WCRage Handbook
- 1. Program Handbook Program Culture and Philosophy We believe that participation in sports is an integral part of the educational process and development of the total person. Softball, like all sports, teaches teamwork and good sportsmanship. Players learn how to challenge themselves and work together with their teammates to achieve a common goal. By practicing and competing, student athletes improve their self-image and confidence. By striving with teammates to be the best they can be, lifelong friendships are formed and greater self-esteem is fostered. Sports mirrors life. The arena of competition creates many situations that present our players with important life lessons. We consider the recognition, teaching and understanding of those life lessons an extremely important part of the growth and maturity of our players. Windy City Rage Softball is a CHARACTER FIRST program. Our players understand that the foundation of our program is laid upon the ideals of HARD WORK, PASSION and COMMITMENT and that success both on and off the softball field occurs when they accept and endear themselves to those ideals. It is only then that our players can allow themselves to perform at a high level of competitiveness and intensity during every practice and contest. Every player is an equally important part of our softball program. It is our desire to provide our players with nothing less than a positive, rewarding experience no matter how far their career takes them in our program. Therefore, it is important that every player be given the opportunity to improve their fundamental skills as well as their knowledge and understanding of our program and the game of softball during the season/off season. We are committed to athletes who are good students, good people and good softball players.
- 2. HARD WORK, PASSION, COMMITMENT You would DIVE after every hard hit ball if you were 5 feet 5 inches tall in a game where, if you give something up in height or ability, you must take it back in daring and will You would DIVE because you aren’t shy about landing in a cloud of dust because dad always said “just rub some dirt on it” You would DIVE, because a ground ball up the middle and a sinking fly ball is chaos in your universe You would DIVE, because the sun- baked ground of the infield or the rain-soaked outfield grass and the deep end of a cool, blue swimming pool are all the same to you.
- 3. General Expectations Windy City Rage Softball works to provide an opportunity for young women to play fast pitch softball in an atmosphere that encourages and promotes teamwork, friendly competition, amicable relationships, good sportsmanship, and community. The organization expects coaches, players, fans and parents to exhibit courtesy and proper decorum at all times. Windy City Rage Softball teams will strive to play the game at a highly competitive level. During the softball season, every player is expected to place Windy City Rage Softball as their #1 sports priority. While players are not prohibited from participating in non-Rage softball activities, those activities must be secondary to Windy City Rage Softball activities. This includes playing for local recreational softball teams during the Rage season. The exception to this rule is High School Sports. High School Softball as well as other sports always takes priority. The Rage season is defined as April 1 to approx. late July for non-high school levels. High school aged players’ season begins shortly after their high school season ends (late May / early June) until approximately the end of July. Rage teams will also practice and participate in fall tournaments, and will practice indoors through the winter; however, this is considered “off-season.” Players are encouraged to play other sports, and will not be penalized if they miss Rage activities, during the offseason. However, the following statement MUST be clear: Softball teams are MADE DURING THE SEASON. Softball players are MADE IN THE OFFSEASON. Please understand that practices are designed to develop new skills and sharpen skills already acquired, therefore missing practices and activities during the off-season could likely lead to diminishing skill levels and thus less playing time during the season. In general, each team will play in 6-10 tournaments, including fall tournaments, but not including national tournaments that a team may qualify for. If a coach would like to play in more tournaments, that coach is responsible for meeting with the team parents to gain agreement. That coach is also responsible for raising the additional money to pay tournament fees. Windy City Rage Guidelines Player Guidelines 1. Windy City Rage Softball players play hard, play smart, and play together. 2. All Windy City Rage Softball players, regardless of ability and/or playing time are equal members of the team. We win as a team and lose as a team; each and every player will treat all teammates with acceptance, respect, and friendship.
- 4. 3. All Windy City Rage Softball players will maintain positive attitudes toward each other - any player responsible for dissension, jealousy, individualism, or negative criticism, or anything that could destroy the morale of this team, will be dealt with immediately. 4. All Windy City Rage Softball players will keep the language clean both on and off the field. Swearing will not be tolerated in practices or the games. The penalty during practices will be the following: 1st violation: Sprint out a single 2nd violation: Sprint out a double 3rd violation: Sprint out a triple 4th violation plus: Sprint out a home run 5. If you are ill and cannot attend practice/game, call and leave a message with your coach. 6. A Windy City Rage Softball player never quits, no matter what the score. 7. A Windy City Rage Softball puts team success ahead of personal goals and preferences. 8. A Windy City Rage Softball plays with winning character. Winning character is honesty, loyalty, respect, unselfishness, and class. We are a CHARACTER FIRST program - winning will follow because the price of permanent amazingness is temporary discomfort. Practice Guidelines 1. Phones are AWAY. 2. T-shirts with names and numbers will be provided in the fall. It is expected that you wear this to all fall competitions as well as any practice. Shorts are not acceptable. Softball pants are expected. 3. Under no circumstances do you miss practice during season. If you hold a job, you are expected to adjust your work schedule to fit around practices, games and tournamentsExcused absences are those absences due to illness, injury, and/or family emergency. All other absences will be looked upon as unexcused. Even if you are unable to practice physically, you should still be there to observe. Attendance at all practices, team meetings, and games is mandatory during season. While injured players may be unable to play, they are still expected to arrive on time, listen to coaches, and encourage teammates and assist the team. They will also be given extra duties to help with practice or game management. ***In very rare situations, players may be excused from games and/or practices. When this occurs, players are responsible for informing the coach verbally through a phone call or a text message. Take responsibility for your own circumstances; do not have your parents call (unless you are not able to talk for some reason). 4. Be dressed and on the field for the announced starting time of practice. Anyone not on the field at the start of practice will be considered late. This will result in a team consequence: 1st violation: Sprint out a single 2nd violation: Sprint out a double 3rd violation: Sprint out a triple 4th violation plus: Sprint out a home run 5. What happens in practice stays in practice. 6. Our expectation is that practices are to be taken very seriously. Every practice is a chance for you to learn and develop your game. 7. Practice at a level that will prepare the team to be successful in game situations. This means that everyone will be expected to practice with the same enthusiasm, intensity, and hard work that it will take to win games. 8. Practice proper attitude - be coachable, listen, concentrate, discipline yourself “to do the little things.” Keep in mind that it is just as easy to do things the right way as it is to do things the wrong way.
- 5. 9. If a player misses a practice for an excused reason, they will still be missing important practice time and playing time for the next game could be decreased. If you are too sick or hurt to practice, you will (in most cases) be too sick or hurt to play in the next game. In extreme cases, there are possible exceptions. Game Guidelines 1. Be focused on the team, not the stands or just yourself. Any player that is not doing what the coach wants, and instead listening to people in the stands or outside the dugout will find themselves on the bench. 2. Play hard all of the time. Players must be willing to play defense, run the bases, slide, and dive for balls. If you’re not playing hard it means you’re tired and need to come out of the game…NEVER QUIT ON YOUR TEAM!!! 3. DAY OF GAME • Mental preparation- once you get to the game, PHONES ARE OFF. • Pregame - be on time. On time MEANS spikes on - gloves, batting gloves and bats are ready (if you are late you will NOT START the game you are late to) • Dress Code: to be determined by designated teammates or coaches. 4. DURING THE GAME • Never complain about officiating, never show disrespect to another team • Never talk with an official or give facial or bodily dramatics when you receive what you think is a bad call. • When you come out of the game, do not give any facial or bodily dramatics. Never express your displeasure. Get your water, stay alert, be involved, and cheer. • Never yell at teammates • Never get ejected from a game. If you are ejected from the game for whatever reason, you will not play the next game. • Make eye contact with the person who is speaking to you • Form a huddle in between innings, everybody will be quiet with eyes on the coach, and then after the coach is giving his instructions if you want to add something ask the coach then. • Everyone gets tired. SECOND WIND IS SECOND EFFORT. • It is understood that everyone wants in the game. Do not notify a coach that you are ready to play (exception: injury). Playing time is earned not expected. Character Guidelines 1. Players will conduct their personal lives in a manner that brings honor to themselves, their family and the Windy City Rage. This includes self-respect, healthy behaviors and social responsibility whether you are out with friends or representing yourself on social media. 2. Respect of the coaching staff, officials, opposing players, spectators, and each other is expected and very important. Each player must think, "team first and me second". Each player will have a role to fill and your job will be to fill that role to the best of your ability for the good of the team. 3. *Players are to adhere to a zero tolerance policy for drugs, alcohol and tobacco products. This means on and off the court, at home and at school. Remember that you have many teammates who depend on you to be at your best at all times. Players caught using or possessing cigarettes, tobacco, drugs, or alcohol anytime during the season as well as engaging in activities that can be viewed as bullying or hazing will be subject to disciplinary steps which will include a parent meeting and possible dismissal from the Windy City Rage Softball program 4. *A Windy City Rage Softball player never embarrasses herself, her team, her school, or her coach through her actions. Remember, as long as you are a part of the Windy City Rage Softball program, you always wear the name Windy City Rage no matter where you are or what you are doing. You are expected to act like a young lady and to conduct yourself properly at all times.
- 6. 5. When a coach is speaking to you, or correcting you, it is very important that your head is up, and your eyes are looking at them. 6. Pay attention when a coach is talking. Listen to the coaches even if they are not talking directly to you. Players are expected to learn from their own mistakes and the mistakes made by teammates. Don’t give excuses for your mistakes - LEARN FROM THEM AND MOVE ON. 7. Be respectful to all coaches, teachers, managers, officials, players, and fans. Address coaches as Coach. 8. You are expected to help carry, set up and take down all equipment at practices and games/tournaments. * Penalties for breaking team policy will be determined by the coaching staff and discussed with parents. Penalties could include, but are not limited to: 1) extra conditioning 2) decreased playing time 3) team suspension 4) team dismissal. Parent Guidelines 1. Parents play a huge role in the development of a successful athlete. Your role is every bit as important as that of the coaches, and every bit as difficult. That is why we welcome your presence at every practice and every game. We try very hard to be a family-oriented organization, and your participation is a major part of our success. 2. Parents… you must embrace the fact that this is your child’s journey – not yours. Do not live vicariously through them. Put your focus on being a supportive and encouraging parent 3. Parents… make sure your daughter is on time to all team activities. Always know, if you as parents cannot get your daughter to an event, we are a team and someone will help you. 4. Parents… it’s true. Coaches do play favorites. They favor players who give the team the best chance to win, who have great attitudes, who work hard every day, who embrace their role (regardless of what that role is) and who support the program’s culture. If you think a coach doesn’t ‘like’ your child; your child is more than likely deficient in one (or more) of these areas. 5. Parents… more often than not, your child’s coach is in a better position to evaluate and determine appropriate playing time because they see workouts, practices, meetings, and games (where as most parents get an incomplete picture because they only see games). 6. Parents… more often than not, through both experience and professional development, coaches usually have a better softball IQ and general understanding of the game then parents do (so questioning a coach’s strategy or their ability to judge talent is inappropriate). 7. Parents… you love your child more than anything in the world. You always want what is best for them (which is understandable and respectable). However, a coach’s obligation is to do what is best for the team. In many instances, what you want for your child and what is best of the team is not congruent. 8. Parents… communicate with the coaching staff, respond to emails or texts so we know you got information provided, we want all to be on the same page.
- 7. 9. Parents… stop coaching your child from the stands. The only ‘voice’ a player should receive instructions from is the ‘voice’ of their coaching staff. Cheer for them all you want, but do not coach - that simply isn’t your job. 10. Parents… you should never push to discuss playing time, strategy or another player with your child’s coach. Ever. Those 3 domains are sacred ground. 11. Parents… politicking will never get your child more playing time. I promise you, this statement has never been said by a coach in the history of sports, “I really need to start playing Sally more because her mom thinks she isn’t playing enough.” 12. Parents… you should encourage your child to communicate any issues, questions or concerns they have (or you have) directly with their coach by having them schedule a meeting. It is our belief, as a parent, you have the right to attend that meeting, simply as an observant, but the discussion should be between your child and the coach. 13. Parents… do not undermine your child’s coach in the car ride home or at the dinner table. Subtle, passive aggressive comments like ‘Your coach doesn’t know what he’s doing’ or ‘I can’t believe you don’t play more’ do not comfort your child (although I am sure that is your intention) – it enables them to have a bad attitude and to make excuses… both of which are unacceptable. 14. Parents… if your child isn’t getting the playing time they feel they deserve or if they lose a tough game… use that experience as a powerful teaching tool. Teach them how to own it. Teach them what they can do in the future to possibly get a different outcome. 15. Parents… stop berating the officials. It sets a bad example and it makes you look foolish. The officials are doing they best they can. More often than not, an official has a better position and a much better understanding of the rules to make the correct call then a parent does. And I promise you this statement has never been said either, “Can we stop the game? I’m sorry everyone. The mom/dad in the stands is right, her daughter was safe on that last play.” 16. Parents… it is highly unlikely that your child will play professionally. In fact, statistically, only a very small percentage of you will have children that play in college. So let them enjoy the journey. Their playing days will be over before you know it. Use softball as a vehicle to teach the life lessons they will need when they grow up. 17. Parents… don’t push your child too hard. It’s OK to encourage. It’s OK to suggest. It’s OK to hold your child to a very high standard of excellence… but don’t force them to ‘get in extra swings’ or get in extra workouts. That has to come from them, not you. If they choose to do those things on their own, be supportive. If they choose not to, if they choose to only do the bare minimum, they will eventually learn a potent life lesson (not make the team, not get much playing time, etc.) 18. Parents… please stay out of the bench area during games. Make every effort to ensure that your daughter has everything she needs prior to the start of the game (Water, equipment,etc.) If your daughter needs something, the coach may give her permission to leave the bench area or request a parent’s assistance. 19. Parents… please tell the coach before practice or games, if you think your child has an illness or injury that will prevent her from participating. Please do not rely on the coach to make medical decisions. 20. Parents… be prepared for tournament weekends. Tournament play often starts very early in the morning (8:00 AM), and can last all day. Friday games are also a possibility. Sometimes games are played back-to-back, and other times the team may have to wait several hours between games.
- 8. Coaches will communicate tournament schedules as soon as they get them, however, Saturday game times are usually not set until Wednesday/Thursday prior to the weekend. Tournament weekends can be a great time to interact with other Rage families, and build an atmosphere that allows the girls to develop “Team Chemistry,” which is a winning quality that cannot be coached. If you are new to tournament softball please ask the coach and other parents for advice. It can be great fun, but if not prepared, it can be a difficult experience. 21. Parents… you are expected to comply with all park rules, including the use of alcohol while at the park. Most parks prohibit or restrict the use of alcohol without a special permit. Travel Fees Non-refundable commitment fee of $300.00 will be due within one week of your accepting to play for the Rage. Team fees cover participation on a Windy City Rage team, the team uniform, and tournament fees. The team uniform consists of: 2 Jerseys 2 Pants 2 Pairs of socks 1 Belt 1 Fall t-shirt with name and number 1 Practice shirt Helmet Equipment Bag No player will be issued a uniform if fees are not up to date. Returning players will have the option of not having to purchase a new uniform providing we have not changed styles from the previous year. In general, each team will play in 6-10 tournaments, including fall tournaments, but not including national tournaments that a team may qualify for. If a coach would like to play in more tournaments, that coach is responsible for meeting with the team parents to gain agreement. That coach is also responsible for raising the additional money to pay tournament fees, either through fundraising or sponsorships. No refunds are given once practices begin. No refund will be given to a player who may be dismissed from the team Sponsorships / Fundraising The Windy City Rage Organization will organize fundraisers as needed to offset costs. Families are expected to participate in Windy City Rage fundraising activities. There will be a non-volunteering fee option available to families who cannot commit. The Windy City Rage encourages each player to take the initiative to procure sponsors to help offset their own costs. Seventy-Five (75) percent of the sponsor monies will go to the individual to be used only for Rage related items or fees. The other twenty-five (25) percent will go to the team to help cover costs, i.e. (equipment items, etc.).
- 9. Travel Policy Most or the tournaments that Rage teams participate in are within 1-1 1⁄2 hours drive; however the 14U, 16U and 18U teams have 2 overnight tournaments, one in Green Bay (early June) and one in St. Louis (end of July). The Windy City Rage will procure room blocks at a local hotel for each tournament however it is the individual players’ responsibilities to secure their own rooms. All travel expenses are the responsibility of each player and their respective families. Social Media Policy We consider playing and competing for the Windy City Rage to be a privilege. You have the responsibility to portray your team, your organization and yourselves in a positive manner at all times. Sometimes this means doing things that are an inconvenience to you, but benefit the whole team. Facebook, Twitter, SnapChat, Instagram, and other social media sites have increased in popularity globally, and are used by the majority of student‐athletes in one form or another. Student‐athletes should be aware that third parties - - including the media, high school faculty members, future employers and NCAA officials - - could easily access your profiles and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, comments and posters. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student-athlete, the athletic department of your respective high schools and the Windy City Rage. Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in online communities may include depictions or presentations of the following: 1. Photos, videos, comments or posters showing the personal use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco e.g., no holding cups, cans, shot glasses etc. 2. Photos, videos, and comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material. 3. Pictures, videos, comments or posters that condone drug-related activity. This includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory comments regarding another institution; taunting comments aimed at a student-athlete, coach or team at another institution and derogatory comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (examples: hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, illegal drug use). If a student‐athlete’s profile and its contents are found to be inappropriate in accordance with the above behaviors, he/she will be subject to the following penalties: 1. Written warning 2. A meeting with Rage coaches, Rage Director and your parent(s) 3. Penalties as determined by the Windy City Rage including but not limited to possible suspension/ dismissal from the team. If you are ever in doubt of the appropriateness of your online public material, consider whether it upholds and positively reflects your own values and ethics as well as the Windy City Rage’s and your high school program. Remember, always present a positive image and don’t do anything to embarrass yourself, the team, your family or the Windy City Rage.