Eastview Thunder baseball

2020 EASTVIEW THUNDER BASEBALL HANDBOOK

The Eastview Thunder Baseball Program provides summer baseball opportunities for youth ages 15-19 (High School Sophomore to Senior, plus Super Senior) through the sponsorship of three potential teams: Eastview Senior Legion Black , Eastview Senior Legion Blue, and Eastview Junior Legion/16s. All teams play separate league schedules and weekend tournaments which begin in late May and conclude in early August. Each team has the opportunity to qualify for District, State and National Tournament play.

Exact age, birth date and residency requirements are determined by the league/associations in which our teams play. Generally, to be eligible a player must: (1) reside within the boundary area of the Eastview High School or (2) for the Legion and Junior Legion teams be open enrolled at Eastview High School. Graduates of Eastview High School who are still eligible under the age requirements of the league (“Super Seniors”) are eligible to play in the Eastview Thunder Baseball Program if they meet the requirements set forth in this handbook.

Players that wish to be placed on one of the Eastview Thunder Baseball teams shall participate in a tryout process which will take place on May 2, 2020. Evaluators, including members of the Eastview High School coaching staff, Thunder coaches and some Thunder Board members will evaluate each player’s baseball skills, current playing position(s), and the player’s age to determine which team each player will be placed on for the 2020 season. The evaluation of a player’s baseball skills is based on the 2020 high school season, their EVAA, EVHS and Thunder baseball careers, and their 2020 Thunder tryouts.

The Eastview Thunder Baseball Program has high expectations and goals for all their teams. We can only reach these goals with your help and commitment to the program. The Board and the Program seeks and requires your support, commitment and volunteer help throughout the year.

Thank You,

Eastview Thunder Baseball Board

1. MISSION & PHILOSOPHY

Our mission is to assist athletes in developing advanced baseball skills and provide the opportunity to compete with other players of similar abilities. Our objectives are to provide an organized summer baseball program for Eastview attendance area players that will:

Re-enforce the fundamentals of baseball
Allow every player to have an opportunity to participate and develop
Promote physical fitness
Develop self-confidence
Develop respect for others, teamwork, pride in their team and community
Incorporate the spirit of good sportsmanship

2. COMMITMENT & ATTENDANCE

Thunder Baseball requires a significant time commitment from players, coaches and parents from late May through early August. There are approximately 16 - 20 league / non-conference games, 3 - 4 weekend tournaments, District, State and National Tournament opportunities. Every player’s presence is important and each player is expected to attend all practices, league games and tournament games. Unexcused absences may result in a reduction of playing time.

Any player that participates in the tryouts for the Thunder program is expected to be fully committed to the team which he is selected to play on for the season. If selected and placed on a team, a player is expected, absent permission from the head coach, to attend and participate in all games and practices. Players shall not be allowed to play for other baseball teams during the Thunder season unless he has obtained express permission from the head coach of his Thunder team to play for another team. Any player who elects to play for another team during the Thunder baseball season, without the express permission of his coach, can, at the coaches' discretion, be removed from the team.

3. PROGRAM COSTS & FEES

The Eastview Thunder Baseball Program is not sponsored by any Legion or other entity. All costs and expenses necessary to run and operate the program must be covered by the program, players and parents. The Eastview Thunder Board organizes and sponsors several fundraising events throughout the year to help alleviate some of these costs. Some fundraisers are “team” fundraisers which raise money for the program as a whole. To be successful they require commitment and work from all players in the program. Failure by players to participate in team fundraisers may require additional payments/program fees from those players. Other fundraisers are “individual” fundraisers which can help decrease the program fee paid by individual players.

Even with the revenue received in connection with fundraising events, we do not receive the level of revenue necessary to fund the program. As such, a Program Fee is required from each player. The Program Fee for the 2019 season is expected to be as follows:

Legion - $TBD

Tier 1A - $TBD

16s/Junior Legion - $TBD

While our goal is to keep the Program Fees for each level at this same amount, there is no guarantee that the fees will remain the same from year to year.

Pre-Registration: Due April 19, 2020 - $100 per player. Registration after 4/19/2020 is $125. NOTE: $100 of the registration fee is subtracted from the total fee after tryouts are completed and teams determined. Pre-Registration fees are our tryout fees. Once registered and committed to trying out for the Thunder program these fees are not refundable. (Exceptions are players that do not make a team and/or players injured and unable to play before season starts). Thus, any player pre-registered by April 19, 2020 who decides not to tryout does not get a refund. The pre-registration form can be completed online here. Payment can be remitted electronically via Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle (to Joni Hagebock/hagebock825@gmaill.com or 952-818-9645) or mailed directly to Chad Schmitt, 13621 Duluth Drive, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

4. UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

Each player must provide the following:

Glove
Batting Helmet/Batting Gloves
Protective Supporter
Spikes
All other necessary baseball equipment

The Thunder Program will provide the following:

Pants (White Pants/Black Piping)
Uniform Tops (One Black/One Blue)
Baseball Hat/Cap

5. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

Birth Date Cutoff

The birth date cut off for 16’s/Jr. Legion and Legion teams is January 1, 2020. The age of the player on that date will determine the team they are eligible to play on for the upcoming season. The proper age for each team is as follows:

15 and 16 year olds are eligible for Jr. Legion, and/or Legion(High School Sophomore)
17, 18 & 19 year olds are eligible for only the Legion team. (HS Sophomore to Senior, plus Super Senior)

Residency Requirements

A player is eligible to participate on an Eastview Thunder Junior Legion or Legion team if they meet the following criteria:

Reside in the EVHS attendance area or currently attend Eastview High School.
If a selected player does not reside in the Eastview High School attendance area or currently attends Eastview High School, the player must obtain a waiver from the Athletic Association that serves his High School attendance area and from the High School he attends.

Super Seniors

A player will qualify as a “Super Senior” and be eligible to play on the Eastview Thunder Legion team if they meet the following criteria:

Reside in the Eastview High School attendance area
Turn 19 on or after January 1, 2020
Age eligible players that are on a college team (NCAA or Club) are eligible to play Thunder baseball at the discretion of the Thunder Head Coach. Super Seniors not playing college baseball must arrange a tryout through the Thunder Head Coach.

Regarding alternative "summer baseball teams/programs"

Any Sophomore or Junior who chooses to play for an alternative "summer baseball team/program" in lieu of a Thunder Program Team from June 1 - August 10 of the current year will be ineligible to participate on a Thunder Team in future years. Said players may submit a formal petition to the Eastview Thunder Board to regain eligibility. All petitions will undergo a formal review process in which a majority vote approval from the following two groups must be secured to grant eligibility: Thunder Board and Current Thunder Coaching Staff. Petition deadline date for players that desire to play Thunder baseball in 2019 is January 18. Decisions on the eligibility of petitioning players will be made by March 15, 2020.

6. PLAYER EVALUATION AND TEAM SELECTION

Tryouts will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2019 9:00 a.m. at the Varsity Field at Eastview High School. If there is bad weather, the backup date is Sunday, May 3. If we are unable to use the fields, the tryouts will take place in the Eastview High School Main Gym. A player’s baseball skills, current playing position(s) and the player’s age will be evaluated by the Eastview High School coaching staff, Thunder coaches and certain Thunder board members to determine which team the player will be placed on for the 2020 season. A player’s baseball skills will be determined based on their performance during the 2020 High School season, their EVAA, EVHS and Thunder baseball career, and the 2020 Thunder tryouts. Team selections and written notification will be given to each player with-in one week of tryouts. If registered players that try out are not placed on a team our Board will attempt to assist in finding possible playing/team alternatives.

7. GENERAL POLICIES

(A) Attendance:

Every player’s presence is important and is expected. Unless otherwise exempted by the coach, all players are expected to attend all practices, league games and tournament games. Excused absences will be granted for school and religious events; however, it is expected that the coach will be notified in advance of such events. Unexcused absences may result in a reduction of playing time.

(B) Suspensions:

The Eastview Thunder Baseball Board reserves the right to suspend any coach, parent or player who violates Board policies. All violations will be reported and all suspensions will be documented and distributed to the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board. Subsequent violations may result in the player, parent, or coach being removed from the program.

Once a team is selected, a coach cannot replace a team member solely because of lack of skills. A player may be released or suspended for the following specific reasons:

Frequent, flagrant disregard of the player’s responsibilities
Continued play in such a manner as to endanger others and/or self
Displaying an uncaring attitude which results in not applying oneself, thus hurting the team’s competitive potential
Failure to work within a team environment (placing self-interest before the team)
Repeated unsportsmanlike behavior
Repeated unexcused absences or tardiness

Before requesting the removal of a player, the coach must discuss the situation with the Program Director and the player’s parent(s) and attempt to correct the situation. The discussion should include an objective description of the behavior and the intended discipline. If this fails to correct the situation, the coach must provide written documentation to the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board and a decision from the Board to remove the player will occur in less than 48 hours.

(D) Playing Time:

There is no minimum playing time requirement for any team in the Thunder Program. Pitcher restrictions will be governed according to league rules, which includes both league and tournament games. Playing time is not guaranteed at any level, however, the coach will balance the need to develop a player’s skills versus the competitive nature of Thunder program in determining playing time for each player on the roster.

(E) Coach Selection:

All coaches will be interviewed, selected and hired by the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board.

(F) Coach Removal:

Removal of a team coach is a very serious situation and must be dealt with in a fair and open manner. Coaches may be removed for the following reasons:

Failure to perform duties
Conduct detrimental to the player, the team, the organization and/or the parents
Abusive behavior, whether physical or psychological, towards players, parents, opposing players and coaches, spectators or umpires

Any coach removed from league or tournament games will automatically receive a one game suspension. A suspension means that a coach cannot attend the next scheduled game either as a coach or a spectator. If a coach is removed a second time during the season, he will receive a minimum two game suspension AND will meet before the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board. The Eastview Thunder Baseball Board will decide on the coach’s future involvement in the program.

(G) Behavior:

The highest standards of sportsmanship will be expected from the players, parents, coaches, umpires and spectators. Conduct that will not be tolerated includes verbal abuse, tantrum-like acts, profanity, physical aggression on or off the field and acts intended to cheat the spirit of the rules or to intimidate the umpires. Umpires may use their discretion whether to issue a warning or to immediately eject the violator (coach, player or spectator) from the game. The umpires and/or coaches are responsible for reporting all incidents to the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board. Subsequent violations may result in suspension from play and/or attendance.

If a parent or player has a problem with the performance of an umpire, he/she should direct his/her concerns to the team’s coach. The coach represents the Eastview Thunder Baseball Program and should be the only person communicating with the umpires. One of the objectives of the program is to teach respect for the officials and the proper procedure for dealing with any problems with the umpires.

Unless playing in the field, at bat, on base, on deck or coaching, all players shall remain on the bench. It is mandatory that each batter, on deck player, runner, player in a coach’s box or person on the field wear a batting helmet that meets NOCSAE standards. Spectators are restricted to the areas that are “out of play” and away from the benches

(H) Inclement Weather:

In case of inclement weather, the coach will determine if there will be a practice. At games, the home team’s coach is responsible for determining whether the game will be started. Once play begins, the umpire is responsible for determining whether play should be halted. In all cases, unless you receive a call from your team’s coach, you should appear at the site of the game or practice as scheduled. Weather conditions can vary widely even over short distances, so our policy is to make the decision at the field site. Games and practices will be suspended when lightning is visible.

(I) Blood Policy:

A player or coach who is bleeding or who has an open wound shall be prohibited from participating in the game until appropriate treatment has been administered. If medical care or treatment cannot be administered in a reasonable amount of time, the individual will have to leave the game (The length of time considered reasonable shall be in the umpire’s judgment). Once the bleeding has been stopped, the player or coach may re-enter the game. If there is a substantial amount of blood on the uniform, it must be cleaned before that individual may participate.

(J) Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Policy:

The Eastview Thunder Baseball Board mandates that all players/coaches/parents participating in a Legion or 16s/Jr. Legion baseball activity (practice, scrimmage or game) should refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol and/or a controlled substance.

It shall be a violation of this policy for a player/coach, while participating in a youth baseball activity, to use tobacco, a beverage containing alcohol or use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away tobacco, alcohol or any controlled substance. Once a violation has been brought to the Board’s attention and a decision has been made, the player/coach will be informed of his/her ineligibility by a written letter from the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board.

First Violation: Upon notification by the Board, the player/coach shall lose eligibility for the next two consecutive games in which the player/coach is participating. No exception is permitted.
Second Violation: The player/coach shall lose eligibility playing/coaching baseball for that season. No exception is permitted.

No tobacco, alcohol or controlled substances are allowed on District 196 property.

(K) PROBLEM RESOLUTION GUIDELINES:

When a player or parent has a major concern about the handling of the team or an individual player, they should:

Adhere to the “24 Hour Rule” which requires a player/parent to wait at least 24 hours before approaching a coach on the matter.
After adhering to the “24 Hour Rule”, the player, parent or both should contact the coach. Choose a time and place that is convenient for all parties involved. At that time the coach will decide whether they should discuss the matter then, or set up a meeting time. The coach will have the option to discuss the matter directly or invite the Program Director to be involved. Keep conversations polite and out of the earshot of other players and parents. Keep emotions under control, keep to the point and be polite.

If the problem persists or cannot be resolved between the player/parent and the coach, it should be brought to the attention of the Program Director. At this time, the Program Director will act as a mediator between the player/parent and the coach. All parties involved will meet to discuss the situation and come to a solution.

(L) COACHES’ RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS:

The coach is a teacher of baseball skills, a manager of the functions necessary to run a team and is responsible for the social, psychological and physical development of all players in his/her care. The coach is accountable to the players, the parents and the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board.

Coaches’ Responsibilities Include:

Obey and enforce all Eastview Thunder Baseball Board rules.
Treat all players in an equitable and fair manner.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship, self-control and proper behavior.
Ensure the good sportsmanship and proper behavior of team players, assistant coaches, parents and spectators.
Assure that all players receive playing time that is as mandated by the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board.
Help the players to develop a healthy, competitive attitude toward winning and losing.
Offer instruction of specific baseball skills as needed or requested.
Encourage and compliment players; use only constructive criticism.
Attend a minimum of 90% of their team’s practices and games.
Care for the equipment that is issued to them. If any equipment is lost or damaged, coaches should report the problem to the Program Director.
Schedule field time for practices and any make-up (home) games with the other coaches.
Report any problems with fields or umpires to the Program Director.
Recruit parent volunteers and team manager.
Arrange to have an alternate attend any required functions (e.g., coaches’ meetings, etc.)
Adhere to the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board drug, alcohol and tobacco policies.

Coaches Rights Include:

To be treated with respect by players, parents and the Eastview Thunder Baseball Board.
To be made fully aware of the rules and policies under which they must function.
To have access to necessary safety equipment and practice fields.
To expect full cooperation from parents when they are asked to assist.

(M) PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS:

Parents’ Responsibilities Include:

Compliment and encourage. Let the coaches handle coaching and criticism. Coordinate your efforts to help your child’s development with the recommendations of the coaches.
Support your coaches. Remember that they are responsible for many players in addition to yours.
Regard each player on the team as your own.
Keep negative comments to yourself. Express concerns only to the coach and in a straightforward, fair and objective manner.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship and proper behavior. Don’t criticize officials, coaches, other parents or players.
Provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate to the head coach at the first parent/coach pre-season meeting.
Volunteer to assist the coach where appropriate.

Parents’ Rights Include:

Have your child treated fairly and with respect.
Have your child coached by effective and qualified leadership.
Have your child engage in practice and playing time that increases their skills.
To be fully informed by the coaches with respect to schedules, team philosophies and rules.

(N) PLAYERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS:

Players’ Responsibilities Include:

Have pride and confidence in yourself, your teammates and your coaches.
Be attentive and work hard in practice and games. Make your best efforts to perform the tasks as directed by the coaches.
Be a competitor, perform up to your full ability and contribute to team unity. Compliment teammates and let the coaches handle criticism.
Show respect toward your coaches, teammates and parents.
Show respect and good sportsmanship toward opposing players, coaches, umpires and spectators.
Keep your (personal and team) equipment clean and in good repair.
Maintain a responsible attitude toward your health. Be aware of and adhere to the Boards’ policies on drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Remember that baseball is a game and keep it in perspective with family, school and/or church activities and responsibilities.
Inform the coach whenever you will miss or be late for a practice or a game.

Players Rights Include:

To participate at a level that matches your ability.
To have an equal opportunity to develop your abilities and strive for success.
To be treated fairly, with dignity and with respect.
To have good coaching that reinforces baseball fundamentals and strong character development.

2020 EASTVIEW THUNDER BASEBALL BOARD

Chad Schmitt

Joni Hagebock

Jim Carroll

Mark Groebner

Evan Klefsaas

Tom Strey

Chris Tollefson

2020 EASTVIEW THUNDER COACHING STAFF

Senior Legion Black: Evan Klefsaas, Erik Klefsaas, Cullen Buck

Senior Legion Blue: Brad Vanderveren, Derek Titchner, Adam Selchow

Junior Legion: Adam Stockwell, Dean Stockwell

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