Student-athletes will follow the athletic code and remain eligible and in good academic standing.

Student-athletes will attend all practices and games during the season without exception unless:

• Student-athlete is home ill or becomes ill during the day- this is COMMUNICATED to the school office by parents before school or before the student heads home.

• unexcused absences from school will impact playing time for players.

• Pre-arranged with the coaching staff- COMMUNICATED with coaching staff.

• Family emergency arises where as you must make contact with a school official- COMMUNICATED to school and/or coaching staff.

• One unexcused absence will lead to reduced playing time in the next contest. each subsequent unexcused absence will result in sitting out of a contest. Three unexcused absences will be grounds for dismissal from the team.

Display respect for teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and the sport of softball.

Bus rides are important team time! Coaches will collect cell phones from players before departing this year. Use this time to think about the game and interact with your team. We feel it is important that all student/athletes ride the bus to and from all games unless:

• Unforeseen event, test, field trip. COMMUNICATE with the coaches.

• Paperwork needs to be filled out and signed by parent/guardian

Come prepared to practice and play. Being on time means being dressed and ready before practice begins or the bus leaves.

Take care of all uniforms and equipment. Keep things clean, orderly

Infield, pitchers and catchers will rake and tamp your field areas after each game and practice.

Outfielders will put equipment away after outdoor practice and games (with extra infielders).

You can be Fountains or you can be Drains. Fountains only here.

HAVE FUN!

I understand that my daughter’s playing time may be limited to her ability and the coaches’ judgment.

I will give my daughter unconditional support during and after softball games.

I will encourage, cheer, and support my daughter and her teammates as a team and as individuals during our contests.

I will be a positive role model as a parent, fan, and spectator.

I will refrain from questioning judgment of an official. If you do say something about a call, realize that the official can handle something being said once, but do not continue to badger an official about a call.

I will not coach my daughter individually during the game. Coaching strategy and philosophy may be different than what the parent may be instructing.

I will give the player space and avoid the dugout area before and during the games.

I will expect that a meeting about playing time or player treatment will be conducted away from the ballpark and in the privacy of the high school. Meetings about these topics will NEVER take place at the ballpark during or after a practice or game. Plan for at least a 24 hour wait before a meeting will be set.

Please follow proper chain of command to resolve any issue should a problem arise:

• First, discuss any issue with your daughter -> then schedule a meeting with her coach -> then with the athletic director -> then the school principal -> then district superintendent

Parents and players will be treated with respect by all coaches.

Roles will be established by coaches and made known to players throughout the season.

Major changes in playing status will be clarified and made known to the athlete.

Practices will start and finish on time and be organized for the players.

Consequences will be fair for each individual athlete.

Coaches will have knowledge of the game and use proper strategies during contests.

Coaches will be aware of rules, discuss rulings with umpires in a proper manner, and display sportsmanship to fans and players as representatives of Merrill High School and the Merrill Community

Coaches will refrain from negative sarcasm in their coaching. Communication with players will be delivered in a way that will promote growth and improvement.

Coaches will expect the best out of themselves and out of the players.