Attendance
Every effort should be made to attend all practices, games, tournaments and be on time. That means, " on the field, warming up" by the stated time designated by the coach. Be on time for all softball related activities; the team will not wait on you. If you are running late, please let the coaching staff know. Parents shall be solely responsible for ensuring that the player is transported to and from all practices, games, tournaments, and related activities.
Absences
If a player must miss a practice, please let the coaching staff know. If the coaching staff is not told about a missed practice and it is not excused the coach has the right to make the decision about playing time. If your child is picking up with a team and it is not discussed with the coach first to make sure it is excused, then this will affect your child’s playing time. Picking up with a team should not be every off-weekend thing, off weekends are used for practice time.
Injuries/Insurance
In the event of an injury, if possible, the player should still attend practice. Much can still be learned from helping coaches and listening to practice. If the player becomes injured or becomes ill during a game or practice, it is their responsibility to report it to a coach immediately. Parents shall maintain medical, health, dental and accidental insurance for the benefit of the player and understands that and insurance that might be procured by Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization will be secondary. Players that are injured and doctors have them in treatment must bring a release form before they can start practicing or playing in games again. If a player is under doctors’ treatment and plays with a pickup team or gets injured again with a team that may result in removal off the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization.
Attire/Equipment
Parents shall be solely responsible for ensuring the player has the equipment necessary to play for the team including gloves, bats, cleats, catcher's gear (for catchers) and other protective gear. Proper practice attire shall be worn at practice. Please do not wear attire from other organizations; we want players to represent the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization. Players should arrive in the correct uniform for all games, and it should be clean and in good shape. Before warmups start all shirts/jerseys are to be tucked in and remain tucked in for the entire game/practice.
Attendance of Friends/Parents
Players should always remember that practice/game time is not designated as time to visit with friends or family outside of the field of play. If necessary, coaches may hold closed practices. Parents, please refrain from coaching your child on the sidelines. That includes comments or instructions when up at bat or in the field. Please be courteous to the coaching staff and allow coaches to coach. Outbursts and disruptive behavior from the parents, fans and players will not be tolerated and any such actions may result in removal from team.
Dugout
Only coaches and players are allowed in the dugout. Parents are encouraged to support their children. However, during practices and games they should refrain from approaching the dugout to coach, counsel or critique their child. Players should not leave dugout during games unless it is to use the restroom. Players should have everything they need with them inside the dugout.
Conduct
Good sportsmanship and professional behavior are always expected, and in all circumstances by both the player and the parent. There should be no conversations with umpires, coaches, players or parents regarding a call or play. We will not tolerate disruptive behavior on the field or in the dugout. Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization reserves the right to dismiss any player or parent who breaches good sportsmanship or ethics at its sole and absolute discretion that it determines are contrary to the best interest of the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization.
Addressing Concerns/Problems
The parent agrees to not bring up concerns during and after a game or in the middle of a practice. Parents should call the coach or organization director to set up an appropriate time to address questions or concerns.
Financial Obligation/Team Fees
It is important to be reminded of your financial obligation and ensure that every effort be made to pay your fees on time. To keep the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization operating (reserve sports in tournaments, order uniforms and equipment, and provide field and facility use) it is essential that all fees be paid in a timely manner. A non-refundable fee of $50 will be due once player has accepted a position on the team.
Should a player/parent quit, withdraw, or leave the team at any point, for any reason once a team position has been accepted, they will not receive a refund of any kind. A withdrawal or removal form needs to be completed by the player/parent and a Helena Heat Travel Softball member. Player fees/budgets are set based on the number of players that originally join the team and bi-weekly/monthly payments are based on the figures. Should a player decide to leave the team and still have a balance due, they will be held liable for the remaining balance. All fees paid up to the players departure will not be refundable.
If player fees are behind, the players participation with the team may be affected. If you cannot meet this financial responsibility, or have questions please contact the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization leaders as soon as possible. All checks should be made payable to Helena Heat Softball or sent in through PayPal or Venmo. Payment dues will be due the 1st and 15th of every month or by the 15 monthly. If the fees are not paid by the 21st of the month there will be a $20 late fee. If payment is still delinquent after 30 days, the player will be suspended from the team. After 90 days of delinquency the player will be removed from the team and the parent is responsible for all remaining fees.
Fundraisers
In addition to her actual playing on the field, the player and parent agrees to cooperate with the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization and participate in all reasonable promotional and fundraising activities. There will be a value place of $50 on each fundraiser that each player/team will be responsible for. Failure to participate will result in that value being added to the following months dues. All fundraisers and donations are to be used for facilities, extra needed equipment, drinks or items needed for practice/tournaments.
Termination
The Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization may terminate this contract at any time and for any reason. The player and parent understand and agrees that membership on the team is not guaranteed, and that this contract may be terminated at the sole discretion of the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization Directors.
Procedure for Termination:
If the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization proposes to terminate this contract, the procedure shall be as follows:
1. The Helena Heat Trave Softball Organization, coach, instructor, or staff will notify the parent of its decision to terminate this contract and removal form will be filled out.
2. Upon notification of the above-mentioned termination, the player and parent will promptly return all team property that is asked of them.
3. The parent will pay any outstanding fees to the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization.
Quit/Withdrawal from team
If a player/parent wishes to quit/withdraw from a team the procedure shall be as follows:
1. The parent will notify the coach and/or director of the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization.
2. A parent withdrawal form will be completed and turned in.
3. The parent will pay any outstanding fees to the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization.
Release of Liability
With the signing of this contract, parents and players hereby release the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization, coaches, staff, directors, and other players from and against any and all claims, injuries and/or damages which the player and or/parent may suffer during or as a result of the players participation with the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization.
Rules and Expectations
The player and parent agree to accept, abide by, and comply with all provisions of the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization rules and expectations set forth in this contract. Listed below are expectations that the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization expects, including but not limited to:
1. Practice hard at game tempo. We WILL NOT coach poor attitudes. "We cannot coach EFFORT."
2. Spirit on and off the field always. (NO WALKING BETWEEN THE BASELINES.)
3. Be a GOOD teammate.
4. Be coachable, we know you bring a lot of experience by keep an open mind.
5. Accept your role on the team. If you do not like it, work harder to change it.
6. Do not transfer blame or make excuses. It is not allowed. (HOLD YOUR KIDS AND SELF ACCOUNTABLE)
7. Do not question coaches on the field. We will meet one on one to clear up any misunderstandings.
8. Disrespect for coaches, instructors or staff will not be tolerated.
9. Players will be respectful and wear organizational gear with respect.
10. Shirts are to be tucked in.
11. Playing time will NEVER be discussed between coaches and parents/players. Playing time is earned.
12. Lead by example on and off the field.
13. Be an example and set the standard high for future players to follow.
14. DO NOT do anything to embarrass your family, program, your coach, or yourself.
15. Have fun, learn the game, and enjoy the privilege of playing the great game of softball.
Consent
1. I, as the Participant, do hereby grant authority to the staff, coaches, and the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization to render a judgement concerning medical assistance or hospital care in the event of an accident or illness. I do hereby authorize Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization and its staff to utilize all photographs, pictures, or other likeness of myself, as they deem appropriate in its promotional material.
2. I as the Participant, agree that by accepting below, I am effectively signing this Consent and agreeing to the bound by its terms.
With our signatures, we have executed this agreement and release of all claims freely and without restraint or reservation of any kind or nature. We have read, fully understand and agree to abide to each, and every item and condition set forth within this player/parent contract.
Approval
This Contract or any supplement hereto shall not be valid or effective unless and until approved by the Helena Heat Travel Softball Organization.