Odd Softball Rules

[Amy in AZ.]

I try to avoid a bunch of rules, so I find all of these odd. I encourage mp3 use and am trying to get my pitchers to use their's, currently. So, I may have to make a rule - get your music in your ear, now! (I point out that many olympians have their music on (or whatever they listen to), right up until the last second.

 

[Coach-n-Dad]

GD,

Regardless of cleanliness, boyfriends on or near the softball field are stinking boyfriends. Some boyfriends are stinking always and forever.

 

[Ken B]

My three basic rules:

• Have fun!
• Play hard
• No boys at practices or games (no cells/texting)

At my initial team meeting, I passed this out along with my longer list of regular rules. About 3/4's through my monologue, I looked over at one of the girls. She had my rules folded with a flap sticking upward and both hands holding it. It was shaking and her eyes were fixed on it. I stopped and asked if she was texting. She looked up in shock and slowly put the thing in her pocket. I picked up my basic rules and re-read them aloud. I told her that this time she was getting a break because I didn't specify no texting at the meeting, but that next time that phone was mine. (In retrospect, it would have been a great chance to see how many push ups a girl could do in front of her new team and their parents!)

I have broken that rule and used it as an incentive. I'd lined the team up for a conditioning drill and right before starting them, I told them the winner would be able to check her phone during a water break at the next practice. I don't think I've ever seen a group of girls work so hard!

 

[Jojo]

Carry your own equipment
No swimming/hot tubs before games or practice
Run with your glove on
No cheese before the game
Leave the dugout with trash in your hands.

I was a coach before the every kid has a cell phone age , so I had no cell phone rules, but I did catch one of my high school pitching students running laps at her team practice while TEXTING!

 

[yoopergarce]

15 minutes early is Right on Time! 14 minutes early is Late!
Carry your own bag!
Leave the dugout with more than you arrived with...including dust, dirt and chalk!

 

[ranstl]

do not show up at a practice or game with your dinner - i'm amazed how many parents think its ok to slam down a double cheeseburger meal then go run for two hours. no running over to give mom/dad/grandma a hug once the game starts. in the dugout, ready to go when needed.

 

[ranstl]

i forgot my favorite...no jeans! i don't understand why it's so hard for a 10YO to remember to put on a pair of sweats or athletic shorts before coming to practice. is that asking too much?!?

 

[Jojo]

i forgot my favorite...no jeans! i don't understand why it's so hard for a 10YO to remember to put on a pair of sweats or athletic shorts before coming to practice. is that asking too much?!?

I had one show up to pitching with a skirt and heels, I cannot tell you how many times they showed up in flip flops!

 

[WinThemAll]

Players
• Respect your teammates, coaches, opponents, umpires, parents & players.
• No bad language.
• Remember the 30 minute/24 hour rule.
• Respect your equipment (do not throw helmet or glove in frustration) Hang bat bags, in order, in line and evenly. Your equipment goes in your bag when not using.
• Run on/off field (no walking on the field) during practices and games.
• Remain in the dugout during games/practices.
• Wear you uniform correctly, jersey tucked in ALWAYS.
• Focus on game before every pitch.
• Be on time, attendance is important. Call the coach if you can’t make it to practices, are going to be late, or know in advance of conflicts with practices or tournaments.
• If you are sick or injured, let coach know immediately. You may be required to bring a doctor’s release to participate. If you are sick, please stay home.
• Help with equipment (you use the equipment, you should carry it) clean up dugout after games.
• Never give up; Don’t say I can’t; Have a can do attitude.
• Eat healthy, drink plenty of water.
• Take your cleats and socks off between games.
• No jewelry, wrist bands, etc. during games or practices.
• Hair must be tied back.
• Appropriate practice attire, players will get dirty!
• Remember that you are representing the team when at tournaments at a hotel and even away from the field, act accordingly.
• Learn from your mistakes. Never be afraid to ask questions. Feel free to ask questions during the game and practices.
• Have Fun and Smile.

 

[ranstl]

I had one show up to pitching with a skirt and heels, I cannot tell you how many times they showed up in flip flops!

i have sent a girl home 3 times all ready this year for not wearing proper practice clothes. i had to threaten her with a suspension finally. harsh, i know. but at least i'm fair...i suspended my own kid...