95 Panthers Fastpitch: PANTHER ROADMAP TO SUCCESS

PANTHER “ROADMAP TO SUCCESS”

MOUNTAIN PARK PANTHERS TEAM MISSION

1. To provide a family oriented, team environment where your daughter can improve and excel at fast pitch softball.

2. We will aspire, win or lose, to display good sportsmanship at all times.

3. To play “to win” but not to win at all costs. We will strive to maximize the playing time of each teammate while balancing that with what is in the best interest of the team.

4. To play at the highest levels of fastpitch softball in the state of Georgia.

YOUR COACHES

Your team will be coached by Ed McElveen and Patrick Freeman. Other assistants will be named to the team later. Your coaching staff will be ASA/ACE Certified.

FALL 2009/SPRING 2010 TOURNAMENT SEASON

The Mountain Park Panthers are a very competitive travel softball team entering our 4^th season. In 2009, we won 30% of our tournaments and finished 2^nd twice. It is time for us to take the next step by playing a challenging ASA/USFA/Camsports (KOM) schedule. The team will perform at its peak when the entire team is in attendance. Therefore, every effort should be made to attend all tournaments. The tentative tournament schedule will be published before the Fall/Spring season begins (subject to change due to the weather).The fall season will consist of 3 tournaments that will be played after the high school/middle school season. Next spring plan on an average of 2 – 3 tournaments monthly, beginning in early March. Some of the tournaments may require overnight travel. We encourage all families to travel with the team!

PRACTICES

As any coach will tell you, field time for practices can be difficult to schedule. During the season we will practice 1 to 2 times weekly (once if we are playing the following weekend, twice if not). All of our young ladies lead very busy lives, so we realize that 100% attendance at practices may not be possible. However we do ask that you attend as many practices as possible. Arrival at least 15 minutes before practices begin is expected. Practices will focus on what we feel as coaches will make your girls better players and the team a more effective team. When the entire team is in attendance, practices are more effective. Being absent at consecutive practices may result in a player not playing in the next game. Our time with your daughters over the course of the season is limited. We do expect each player to focus on improving their level of play while away from the team, through extra hitting practice, fielding practice with families, pitching/catching lessons, etc.

TEAM

We practice and play as a team, not as a group of individuals. We also win and lose as a “team”. The responsibilities of being on a team require maximum attendance at practices and games, above reproach team conduct (on and off the field) and treating each team member with respect at all times.

VOLUNTEERING

Your coaches are volunteers who give many hours during the course of a season. But to make this organization “go”, we will need the support of the parents and families. Just some of the areas where you may be asked to help in the coming season are:

1. Web site Administration

2. Help in practices

3. Fund Raising

4. Team Parent/Team Mom

COMMUNICATION

Communication between parents, players, and coaches is encouraged and needed. Your coaching staff will communicate with you regarding all matters in as timely a manner as possible. For short notice needs, a Calling Tree will be utilized. For most other matters where time is not “of the essence” email will be utilized extensively. I ask that you check your email once daily to make sure you stay up to date with the latest “Panther News”.

POSITIONS/PLAYING TIME

Your coaches will make position and line up assignments based upon what is best for the team, while trying to balance the need for maximizing the playing time for each player. Playing positions are earned, and 100% effort will be expected from each player at all times. As this is a travel team, there is no guaranteed playing time.

RULES OF CONDUCT

Parents:

1. Communication with coaches is encouraged, but at the appropriate times. We ask that you allow the coaches to focus on coaching during practices and tournaments.

2. Alcohol is prohibited at practices and tournaments.

3. Please do not coach your girls or the team from the bleachers. It can cause confusion and “out of sync” play.

4. Any negative comments towards the girls or coaches during a practice or game may result in the parent being asked to leave the field of play.

5. Criticizing umpires or opposing coaches during tournaments will not be tolerated. Please let your coaches (whether you agree or disagree with how it’s done) handle all on field issues with umpires, etc. as they arise.

Players:

1. We will represent the Panther organization with our best behavior at all times.

2. Treat your teammates, umpires, coaches, and opposing teams with respect at all times, on and off the field.

3. Exercise the “Golden Rule”. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. In other words, treat others as you would want to be treated.

4. Exercise good sportsmanship always.

5. Panther activities are always a priority. Having said that, your education and grades ALWAYS come first.

6. Give 100% effort at all times. Practice and play like champions. Team uniforms will be worn at all games with everyone matching. All shirt tails will be tucked in.

7. If a player must miss a practice or game, we will want to hear from the PLAYER, (not the parent) with as much notice as possible.

Coaches:

1. Coaches will be accessible to parents and players for comments/suggestions at the appropriate time (not during games and practices).

2. Coaches will give 100% effort at all times to help every player improve.

3. Coaches will be ASA/ACE Certified.

4. Coaches will represent the Panther organization with “above reproach” behavior at all times. Our actions on the field will always be what we feel is in the best interest of the team.

MISCELLANEOUS

Team Uniforms: Team colors are blue, orange, white, and black. All players will wear matching uniforms at all games.

Budget/Team Costs: The costs of running a travel team are not “inexpensive”.   These costs can be offset by fundraising activities and by obtaining sponsorships. You are encouraged to organize team fundraisers as appropriate. In addition, 100% of any sponsorship dollars you gain will go towards the costs of your daughter. The Panther sponsorship letter (including our Tax I.D. Number) is available upon request in Word or .pdf format.