Embedded Files
Northfield Baseball Family/Spectator Expectations
Spectator Code of Conduct:
Let the players play!
Let the coaches coach!
Let the officials officiate!
Let the spectators be positive!
Parent/Coach Relationship:
Both parenting and coaching are very difficult. By establishing an understanding between coaches and parents, both are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a more positive experience for everyone. Parents have the right to know and understand the expectations placed on them and their child. We do ask that any meeting between coaches follows a "24-hour buffer" around game days - meetings should not be scheduled 24 hours before or after any game.
Communication parents should expect from their child’s coach:
Expectations the coach has for your child, as well as for other players on the team
Locations and times of practices and contests
Team requirements (i.e., school and team rules, off-season expectations, etc.)
Communication coaches expect from parents:
Concerns regarding their child, expressed directly to the coach, at the appropriate time
Specific concerns in regard to the coach's philosophy and/or expectations
Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
Appropriate concerns to discuss with a coach:
The mental and physical treatment of your child
What your child needs to do to improve
Concerns about your child's behavior
Issues NOT appropriate for discussion with your child's coach:
How much playing time other athletes are getting
Team strategy and play calling
Any situation that deals with student athletes other than yours
Playing Time
We as a staff understand that every parent wants their student-athlete to play, and the coaches all respect that. However, the coaching staff's decisions will be based on the following things, but not limited to:
How they are practicing on a daily basis
Is the player making any improvements in their overall individual game?
Contribution in games
Please understand that as a coaching staff, we are doing the best that we can to make the specific teams and the overall program better. Individual players for Northfield Baseball need to recognize that the program's success takes priority. It is the responsibility of the player to talk to their coach about playing time first, NOT their parents. This minor step can have a massive impact on the team and the positive character traits of the players we are trying to instill. We have a policy as a program that parents and families follow the "24-hour buffer" before you speak to a coach about any playing time issues you may have.
Northfield Baseball players' "guaranteed playing time" ends when they commit to playing high school athletics. For high school teams, winning takes on more importance, and playing time is not guaranteed at these levels. Players that play on our teams are expected to understand this. Conversely, our coaching staff is expected to communicate each player's perceived role on the team at the beginning of the season, and to be open to updating players as they progress.
A player may not leave a practice or game early, other than those approved by the coach. If a player chooses to leave a game early for a reason not approved by a coach, the player’s playing time will be at the discretion of the coach.
It can be very difficult to accept that your child is not playing as much as you and he had hoped. Coaches make decisions based on what they believe are in the best interest of all student-athletes participating. Our coaches will always be willing to meet with families to discuss any concerns they may have. All meetings should be scheduled and should involve at least two coaches in conjunction with the parent(s). Meetings should resemble a "parent-teacher conference."
We ask that you follow the communication hierarchy listed below. We feel that this process will best help us maintain a positive attitude amongst the players.
1. Player talks with coach
2. Parent talks with player
3. Parent talks with player's coach
4. Parent talks with head coach
5. Parent talks with Athletic Director
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