Pleasant Softball Handbook
Welcome to the Pleasant Spartans High School Girls' Softball Program. In this handbook, you will find the philosophy and goals that will help shape our program as well as help us prepare for competition for the upcoming season. You will also learn about our guidelines and expectations.
TEAM GOALS - Each year, specific team objectives will change as the team's personnel changes. However, the following are the unchanging yearly goals of the Pleasant Softball teams and coaching staff:
PRIORITY SCHEDULING - If we are to attain any of the goals that we have set for ourselves, it is important that each athlete is willing to commit herself to the following priority schedule:
PRE-SEASON RESPONSIBILITIES - In the event you are not involved in a winter sport at Pleasant, you are strongly encouraged to attend pre-season conditioning programs which will be conducted by the staff, including 'open hitting' in the gymnasium on designated weekends. Not only will this allow you to be in better physical condition when the season begins, but it will give the staff an opportunity to get to know you. You are also asked to read this copy of the team handbook and bring up any questions you may have regarding the team's philosophy or procedures. Your academic record has been checked periodically during the off-season to note any academic difficulties you may have been experiencing. If it is not up to the necessary standards, you will be strongly encouraged to change your study habits to be more in line with the team's "priority schedule".
TEAM SELECTION - We will field two levels of competition: Varsity and Junior Varsity. We anticipate carrying approximately 11-14 players on the Varsity team, and 11-14 players on the Junior Varsity team. Players' abilities will be assessed during the first weeks of practice, and on an ongoing basis, and no roster is ever "engraved in stone". All players in the softball program are eligible to move between the levels of play during the course of the season. Through the course of early practices, the entire coaching staff will work with and evaluate all athletes participating in practices. In our collective opinion, we will rank the student/athletes utilizing the criteria listed below.
The selection of all teams will be based on the following criteria:
PLAYING TIME- Playing time will vary and is not guaranteed to any player. Coaches will determine playing time based on the criteria set above and the needs of the team on any given day. As coaches of a competitive varsity sport, our job is to put players on the field and in the line-up that give our team the best opportunity for success. This may mean that not all players will play every game. JV coaches will try to play as many girls as possible to give them experience and opportunities to learn and grow. If players wish to discuss their playing time, they are encouraged to set up a time to talk to their coaches.
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL - In order to participate in after school athletic activities, you must be in attendance during the school day. If you have missed any part of the day due to doctor, orthodontists, etc., you must bring verification of that appointment to Mr. Brickner's (Athletic Director) Office prior to practice, for clearance. Please try to avoid making appointments that will cause you to miss classes during the school day. The coaching staff is required to verify that each athlete is eligible to practice and/or participate in contests. Please be sure to follow these procedures. The Athletic Participation policy that all athletes should be aware of states: "An athlete's participation in athletic practices or contests on days of partial or complete absence from school must be cleared through the Athletic Director's office. Generally, a student-athlete will not be cleared to participate if he or she has an absence of more than one classroom period for something other than a non-discretionary (i.e. court, wake, funeral) or school-related (i.e. field trip, performance) event. Written verification may be required. Absences of more than one period as the result of illness, doctors' appointments, or physical exams will most likely result in the student's not being cleared for participation that day. This policy also includes participation on a Saturday following a Friday absence."
PRACTICE TIMES - After school practice times may vary for all levels of softball. In general though, you are expected to be available for practice from 2:25 to 5:00pm on school days. In the early part of the season, the allocation of space may necessitate evening (5:30-8:30pm) practices. The days and times for these practices will be determined by the coaching staff. Weekend and vacation practice times will be determined by the coaching staff. Since there will be a collection of coaches at the Varsity and Junior Varsity level, there will be times when the squad will be split in terms of infielders/outfields, pitchers/catchers, etc. Please be on time as the posted schedule specifies. If you are late, you prevent the other members of the team from maximizing their allotted time.
PRACTICE ATTENDANCE - You are expected to attend all practices and games unless you are ill, academically ineligible, or have been previously excused by your coach. Athletes are expected to bring a note for any absence or anticipated family commitment. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the "coaches option penalty". If you do not attend practice prior to a game and have failed to notify your coach, you may not start/play. You may, however, at the discretion of the coach, be inserted into the line-up during the course of the game. In any case, you are still expected to dress, attend the game, and participate in all game related activities.
ATTITUDE - You are a select athlete and will be expected to conduct yourself as one. This means that when you come to practice, or to a game, you should bring an attitude that is conducive to the progress of the team. You must try to leave behind you all the frustrations of the day, or anything else that will detract from your performance on the field. We, as a coaching staff, will maintain a positive attitude toward you. There will be times when you will be confronted with mistakes you have made. We ask that you use this constructive feedback as it is intended, to make you a better player. If your attitude is perceived as being a distraction or impedes the ability of the program to reach the goals set forth, you will be removed from the activity (practice/game) and face further discipline – up to and including removal from the team. You are a representative of our team and school and should behave in a respectable manner.
DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER - Yes, it will be cold. The season will begin when the snow is still on the ground. If you do not have thermal underwear, get some. We will go outside at every reasonable opportunity. Unless it is raining or extremely cold, we will go outside to practice. You need to collect all of your loose fitting, warm clothing and bring it to school. In addition to your cleats, bring another pair of shoes you can wear indoors. There will be times when we will go outside and then come inside for additional practice. In any case, NEVER wear your cleats into the building! You will be expected to dress for practice in a way that you are prepared to slide at all times- wear pants any time practice is outside. Shorts will be permitted when practicing inside, but pack for all situations.
EQUIPMENT CARE - The equipment you are issued throughout the season, including your uniform, is your responsibility to care for appropriately. You are expected to share it with no one, other than a teammate (with coach’s consent). It should be returned clean, as you received it, and in good condition. You will be billed for any equipment not returned at the end of the season or any school equipment damaged due to misuse. No additions to, or alterations of the school uniform may be made without the approval of the head coach (ie. team hats, visors, undergarments, etc.)
TRAVEL TO AND FROM GAMES - The school policy states that you are to travel to and from games with the team on the bus. There is only one exception to this policy: If your parents provide you with a note, requesting that you ride home with them. This note must be submitted to your coach prior to the departure of the bus. Under these conditions, the request shall be honored. It is recommended that you keep this type of request to a minimum.
FAN SUPPORT - The coaching staff encourages you to invite your parents and friends to enjoy our games. However, all spectators will be expected to separate themselves from the players during the game. Players need to be free from distractions in order to concentrate on the matter at hand. It will be the responsibility of the players to remind their parent(s) and/or inform any guest who may be unaware of this policy. Fans are encouraged to offer encouragement for our team throughout the game, but are reminded that we do not accept negative comments directed at our opponents. We will be respectful of other players and coaches at all times.
***Also- please be reminded that publicly criticizing officials is punishable by the OHSAA. Public criticism INCLUDES social media. Players and coaches are subject to suspensions for these types of infractions. Comments made should be in support of our team and players, not against any others.
CAPTAIN SELECTION - The selection of a captain or captains will be left to the discretion of the coach. When captains are selected, they will be expected to function as role models for the other players. Their selection will be based on their proven ability to accept leadership responsibilities on the playing field, practice field, and in the classroom. Additionally, they will help facilitate communication between players and the coaching staff. In some cases, the staff will select captains on game days. This may be done on a rotating basis, thereby allowing each team member an opportunity to assume a leadership role. It will be the responsibility of the captain to make certain all equipment (bats, balls, catcher’s equipment, first aid kit) is transported to and from the game, by those who are assigned, and to lead the stretching and warm-up activities prior to the game.
STARTING LINE-UP - The line-up for each game may vary as the season progresses. There may be changes in personnel as well as unforeseen circumstances that occur during the season. It should be further noted that if a player goes on vacation, she is not guaranteed her "old spot" when she returns. She must earn it back. In short, the best players for a given situation will be put on the field of play for each game, and such choices are the responsibility of the coaching staff.
RULES OF TRAINING & CONDUCT
1. Attendance at all practices and games is mandatory unless a player is excused by your coach. Absences from practice must be pre-arranged and approved by your coach. Written notes to miss practice are required in advance. Verbal messages passed along by other players are not acceptable. Practices are used to determine the line-up for games. If a player has an unexcused absence from practice she must realize that her position on the team may be affected. (This includes family vacations during spring break and weekend practices). If it is a last minute situation, the player should email or text her coach.
Players who will be absent from school should have their parents call and leave a message with their coach by 10:00 A.M. Failure to comply with any of the above procedures may result in the suspension from games and/or expulsion from the team. Please review the district policy regarding student attendance and athletic participation.
NOTE: Jobs are not acceptable excuses for missing practices and/or games. Please share your practice and game schedules with your employers in advance to avoid any conflicts.
2. Players are representatives of Pleasant High School. Swearing, throwing equipment, cheating and other unsportsmanlike acts will NOT be tolerated. Suspension from one or more contests and/or expulsion from the team may result from repeated unsportsmanlike acts.
3. Players will receive uniforms prior to the first game. These MUST be worn at all scheduled contests. Players should take good care of uniforms because they are passed on to future teams. Players will have to pay to replace uniforms that they abuse or lose.
NOTE: Check for posting by your coaches' classroom and listen to school announcements for information concerning practice and/or game schedule. Changes do occur periodically throughout the day. EXPECT that we ARE playing/practicing until you are told differently. We will try to keep the website updated and will also utilize Remind alerts as a way to communicate last-minute changes.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND OUT WHERE AND WHEN PRACTICE IS BEING HELD ! ! ! ! !
Welcome to the Pleasant Spartans High School Girls' Softball Program. In this handbook, you will find the philosophy and goals that will help shape our program as well as help us prepare for competition for the upcoming season. You will also learn about our guidelines and expectations.
TEAM GOALS - Each year, specific team objectives will change as the team's personnel changes. However, the following are the unchanging yearly goals of the Pleasant Softball teams and coaching staff:
- To participate in practice and games with desire and intensity;
- To help each other become as physically skilled as possible;
- To improve team statistics from last season;
- To mature as young women, by realizing that learning to deal with adversity is sometimes the best way to grow;
- To openly discuss team and personal concerns when they arise, in order to resolve conflicts before they become problems;
- To commit to improving Pleasant’s softball program with the goal of competing at elite levels. This may include off-season work in skill areas and participation in the Pleasant/MOAC summer softball league or other area travel teams.
PRIORITY SCHEDULING - If we are to attain any of the goals that we have set for ourselves, it is important that each athlete is willing to commit herself to the following priority schedule:
- Family and religious commitments (discussed with coaches ahead of time)
- Academic progress and responsibilities.
- PLEASANT SOFTBALL
- Any out-of-season sports or other outside activities (ie. work).
PRE-SEASON RESPONSIBILITIES - In the event you are not involved in a winter sport at Pleasant, you are strongly encouraged to attend pre-season conditioning programs which will be conducted by the staff, including 'open hitting' in the gymnasium on designated weekends. Not only will this allow you to be in better physical condition when the season begins, but it will give the staff an opportunity to get to know you. You are also asked to read this copy of the team handbook and bring up any questions you may have regarding the team's philosophy or procedures. Your academic record has been checked periodically during the off-season to note any academic difficulties you may have been experiencing. If it is not up to the necessary standards, you will be strongly encouraged to change your study habits to be more in line with the team's "priority schedule".
TEAM SELECTION - We will field two levels of competition: Varsity and Junior Varsity. We anticipate carrying approximately 11-14 players on the Varsity team, and 11-14 players on the Junior Varsity team. Players' abilities will be assessed during the first weeks of practice, and on an ongoing basis, and no roster is ever "engraved in stone". All players in the softball program are eligible to move between the levels of play during the course of the season. Through the course of early practices, the entire coaching staff will work with and evaluate all athletes participating in practices. In our collective opinion, we will rank the student/athletes utilizing the criteria listed below.
The selection of all teams will be based on the following criteria:
- Softball related skills
- Performance/speed
- Desire and responsibility
- Aggressive play
- Coachability
- Athletic ability and natural coordination
- Softball knowledge
- Team needs
PLAYING TIME- Playing time will vary and is not guaranteed to any player. Coaches will determine playing time based on the criteria set above and the needs of the team on any given day. As coaches of a competitive varsity sport, our job is to put players on the field and in the line-up that give our team the best opportunity for success. This may mean that not all players will play every game. JV coaches will try to play as many girls as possible to give them experience and opportunities to learn and grow. If players wish to discuss their playing time, they are encouraged to set up a time to talk to their coaches.
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL - In order to participate in after school athletic activities, you must be in attendance during the school day. If you have missed any part of the day due to doctor, orthodontists, etc., you must bring verification of that appointment to Mr. Brickner's (Athletic Director) Office prior to practice, for clearance. Please try to avoid making appointments that will cause you to miss classes during the school day. The coaching staff is required to verify that each athlete is eligible to practice and/or participate in contests. Please be sure to follow these procedures. The Athletic Participation policy that all athletes should be aware of states: "An athlete's participation in athletic practices or contests on days of partial or complete absence from school must be cleared through the Athletic Director's office. Generally, a student-athlete will not be cleared to participate if he or she has an absence of more than one classroom period for something other than a non-discretionary (i.e. court, wake, funeral) or school-related (i.e. field trip, performance) event. Written verification may be required. Absences of more than one period as the result of illness, doctors' appointments, or physical exams will most likely result in the student's not being cleared for participation that day. This policy also includes participation on a Saturday following a Friday absence."
PRACTICE TIMES - After school practice times may vary for all levels of softball. In general though, you are expected to be available for practice from 2:25 to 5:00pm on school days. In the early part of the season, the allocation of space may necessitate evening (5:30-8:30pm) practices. The days and times for these practices will be determined by the coaching staff. Weekend and vacation practice times will be determined by the coaching staff. Since there will be a collection of coaches at the Varsity and Junior Varsity level, there will be times when the squad will be split in terms of infielders/outfields, pitchers/catchers, etc. Please be on time as the posted schedule specifies. If you are late, you prevent the other members of the team from maximizing their allotted time.
PRACTICE ATTENDANCE - You are expected to attend all practices and games unless you are ill, academically ineligible, or have been previously excused by your coach. Athletes are expected to bring a note for any absence or anticipated family commitment. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the "coaches option penalty". If you do not attend practice prior to a game and have failed to notify your coach, you may not start/play. You may, however, at the discretion of the coach, be inserted into the line-up during the course of the game. In any case, you are still expected to dress, attend the game, and participate in all game related activities.
ATTITUDE - You are a select athlete and will be expected to conduct yourself as one. This means that when you come to practice, or to a game, you should bring an attitude that is conducive to the progress of the team. You must try to leave behind you all the frustrations of the day, or anything else that will detract from your performance on the field. We, as a coaching staff, will maintain a positive attitude toward you. There will be times when you will be confronted with mistakes you have made. We ask that you use this constructive feedback as it is intended, to make you a better player. If your attitude is perceived as being a distraction or impedes the ability of the program to reach the goals set forth, you will be removed from the activity (practice/game) and face further discipline – up to and including removal from the team. You are a representative of our team and school and should behave in a respectable manner.
DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER - Yes, it will be cold. The season will begin when the snow is still on the ground. If you do not have thermal underwear, get some. We will go outside at every reasonable opportunity. Unless it is raining or extremely cold, we will go outside to practice. You need to collect all of your loose fitting, warm clothing and bring it to school. In addition to your cleats, bring another pair of shoes you can wear indoors. There will be times when we will go outside and then come inside for additional practice. In any case, NEVER wear your cleats into the building! You will be expected to dress for practice in a way that you are prepared to slide at all times- wear pants any time practice is outside. Shorts will be permitted when practicing inside, but pack for all situations.
EQUIPMENT CARE - The equipment you are issued throughout the season, including your uniform, is your responsibility to care for appropriately. You are expected to share it with no one, other than a teammate (with coach’s consent). It should be returned clean, as you received it, and in good condition. You will be billed for any equipment not returned at the end of the season or any school equipment damaged due to misuse. No additions to, or alterations of the school uniform may be made without the approval of the head coach (ie. team hats, visors, undergarments, etc.)
TRAVEL TO AND FROM GAMES - The school policy states that you are to travel to and from games with the team on the bus. There is only one exception to this policy: If your parents provide you with a note, requesting that you ride home with them. This note must be submitted to your coach prior to the departure of the bus. Under these conditions, the request shall be honored. It is recommended that you keep this type of request to a minimum.
FAN SUPPORT - The coaching staff encourages you to invite your parents and friends to enjoy our games. However, all spectators will be expected to separate themselves from the players during the game. Players need to be free from distractions in order to concentrate on the matter at hand. It will be the responsibility of the players to remind their parent(s) and/or inform any guest who may be unaware of this policy. Fans are encouraged to offer encouragement for our team throughout the game, but are reminded that we do not accept negative comments directed at our opponents. We will be respectful of other players and coaches at all times.
***Also- please be reminded that publicly criticizing officials is punishable by the OHSAA. Public criticism INCLUDES social media. Players and coaches are subject to suspensions for these types of infractions. Comments made should be in support of our team and players, not against any others.
CAPTAIN SELECTION - The selection of a captain or captains will be left to the discretion of the coach. When captains are selected, they will be expected to function as role models for the other players. Their selection will be based on their proven ability to accept leadership responsibilities on the playing field, practice field, and in the classroom. Additionally, they will help facilitate communication between players and the coaching staff. In some cases, the staff will select captains on game days. This may be done on a rotating basis, thereby allowing each team member an opportunity to assume a leadership role. It will be the responsibility of the captain to make certain all equipment (bats, balls, catcher’s equipment, first aid kit) is transported to and from the game, by those who are assigned, and to lead the stretching and warm-up activities prior to the game.
STARTING LINE-UP - The line-up for each game may vary as the season progresses. There may be changes in personnel as well as unforeseen circumstances that occur during the season. It should be further noted that if a player goes on vacation, she is not guaranteed her "old spot" when she returns. She must earn it back. In short, the best players for a given situation will be put on the field of play for each game, and such choices are the responsibility of the coaching staff.
RULES OF TRAINING & CONDUCT
1. Attendance at all practices and games is mandatory unless a player is excused by your coach. Absences from practice must be pre-arranged and approved by your coach. Written notes to miss practice are required in advance. Verbal messages passed along by other players are not acceptable. Practices are used to determine the line-up for games. If a player has an unexcused absence from practice she must realize that her position on the team may be affected. (This includes family vacations during spring break and weekend practices). If it is a last minute situation, the player should email or text her coach.
Players who will be absent from school should have their parents call and leave a message with their coach by 10:00 A.M. Failure to comply with any of the above procedures may result in the suspension from games and/or expulsion from the team. Please review the district policy regarding student attendance and athletic participation.
NOTE: Jobs are not acceptable excuses for missing practices and/or games. Please share your practice and game schedules with your employers in advance to avoid any conflicts.
2. Players are representatives of Pleasant High School. Swearing, throwing equipment, cheating and other unsportsmanlike acts will NOT be tolerated. Suspension from one or more contests and/or expulsion from the team may result from repeated unsportsmanlike acts.
3. Players will receive uniforms prior to the first game. These MUST be worn at all scheduled contests. Players should take good care of uniforms because they are passed on to future teams. Players will have to pay to replace uniforms that they abuse or lose.
NOTE: Check for posting by your coaches' classroom and listen to school announcements for information concerning practice and/or game schedule. Changes do occur periodically throughout the day. EXPECT that we ARE playing/practicing until you are told differently. We will try to keep the website updated and will also utilize Remind alerts as a way to communicate last-minute changes.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND OUT WHERE AND WHEN PRACTICE IS BEING HELD ! ! ! ! !