With tournaments just around the corner, I wanted to put our policies, expectations, and recommendations in place to make the season more manageable for you. 

Game expectations

Our goal with each game is to compete, play hard, and learn. If we do that, then winning will take care of itself. Winning is not the goal but a byproduct of our hard work. When we lose, we focus on the positives and find a way to learn from the experience.

Parents Responsibility

No parents in the dugout or behind the dugout during gameplay

Cheer for your players, not against the other team.

Don’t coach from the stands

Make sure kids are prepared with their gear, safety equipment, and water

Leave the Umpires alone

Families are not required to sign up for snack duties. 

RSVP in Gamechanger

Relay through GroupMe if you will be late or not going. 

Have fun watching your kid.

Player Responsibility

Come ready to compete

ALWAYS HUSTLE

We never quit, regardless of the score

Have fun and be a good teammate

Cheer for your teammates, not against the other team

Respect officials, coaches, parents, and opponents. 

NO throwing or kicking equipment 

NO Bullying, NO Mocking, NO Blaming 

When we lose, we lose together, NO BLAMING. Instead, we find a way to learn from our loss. 

CLEAN UP THE DUGOUT AFTER GAMES. 

NO SUNFLOWER SEEDS ON TURF.

Play Time

We will always try to play everyone in a tournament, but playtime is not guaranteed, nor may it always be equal. 

We have a 48-hour cooling-off period policy for playtime complaints. 

If you feel your player isn’t getting the playtime they deserve, please schedule an appointment with Thomas or Coach Gabe to discuss. 

Players on the Bench

Stay in the game. Pickup teammates. Cheer. Learn. 

If you are assigned the spray chart or pitch count tracking, please take this responsibility seriously. 

Positions

Positions are not guaranteed. With the younger age groups, expect players to rotate spots. With the older teams, positions get dialed in a little more, and rotating positions may become less frequent. 

If you feel your player isn’t playing the position you think they should be playing, please schedule an appointment with Thomas or Coach Gabe to discuss. 

Coaches Responsibility

TEACH

No favoritism

Look out for players’ safety. This includes managing player’s pitch count. 

Do not lose sight of our goals. 

Tournament Day Tips

1. Large 10×10 tents: Team parents should coordinate the use of 10×10 tents. In some tournaments, it’s nice to have about 3 on hand. One for the players if the dugout isn’t covered, and 2 more for parents. They come in handy all season to combat rain and heat.
2. Be on time. Warmups are always an hour before the game unless the coach specifies otherwise. 
3. Heaters: Earlier-season tournaments can be cold. The use of propane heaters are recommended for both players and parents. 
4. Hand Warmers, Blankets, extra layers (Black or navy for players)
5. Extra Water: If you can bring extra water, you will need more than you think you need. 
6. Bench Chairs and Folding Chairs.
7. Towels if it is raining. 
8. Have both Turf shoes and Cleats on hand. We may not know the field type until we are there. 
9. Healthy Snacks for your own child. 
10. Take breaks in between games when you can. 
11. Be flexible. Tournaments can be unpredictable, chaotic, and long. Schedule can be changed last minute, field changes, and late or early games are par for the course. Be ready to have to adjust on the fly.