Player Conduct
Firestorm is a family oriented organization that is intended to be enjoyable by everyone that is involved. Players are expected to always be respectful to coaches, parents and their teammates. Players should be on time (as requested by the coach) for events with the right attitude and enthusiasm. Players or parents are expected to call their coach in advance if they are going to be late or miss an event. It is understood that schedule conflicts will arise, but if such conflicts become a problem then the player will be warned and possibly removed from the team if it becomes a habitual situation. Players will be expected to listen when a coach is talking, and they will be asked to follow instructions to the best of their ability. The coaches reserve the right to remove a player from a game if the player fails to participate as agreed.
We play a lot of games in a given season, so when we have an off day/weekend/week our players need to rest and take a break from softball. Players within the organization are not permitted to participate with other fastpitch teams as pickup or substitute players before the completion of our season unless special circumstances warrant granting such a request (except for school softball). We do understand that it becomes important for young athletes to play in other sports in the off season. There will be times when the current season sport conflicts with practices or events during the Fall or Winter. It is critical to communicate ahead of time with the head coach. If you have any questions or concerns, please always speak to your team head coach.
Parent Conduct
Never approach a coach before, during, or after a game because tension will be higher at that time. Any comments or concerns should be discussed with the Head Coach only. These conversations should take place away from the ballpark, other parents, and players. Coaches will have an open door policy as long as comments and concerns handled appropriately. Any parent or other relative who violates this policy may result in disciplinary measures for the parent and/or player.
Parents are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that exhibits good sportsmanship and sets an example for their children. Cheering and having fun is always welcome (coaching your child during a practice or game is not permitted). Parents yelling at players, coaches, opposing team, or umpires will not be tolerated. Coaches are the only people permitted to address an umpire and they will do so at their discretion. We may play teams whose coaches and/or spectators will act inappropriate; we will not tolerate that behavior in our organization. People who are unable to act appropriate at the park will be asked to leave and may result in future disciplinary actions.
Playing time, positions, batting order, etc. will be at the discretion of the coach and will not be a topic of discussion with parents. Parents are encouraged to help their daughter improve her skills by working with her at home or taking her to individual lessons and camps. The coaches reserve the right to remove a player from the roster for the actions of the player's parents if such actions are deemed by the coaches to have a negative impact on the team's overall performance and/or moral.
Coaching Insights
Coaches will consistently work players to raise the levels of their physical condition and skills. The coaches are giving their time, energy, and best efforts to teach your child the sport of fastpitch softball and the organization will not tolerate condemnation of the coaches. The coaches’ decisions will be made based on what is believed to be the best for the team over what may be best for an individual. Understand that you will not agree or like every coaching tactic, comment, or suggestion that is made by the coaches, but this does not warrant criticism or rudeness. This is certainly not intended to reduce spectator enthusiasm. Please continue to cheer and encourage the actions you like and ignore those you don't. Please do not interfere with your child's coach, especially during play, or do anything else that will detract from the enjoyment your child deserves to get from softball. Our coaches are expected to be firm, but never disrespectful to a player.
All coaches will be required to take ACE Training through USA/ASA softball, which includes a background check and certification. Additionally, all coaches will be required to complete online concussion training, CPR certified, and Lindsay Law. The head coach is responsible to notify all players regarding their selection to the team and collecting the required team forms and fees to confirm commitment to the program. All assistant coaches will be selected by the team's Head Coach and will have all certifications as the head coach.
Websites and Social Media
Social media are defined as media designed to be disseminated through social interaction, created using highly accessible publishing techniques. Examples include but are not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Both in individual and organizational roles, everyone needs to follow the same behavioral standards online as they would in real life. The same expectations for interacting with our student athletes, parents, sponsors, media, and other softball organizations apply online as in the real world. Be respectful by understanding that content contributed to a social media site could encourage comments or discussion of opposing ideas. Everyone should be aware that a presence in the social media world is or easily can be made available to the public at large. This includes prospective players, current players, other softball organizations, high school coaches, etc.