LEWIS PALMER BASEBALL 2011 Player/Parent Agreement Philosophy Our philosophy in the Lewis Palmer Baseball program is our belief that high school athletics and extra curricular activities are for the further development of the student on all levels and are the part of the enrichment of the school and academic experience. With that in mind, we will strive to create a learning environment where our players are motivated to set high standards for themselves, for the program, and for the school. Beyond that, we will strive to create a physical and psychological environment where the players have every opportunity to achieve those standards, relative to respective individual abilities. We believe the process of making commitments and living up to those commitments is one of the most important lessons athletics has to offer. We also believe that the experience of learning to commit and succeed in a team environment is important. We believe in teaching the players to understand that each day, in each part of the process – individually and as a team – the discipline we develop in doing things right each time, generates success not only at this level but in future endeavors. We believe winning is important, but more importantly, by making our best effort to win and learning to maximize our potential, we are achieving success. We believe if each player ends the season a better player and a better individual, he and we have had a positive experience. Attitude 1. We believe an individual will play the way he practices; therefore, we expect the players to work at full speed in every drill and repetition. A player exhibiting a poor attitude or work ethic in practice may be sent home. This would be an unexcused absence. 2. We believe attitude is contagious, whether the attitude is positive or negative. If a player finds himself becoming negative, he should schedule a meeting with a coach and attempt to find a solution. 3. We expect players to be vocal and enthusiastic about their teammate’s efforts. Pick each other up. 4. As a player, you must ask yourself, “If everyone in the program emulated my behavior, will the team and the program benefit?” Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. 5. We expect you to bounce back, regardless of the circumstances. Do not allow circumstances to throw you off balance. Remember, you cannot control everything that happens to you, but you can control your attitude and how you react. Be positive! Attendance 1. Practices are mandatory. The only acceptable reasons for being absent are: court date, death in the family, illness, and medical appointments (these are in accordance with Colorado’s compulsory education law). 2. The consequence for an unexcused absence is loss of playing time. The second unexcused absence may result in a suspension. 3. More than four absences (excused or unexcused) may result in dismissal from the team. 4. Players are expected to contact their coach or leave a message in the Athletic Office any time they miss a practice. Email is available for all coaches. 5. Players are expected to be prepared and on time. Repeated tardiness may result in a release from practice. Practice begins at 3:10 pm. 6. Athletes are to be in class on time the day after a game. Recovering from a game is not an excused absence. 7. Athletes must be in school in order to participate in practices and games. School field trips, court appearances, and medical appointments are exceptions to this policy. Equipment 1. The equipment checked out to you must be used only for Lewis Palmer practices and games. 2. Players are responsible for not losing equipment. There are two consequences for lost equipment: the player will pay to replace it, and will not be entitled to check out the piece of equipment next season. 3. Players may not throw bats, helmets, or any other equipment. 4. Players are responsible for the proper care of all equipment checked out to them; including having a clean uniform for every game. 5. Assigned uniforms will be returned at the last game, cleaned and in a plastic bag. If uniforms are not returned grades will not be released. 6. It is recommended each student have a combination lock and secure their possessions. It is also recommended uniforms not be kept in lockers. General Conduct 1. All Players must return on the team bus when traveling to away games, unless excused by a coach. 2. Hard work and hustle are expected on the practice field. Horseplay is potentially dangerous and unacceptable. There will be no horseplay or loitering in locker rooms after practice or games. 3. Foul language will not be permitted or tolerated. 4. If a player is released from practice for poor behavior, it counts as a missed practice. 5. Display a positive attitude and good sportsmanship in practice and in competition. 6. Display a positive, clean-cut appearance: hair will be kept to a respectable length, facial hair will be clean-shaven, and no jewelry shall be worn. 7. The team is responsible for the cleanliness of the field and practice areas. We expect each player to be responsible for maintenance and clean up after each game and practice. This includes the areas leading to the field. 8. Locker room areas are also expected to be clean. 9. District and school no-tolerance policies for alcohol, drug, and tobacco use will be adhered to. Academics 1. There will be periodic grade checks by the athletic office. 2. Per district 38 policy, two F’s will render you ineligible until the next grade check. During ineligibility, the player will not be allowed to practice or participate in games. 3. Multiple Ds may result in a referral to study hall in lieu of games and practices. 4. Repeated problems with academics may result in removal from the team. 5. Player must be in class on game day to participate in games. Dugout and Game Behavior 1. The dugout is for players only – not friends or family members. Players will not communicate with spectators or visitors during the ballgame or practices. 2. Players are expected to be in the dugout during games unless they are on the ball patrol, on the field, in the bullpen, or the batting cage. 3. Coaching is to be done during games by Lewis Palmer Coaching Staff only. Any tips you receive from others you trust may be done away from our practices and games. 4. Any player who argues with an umpire will be removed from the game. 5. Players will not “rag” opponents. Class-act programs win with hitting, fielding, and pitching, not with their mouths. 6. Players ejected from a game will be immediately suspended from the team. The act will be reviewed by the Head Coach, Athletic Director, and CHSAA. If the act is considered poor sportsmanship, the player may be permanently dismissed from the team. 7. Lack of hustle may result in removal from the ballgame. Lack of hustle includes, but is not limited to: not sprinting to first base on any hit ball or swing third strike, failing to aggressively perform backup duties, failing to advance on the bases due to inattentiveness, and other actions or inactions at the coaches’ discretion. 8. Missing signs may also result in the removal from the ballgame. Baseball Parents 1. We expect to hear from the players first with regards to their concerns. We consider the players to be young men and our program fosters an environment of open and honest two way communication, and therefore, the players should feel comfortable approaching their coaches. We care about each player and with nearly forty athletes in the program; individual communication sometimes must be scheduled outside of practice. 2. Please do not approach coaches during the games or practices with concerns involving playing time, an athlete’s role, or a strategy. Also, concerns should never be raised immediately after the conclusion of a contest, when emotions tend to run high. A discussion after practice is also not the most opportune time for a discussion. Parents should call the coach the following day (24-hour rule) to schedule an appointment. Parents and the athlete can then meet with the coach so all parties can express their concerns in a civil fashion. 3. Once again, the player should schedule a one-on-one meeting with the coach as a first step. We want to encourage the players to articulate their views on their own. If a parent feels the need to have further communication after the player has met with the coach, please schedule a meeting. Exchanging differences via email is seldom productive. 4. Please cheer for our team and not against the opponents, officials, coaches, or team members sharing a position with your player. Since high school athletics is an educational entity, winning the game should not be the only important outcome of a contest. The class with which we conduct ourselves is equal to or greater in importance. 5. Try your best to be completely realistic about your child’s athletic ability, his competitive attitude, his sportsmanship, and his actual skill level. 6. After an emotional contest sometimes it is best to allow the player to cool down before recapping the game. Make sure the player knows you appreciate his efforts. 7. Help your player set realistic goals; emphasize and praise improved performance. 8. It is vital parents stay aware of academics and assist their players in ensuring they do not fall outside the guidelines. 9. While we enjoy seeing our players go on to the next level, and encourage them to do so if possible, high school coaches do not and can not acquire scholarships.