BELLEFONTE SOFTBALL

Trust the Process

Player/Parent Handbook

Player/Parent Meeting: February 27th

H.S. Cafeteria            7:00pm

MOUNTAIN                         PIAA                                      WESTERN PA

LEAGUE                               DISTRICT                            REGION

CHAMPIONS                       CHAMPIONS                       CHAMPIONS

1983, 1986, 1993,                               1987, 1991, 1997                                                1997, 2002

1996, 1997, 1998,                               1998, 2000, 2001,

1999, 2005                                           2002, 2003, 2004,

                                                                2005, 2006, 2007

Player-Parent Handbook 2008               Table of Contents

I.                   Welcome/Introduction of 2008 Bellefonte Softball Staff

II.                 Introduction of Bellefonte’s Athletic Director – Don Amoriello

III.              Introduction of Bellefonte’s Athletic Trainer – Greg Wertz

IV.              The Bellefonte Program

A.    Believe the Vision

B.    Live the Vision

C.    Teach the Vision

V.                Structure of the Program

A.    Player Conduct

B.    Non-Cellular Zones

C.    Alcohol/Drug Policy

D.    Softball Curfew

E.    Academic Success

VI.              The Process

A.    Uniforms

B.    Program Tryouts

C.    Practice Expectations

D.    Off-Season and In-Season Beliefs

VII.           Schedules

VIII.         Investment

I. Welcome/Introduction of 2008 Bellefonte Softball Staff

Varsity Head Coach:   Gregg Kohlhepp (11^th season)

gkohlhep@basd.net    355-4833 ext. 8122

                                                                             404-0701

Asst. Varsity Coach:    Fred Caldwell (7^th season)  

cplfred@msn.com

Jr. High Head Coach: Nicole Naugle (5^th season)

nnaugle@basd.net      359-2739 ext. 2605

                                      280-6106

Jr. High Asst. Coach:   Shana Nissenbaum  (4^th season)         

shananissenbaum@yahoo.com

Junior Varsity Coach:  Shawn Barbrow (2^nd season)

sbarbrow@basd.net

Volunteer Coaches:    Dave Gomola               Chris Stathes

                                       Jim Poorman                Matt Watson

Staff Recognition:

* Investment

- Voluntarily staffed 10 weeks of fall workouts

- Voluntarily staffed 12 weeks of winter pitching/catching workouts

- Voluntarily staffed 8 weeks of regular winter workouts

- Attended clinics featuring Olympic, NCAA championship coaches

- Work above and beyond to bring success to Bellefonte Softball

* The Person Before the Player

* They Have the Vision

II. Introduction of Bellefonte’s Athletic Director

Athletic Director:          Don Amoriello, CAA    damoriel@basd.net                                                                                  355-4833 ext. 8510

III. Introduction of Bellefonte’s Trainer

Athletic Trainer:            Greg Wertz                             gwertz@basd.net

IV. The Bellefonte Program – The Vision

“TRUST the process”

A.            BELIEVE the Vision

·        Common Goal, Common Vision

·        Respect tradition

·        Know the history of the program

·        Pursuit of Excellence: strive to perform at the highest levels

·        The individual is never bigger than the program

B.     LIVE the Vision – Values or Standards

·        Sportsmanship: humble in victory, gracious in defeat

·        Personal Responsibility: be honest; “do the right thing”

·        Hard Work: expect to work hard

·        Teamwork: value the strength of learning to work together

·        Loyalty: it is our program; we are in this together

·        Personal Pride: “Are you here to be average?”

·        Respect: yourself, teammates, coaches, process

·        Trust: Believe in the process

C.   TEACH the Vision

·        Leave the program better than you found it

·        Responsibility to uphold the standards of the program

·        Pride in your class, pride in your team

BELLEFONTE SOFTBALL: To win the State Championship by creating an environment that calls forth the greatness in each of us, and as a team, as we live and learn commitment, passion, unity and growth.

V. Structure of the Program: Welcome to our family!

As a member of the Bellefonte Softball program, we expect…

A.    Respect through Player Conduct

·         On and off the field, players and trainers are representatives of the school district and the softball program.   Players need to conduct themselves appropriately on and off the field.  These standards include: trust, loyalty, pride, good sportsmanship, and personal responsibility.

·         Hazing and/or harassment of fellow members of the softball program will not be tolerated.  Players will treat each other, coaches, and stakeholders with the utmost respect at all times.

·         Consequence:   players failing to meet the code of conduct will face suspensions and possible dismissal from the program

B.    Adherence to Non-cellular zones

·         Cell phone usage will not be permitted during any team functions.  Players are expected to turn off their cell phones and safely store them away, or they will be confiscated by a coaching staff member if they are seen or heard at any time. 

·         Team functions will include but are not limited to: any team meeting, all practices from beginning to dismissal, bus trips*, and games

                                                                          i.      Coaches may permit cell phone usage upon returning from away games to call for a ride.  Coaches will announce on the bus when cell phones may be used.

·         Consequence: confiscation of cell phone and possible reduction of playing time

C.    Compliance with the BASD Drug/Alcohol policy

·         Players are not permitted to use tobacco, drugs, or alcohol in any form, on or off school grounds, in or out of season.  Any reported usage will fall under Bellefonte Area School District policies, investigations, and consequences.

·         BASD policy and consequences for alcohol or drug use

                                                                          i.      First offense: loss of 50% of season

                                                                        ii.      Second offense: removal from the program

·         Additionally, the softball staff will attempt to prevent any such instances by taking precautionary measures

·         If any BASD approved softball coach hears or sees anything that would violate the school drug and alcohol policy, it will be reported to Coach Kohlhepp and school administration.

                                                                          i.      The player involved will be placed on indefinite suspension

                                                                        ii.      The school’s Student Assistance Team will look into the situation and help determine if a problem exists.

                                                                      iii.      Once cleared by the SAT team and school administration, the player is eligible to return to all team functions.

                                                                      iv.       The staff supports the belief that the individual welfare of a player is more important than any athletic contribution.

D.    Commitment to the Softball Curfew policy

·         Each player is expected to be at their residence by 10:00pm from Sunday through Thursday.  Calls may begin 90 minutes prior to curfew. 

·         Each player is expected to be at their residence by 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights.  Calls may begin 90 minutes prior to curfew.

·         Coaches will call player residences as needed and ask to speak with the player.  If the player is not available, the parent can vouch for his or her daughter’s adherence to the curfew rule.

·         Curfew calls are conducted in a random fashion with records kept by coaches of such calls. 

·         Monthly curfew passes may be offered as the staff deems appropriate.

·         In the event of an emergency situation, enforcement will be withheld until any curfew offense is investigated.

·         Consequence:   players failing to meet the code of conduct will face suspensions and possible dismissal from the program

E.     Academic Success

·         The academic success of each and every player is vital to the success of the program.  To remain eligible for practices, games and team functions, a student-athlete must be currently passing five course credits, maintain an overall C average (73%), and not be failing two or more classes.  These are monitored by the coaching staff, school administration, and the PIAA each week.

·         Consequence: players failing to meet the academic requirements are suspended from program activities for the following week (this includes but is not limited to practices, meetings, and games).

·         Coaches from each team will monitor the academic success of their players and have the liberty to create systems that will produce a greater commitment to academics, such as:

                                                                          i.      Tutorial systems

                                                                        ii.      Team study sessions

VI. The Process: How It Comes Together

A.    Uniform

·         High School Uniforms

Ø      Players will purchase their jerseys, turtlenecks, and shorts at the conclusion of tryouts.

Ø      Visors will be provided by the school district

Ø      Garments underneath uniforms must be consistent with school colors.

1.      Players wearing clothing under their jersey must wear red underneath white jerseys and black under red jerseys (no exceptions).

2.      Sliders must be red (PIAA rule)

·         Junior High Uniforms

Ø      Players will purchase shorts at the conclusion of tryouts.

Ø      Jerseys and visors will be provided by the school district

Ø      Garments underneath uniforms must be consistent with school colors.

1.      Players wearing clothing under their jersey must wear black under red jerseys (no exceptions).

2.      Sliders must be red (PIAA rule)

·         Uniform Rules: The uniform will be worn properly at all times. 

Ø      Shirts will be tucked in

Ø      Hats/visors will be worn correctly

Ø      We will wear the uniform at all times during games, no sweatshirts or sweatpants over top

·         Consequence for improper uniform display: possible reduction of playing time

·         Helmets

Ø      PIAA requires face masks and chin straps on all helmets.

Ø      Varsity and Junior Varsity players are encouraged to purchase their own helmets as in the past.

Ø      The Softball Booster Club will use fundraiser monies to help offset the cost of any player interested in purchasing their own helmet.

Ø      Program helmets are available for each team’s needs.

Ø      Please see Coach Caldwell about ordering your helmet.

·         Mouthguards

Ø      It is highly recommended that due to the pace and speed of the game, that players wear mouthguards for protection both defensively and offensively.

·         Footwear

Ø      NFHS and PIAA have authorized the use of metal cleats for the 2008 softball season.

·         Jewelry

Ø      Players may not wear jewelry (watches, earrings, etc.) of ANY kind during practices or games.  (PIAA rule)

Ø      There are no exceptions to this rule.

*     Consequence for jewelry at practice: remove jewelry immediately and possible reduction of playing time

*     Consequence for jewelry in game: remove jewelry and player will be relegated to the bench for the remainder of the game.

                                For Your Information:  The coaching staff accepts donations of gear and equipment in

good condition that your daughter has outgrown.  For example, we have an assortment of donated sliders, spikes, and gloves in the concession stand that have been or can be passed onto new or younger players in the softball program. 

B.    Program Tryouts

·         Program selections will be made at tryouts. 

·         Tryouts are made in the best interests of the program and are based on comparisons made in the following areas: offensive skills, defensive skills, conditioning, coachability, and attitude

·         Throughout the year, it is possible that players will be shuffled back and forth between teams to bring them the most success.

·         Tryouts will be held March 3 – March 10 at the High School gym, Middle School gym and/or O’Leary softball fields.

·         Team Selections:  The high school teams include a varsity and junior varsity level.  The junior high program consists two teams: the Red Team and the White Team.  In all instances, teams are not grade exclusive. 

·         Team size: The team size will be reflective of the number of potential participants, the talents of those participants, and the opportunity for success as a whole.

·         Players must come prepared to practice indoors (gym) and outdoors (field) every single day.  Players should be prepared to practice fully at any time – this includes having clothing or gear for sliding and diving

Ø      Signs will be posted at Room 122 (High School) and at the main offices at the high school and middle school with information.  Additional PA announcements may be made at the middle school.

·         Players must have physicals and all paperwork cleared through the athletic office before attending tryouts/practices.

·         Players who can not attend tryouts for medical or educational reasons will be granted an extended three-day tryout

·         Excused absences: School-sanctioned excused absences are deemed excused absences from softball.  These include, but are not limited to, medical absences with note and educational trips.  Players may request an excused absence by submitting a form to their coach 5 days prior to the absence.  For game absence requests, the staff will meet and make a fair decision in each matter.

·         Unexcused absences from practices and games will not be tolerated.  Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to: unexcused school absences, detentions, and suspensions from school.  Unexcused absences will result in suspensions and/or dismissal.  Practice time may vary.

Ø      First offense: one game suspension

Ø      Second offense: three suspension

Ø      Third offense: dismissal from team

·         After tryouts, teams may practice up to six days a week.  Weekend practices will either be held on Saturday mornings or on Sundays in the late afternoon.

·         Pitchers and Catchers will have extended practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm-7:00pm, starting March 12^th.

Please see Bellefonte Softball Website for updated practice times and places (weather permitting)

C.    Practice Expectations

·         Players need to be early for practice.  Players are expected to have the equipment in place and be ready to practice daily starting at 3:35pm.  Practices will conclude at 5:50pm. 

·         Indoor practices may require evening sessions.  Players should be available to practice between the hours of 3:30pm – 8:30pm.

·         Please be advised that teams may practice up to six days a week.  Weekend practices will either be held on Saturday mornings or on Sundays in the late afternoon. Players and parents should take this into consideration when making plans or other commitments.  According to PIAA guidelines, players are permitted to participate in practices or other team activities six days a week.

·         Excused absences: School-sanctioned excused absences are deemed excused absences from softball.  These include, but are not limited to, medical absences with note and educational trips.  Players may request an excused absence by submitting a form to their coach 5 days prior to the absence.  The staff will meet and make a fair decision in each matter.

·         Unexcused absences from practices and games will not be tolerated.  Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to: unexcused school absences, detentions, and suspensions from school.  Unexcused absences will result in suspensions and/or dismissal.  Practice time may vary.

Ø      First offense: one game suspension

Ø      Second offense: three suspension

Ø      Third offense: dismissal from team

D.    Off-Season and In-Season Beliefs

·         While sports seem to generate year-round interest, the Bellefonte coaching staff believes that players need down time.

·         Players are still growing and developing and need to get away and pursue other interests throughout the year.  We believe that this is crucial for physical and mental success in any area.

·         Rest and Recovery:  While being specific to certain softball positions, players need to allow time for their minds and bodies to rest and recover.  With many players playing summer ball as well, it is strongly recommended that players take three months out of the year to rest and recover. 

·         We believe that two 6-8 week breaks will produce better athletes and healthier lifestyles.  We recommend breaks from:

Ø      Early August through mid-September

Ø      Early November through the end of December

·         Other Activities (June-February):  The staff fully supports our players’ interest in other activities, including sports programs out-of-season.  We actively follow and try to attend these events to demonstrate our support of other school programs.  We believe that the strength, conditioning, and agility developed in other sports translate easily to softball. 

·         Other Activities (March – June):  The staff fully expects members of the softball program to make softball their highest extra-curricular priority during the season.  Players should not miss any practices, games, or team functions.  Other extra-curricular activities should be handled proportionally.  Please take into account academics, health, freshness, and susceptibility to injuries when planning activities. 

·         Please see your team coach and Coach Kohlhepp with any questions.

Varsity/Junior Varsity Schedule 2008