NEW ULM GIRLS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION – PHILOSOPHY, EXPECTATIONS

2007

The general purpose of this NUGFSA is to provide a positive opportunity for every eligible girl in the New Ulm area to play, and a chance to participate in fast pitch softball according to their ability, no matter what skill level they possess.  We believe we can accomplish this in several ways:

1.                   By competing in the Southern Star summer league.

2.                  By participating in weekend softball tournaments, the state tournament and post-season tournaments, if your team qualifies. 

3.                  By remembering the general goals of the team should include playing hard, improving throughout the season, playing aggressively, focusing on fundamentals, raising our level of play, getting along as a team, becoming good friends, being positive in every situation, stressing the concept of TEAM (Parents are part of the team, too!), hustle – always, looking sharp in our uniforms – always, and of course, HAVING FUN!

TEAM GUIDELINES

1.                   Teams will be determined following our tryouts by the end of the week in all age groups.  The coach will call players that same week.

2.                   All players who try out will be placed on a team in her age group.

3.                   Teams in  18u, 16u, 14u, 12u, and 10u will be picked to be as equal as possible.   Tryout scores and past experience will be considered, and final selections are subject to board approval.

4.                   How a coach determines playing time and positions can be a concern.  The level of competition increases with each age group.  Everyone will be evaluated at the positions they signed up for.  However, since many players signed up for the same position, the coach may be asking your daughter to play a position other than the one she signed up for.   As the season progresses the coach will focus on the position(s) where a player has the most chance for success and where they can most help the team.  Everyone should get plenty of playing time, but it won’t necessarily be equal.  Factors affecting these decisions will be dedication, attitude, improvement, coachability and skill level/stats.  Especially as the age group increases, it is likely that a core group of players will evolve into playing most of the time with the remaining players being platooned, with the goal of getting at least a couple innings in per game - some games less, some games more.  Your coach will explain this more in a pre-season meeting.

TOURNAMENT PARTICIPATION

1.                   The NUGFSA believes that each New Ulm team that enters a tournament should be as competitive as possible.

2.                   The NUGFSA will provide each team with two or three tournaments plus the state tournament if the team qualifies.  League record determines state tournament qualification.  Post-season play (Nationals) is possible.

3.                   For every player that goes to any tournament, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility for that player’s food, lodging and transportation to and from tournament games.

4.                   Every effort will be made that if a player goes to any tournament, she will participate in a meaningful way, subject to the coach’s discretion noted above.

5.                  Weekend tourneys generally include 3 games on Saturday and games until you lose on Sunday - usually 4 or 5 games in a weekend.  Occasionally you may be scheduled for a Friday evening game – please reserve the time.  The coach will confirm schedules at the beginning of the season.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PLAYER

1.       No smoking, alcohol or drug use will be tolerated and violation will result in immediate termination.

2.       Missing games or practices - We understand prior commitments may prevent you from attending some of the games or practices.  Please let your coach know immediately of any prior commitments you know of, so they can plan accordingly.  A player will never be penalized for a pre-arranged absence.  But the season goes fast, and even a few absences may put your daughter at a disadvantage because the coach will likely be introducing new ideas/concepts each time the team gets together.  Un-excused absences may result in reduced playing time to be fair to those who are showing up regularly.  If you miss a practice or game, it is your responsibility to call the coach to find out what you missed and what’s next on the schedule

3.       Girls will be held responsible to keep their uniforms clean and in repair.  Return the shirt clean at the end of the season.  In 2007 players will buy shorts from NUGFPSA and may re-use from year to year as long as the shorts are in good condition.

4.       Girls/parents are to show respect to their coaches, fellow teammates, umpires and visiting teams.  Positive cheering for your teammates is encouraged.  Loud, obnoxious, “in-your-face” cheering will not be tolerated. 

5.       When a New Ulm team steps on the field, they are expected to look sharp, uniforms neat and clean, shirts tucked in.  The uniform should be worn only at NUGFSA games and other team functions.

6.       No jewelry is to be worn during the games

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENT

1.       The best thing you can do to help your daughter be successful in softball, is to play catch with her – a lot!

2.       Ensure your daughter understands and fulfills her responsibilities listed above.

3.       Transport your daughter to and from all program events, or make arrangements for this transportation (players should not be allowed to drive themselves).

4.       MSF rules do not allow alcohol at games, tournament games, or practices; do not bring alcohol to any program event (violation by parents may result in the forfeit of the game).

5.       Supervise your daughter at tournaments or arrange for supervision ahead of time (the coach cannot assume the responsibility for parents that do not travel with the team).

6.       Arrange for and provide transportation to non-program activities or meetings while at tournaments.

7.       Please have your child at a game, with shoes on ready to play, 1 hour prior to game-time, or as determined by your coach.

8.      For practices, please have them there, with shoes on ready to practice, at the time noted on the schedule.  Of course, the best way to be on time is to be early :-)

9.      During games, please avoid shouting instructions from the bleachers.  The players need to be able to focus on what the coach asking them to do.  Information overload can be a problem, otherwise.  If you have any coaching suggestions or see something you would like the coach to do differently with your daughter, talk to the coach at an appropriate time, one-on-one, away from the team, and when the coach isn’t occupied with other coaching responsibilities.

10.  Complete two or more shifts during the 2007 season at either of the main program events (Fish Fry, Buffalo Feed, or New Ulm Tournaments.  If these are impossible for you to attend, other tasks may be available to fulfill your shifts.

** A fee of $100 will be added at the end of the season for anyone not completing both shifts before your daughter will be allowed to participate in the 2008 season**