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Fastpitch Softball

Player and Parent

Softball Handbook

Revised: 05/26/2020

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Table of Content

Coaches Letter 3

Team Mission & Goals 4

Team Motto 5

Coach & Player Guidelines 9

Parent Guidelines 15

Tournaments 20

Administrative Information 22

Dues & Fundraising Agreement 26

Parent & Player Contract 27

Player Consent/Release Form 28

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Welcome to the Carolina Hurricanes Team

We are very excited to be working with such a fine

group of girls and parents in this 2020 season! Each of the girls selected for this season possess the skill, desire, and personality needed to build a successful team.

All successful endeavors take commitment,

determination and planning. These key ingredients must come from the coaches, parents, and players. We as coaches, feel very strongly about having a supportive and committed group of parents to encourage and lead the girls with the ultimate goal of continuing to build confident and happy young people.

Winning is always a goal which should be diligently

pursued in an athletic environment but primarily our goal is to develop them into athletes that work hard, show determination, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and show excellent team collaboration and respect. As the years have progressed, we have learned a lot about what it takes to build a strong organization. Below is an outline of the team mission, goals, rules, responsibilities and logistics involved in running an organization of this type.

Again, welcome and here’s to a successful 2020 season!

Coach Thomas

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Team Mission & Goal Mission Statement

To provide a competitive fast pitch softball travel program for young girls in the Charlotte, NC and upper SC State areas. The coaching staff is committed to balancing competitiveness and maintaining a positive experience for all players.

Goals

• To take a team of dedicated high school athletes and prepare them for next level as Student Athlete.

• Continually work on all facets of the game including

core training, fundamental softball skills and game strategy.

• Target roster of 11 – 12 players. NOTE: This number can

increase and decrease at the coach’s discretion.

• Always maintain a positive and encouraging environment.

• Always play to win BUT not with a “Win at any

cost” mentality.

All players and parents must understand that, unlike recreation

softball, players are not guaranteed minimum playing times

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2020 Team Motto

WHAT MAKES A

“CLASS” TEAM?

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PRIDE

ATTITUDE

PRESENTATION

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PRIDE • Pride in your team and teammates. The way you play, look and act,

on and off the field.

• Everyone is part of the "family". Do things to make the team

proud. Don't embarrass the team or yourself.

• Older girls encourage and help younger girls as they represent the

future of the team.

• Everyone is together as a team mixing with everyone else, don't

divide the team into small groups.

• Whatever team you play on and wherever you go .... you

represent YOUR TEAM.

ATTITUDE • Teammates encourage each other, even if it is the girl playing in

front of you, and especially if someone makes a mistake. The team comes first, before the individual.

• Treat opposing players with respect. Do not bad mouth them. If

you run over someone, help them back up.

• Treat the umpires with respect, realize that they do a difficult

job the best they can and that it's better to be on their good side rather than their bad side.

• Players play, spectators watch - the two should not mix.

• Everyone on the team is equally important with a job to do the best

she can. This goes for each starter and each girl on the bench who all work together trying to help the team in whatever way they can.

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• Girls always play the game the same, regardless of the score, situation, or opponent. Do not allow the opposition to deter you from your goals or to lower your standards.

• Girls play hard and play to win but win or lose with class. Do not try to embarrass the other team when you beat them or give them extra incentive for the next time.

• If you give 100%, and still come up short on the scoreboard, there is

nothing to be ashamed of, learn from it and don't make excuses.

• Girls will sacrifice themselves for the team - break up double plays, dive for balls, bunt runners over, etc.

• No "clubhouse lawyers" - if there are problems, they go back to the

team captains or coaches but are not discussed behind girls backs which spreads dissension.

PRESENTATION • Appearance - Team is neatly dressed and looks sharp.

• Warm Up - well organized, everything is done together with a purpose.

No playing around.

• Infield/Outfield - quick and sharp and snappy.

• Hustle - Run on and off the field, whenever a girl is on the field she is

running.

• Bench - Well organized, equipment arranged neatly, and everyone

has a job to do. All talk and activity are centered around the game and trying to help out in some way.

DO IT WITH CLASS!

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2020

Coach & Player

Guidelines

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Coaches Rules of Conduct

• Each coach will do whatever possible to assist every team member to improve their playing skills and abilities.

• The coaching staff will lead by example. Their

conduct will always be professional and above reproach, displaying good sportsmanship and fair play.

• The coaching staff will make the ultimate

decisions regarding positions and playing time

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• Players who understand from the beginning that hard work is the minimum expected of them, and not the maximum. Players must understand that there are few guarantees in life which are:

A. Success will not be easily achieved.

B. Players who are unwilling to give a total effort in practices are unlikely to give a greater effort once the games begin.

• Players with a favorable attention span and the ability

to listen and concentrate.

• Players who can take constructive criticism and acknowledge their mistakes without alibis, excuses, or blaming others.

• Players who love the game.

• Players who work hard.

• Players who enjoy competing - and winning.

• Players who like - and more important, respect - their

teammates and coaches.

• Players who are loyal to their team, teammates and coaches.

• Players who understand that good players show up for big games, but great players show up for every game.

• Players who exhibit leadership qualities.

What kind of players are we looking for?

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Specific team objectives will change as the team's

character changes. However, the following should be the

general goals of the Hurricanes 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 (personal

stats).

• 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 to resolve conflicts before they become problems.

Players’ Goals

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Player’s Rules and Conduct • EFFORT - 100% effort always (including practice).

• PLAYING TIME - The amount of playing time each girl

receives will be determined by her softball skills, attitude, commitment to working hard, participation in team activities and game/tournament situations.

• ATTITUDE & RESPECT - Team members will show

respect for, be considerate of, and display a positive attitude towards teammates, coaches, umpires, opposing players and parents.

• DISCIPLINE - Exhibit a high standard of discipline, both

in the dugout and on the field. Discipline and good fair play are hallmarks of the Hurricanes team.

• ATTENDANCE - Be on time for all practices, games, and

team functions. You are expected to call the head coach at least two hours before the start of any activity you will miss. If a practice or game is missed, the coaches may opt to have you benched at a tournament game. Time will be at coach’s discretion.

• PARTICIPATION - Participate in all practices,

games, and team functions. You must make Hurricane activities a priority.

• CONDUCT - Players will conduct themselves in a proper and well-behaved manner while in uniform and during all team functions.

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• SPORTSMANSHIP - Always control your emotions and display good sportsmanship. No profanity, no throwing equipment, no arguing with teammates, coaches, opponents or umpires, no negative remarks toteammates, coaches, opponents, or umpires.

• BE PREPARED - Always have your complete

uniform and equipment with you for a game.

• CONTACT - Contact the coaching staff if you have any

questions, comments, concerns, and/or suggestions. The coaching staff is always available to listen except during practice, games, and tournaments.

Do not waste your parents’ money by being unappreciative of what they have invested. Be worth it! Everyone (parents & players) must respect the financial and time commitments involved in the program.

Penalty

Failure to comply with rules may result in removal from a game or suspension for one or more games.

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Player Daily Guidelines • Be at the field, mentally and physically ready to practice,

at or before the scheduled start time. There will be a small time slot to stretch, jog and warm up, so you should do whatever extra personal stretching or warming up you need prior to the beginning of team practice. Keep in mind…

If you're early, you're on time ........

If you're on time, you're late .........

If you're late, you're running .......

Great athletes come early and leave late.

• Wear your sliding gear at every practice. Get used to the

idea that whenever you run the bases you slide, even in practice. This makes you a better slider and makes our defensive players better.

• Dress warmly or bring plenty of warm clothes. It can, and

frequently does, get cold during practice. Make sure you have the proper clothes and do not get cold.

• Always hustle. One thing we will work towards is this: if a

ball rolls to a stop on the field because no one hustled after it, then everyone should expect to participate in some sort of physical activity.

• Please let the coach know in advance if you will

miss or be late for a practice.

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Success Factors

THE MENTAL ASPECT IS THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL SOFTBALL

– Concentration – no mental mistakes

– Be in the right spot at the right time

YOU CAN'T CONTROL

– The Umpires

– Luck

YOU CAN CONTROL

– Your effort – how hard do you try – do you give 110% every

minute?

– Your dedication – do you make every practice?

– Your concentration – is always your head in the game ?

– Your enthusiasm – are you constantly cheering for your

teammates?

WINNING OR LOSING IS #2

– EFFORT IS #1 - THIS HAS TO DO WITH LIFE

– If you only give 90% - you fail, you’re a loser

– If you always give 110% - you succeed, you’re a winner

– YOU ONLY PLAY IN A GAME LIKE YOU PRACTICE

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

INTENSITY

COMPOSER

ENTHUSIASM

EFFORT

COACHES PLAY "FAVORITES"

– Play their hardest

– Give their best

– Make the most effort

– Are the most enthusiastic

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2020 Parent Guidelines

The Hurricanes is a volunteer organization run by volunteers. It is a family-oriented organization that relies on the support of the parents and families to run smoothly. As your daughter has been selected to become a member of the Hurricanes, you may be asked to help the organization by carpooling, chaperoning, fundraising, statistician or helping with any number of other tasks.

There are several positions that currently need to be filled:

▪ Game Videographer

▪ Photo Collector – Shutterfly

▪ Equipment Setup and Teardown– Assist the coaches in setting up equipment needed for practice such as nets, T’s, balls and other hitting equipment.

▪ Practice Assistance – parents may be called upon to assist in running practice drills.

▪ Event Coordinator – plans team building activities and events during tournament game breaks and at other times during the year.

▪ Sponsorship/Fundraiser Organizer

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Parent Code of Conduct

I/We will/understand:

• INFORM - Let the coach know of any physical disability or

ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

• POSITIVE ROLE MODEL - Be a positive role model for

my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.

• RESPECT - Respect the officials and their authority

during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches/officials at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches/officials at an agreed upon time and place.

Demand that my child treats other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

• SPORTSMANSHIP – Not engage in any kind of

unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing, taunting, and refusing to shake hands.

• DEFORMATION – Not engage in sending inflammatory or

negative emails, text, or social media communications about the team, players, or coaches.

• BEHAVIOR – Not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes.

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• TEACH - Teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

• SKILL - Emphasize skill development and practices, and how

they benefit my child.

• SIDELINE COACHING - Refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices unless I am an official coach.

• COMMITMENT - Hold firm to my commitment and the

commitment my child is making to support and participate as a member of the travel team during the 2020 travel season.

• PARTICIPATION - Make sure that child participates in

practices, tournaments, fundraisers, and other team sponsored events. I understand that I must inform the coaches prior to missing any team functions and to adhere to the established guidelines for attendance at all Hurricane team functions. Two unexcused absences from a practice or team activity may result in sitting out a game.

• DUGOUT RULES – understand that the only adults allowed

in the dugout during games will be the coaching staff and those approved by the coaching staff.

• DUES - Team dues are to be paid on time and in full. There

will not be any reimbursement of dues should I decide to withdraw my child or should my child be dismissed from the team by the coaching staff.

• TRYOUTS - Tryouts will be held for both seasons: Spring and Fall teams. There will not be a tryout for the fall season unless there are open roster slots.

Understand that any violations of this contract could result

in action taken up to and including dismissal from the team.

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2020

Tournaments

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Tournaments

• The Hurricanes FastPitch Softball Team is a competitive travel team. It is our intent to schedule at least 10 to 12 tournaments.

• The option to schedule additional tournaments will

remain open.

• Our goal is to schedule half of the tournaments within driving

distance, but we may participate and some that make require travel and/or an overnight stay during the season. These overnighters are family-oriented outings. As such, the entire family is encouraged to travel with the team and attend the tournaments and games. Cost for the overnight travel will be the responsibility of the individual player.

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2020

Team Administrative

Information

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Administration

Insurance

• While any player is participating in any sanctioned event including practices, games, tournaments, fund raisers, etc., the team has purchased a supplementary insurance plan that covers her. This coverage is a secondary coverage. This means, if any other health plan covers a player, this team plan begins coverage after the players' "primary plan".

Uniforms

• All players must wear the appropriate uniform. The team will provide jersey and pants. Players will be responsible for purchasing their own socks, belt, cleats, and sliders.

Equipment

• All players are required to provide their own glove, sliders, bats, batting gloves, catchers equipment (if applicable) and face masks.

Documents

• Before anyone who has been selected may play for the Hurricanes, we will require that you provide a copy of her birth certificate and complete a player data sheet and a medical release form.

Fund Raising

• Fundraising is the way the Hurricanes can keep the dues at a reasonable amount. Without fundraising, the team dues will greatly increase or possibly cease to exist. As a member of the Hurricanes, we will expect that you participate in fundraising activities.

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Fundraising – Sponsorships

We also have a program that sources corporate and player

sponsors. We will be looking for team sponsors and need parent

assistance in doing so. All corporate sponsorships sold will be

split 40/60 between the team and individual player’s dues.

For example, if a player signs a $200 gold level sponsor then $80

will go to the team and $120 toward the players 2020 dues. The

only exception to this will be the player

$25.00 sponsors which will go 100% to the player’s dues. Any

proceeds collected over an individual player’s 2020 dues will go

to the Hurricanes team. Attached is a summary of the

sponsorship opportunities:

• Hurricane Level Sponsor $350+/year

– Business name on the teams’ sponsorship banner for the current season.

– Picture Plaque with the sponsored team appearing on it to hang in your place of business.

– Displayed on all social media platforms. – Autographed team paraphernalia.

• Tropical Storm Level Sponsor $200/year – Business name on the teams’ sponsorship banner for the

current season. – Picture Plaque with the sponsored team appearing on

it to hang in your place of business.

• Tropical Depression (Individual) Sponsor $100/year

– Name on the teams’ sponsorship banner for the current season.

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• Player Sponsor $25/year

– This is a great way for your daughter to earn a portion or

all their yearly dues. We will be sending out a letter that

you or your child can send to friends and family and ask

for individual $25.00 sponsorships to support your child

during the 2020 season. Allows you to contact friends and

family versus just businesses and all proceeds go directly

to assist with your child’s annual dues.

Budget

• A copy of the Hurricanes budget and expenses are available to any player or parent anytime so you will know how your dues and other funds raised are being spent.

Dues – may vary

Example

• 2020 Team Dues

$410

Insurance $160

Sanction fees $150

Uniforms $1200

10-12 Tournaments $3,000

Equipment & Misc. $400

• Payment Schedule – based per team (example)

$ 100.00 January 31, 2020

$ 50.00 February 28,, 2020

$ 100.00 March 27, 2020

$ 50.00 April 30, 2020

$ 50.00 May 29, 2020

$ 50.00 June 30, 2020

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CAROLINA Hurricanes, INC.

TRAVEL FAST PITCH SOFTBALL

TEAM DUES AND FUNDRAISING AGREEMENT

This organization will collect team dues and conduct various fundraisers for the

organization throughout the year to raise money for equipment, field space,

team activities and other items needed for the organization. In no event

shall any of the fundraising monies be refundable to a player, their parents,

and/or any other member of the organization.

In addition, if a player is cut and/or quits the Carolina Hurricane organization for

any reason including but not limited to the following: (i) cut by coaches at

try-outs (due to performance), (ii) unacceptable behavior by player and/or

parent(s) (including but not limited to derogatory postings regarding the

organization, the coaches, and/or players on any social media networks), (iii)

at coaches discretion, and/or (iv) if a player decides to resign from the team

(for any reason); if any of the foregoing occur in no event shall any of the

monies be refundable to a player, their parents or any other member of the

organization.

All monies collected from any fundraisers are the sole property of the organization

and shall be used at the Coaches discretion. Sponsorship programs are

available for those in need of financial assistance.

Acknowledged and Agreed:

Date

Parent/Guardian (Print Name) Parent /Guardian (Signature)

Parent/Guardian (Print Name) Parent /Guardian (Signature)

Player (Print Name) Player (Signature)

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CAROLINA Hurricanes, INC.

TRAVEL FAST PITCH SOFTBALL

2020 PARENT & PLAYER CONTRACT

We _ and

Parents/Guardians (Print Name)

,

Player (Print Name)

have read the 2020 Parent and Player Handbook and understand the

guidelines as written and will govern ourselves accordingly. We also

understand that guidelines are subject to change at the discretion of

the coaches. If change is necessary, the coaches will ensure that all

changes will be fairly administered and communicated if

required.

Parent/ Legal Guardian Signature Date

Parent/ Legal Guardian Signature Date

Player Signature Date

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Carolina Hurricanes

Player Consent Form

CONSENT AND RELEASE FOR PLAYER:

I, , the parent or legal guardians of the above-named child,

hereby approve her participation in any and all team activities during the current

season. I assume risks and hazards incidental to such participation including

transportation to and from the activities, and do hereby waive, release, absolve,

indemnify and agree to hold harmless the “Carolina Hurricanes” coaches, sponsors,

supervisors, participants and persons transporting the child to and from activities,

for any claim arising out of injury to the child. I also grant permission to managing

personnel to authorize and obtain medical care from any licensed physician,

hospital, or medical clinic should the child become ill or injured while participating

away from home, or at times when neither parent is available to grant authorization

for emergency treatment.

Circle your league: 12U / 14U / 16U

Parents/ Legal Guardian Signature:

Date:

Parents/ Legal Guardian Signature:

Date:

Medical Insurance Company:

Policy Number:

Group Number:

Insurance Contact Number: