West Branch Softball Team Rules

The West Branch softball team rules are either derived from school policy or were made by the coaching staff.  The rules are in place to provide stability, safety, fairness, and organization to the West Branch softball program. 

1. All school policies put forth by the West Branch School District will be followed at all times.  You must follow all procedures and rules of your student handbook.
2. Absolutely no hazing or initiation will be tolerated, and could lead to dismissal. 
3. Student athletes will be on time for all practices and pre-games.  Tardiness will not be tolerated.  Discipline will be determined by coaching staff.
4. The use of Alcohol and Tobacco is prohibited by both West Branch and the PIAA and will not be permitted.  Any athlete reporting to practice or game under the influence of alcohol will be suspended from game (s) play as determined by the coaching staff.
5. Team Policies

Attendance: 

• If you will not be attending practice you must notify Coach White only.
• An excused absence from school excuses player from practice the same day.  Staff will evaluate and determine what is unexcused by each case.
• Must attend practice day before game to participate (this includes Saturday practices for Monday games) to be eligible to participate in game the next day.  Absence from school the day prior to game will be evaluated by staff.   
• 2 – Unexcused Absences will result in 1 – Game Suspension
• 3 – Unexcused Absences will result in 2 – Game Suspension
• 4 – Unexcused Absences will result in 3 – Game Suspension
• 5 – Unexcused Absences will result in dismissal from team.
• If a player has 2 – Detentions that counts as 1 unexcused absence
• If a player has ISS or OSS they are not permitted to attend practice or game on that day – these also count as unexcused absences
• 5 – Missed practices whether excused or unexcused will result in a 1-game suspension.  Every practice missed after that is an additional game suspension.

Joining After Season Start:

·        1^st Week – Penalty will be determined by coaching staff on case basis.

·        2^nd & 3^rd Week – Penalty will be player practicing only until number of practices and games past our first game that the player missed at the beginning of the year.

·        4^th  Week – Player will be allowed to play no higher than Junior Varsity at any point during the year regardless of player grade level.

Cell Phones are not permitted at practice, at games, or on away trips.  This is a continuation of school policy.  If you have a cell phone or cell phone goes off at any time you will be suspended for one game.  THIS IS YOUR WARNING!

Equipment Handling:

·        If you throw a bat, batting helmet, or glove during competition you will be immediately removed from the game.  Any further penalty based on behavior after will be coaches’ discretion.

·        Uniforms will be worn properly from the time you get off bus/leave school until the end of the game.  Failure to follow coach’s orders in regards to uniforms will result in suspension from game (s).

School Representation:

·        Remember that you are a representative of West Branch and our community on all away trips. 

·        Any damage that occurs during trips away from home will be covered by the individual (s) involved.  This includes damage to bus, our facilities, or visiting facilities. 

·        Any restaurant that is stopped at we will not wear hats/visors inside and will be quiet and respectful while inside.  Any violators will face immediate disciplinary action.

·        Foul language will be avoided at all times.  Coaches will discipline each player case by case.  Excessive use of foul language will result in dismissal from team. 

On Field:

·        Players will not address the umpires as anything but sir, and no calls will be questioned or argued by players THIS INCLUDES BALLS AND STRIKES.  The coaching staff will take care of the umpires.

·        Any player sitting down or kneeling on the ground during a pitching change will be removed from the remainder of the game.  We want to look alive and respectful. 

Playing Time:

·        Those athletes that the coaching staff feels are most prepared for games will be the ones chosen to play.  Remember that character and work ethic plays a big part in this decision. 

·        A traveling roster listing the number of players going and their names will be posted the night before EACH away game (depending on the number of players on the roster).  This list can and will change game to game based on both game and practice performance.

Horseplay:

·        Practice will be very structured.  If you fail to take practice and individual drills seriously, you will be told ONCE.  A second offense will result in meeting with coaching staff.  The third violation will result in Termination from team. 

6. Team Dismissals

·        Any player who is dismissed from team for any reason throughout the course of the year, or any player that quits after the first day of practice will not be permitted to try out the following season as long as I am the Head Coach. 

7. The Head Coach has the final authority on all rules and matters within the West Branch Softball Program.

Date:_______________________

Player Signature:___________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:___________________________________