General:

  • Refrain from inappropriate language.
  • Absolutely no hazing of any kind. If there is any question, don’t do it!
  • Be respectful of others when they are talking.
  • Positive body language & positive self-talk.
  • Accept personal responsibility for your actions & behaviors. Do not blame others or make excuses.
  • If you are written up for ANYTHING, notify the HEAD COACH immediately via phone call or face to face.
  • The use of cell phones at practices, games & other softball related activities are prohibited unless stated otherwise by a member of the coaching staff.

Timeliness:

  • Be early to all softball related functions. You will be provided with itineraries for all practices, games & travel. If you will be late, it is your responsibility to tell a coach as soon as possible. DO NOT rely on someone else to relay the message.
  • Your participation in all team functions, including meetings, practices, conditioning sessions & games is expected unless previously excused by a coach. Do not tell someone else to cover for you.

On the Field:

  • Respect the game & show great sportsmanship.
  • Never argue with an official.
  • Refrain from drawing negative attention to yourself or the team.
  • Do not show up your opponents & keep your composure at all times.

Unless you have class or are excused ahead of time, be ready to start practice at the designated time. If you are going to be late you must tell the coaching staff prior to practice.

At Practice:

  • Help with the set up & tear down of practice. Equipment needs to be out & ready prior to practice time.
  • Practice like you Play: Dive, Slide, Communicate & Compete!
  • Always give 100% – Be willing to try new things.
  • Practice time is softball time – leave all outside distractions at home.
  • Always Hustle- Do not walk on or off the field or in between any drills.

In the Classroom:

  • Be a positive contributor to the classroom environment & interact with your professors frequently.
  • Class attendance is required. Contact your professor in advance if there are any issues.
  • If you are having difficulties with a class, see your instructor, adviser & head coach as soon as possible.
  • If you are going to miss a class due to a scheduled game, remind your professor in advance. Make sure you understand your professors’ expectations for making up missed work or classroom time.
  • Practice is NOT an excuse to miss class or any class-related activities. You can make up missed practices— See Head Coach.

In the Community & When Traveling:

  • Refrain from inappropriate language & behavior. Remember, someone is always watching. You are role models to youth softball players everywhere.
  • Always represent the program, university & yourself in a positive manner.When traveling or staying in hotels, respect the property of others. Report any issues to a coach immediately. If leaving the hotel with a parent, your parent must notify the head coach via email prior to departing.

Facilities:

  • Keep the locker room as clean as possible. Keep all items in your lockers & off the floor.
  • Pick up any trash in the locker room, on the field, or any other facility we use. This pertains to all facilities we visit as well.

Training Room:

  • Take care of any training room issues BEFORE practices & workouts—Do not use this as an excuse for being late. If you do not have time to visit the training room between classes & practice/workouts, please advise the coaching staff ahead of time.
  • Schedule times for treatment & be sure to sign in.
  • Post-practice recovery is highly encouraged. Please schedule a training room appointment & sign in.
  • If you are sick or injured, notify the training room so it can be added to the training report. If you visit the wellness center, notify the training room so they can determine if there are any practice or playing limitations.

Social Media:

Keep all social media posts, whether private or public, appropriate at all times.

Alcohol & Drugs

  • No team member shall illegally possess, use, sell, distribute, or have under their control, illegal substances of any kind.
  • Use of alcohol or tobacco products while representing the program or wearing team apparel is prohibited.
  • Team members under 21 years old are NOT permitted to consume alcohol.
  • During the school year, team members 21 & over are NOT permitted to consume alcohol within 24 hours of any team-related physical activity (i.e. practices, lifting & conditioning) or within 48 hours of any fall or spring contests.

Apparel & Equipment:

  • All equipment issued to you is your responsibility. You will be required to pay for any lost, stolen or damaged items. You are NOT permitted to wear gear for anything other than the intended events.
  • Take care of ALL equipment & respect your belongings & the belongings of your teammates.
  • Make sure your assigned equipment is loaded prior to leaving campus & prior to leaving an opponent’s facility. DO NOT rely on someone else to take care of your responsibility.
  • Be sure to drop off & pick up your laundry in a timely manner. DO NOT rely on a teammate.
  • You are not permitted to wash game uniforms on your own.
  • Dress in team issued apparel.
  • Team issued shoes must be worn on the bus & at hotels. (After games, it is your preference)
  • Full Practice: Practice pants, practice shirt, socks & belts. (Matching Colors)
  • Modified Practice: Shorts, practice shirt & socks. (Matching Colors)
  • Weight room: Shorts, practice shirt & socks. (Matching Colors)
  • Cold gear: Sleeves, Cage jacket & Hoodie
  • Game day: Practice Shirt, Sleeves, Cage Jacket & Hoodie

Nutrition:

  • Nutrition is a critical part of an athlete’s life. The choices you make about what you eat & drink are amplified when those choices directly impact sport performance, training & recovery.
  • Water & Gatorade are the only beverages permitted on the bus on game days (Before & After Competition).
  • Water & Gatorade are the only beverages permitted in the dugout during practices & contests.