Parent/Coach Communication

Why are we meeting?

First step in Parent/Coach Communication-Parenting and coaching provide immeasurable rewards for those who are fortunate enough to experience these vocations. However, neither is without potential "speed bumps" and by promoting appropriate communication and an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to our student-athletes. Clear and consistent communication between students, coaches, and parents is an important element in any successful athletic program.

When issues arise, we recommend that the student-athlete communicate with the coach directly prior to any parental involvement. Although these conversations are not always easy, we believe that it is in the student's best interest (in both the short and long term) to take the first step in an attempt to address any concerns that she or she may be feeling. That said, our coaches are always available, through the proper channels, to the parents of the student-athletes in their charge.

Communication parents and student-athletes should expect from coaches:

An overview of the philosophy of the coach and the program.
Expectations the coach has for the team and for each individual athlete.
Location and time of all practices and contests, as well as the announcement of schedule changes in a timely fashion.
Team requirements regarding policy, attendance, behavior, equipment, out-of-season expectations, etc.
Procedure to be followed should your child be injured while participating.
Any discipline of your child that result in the denial of your child's participation.

BIG 5!

Throwing-Fielding-Batting-Base Running-The Game

Honor the Game “Whether you decide to play this game or not, the game will still be played, it will be here long after we are gone,I have to believe that my participation makes the game better.This is why we focus on the little things, ladies become mothers and I would love to see these girls coach one day, the right way.” Grotenhuis.

Why play sports? You might say "to get exercise" and you'd be right. To have fun? That's true, too. But there's more. In fact, there are at least 5 more reasons. According to the Women's Sports Foundation, girls who play sports get a lot more than just fit.

1. Girls who play sports do better in school. You might think that athletics will take up all your study time. But research shows that girls who play sports do better in school than those who don't. Exercise improves learning, memory, and concentration, which can give active girls an advantage in the classroom.

2. Girls who play sports learn teamwork and goal-setting skills. Sports teaches valuable life skills. When you working with coaches, trainers, and teammates to win games and achieve goals, you're learning how to be successful. Those skills will serve you well at work and in family life.

3. Sports are good for a girl's health. In addition to being fit and maintaining a healthy weight, girls who play sports are also less likely to smoke. And later in life, girls who exercise are less likely to get breast cancer or osteoporosis.

4. Playing sports boosts self-confidence. Girls who play sports feel better about themselves. Why? It builds confidence when you know you can practice, improve, and achieve your goals. Sports are also a feel-good activity because they help girls get in shape, maintain a healthy weight, and make new friends.

5. Exercise cuts the pressure. Playing sports can lessen stress and help you feel a little happier. How? The brain chemicals released during exercise improve a person's mood. Friends are another mood-lifter. And being on a team creates tight bonds between friends. It's good to know your teammates will support you — both on and off the field!

6. Girls who play sports do better in school. You might think that athletics will take up all your study time. But research shows that girls who play sports do better in school and are more likely to graduate than those who don't. Exercise improves learning, memory, and concentration, which can give active girls an advantage when it comes to the classroom.

7. Girls who play sports learn teamwork and goal-setting skills. Working with coaches, trainers, and teammates to win games and meet goals is great practice for success later in life. Being a team player can make it easier to work with others and solve problems, whether on the field or in the workplace.

8. Sports have hidden health benefits. Some benefits of sports are obvious — like improving fitness and maintaining a healthy weight. But girls who play sports are also less likely to smoke and have a reduced chance of getting breast cancer and osteoporosis later in life. Sure, you can get these benefits from any type of exercise. But if you have trouble getting to the gym, there may be more incentive to show up and play if you know your coaches or teammates depend on you.

9. Playing sports builds self-confidence. Girls involved in athletics feel better about themselves, both physically and socially. It helps to build confidence when you see your skills improving and your goals becoming reality. Other esteem-boosting benefits of sports participation include getting in shape, maintaining a healthy weight, and making new friends.

10.Exercise can cut the pressure. Pressure is a big part of life. Playing sports can help you deal with it, since exercise is a natural mood lifter and a great way to relieve stress and fight depression. Plus, when you are on a team, you have friends who support you both on and off the field.

TEAM GOALS

Each year, specific team objectives will change as the team's character changes. However, the following should be the general goals of the MacArthur Softball teams and coaching staff

To participate in practice and games with desire and intensity;
To help each other become as physically skilled as possible;
To improve team statistics from last season;
To mature as young women, by realizing that learning to deal with adversity is sometimes the best way to grow;
To openly discuss team and personal concerns when they arise, in order to resolve conflicts before they become problems;
To dedicate yourself to improving MacArthur’s softball program to make it a perennial power.

Individual player’s goal

To improve my skills, techniques, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and enjoyment of softball as part of this team to the extent whereby superior performance will result in winning of the competition in which we are participating.

Tryouts

January 22 - Varsity and JV Teams will be announced, January 25. Equipment Needed- glove, cleats, (red, white, or gray)top and bottom.

Selection Criteria

Players should be assessed against criteria such as the following:

Behavior consistent with level of play

Attitude (enthusiasm, commitment and ability to work with other team members)

Fitness

Speed

Strength

Offence skills (batting and base running)

Defensive Skills (fielding, throwing and catching)

Ability to read the play (game sense)

Understanding of tactics

Potential (raw talent)

How Coachable (listening skills, ability to take direction and learn from coaches)

Past performances in games and practices, particularly those in the class

Performance in school

PRIORITY SCHEDULING

If we are to attain any of the goals which we have set for ourselves, it is important that each player is willing to commit herself to the following priority schedule:

Family and religious commitments
Academic progress and responsibilities.
SOFTBALL
Any out-of-season sports or other outside activities (ie. work).

Respect the Game

This is simple and direct. Let all of our actions be guided by respect. To achieve that goal, everyone is targeted in a way that relates to their individual circumstances yet collectively achieves a common goal.

ROOTS- stands for an important part of the game that we must respect.

R is for Rules
Rules allow us to keep the game fair. If we win by ignoring or violating the rules, what is the value of our victory? PCA believes that honoring the letter AND the spirit of the rule is important.

O is for Opponents
Without an opponent, there would be no competition. Rather than demeaning a strong opponent, we need to honor strong opponents because they challenge us to do our best. Athletes can be both fierce and friendly during the same competition (in one moment giving everything to get to a loose ball, and in the next moment helping an opponent up). Coaches showing respect for opposing coaches and players sets the tone for the rest of the team.

O is for Officials
Respecting officials, even when we disagree with their calls, may be the toughest part of Honoring the Game. We must remember that officials are not perfect (just like coaches, athletes and parents!). Take time to think about how to best approach an official when you want to discuss a call. What strategies do you have to keep yourself in control when you start to get upset with officials" calls? We must remember that the loss of officials (and finding enough in the first place) is a major problem in most youth sports organizations, and we can confront this problem by consistently respecting officials.

T is for Teammates
It"s easy for young athletes to think solely about their own performance, but we want athletes to realize that being part of a team requires thinking about and respecting one"s teammates. This respect needs to carry beyond the field/gym/track/pool into the classroom and social settings. Athletes need to be reminded that their conduct away from practices and games will reflect back on their teammates and the league, club, or school.

S is for Self
Athletes should be encouraged to live up to their own highest personal standard of Honoring the Game, even when their opponents are not. Athletes" respect for themselves and their own standards must come first.

Team Code of Conduct

The following conduct will be expected of all players at all times, all times meaning games, practices and off field engagements.

· Players will be respectful of the coaching staff and one another at all times.

· Because softball is a physically and mentally taxing sport it is recommended that all players stay away from drugs and alcohol. This will decrease their chance of injury by ensuring that they are keeping their body in the best possible shape. Drug and alcohol abuse prior to or during team events will not be tolerated. If a player is found under the influence at any of these times the player will be asked to leave the field/event and parent notification will occur.

· Players will be respectful of other teams and their coaching staffs during all games and tournaments.

· Because we are representatives of MacArhurHigh School and Aldine I.S.D., all players will be expected to behave as the responsible young ladies that they are, especially during away games, tournaments and events.

· Players will be respectful of the time they have at practice and will not be disruptive.

· Any players not adhering to this code of conduct may be subject to additional physical training, for example extra running or pushups.

· Continued violation of the code of conduct will result in a parent-coach conference.

· If violation of the code of conduct continues after the parent-coach conference and resolution can not be found, the player may be cut from the team.

· The Coaching staff wants the players to be aware that this is their team as well and that their opinion matters. The players should feel comfortable with approaching the coaching staff to discuss their opinion at an appropriate time, whatever it may be.

Attendance in reference to game play:

If a student does not attend practice for some unexcused absence, regardless of past attendance history, it will effect their consideration to play in a competition. The player must still attend the game and suit up.

Participation Policy:

Each team member is required to attend practice and games

Participation at practice:

Being on time and practicing with the team on drills and other skill enhancing practice drills. Also, staying until the end of practice is considered a part of participation. If a student is injured and unable to run drills at practice, they are still required to attend the practice. A doctor’s excuse may be requested. Often this time will be used for rehab.

Participation at the games:

Being on time to the pre-game preparation. This would mean that the student would need to be suited up and on the field participating in drills or stretching at the required time. They must depart on our fine mode of transportation-if late they run the risk of being left behind. All will return to school in the same fashion- district policy.

Participation in general:

Part of building teamwork is done through supporting your team. Supporting of the team can be defined as cheering at the games or helping with equipment.

Participation in all other Team Functions:

In addition to those listed above, all other team functions will require the participation of the student. In the event that a student would not be able to participate, this would need to be discussed prior to the event with the coaches.

No Pass No Play policy:

The MACARTHUR LADY GENERALS SOFTBALL follows a No Pass No Play policy. Not only will this mimic the standards of other UIL, school-sponsored sports, it will also ensure that the students’ energy is focused on maintaining good grades. If a student does not pass a class, they will be ineligible to play in any games for 3 weeks following the receipt of the failing grade. Our team will use grade checks on a weekly basis and it is each player’s responsibility to get them completed. Tutorials are offered daily and our failing students encouraged to attend. Keep in mind there isn’t any substitute for good academic practices: class participation, note taking, preparedness, studiousness, and attendance.

http://www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/softball/

http://www.uil.utexas.edu/policy/constitution/athletics/09_10sec1280.pdf

Jan 22- 1^st semester grades- failures make them ineligible

Feb 10-4^th six weeks progress report-1^st semester failures become eligible

Mar 5-4^th six weeks failures become ineligible

Mar 31- 5^th six weeks progress report-4th six weeks failures become eligible

Apr 23-5^th six week failures become ineligible

May 12-6^th six weeks progress report-5^th six weeks failures become eligible

Communication

Coaches should expect from student-athletes and parents:

Notification of any schedule conflicts in a timely fashion.
Concerns should be expressed directly to the coach.
The coach should be made aware of medical/injury issues of the student-athlete.
General support of the overall mission of the program.

Coaches are certainly available to parents to discuss issues that may arise. Here are some guidelines for setting up such a meeting:

Call or email the coach to request an appointment.
Do not attempt to confront a coach before, during, or after a contest or practice. These confrontations can be emotional for parents and coaches and do not often promote successful resolution. "24-hour" suggestion....When dealing with issues that may be somewhat emotional, when possible we recommend that parents and coaches wait 24 hours before meeting to discuss the issue.
We recommend that the student-athlete attend the parent/coach meeting.

For the benefit of the student-athlete, the coach, and the program, it is important that the appropriate "chain-of-command" approach is followed, in this order:

Discussion between student-athlete and coach.
Parent/Coach discussion or meeting.
Meeting with the Athletic Director.
Appointment or discussion with the Principal.

Any attempt to subvert this process will not expedite positive resolution.

Appropriate concerns for parents to discuss with coaches:

The coach's interaction with the student-athlete.
The student-athlete's interaction with others.
Evaluation of performance of the student-athlete.
Suggestions for ways to improve performance.
"Off the Field" issues that the coach may be able to help with (time management, academic, behavioral, etc.)

Issues not appropriate for parents to discuss with coaches:

Team strategy and/or lineup decisions.
Issues involving other student-athletes.
How much playing time your daughter is getting. http://www.uil.utexas.edu/ATHLETICS/manuals/pdf/parent_information.pdf

Some suggestions for parents:

At contests, refrain from the impulse to "coach" or "officiate" from the stands. While you will not always agree with decisions made by coaches or officials, comments of that nature will be (at best) uncomfortable and (at worst) embarrassing for your child, the coach, and other spectators.
Help the coaches foster a "team" atmosphere. At times that will involve some individual sacrifice on the part of the student-athletes, but in the long run it will benefit all who participate in our programs.
Support the coach's interest in the student-athletes' well-being beyond their specific sport. Reinforce with your child the idea that coaches have the authority (and responsibility) to make decisions and policies based on concepts such as attitude, academic approach, reliability, and interaction with others.
Try not to be critical of the coach in front of your child. This provides a message that will not help her/her to have as positive an experience as possible.
Encourage your child to compete "for the love of the game." Getting too concerned with things such as who is doing the scoring, who is getting the publicity, post-season awards, etc. can make a student-athlete forget why she or she loves athletics.
Be a positive fan. Support all of the student-athletes on the team, not just your son or daughter.

Practice Schedule

Practice is daily and may include Saturdays and Spring Break. Practice is from 3 to 5, 5:30 P.M.- our campus field can be accessed through Hambrick Junior High parking lot. We will have practices in the mini-gym during inclement weather.

Website

Cancellations will be posted on website by 2pm that day www.ballcharts.com/macarthursoftball sometimes Email or text will be sent to coaches, players, parents, and officials- when website is able to be accessed. My cell 713-705-9810, jgrotenhuis@aldine.k12.tx.us , or 7137059810@vtext.net , and school # 281-985-6330. Contact info is on website under “Contact Us”.

Aldine Website

http://www.aldine.k12.tx.us/cms/main.cfm?siteID=13

Rank One

http://www.rankonesport.com/?m=ViewSchedule&v=1&d=1124&sh=307

Game Schedule

MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL 2009-2010

DATE	TEAM	TYPE	OPPONENT	PLACE	TIME
FEB 2	VARSITY/JV	SCRIMMAGE	CONROE	COMPLEX	4:30/6:00PM
FEB 5	VARSITY/JV	SCRIMMAGE	WESTSIDE	THERE	4:30/6:00PM
FEB 8	VARSITY/JV	SCRIMMAGE	BARBERSHILL	COMPLEX	4:30/6:00PM
FEB 13	VARSITY	SCRIMMAGE	PASADENA	THERE	TBA
FEB 16	VARSITY/JV	NONDISTRICT	CROSBY	COMPLEX	4:30/6:00PM
FEB 18,20	VARSITY	TOURNAMENT	HUMBLE	THERE	TBA
FEB 19	VARSITY/JV	NONDISTRICT	SPRINGWOODS	COMPLEX	4:30/6:00PM
FEB 23	VARSITY/JV	NONDISTRICT	KLEIN	THERE	4:30/6:00PM
FEB 25,27	JV	TOURNAMENT	ALDINE	MULLER/ COMPLEX	TBA
MAR 1	VARSITY/JV	NONDISTRICT	CINCO RANCH	COMPLEX	5:00/6:30PM
MAR 4,6	VARSITY	TOURNAMENT	CYFAIR	THERE	TBA
MAR 4,6	JV	TOURNAMENT	SPRING	THERE	TBA
MAR 5	VARSITY/JV	DISTRICT	ATASCOCITA	COMPLEX	5:00/6:30PM
MAR 9	JV	DISTRICT	EISENHOWER	IKE NINTH	4:00PM
MAR 9	VARSITY	DISTRICT	EISENHOWER	COMPLEX	7:00PM
MAR 11,13	VARSITY	TOURNAMENT	ALDINE	MULLER/ COMPLEX	TBA
MAR 12	JV	DISTRICT	KINGWOOD	MAC SR	4:00PM
MAR 12	VARSITY	DISTRICT	KINGWOOD	COMPLEX	5:00PM
MAR 18	VARSITY/JV	NONDISTRICT	NORTHSHORE	THERE	2:00/3:30PM
MAR 23	VARSITY/JV	DISTRICT	HUMBLE	THERE	5:00/6:30PM
MAR 25,27	JV	TOURNAMENT	KLIEN	THERE	TBA
MAR 26	JV	DISTRICT	NIMITZ	MAC SR	4:00PM
MAR 26	VARSITY	DISTRICT	NIMITZ	COMPLEX	7:00PM
MAR 30	JV	DISTRICT	ALDINE	ALDINE SR	4:00PM
MAR 30	VARSITY	DISTRICT	ALDINE	COMPLEX	5:00PM
APR 1	VARSITY/JV	DISTRICT	ATASCOCITA	THERE	5:00/6:30PM
APR 6	JV	DISTRICT	EISENHOWER	MAC SR	4:00PM
APR 6	VARSITY	DISTRICT	EISENHOWER	COMPLEX	7:00PM
APR 9	VARSITY/JV	DISTRICT	KINGWOOD	THERE	5:00/6:30PM
APR 16	JV	DISTRICT	HUMBLE	MAC SR	4:00PM
APR 16	VARSITY	DISTRICT	HUMBLE	COMPLEX	5:00PM
APR 20	JV	DISTRICT	NIMITZ	NIMITZ SR	4:00PM
APR 20	VARSITY	DISTRICT	NIMITZ	COMPLEX	5:00PM
APR 23	VARSITY/JV	DISTRICT	ALDINE	COMPLEX	5:00/6:30PM

JAMES GROTENHUIS ROBERT DELK CASSI GARZA

713-705-9810 281-794-8077 817-648-5526

Team Roster

please be sure to verify information-take off emergency cards

Parent Volunteers

Susan Saldivar, Elaine Rueda, Rolando Linares, Jr. and V. Herrera

Team Apparel

Uniforms – black under armor, black softball pants, red or black cleats

Warm-ups, practice shirts, spirit shirts, and ball caps.

Spirit Wear Chair – Susan Saldivar

Banquet

Spring Sports TBA Awards and all district picks.

’05-Cariss Martinez, Jeri Fuentes, Tina Fernandez, Jaci Ramos ’06-Curissa Mitchell ’07-Sarah Perales ’08-Cecily Gomez

’09-Alyssa Garcia

Individual Objectives

To fulfill my obligations to myself and my fellow team-members by 100% effort in these areas:

* commitment to team goals

* physical preparations

* mental preparations

* attendance at team practices, ready with all equipment necessary

* internalizing all written materials handed out

* cooperating and coexisting harmoniously as part of the team at all times

* seeking and accepting advice from coaching staff

* critically evaluating my own performances during practices or games

* accepting and performing my own function within the team

* embracing the team attitude of positive aggression

* developing confidence, concentration and competence

* developing the ability to recognize and make crucial plays and decisions under pressure

* developing my own individual skills to be used for the team effort

* supporting my teammates through positive praise and encouragement

* accepting umpires calls

* ignoring spectators during the games

* displaying proper sportsmanlike conduct at all times

* making appropriate input to the team program when given the opportunity

* starting as soon as possible to prepare mentally as well as physically

* gaining something positive from every practice, game or meeting

*developing my self-discipline and control in stressful situations

PARENTAL PERMISSION/AGREEMENT

I have attended the preseason player/parent meeting and I have read and discussed with my daughter the guidelines and I understand the responsibilities and commitment of being a member of the MacArthur Softball Team. I also understand the role I must assume as parents and I will assist in every way to see that the rules and regulations are enforced. I will do my best to support the coaches and administration in decisions made throughout the school year.

I understand it is in my best interests to accept the fact that my daughter may or may not be chosen to join the team based on the coaches’ evaluations.

I do hereby give my consent and support for my child _______________________to be a member of the MacArthur Softball Team for the upcoming season, and to participate in all softball activities.

Athlete’s Signature__________________________Date___ Printed Name_____________________________________

Cell phone _______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature___________________ Date___ Printed Name_____________________________________

Cell phone_______________________________________ email____________________________________________