Your desire to become a member of the Atlanta Vipers Fastpitch is a serious commitment. Our coaches are committed to provide an optimum environment for the team to excel, the players to improve, and to support those players who desire to play at the elite/collegiate level. In return, players and parents are required to make an equal commitment to ensure your team’s success. The purpose and intent of the “Policies and Procedures” are designed to establish a philosophical framework in which all players and parents understand the high degree of expectations of this association. This agreement is not intended to punish any players or parents.
ZERO TOLERANCE - The Atlanta Vipers Fastpitch has a “zero tolerance” for the use of controlled substances, alcohol, tobacco or any actions by players or parents deemed to be detrimental to the association. Consumption of alcohol by parents is not permitted at or near the ball fields during games, tournaments, practices or related events.
ATTENDANCE POLICY - Failure to attend scheduled team practices, group workouts, or games may result in being withheld from the next scheduled game. In the event that a sufficient number of players are not available for that respective game, and you must play to avoid forfeit, you may be withheld from the next game at which a sufficient number of players are available. Tardiness at practice sessions or group workouts may result in extra work at the conclusion of practice sessions. Tardiness at games may result in said player being withheld from the starting lineup and/or losing playing time. In the event of an emergency, a member of the coaching staff should be contacted immediately. Repeated offenses concerning attendance and tardiness may result in, but are not limited to, dismissal from the team.
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY - Anything posted on social media, message boards, or other media accessible to the public that is found to be derogatory, inflammatory, insulting, obscene, embarrassing, profane, negative etc. towards or about any team, organization, or individual (including umpires) will be subject to disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the team. This includes any and all text and photo applications. As a general rule, “If you need to ask if it’s ok to post then you don’t need to post it!”
PLAYING TIME - It is very simple! The amount of playing time that a player receives is based on attitude, effort, positive energy and performance. At the elite travel softball level, players are not guaranteed an equal amount of playing time. However, given equal ability, the players who demonstrate the greatest effort, display the best attitude, and exhibit positive energy will receive the most playing time. The coaching staff has the sole authority to make decisions concerning lineups, playing time, strategy, and discipline. If there are concerns with these issues, it is the responsibility of the individual player to discuss them with the coaching staff. These issues are NOT open for discussion with parents or anyone other than the players.
PRACTICE/GAME SCHEDULE - Group and individual workouts will begin as scheduled by each head coach. Each player will receive the game and practice schedule. The coaching staff has the flexibility to make changes if desired. At the earliest possible date, each player should notify the head coach of unavailable dates during the season. Non-softball related activities should be scheduled around Atlanta Vipers Fastpitch functions. Failure to do so will demonstrate a lack of commitment to the success of the team and the Atlanta Vipers Fastpitch.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT – Parents understand that elite travel softball requires the financial commitment of the parents. The manager/head coach will prepare and make available a team budget for each season (fall and spring/summer) and will identify a payment plan that must be adhered to for each player. Failure to meet the financial commitment may result in reduced playing time or dismissal from the team. In the event of emergencies, at the sole discretion of the head coach, alternate payment plans might be made available. In the case that a team is competing in showcases/tournaments whether local or out-of-town, each current member of the team is expected to attend and be available to participate in thecompetition.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT - Parents are encouraged to become involved in the association in a positive manner. Parents, who choose to openly voice their displeasure with the decisions made by a coaching staff, will have an adverse effect on their player’s playing time. More importantly, parents are expected to offer positive support of the team and encouragement to all players. Additionally, parents will be expected to participate in team/association sponsored fund raising events; such as mandatory Volunteer activities, including but not limited to, showcase/tournament staffing positions. Parent’s active involvement during fund raisers will directly relate to the amount of personal expense that can be deferred from your overall expense, considering both current and/or future opportunities. Lack of sufficient parent involvement from a team in fund raising events can exclude your team from future showcases and/or require additional fees from the team; ie, entry fees, etc.
PLAYER DISMISSAL/QUITTING - Any player dismissed from, or opting to leave, a team for any reason, at any time (including at the end of playing year) will return all team equipment and will forfeit any money paid into or raised for the team or the Atlanta Vipers Fastpitch. “Equipment” to be returned (whether purchased by team and/or player) includes, but is not limited to, bat bag, helmet, jerseys and any other team issuedequipment, such as catcher’s gear. These items must be returned within seven (7) calendar days of leaving the team. Players will not be released from a roster until these items are returned and all outstanding team fees are paid in full.
I have read, understand and agree with the entire terms of this Agreement. Failure to comply with any of the above policies/procedures may result in, but is not limited to, termination from an Atlanta Vipers Fastpitch team.