PARENT HANDBOOK

MISSION STATEMENT

Develop student-athletes who are committed to achieving excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.

PROGRAM GOALS

1. Field a successful team at the Varsity and Junior Varsity levels.

2. Provide each player with the opportunity to learn, develop, and improve baseball skills on a daily basis.

3. Provide each player with an atmosphere that encourages mental, social, and emotional maturity.

4. Open doors for college advancement.

TEAM RULES

1. This team will follow Board Policy in relation to the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Use of these substances will not be tolerated.

2. Missing Practice: If you are going to miss practice you must call the coach either before or after practice on the day that you missed. Players are allowed three excused absences from practice, i.e. Doctor, Illness, Family Emergency, etc.

3. Unexcused Late or Absence from Games or Practice: Disciplinary action.

4. Treat all coaches with respect. Insubordination will result in disciplinary action.

5. Treat all officials, opponents, team mates and fans with respect. Behavior detrimental to the team will result in removal from the game and further disciplinary action.

6. No cursing or abusive language. Disciplinary action.

7. Any actions considered by the coaching staff to be detrimental to the team can result in disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Action Policy:

Any time a player violates team rules, they run the risk of losing playing time. The severity of the infraction will determine how much time they may lose as a result of the rules violation. Disciplinary action could be: baseball conditioning, not starting a game, not playing in an entire game, or dismissal from team.

TEAM SELECTION PROCESS

Each member of the South Hunterdon Baseball Team will be given the opportunity to compete for positions on the Junior Varsity or the Varsity teams.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASEBALL

The purpose of the Junior Varsity program is to:

· Further develop the skills of the athlete

· Increase the intensity of competition

· Prepare the athletes for the Varsity level

· Place more emphasis on winning, but not to the extent of the Varsity level

· Provide opportunities for playing time as game conditions permit

VARSITY BASEBALL

The purpose of the Varsity program is to:

• Develop the physical skills and conditioning of the athlete to his fullest potential.

• Provide talented athletes the chance to excel.

• Provide the athletes with the opportunities to learn set goals, strive to achieve them, and serve as role models for younger athletes.

• Develop program goals that include winning, team building skills, and enjoyment of the sport.

Note: Regardless of the level, each player must demonstrate the skills needed to be a member of the baseball program. No player is guaranteed a position in the present year because he was a part of the program the previous year.

SOUTH HUNTERDON BASEBALL COMMUNICATION PROCESS

When a player has questions or concerns regarding the program or a player’s individual role on the team, it is important to keep in mind the following communications process that has been adopted by the baseball program. This process provides an effective and efficient progression, focused on solving any problem that may develop throughout the season.

ACTION PLAN

Step 1: The concerned player should approach his immediate head coach to schedule a time to discuss his questions or concerns. If the player does not feel comfortable and satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, he should move forward to step 2.

Step 2: The concerned player should request a meeting involving himself, his immediate coach and the Varsity Head Coach. If the player does not feel comfortable and satisfied with the outcome, he should move forward to step 3.

Step 3: A meeting involving the player, the South Hunterdon Baseball Coaches and parent(s)/guardian(s) should be requested by phone call or email to the Varsity Head Coach. The email should include a brief explanation of the player/parent concerns. My email address is toby.jefferis@shrhs.org. My phone extension at the school is 3104. If this meeting does not resolve the situation, the player and his parents/guardians should move to step 4.

Step 4: A meeting should be requested involving the player, appropriate South Hunterdon Baseball coaches, parent(s)/guardian(s), and the Athletic Director. If all parties involved are still not comfortable with the outcome of this meeting, additional alternatives should be discussed to resolve this matter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. All discussions should focus on individual questions or concerns.
2. The performance and ability of other players will not be a subject of discussion. This is contrary to our team values of mutual respect and support.
3. Before leaving any meeting, be sure to clarify and summarize your thoughts and feelings. This will ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the meeting’s outcome.

SOUTH HUNTERDON

STUDENT-ATHLETE PROCEDURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PROCEDURES

Participants must:

1. Have a physical examination and a completed Athletic Student Eligibility Parent Permission slip on file with the school nurse.
2. Have a signed copy of the NJSIAA Steroid Testing Policy: Consent to Random Testing form.
3. Have a signed copy of the team rules. Both parent and player must sign these rules.
4. Meet all eligibility requirements set forth by the school and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
5. Abide by all school policies.

CONDUCT

1. Athletes are representatives of South Hunterdon Regional High School and should present themselves in a proper manner at all times.
2. Athletes should show proper respect to opponents, coaches, officials, and fellow students.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Athletes are responsible of the care, maintenance, and return of all equipment and uniforms. Athletes will be charged for misused or unreturned items.
2. Uniforms and equipment are to be worn and used only at South Hunterdon Regional High School events.
3. Athletes are expected to display proper sportsmanlike behavior before, during, and after events.
4. Team members will be required to ride on school provided transportation when traveling to and from away contests. Exceptions may be granted with travel release procedures. It is the responsibility of the athletes and parent(s) to have personal contact with the coach when release occurs.
5. In order to participate in scheduled school day practice or contests, an athlete must follow school attendance policies.

MEDICAL MATTERS

1. All sports related injuries are to be reported immediately to the coach. The athlete is to check with the coach the day following the report of the injury to insure that an accident report has been filed with the school trainer.
2. An injured athlete who is under medical care by a physician, must present a written release from the physician before a coach can permit the athlete to participate in practice or games.

PARENT GROUND RULES

¨	Develop loyalty. Put the team first. Be a team player. Help your son achieve team goals. As the team goes—your son will go too!
¨	Support your son’s teammates. Baseball is a team game. We succeed and fail on the field as a team. Be supportive of all players at all times. Encourage and cheer for our team. Do not mistreat or criticize another player on the team.
¨	Think baseball. Concentrate. When you are at a game keep your mind focused on the team's baseball objectives. Learn and understand the game of baseball. Do not attempt to change the positioning of your son during the game. Allow the coach to do that!
¨	Make every mistake a part of your sons development. Learn from adversity. Mistakes are common in baseball. Errors are part of the game. Every player, regardless of skill, will make errors that are both physical and mental. What sets winning teams apart from others is attitude. When a mistake is made make a commitment to allow your son to learn from the experience.
¨	Value sportsmanship. Be a good sport. Show respect for opponents, officials, and fans. Most of all, demonstrate your respect for our team and the great sport of baseball by conducting yourself with honor at the games.
¨	Be a good communicator. There is a time to talk to your son and it is NOT during the game. Do not attempt to coach your son during the game. Allow the players to play during the game and communicate with your son after the game or at home. DO NOT enter the dugout area during a game.