you son to benefit from the coach. Instead, keep combination open. Ask questions and understand the decision making process. Encouraging open communication will also help your son expresses own feelings. Create a positive environment for your son – encourage effort, initiate conversations, avoid labeling, develop you son’s social skills, and provide unconditional love. I truly believe that this will be a great experience for all involved. I hope and pray that we will never have any conflicts that cannot be resolved. I promise to give everything that I have to the betterment of your son and this program. I see great things on the horizon here and with everyone’s help we will grow by leaps and bounds. Thank you for taking the time to read this handbook. I hope that it has enlightened you in some way. Again if there are any questions or problems please feel free to contact myself or any other member of the staff.

The Coaching Staff

Stephen Kraft- Head Varsity Coach

Coach Kraft is in his third year as the Varsity head coach at Pontiac High School. Prior to coming to Pontiac, Coach Kraft was the assistant varsity coach at his alma mater Conner High School in Hebron, KY. He played four years at Greenville College as an outfield. He was a member of the 2007 SLIAC All Conference team.

Coach Kraft received his bachelor’s degree in History Education from Greenville College in 2008. Although he is glad to have had the opportunity to play in college, his largest emphasis was on academics. He is a 2004 Conner High School graduate. While at Conner he played all four years under Coach Andy Wyckoff. He was a member of the 2003 and 2004 33rd District Championship baseball teams. He helped lead both teams to the 9th Region Semi-Finals.

Mike Stoecklin – Assistant Varsity Coach

Coach Stoecklin is beginning his second year in the baseball program. He has had a long history of sports coaching at Saunemin Grade School where is the head boys basketball and baseball coach. He also serves as the school’s athletic director. His long dedication to Saunemin includes a former position as the town mayor. Coach Stoecklin is also an alumnus of Greenville College.

Zach Benning – Assistant Varsity Coach

Coach Benning was a former standout of the PTHS baseball program. His catching abilities led him to collegiate career at Heartland Community College where he then proceeded to Illinois State University baseball where his career was cut short due to injuries.

Adam Lawrence- Head Sophomore Coach Coach Lawrence is entering his fourth year as an assistant at Pontiac High School. He is also the head women’s tennis coach and sophomore boy’s basketball coach. Coach Lawrence graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Physical Education, and has since been an educator in the Pontiac community for four years. Coach Lawrence is a graduate of Prairie Central High School where he had the great opportunity to play and start for the state runner-up baseball team.

Stephen Krominga – Assistant Sophomore Coach

Tim Priest – Head Freshman Coach

Coach Priest is serving his third year on the Pontiac Coaching staff. The previous two seasons he has served as the head Sophomore Coach. This year he transitions to the Freshman level where he can develop the future of our program core. Coach Priest also serves as a Pastor in the town of Pontiac.

Pontiac Township High School INDIANS BASEBALL

Parent Handbook