|
|
| |
Saturday, October 9
Confessions of a Baseball Parent
·I used to have a regular life. (Actually, many of my friends say that sentence should say, "I used to have a life", period.) It doesn't really seem that long ago. Then I became a competitive baseball parent.
·I used to think anything over $40 was an exorbitant price for a baseball bat. Now the contents of my son’s equipment bag are worth more than everything else in the house -- including clothes, jewelry, watches, and my laptop computer.
·I used to be one of the leaders in my field of work. I still am. (You have to keep a good paycheck coming in if you want to support a competitive baseball habit!)
·I used to think a double-header was a long day at the ball field. Now after two games we're just getting warmed up.
·I used to look for fancy restaurants that served seafood and prime-rib. Now I'm a connoisseur of nachos and hot dogs and my kids rate a city by the quality of a tournaments snack bar!
·Sunflower seeds used to be something I would see at a store and wonder who would eat those things? Now I don't feel comfortable leaving the house with out a bag in my pocket.
·My lawn used to be like a carpet. It was green, mowed, trimmed, fertilized, and watered. Now I have two big bare spots fifty feet apart and dents in my garage door from fastballs that got away!
·My car used to draw admiring looks and comments. It was clean and waxed and shined and Armor-All'd. Now it only draws attention when it wins the "dirtiest car in the parking lot" prize, or it is covered in "go team" shoe-polish.
·I used to have a garage, now I have an indoor batting area.
·My friends and I used to spend Monday mornings talking about a round of golf or movie we had just seen. Now I bore them to death with detailed play-by-play descriptions of five or six low-scoring ball games.
·We used to sit and talk for hours. We still do-- however, now it's to keep the driver awake when we're headed home late Sunday evening after a tournament.
·My summer casual wardrobe used to be made up of color-coordinated polo shirts, cool cottons in bright colors, and the occasional "aloha" shirt. Now I have a closet full of T-shirts that have Tournament Names on the front and competing teams on the back.
·We used to spend our summer vacation relaxing on the beach or visiting family. Now we hit the road with 20 of our closest friends in a caravan that could rival some small town parades.
·I used to be concerned that I would fall into the trap of living my life through my kid. Now I know that I'm privileged to live my life WITH my kid, and I wouldn't have it any other way!!!
Yes, I'm a Competitive Baseball Parent, what could be better!
 |
BASEBALL ON THE ROAD!!
Wednesday, June 23
Parent Info
Parents and Players
To participate in USSA baseball requires a considerable amount of commitment from players and parents. You should know that you are making a considerable investment in time and resources. Players are asked to adhere to a daily workout regimen during the season and most importantly, during the off-season. The team will practice twice a week during the season (weather permitting). The season will run from the first week in August to the end of July the following year. The season is broken into 2 parts; the fall schedule will run from August to November. The spring schedule will run from March to July. A schedule will be provided to each family (subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances).
The reason that we consider this an investment is because there is a tremendous payback as well. The principles that we stress and the striving to develop as a baseball player will establish the kind of positive character in our young people that will carry them through the rest of their lives. We have already seen a positive impact to self-esteem and confidence that comes from learning, improving, and being successful in a challenging environment. We have seen the thrill and excitement that comes from playing competitive baseball. For talented athletes, these lifelong lessons can only be learned in a highly competitive environment.
Playing baseball is what the Biloxi Tides Baseball Program is all about, and we believe that we can provide the best baseball experience that can be found in the Biloxi area. Even though we are a small, totally self-funded organization, we have shown through our coaches that we can provide the fundamentals and skills to make that commitment a reality.
In return, we ask that our players and families make a very serious commitment to our baseball team. Players will be expected to attend all practices and play in all the games and tournaments. Parents will be expected to assist in planning trips to tournaments and fund-raising (as needed). Parents who would like to be more actively involved should consult with the manager. In addition, all parent complaints; concerns about the playing status of their child and/or personal issues affecting their child should be directed to the manager.
Image Guidelines
Our team is a composite of the players, family members, and friends that attend the games and tournaments. To achieve a reputation as being a first class organization, it is essential that we all understand what it takes. USSA sanctioned events have rules regarding the ejection of unruly, abusive, or general disruptive players, coaches, or spectators. Our team has established the following guidelines so that every member will understand what we need to do to maintain that reputation.
1. All coaches, players, and families will conduct themselves with dignity and class at all times, demonstrating good sportsmanship in even the most intense of competitive situations.2. Parents shall refrain from abusive conduct towards umpires, which is cause for ejection at any USSA sanctioned event.3. Parents shall at all times strive to build camaraderie among the families. Team chemistry among the players depends in part on the chemistry of the parents.4. Parents should speak directly to the manager about any dissatisfaction.
The manager is responsible for all player decisions, and is charged with the responsibility of effectively communicating those decisions to the parents. Families are encouraged to attend as many tournaments and practice games as possible in order to provide support and demonstrate that we are a unified and enthusiastic Association.
Supporting the coaches
Our team is not affiliated with any other baseball program except for our city summer league program which we support and want your child to participate. We are a freestanding team started by the coaches. The coaches are committing their time and energy to teach your child how to play baseball. Our goal is to develop players by providing them with an opportunity to continue playing and practicing baseball during the season and the off-season. The coaches will be making all decisions pertaining to lineups and substitutions. USSA does not have a rule governing playing time. However, the coaches recognize that you have invested time and resources for your child to play on our team and we will try to the best of our ability to make sure each child gets ample playing time. Playing 3 or 4 games in a tournament gives us an opportunity to play everyone. Thus, parental support for the coaches and the decisions they make about who plays where and when is a requirement for playing on our team. Although this is a baseball team we will try to operate as a family. We will get together regularly to discuss the team's needs, your child's progress and to promote team spirit.
Parent Code of Ethics
** Talk to my child about his/her school performance.
** Reinforce the rules for good sportsmanship.
** Discuss with the coaches how my child is progressing.
** Attend team meetings.
** Participate in necessary team activities.
** Have my child at practice on time.
** Provide support for coaches and officials working with my child to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all.
** Insist that my child treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.
|
|
|
|
