Colorado Outlawz Baseball Mission & Vision Statements

Mission Statement:

The Colorado Outlawz Baseball is founded upon the belief that youth baseball players can have their skills properly developed within a competitive environment. Too often, youth baseball systems sacrifice the long-term development of a player in favor of producing immediate, temporary success. The Colorado Outlawz Baseball is different. By emphasizing age appropriate technique, purposeful practice and in-game feedback, the Outlawz are committed to each player's improvement toward their future goals within the game.

Vision Statement:

The Colorado Outlawz Baseball will strive to build a unique athletic environment that:

1. Presents programs which shape the character of each player;

2. Positively and significantly impacts players, coaches, parents, families, officials, leagues, tournaments and communities;

3. Establishes and sustains a physical venue to develop and demonstrate the principles of character, leadership, service and excellence, both in baseball and life.

COLORADO OUTLAWZ BASEBALL CLUB Commitment to Colorado Outlawz Baseball Philosophy

I understand that as a youth baseball team, we will be involved in competition, athletic training, team-building events and a character & leadership development program.

I further understand and agree with the goals of the Colorado Outlawz Baseball which are:

1. To provide quality baseball instruction in the following areas:

▪ Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures, including stretching, icing, and rest. ▪ Proper throwing & catching fundamentals. ▪ Proper infielding & outfielding fundamentals, including the development of instinct, reaction, accuracy and arm strength. ▪ Proper hitting fundamentals, striving for increased bat speed, control and power. ▪ Proper base running technique, skill and strategies. ▪ Proper fundamentals of the catcher’s position. ▪ Proper fundamentals of the various defensive positions. ▪ Proper pitching fundamentals, focusing on mechanics, speed, control, pick-offs, strategy, the mental & ▪ emotional aspects, and fielding the position. ▪ Proper techniques for executing other parts of the game (e.g. run downs, cut-offs & relays, bunt defenses, various offensive & defensive plays, backing up throws, common game situations, etc.).

2. To workout, train, practice and compete with the proper attitudes, approaching the game with heart, desire, dedication, drive, motivation, intensity and enjoyment.

3. To facilitate an environment conducive to hard work and maximum effort, in the context of fun, seeking to develop good habits and a solid work ethic.

4. To provide a positive “team” experience, emphasizing the importance of unity, encouragement and teamwork.

5. To prepare players for high school and college baseball programs. 6. To COLORADOprepare the players for life both OUTLAWZ on & off the field by: BASEBALL CLUB ▪ Emphasizing character & leadership development. ▪ Using game experiences to teach life principles. ▪ Teaching athletes how to be positive role models. ▪ Helping the athletes along their journey to adulthood.

7. To facilitate an environment where the families learn and grow with the athletes.

8. To provide opportunities for the athletes and coaches to reach out to the community.

2 In order for our team to fulfill the Colorado Outlawz Baseball’s goals, I hereby commit myself to:

A. Maintaining a teachable spirit and flexible attitude…to be a listener and learner. B. Willingly submit to the leadership entrusted with the responsibility of managing, coaching, instructing and developing this team, by following the policies and goals stated in the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Code of Character and Conduct. C. Paying the entire amount of my share of required team expenses, as they become necessary. D. Making my life available for growth through whatever demands and opportunities this team may bring. I am committed to growing in my baseball abilities, personal character and skills for living.

Further Clarification of the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club Philosophy:

The Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club is a Competitive, Developmental Baseball Program

There is no dichotomy here. The competitive and developmental objectives both drive the overall decision-making process. In other words, we are always striving to be competitive (“playing to win”), while simultaneously seeking to develop the players athletically, mentally, emotionally and relationally.

It is important to remember is that both the goal of player development and the Colorado Outlawz definition of “being competitive” drive the playing line-up decision-making process.

According to the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club, “Being Competitive” (which also means “Playing to Win”) is defined as follows:

To the best of your ability, always trying to approach your workouts, training, practices and competition with the same consistent proper attitudes of: ▪ Striving to get the most out of your athletic ability (your maximum athletic potential) ▪ Desire, heart & passion ▪ Drive & motivation ▪ Dedication & commitment ▪ Intensity & focus ▪ Teachable attitude & willingness to learn ▪ Respect and submission to authority ▪ Hard work, maximum effort & hustle ▪ Enjoyment & fun ▪ Encouragement, unity, & teamwork o There is no “I” in Team o The “team”, “body”, “organization” is more important than the individual o Athletes have a better chance of reaching their full potential when teammates are both positively pushing, coaching and supporting each other ▪ Forgiveness of poor play when a player or the team is “Being Competitive” or “Playing to Win”

The Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club definition of “being competitive” is established to:

▪ Keep up the team morale ▪COLORADOProvide the team and players OUTLAWZ with respect around theBASEBALL league CLUB ▪ Help the coaching staff determine the best way to develop each player ▪ Encourage players individually and as a team

By the nature of this definition of “being competitive”, the responsibility now falls upon the players to develop and maintain their competitive mentality. Coaches are in place to administer, instruct, direct, execute game strategy and hold players accountable to compete in the expected manner. Coaches also are responsible to provide honest, objective input to help the player reach his goals, as well as help each player define their goals.

3 The Player Development Objective of the Colorado Outlawz Baseball…

The Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club endeavors to develop and expose all of our players throughout the entire season. It is impossible to have “equal” playing time, but coaches will strive to provide the entire team of players with opportunities to grow, develop and improve. Then, the entire team will grow, develop and improve as a group.

Playing Time Considerations

With the exception of injuries and excused absences, playing time will be dependent upon a player’s reasonable satisfaction of the above “being competitive” definition and coaching strategies to allow the team to experience success in each game. If a player fails to meet the definition of “being competitive”, then his playing time will be affected – until he changes and improves his attitude and effort. This change or improvement could be the next day, or the same day when there are multiple game opportunities, or the next week. It’s up to the player himself. He decides if he is going to “be competitive”.

With the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club’s Philosophy at work, the results could include:

▪ Individual athletic skill improvement ▪ Positive & healthy team unity and chemistry ▪ Potentially, a high winning percentage ▪ Character, leadership & life skills development ▪ A successful and enjoyable season

Additional Team Philosophy Factors that Affect Line-up Decisions:

1. Demonstration of off-season development 2. Effort at practice 3. Pre-game effort 4. Playing the right people, at the right position, at the right time (talent & experience) 5. Using key opportunities to develop players (pitching opportunities, experience in a given position to give us depth, etc.) 6. Timely insertion/relief of players to rest others. (You can't do this unless you do the point above) 7. No player is guaranteed playing time 8. There is unlikely to be arbitrary insertion of players simply to equalize playing time. Coaches will strive for “comparable” playing time (quality playing time against quality opponents) where possible within strategic game management.

COLORADO OUTLAWZ BASEBALL CLUB

4 Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club Organizational Characteristics:

1. Matt Blando is the President of the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club. Head coaches and Assistant coaches are appointed at the discretion of The Colorado Outlawz Board of Directors and function in a supportive capacity. For any reason or team need, additional or replacement coaches may be appointed from time to time by The Outlawz Baseball Club Board of Directors. For any reason or team need, additional or replacement players may also be appointed from time to time by The Colorado Outlawz Board of Directors. Coaches or players may be removed from the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club organization at the discretion of The Colorado Outlawz Board of Directors

2. Team resources (trade name, website, equipment, etc.) are held in ownership by The Colorado Outlawz Board of Directors. Transfer of team resources may not occur without their express consent.

3. All team resources which are sponsored, purchased or donated to the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club are held in ownership by The Colorado Outlawz Board of Directors. Transfer of team resources which are sponsored, purchased or donated to the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club may not occur without their express consent.

COLORADO OUTLAWZ BASEBALL CLUB

5 Colorado Outlawz Baseball Code of Character & Conduct

The following policies regarding the character & conduct of Colorado Outlawz Baseball players have been established from years of sports-teams experience by team coaches. It is our desire that team members strive to grow in each of these areas of character and leadership during their time with the Colorado Outlawz.

CHARACTER AND PROPER CONDUCT

*Actions speak louder than words! *HUSTLE at all times during games and practice. *Work Hard! Put forth 100% effort all of the time. Do your “work” with all your heart, strength and mind. *Practice Makes Permanent. Preparation Produces Results! *Stay Focused! Keep your head in the game. Pay attention during practice and games. *Have Fun! Enjoy the process. Keep a sense of humor, but know when to be serious. Remember, baseball is a game! *Take pride in how you play the game, how you approach the game, how you wear your uniform, etc. *Have “Class” in all that you do! Play sharp, look sharp, be organized, be neat and clean. *You’ve got to have Heart, Desire, Drive, Motivation, Dedication, Intensity. *Play the game with Energy & Quickness. Have a little “spring & bounce” to your game. *Be Confident, not cocky. Remember, pride comes before the fall. There is much strength in humility! *Be a Positive Role Model and Example. Remember, others are looking at you, so influence them in a positive way. *Use Proper Communication both on and off the field. Develop communication skills whenever you can. *Be Respectful of: Umpires, Coaches, Teammates, Opposing Team Members, Parents and The Game Itself. *You must agree to Submit Willingly and Cheerfully to the Leadership of this Team, even when you do not agree with their decisions. *Overcome Adversity! Deal with the circumstances you are dealt. Develop the courage to persevere. Never give up or quit. *Demonstrate Self Control! Strive to improve on this in the heat of competition. If you disagree with the officiating, or make an error, or strikeout, display self-control! There are certain things you cannot control, however, you can control your effort, attitude & behavior! SMILE, but continue to work hard and compete with the proper intensity. *Don’t complain! Your strong reaction to something could offend someone. Be sensitive to others’ feelings. Keep your remarks to yourself regarding such things as: Umpire calls, the weather, field & facility conditions, coaches’ decisions, game circumstances, teammates, or opposing team members o If you have a complaint or problem with someone, go to that person directly and work it out. Do not let things build up! o If you have concerns regarding the team and how it’s being run, bring them to one of the coaches or to the coaching staff. *Be Positive…not negative, critical or judgmental. *Be a Team Player…not an Individual. o Focus on stats for the good of the team, not yourself. Do what it takes for your team to win, not COLORADOto boost your own stats andOUTLAWZ ego. BASEBALL CLUB o Don’t talk proudly about yourself and your accomplishments. There is no “I” in “Team”!!! *ENCOURAGE your teammates...and your opponents. *Expect Errors, Mistakes & Failure, but don’t be satisfied with it – strive for perfection and excellence. Remember baseball and life are difficult “games” to master. It’s a process and nobody is perfect. Extend yourself some grace in failure, don’t let it get you down or discouraged. Get right back up and be ready to go after the next one, competitively and with the proper intensity! *Try to reduce the amount of “physical” errors during a game and set a goal to make even fewer “mental” errors. This is a good goal for life, too! *Seek to improve as a player and person. Be a Learner! Try to learn something everyday, in every 6 game, at every practice session and in every circumstance – win or lose…good or bad…easy or difficult. *It will be necessary for you to Maintain a Teachable Attitude, and to humbly fulfill the responsibilities assigned to you. *Demonstrate Class at the end of a game in both victory and defeat…shake hands, look the opposing team members in their eyes, and keep your head up high because of the effort you put forth. *Safety needs to be a top priority: o All injuries, illnesses and emergencies must be reported IMMEDIATELY to the coaching staff. o Stay alert, use common sense, and make good decisions and choices.

INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT The following behaviors will not be tolerated; disciplinary action will be taken:

▪ Attitude problems. ▪ Back-Talking a coach or parent. ▪ Crude, profane or vulgar language. ▪ Throwing of equipment in a display of anger or frustration; outward expressions or demonstrations of anger or frustration. ▪ Outward displays of displeasure with the officials. Questioning umpires in a clearly visible and inappropriate manner (verbal & non-verbal). ▪ Trash-talking and outward acts of pride directed towards the opposing team. ▪ Critical, judgmental, or negative talk directed toward teammates. ▪ Horseplay, messing around or silly antics. ▪ Use of tobacco products. ▪ Consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.

Consequences for the above actions and attitudes include:

▪ Sent home early from practice. ▪ Not permitted to participate in a drill or practice station (i.e. batting practice, infield workout, etc.). ▪ Some form of extra physical fitness exercise (i.e. running foul poles, push-ups, etc.). ▪ Removal from a game. ▪ Suspended from playing in up-coming games. ▪ Removal from the competition site. ▪ Removal from the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club player roster.

These policies regarding character & conduct have been established for your protection, well-being, and character/leadership development. In light of these principles, the final decision regarding any issue resides with your team leadership. The Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club’s decision is final. Colorado Outlawz Baseball players who willfully and repeatedly disregard these policies and the leadership of the team may be temporarily suspended from games and other team activities or dismissed from the team. These decisions are at the discretion of the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club. If you are dismissed from the team for a Code of Character and Conduct violation or if you are removed from the Colorado Outlawz Baseball team roster for any reason, you agree to be responsible for repayment of any sponsorship funds spent for your participation (uniform, equipment, tournament fees, or any other sponsorship funds of any kind) and NO refund of any other funds will be given.

COLORADO OUTLAWZ BASEBALL CLUB

7 Colorado Outlawz Baseball Parent Code of Conduct

The following policies regarding the conduct of Colorado Outlawz Baseball parents are established in support of the Player Code of Character & Conduct. Parental support and participation is needed to develop quality young men from boys through the game of baseball. In consideration for your support of this Parent Code of Conduct, you can expect the coaching staff to abide the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Philosophy.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT & SUPPORT *Be supportive of, and reinforce all elements of, the player Code of Character and Conduct both on and off the field. *Don’t complain! You would be surprised as to what trickles down from you to your child. Even though they don’t listen to us as often as we’d like, they still exercise selective listening (umpire calls, the weather, field & facility conditions, coaches’ decisions, game circumstances, coaches on opposing teams, playing time, etc.). *If you have a complaint or problem with anyone on the coaching staff, go to the head coach or that person directly to work it out. Do not let things build up. *If you have concerns regarding the team and how it’s being run, bring them to the head coach or one of the coaching staff. Do not let things build up. *Please let the coaches instruct, position players and handle the running of the game. Many times we will use signals to set up defensive situations or possible plays, so we don’t necessarily want to broadcast where we’ve positioned players.

INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT

The following behaviors will not be tolerated: *Questioning playing time. Get used to this. High School coaches are not receptive to parent interference in the running of their teams. *Use of crude, profane or vulgar language. *Outward displays of displeasure with the officials. *Consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. *Critical, judgmental, or negative talk directed toward coaches, teammates and opposing team members.

CONSEQUENCES FOR THE ABOVE ACTIONS Most often, you will be asked by the head coach or someone on the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club to stop the inappropriate behavior. In some cases, particularly if you have offended an official or disrespected a coach, you will be requested to leave the field area. If you do not cease from the behavior or refuse to leave the field area when asked, your player may be pulled out of a game, temporarily suspended from participating in future games and other team activities, or possibly even dismissed from the team. These decisions are at the sole discretion of the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club.

If you are dismissed from the team for a Parent Code of Conduct violation or if your player is removed from the Colorado OutlawzCOLORADO Baseball Club player roster OUTLAWZ for any reason, you agree BASEBALL to be responsible for repayment CLUB of any sponsorship funds spent for your son’s participation (uniform, equipment, tournament fees, or any other sponsorship funds of any kind) and NO refund of any other funds will be given.

8 Colorado Outlawz Baseball Medical Release Form

PLAYER'S NAME:

PARENTS’ TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Home: Work: OTHER TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

STREET ADDRESS:

CITY / STATE / ZIP:

In the event of illness or injury, permission is hereby granted to any coaching staff member of the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club, or their designated representative to administer or secure emergency medical assistance and/or take any other action as may be deemed prudent, including, without limitation, referral to licensed medical personnel or transfer to the appropriate hospital or medical facility.

Parent or Guardian Signature: ______DATE ______

Parent or Guardian Signature: ______DATE ______

MEDICAL CERTIFICATION AND MEDICAL INSURANCE INFORMATION I hereby certify that my son/daughter named herein above as PLAYER is physically able to participate in Colorado Outlawz Baseball activities for the 2016 Fall practice sessions and 2017 season. The following is a list of all allergies to medication and a list of any current medications that are being taken and the dosage. (If NONE, please check the appropriate NO Allergies & NO Medications boxes.)

[ ] NO Allergies [ ] NO Medications

PHYSICIAN'S NAME:

PHYSICIAN'S ADDRESS:

PHYSICIAN'S TELEPHONE NUMBER:

HOSPITAL PLAN: CONTRACT NO.

COMPANY:

CITY / STATE / ZIP:

OTHER PERTINENT PLAN INFORMATION:

PARENT RELEASE

I hereby grant my son/daughter permission to participate in all Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club activities, including clinics and tournaments, scheduled or not specifically scheduled. I acknowledge that these activities may require travel in various modes of transportation, with accommodations and meals in various establishments. I acknowledge that my son/daughter participates in all Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club activities at his/her own risk. In consideration of your permitting him/her to participate, I hereby accept any inherited risk of play, participation or travel, and hereby release the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club, Matt Blando, Rich Cuellar, any members of the coaching staff, the league in which the team competes, and/or any other national or local organization/association with which the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club may affiliate, and the officers, coaching staff, sponsors, volunteers, umpires, employees, agents, affiliates, heirs, successors, and assigns of each fromCOLORADO any responsibility that you orOUTLAWZ they might have regarding theBASEBALL health and physical condition CLUB of my son/daughter during his/her participation. On behalf of myself, my son/daughter, our heirs, executors, and assigns, I further release and forever discharge all of the above individuals and entities from any and every claim, demand, right or cause of action either in law or in equity arising from my son's/daughter's participation in all activities. The undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold harmless all of the above individuals and entities from any claim made in derogation of this release.

Parent or Guardian Signature: ______DATE ______

Parent or Guardian Signature: ______DATE ______

9 Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club Signature Form

With full understanding of the attached organizational goals and policies, I hereby commit myself to abide by the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club’s rules of conduct and team philosophy for the duration of my involvement with the Colorado Outlawz Baseball Club.

COMMITMENT TO COLORADO OUTLAWZ BASEBALL MISSION & VISION ______Player Signature Date

______Parent Signature(s) Date

COMMITMENT TO COLORADO OUTLAWZ BASEBALL PHILOSOPHY

______Player Signature Date

______Parent Signature(s) Date

COMMITMENT TO COLORADO OUTLAWZ BASEBALL PLAYER CODE OF CHARACTER & CONDUCT

______Player Signature Date

______Parent Signature(s) Date

COMMITMENT TO COLORADO OUTLAWZ BASEBALL PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

______Player Signature Date

______Parent Signature(s) Date

COLORADO OUTLAWZ BASEBALL CLUB

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