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Algonquin River Dogs
1235 Surrey Lane
Algonquin, Illinois
60102
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Algonquin Hawks U12 Home Page
Welcome to the Algonquin Hawks U12 Home Page. The Hawks are Managed by John Greene and Coached by Tony Moscatello, Steve Scully and Bob Ross. The Algonquin Hawks are a full time travel team participating in the Spring Fever League and numerous travel tournaments.
1. Systems: We will talk about systems a lot this season. Systems are simply a set of plays that teams use. They can be automatic (running on contact with 2 outs) or can be signaled by a coach (bunt, run and hit). At the travel level teams use systems to gain advantage over other teams and to win games. We will implement systems to eliminate the other team advantages and enable us to control the game as much as possible.
I am confident that as you learn the systems you will come to enjoy and anticipate the systems our team and other teams might use (we call this learning the game and heads up baseball). But first each of you must commit to learning your role in the Hawks team game.
2. Baseball is a Team Game: No player will achieve anything on their own without their team and teammates. Team play is critical to the success of each team.
Systems are the way to approach a team game. If we follow and stick to them, we will be able to compete at every level of the sport. Again, systems are simply a set of plays. Our team will be starting off learning some basic and advanced play immediately and incorporating more as the season moves on. Some systems will build on ones learned earlier, that is why it is important to pay attention and practice them to proficiency. Much of your practice time will be reinforcing the basic building blocks. Remember, amateurs practice until they get it right, professionals practice until they cannot get it wrong.
3. We Must Learn in Practice to React in a Game: Baseball, when the ball is put into play is a fast paced game. However, before the ball is put into play a lot of thinking must be done by each player. Offensively and defensively all players need to know the situation (how many outs, what base are the runners on) and what is expected of them (situation at hand). Once the ball is pitched we will be reading the play, reacting accordingly and playing based on what we have practiced.
4, Stay with the program Listen and Learn: Think about the systems and your role in them when you are away from practices and games. Think about your role on the field. Think about what your teammates and coaches need you to do so the game plan works. Where should you be on the field? What system are we working this play? You will learn to be better baseball players so that every time you step on the field you will make a difference and be an impact player. These are the first steps toward success.
The coaches will be working on pushing each and every on of you to your maximum performance levels. In order to do this each of you must make a commitment to the TEAM. The TEAM is the most important factor in being successful in baseball. I have great confidence in all of you and together (players, coaches and parents) we can achieve great things this year.
Algonquin Hawks U12 Team Rules:
All teams will follow the player and parent handbook distributed by the Algonquin Hawks Travel Baseball Association and the basic set of rules provided within. All coaches have been made aware of these rules and have been encourage to add (not delete) rules as they see fit.
The lessons you learn playing this awesome game will stay with you in life. Teamwork, discipline, work ethic, overachieving, perseverance etc
1. Be dressed and warmed up 15 minutes prior to each practice. The coaches will set a schedule of how their practice is to be run. Dont waste time by showing up right on time and then making the team wait while your son warms his arm up.
2. Player must warm up their arms before participating in practices or games. We are getting to the age where kids can throw their arms out. The coaches will spend time explaining how to properly warm up at the first couple of practices.
3. Be at the field no later than 45 minutes prior to any game. We will be implementing team stretches, warm ups and hitting warm ups so players can begin preparing physically and mentally for the game.
4. Have appropriate uniform for all games and all equipment needed for practices with them in their team bag.
5. All players are expected to behave like young men while engaging in any activity as a representative the Algonquin Hawks.
a. We do not and will not speak to the umpires to argue calls. If you have a question or do not understand something, ask a coach or ask the umpire, politely to explain their call.
b. We do not and will not trash talk on the field or during warm ups, after the game or anywhere else (school is included). Use of foul language or profanity is not allowed and will be dealt with severely. We will let our play on the field do the talking.
c. We do not and will not slam our bats, mitts, helmets anywhere, anytime, anyplace, against anything including the field, bench and dugout.
d. We will go directly to the bench without comment to the umpire, coaches or opposing players when called out.
e. Dirty play of any kind will not be tolerated. Period.
f. Fighting of any kind between teammates or opposing players will not be accepted. Starting with the first instance, players engaged in this, or any activity detrimental to the team or organization will be dealt with severely including limited play time, and if the situation warrants suspension/expulsion from the team.
g. Coaches will coach and players will play
6. 99% of all calls are correct and are usually based on many factors, some of which are not as apparent to someone looking at an isolated event. Arguing, yelling, screaming achieves very little except setting a poor example of how to live in the baseball or real world.
7. Parents are allowed contact with their kids up to 20 minutes prior to game time and 10 minutes prior to practice. If you son needs help, please arrange to complete that help prior to the 10 and 20 minute marks.
8. Parents do not belong in the dugout unless there is a medical emergency. And even then one of the coaches is an Illinois State licensed paramedic. If we need you in the dugout, we will get you.
9. Cell phones of any kind shall not be used by players, coaches or parents in the dugout. If it rings, please leave the dugout prior to answering.
10. Players missing practices of any kinds must call the head coach prior to two hours before to inform him of the situation. Note: players, not their parents should call. I want to hear from the player, they are responsible. Players missing any game must contact the coach no later than 24 hours (earlier if possible) prior to a game. I prepare practice and game plans in order to be prepared and effective. Family and school come first. Please have the courtesy to let the coach know when you will not be available.
a. This is also applicable if the player has a question about a system or their role in it. Encourage your son to talk to the coaches if they have a question, concern or simply do not understand what is being taught.
11. Our home field and off-season practice sites are our home (nest if you will). Treat it with respect at all times. When we are away from our home (nest), treat our hosts field as if it was our home.
12. There is no set system from dealing with players who fail to follow team and organization rules. Depending on the situation, mood, implication and a variety of other factors, the directors and/or coaches will assess the player in what they think in necessary to end the issue immediately and shape the team and/or organization in the manner they want. I have a great set of baseball coaches. I have no idea of their babysitting capabilities. Therefore, follow the rules and expect to be approached as a player in the manner a coach of a professional team would approach you. Behave like respectful young men and you will be treated like one.
13. Parents, the Algonquin Hawks Travel Baseball Association have a complete zero tolerance policy consistent with many leagues and organizations out there. Regardless, my rule is simple. Please act in a way that makes your son look at you with respect and honor. Set the right example of how to deal with victory and adversity in competitive situations. There is no greater lesson you can teach them.
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