Maryland Senators Baseball Registration

Introduction
It is our privilege to welcome you to the Maryland Senators Travel Baseball/Softball 
organization. The coaching staff looks forward to working with you and your child. To assist with scheduling tournaments for the upcoming season, the coaching staff requires commitments from all participants. This document serves as a binding agreement between the player, parent/guardian, and the Maryland Senators.

Philosophy & Expectations
The coaching staff prepares every practice and game with the goal of developing players both on and off the field. Decisions regarding playing time, positions, and strategy are made with the best interest of the team and player development in mind.  Parents are encouraged to support players positively and allow the coaching staff to manage the team during games and practices. If concerns arise, parents should request a meeting with the coaching staff at a mutually agreeable time.

Practice Expectations
Practices and workouts are essential to player development. Families are asked to make the Maryland Senators their top athletic priority during the season.

Players are expected to:
  • Arrive on time
  • Wear proper baseball/softball attire (pants, hat, appropriate gear)
  • Bring required equipment and water
  • Maintain focus and effort during all instruction

If a player must miss a practice, game, or workout, the coaching staff should be notified at least 24 hours in advance when possible.

Schedule & Tournament Participation
Teams will participate in tournaments and showcases designed to provide competitive opportunities and player exposure. Schedules will be communicated as early as possible. Players are expected to attend all scheduled games and tournaments. Schedule adjustments may occur due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Finances & Team Fees
Team fees help cover team costs including:
   • Tournament entry fees
   • Umpire fees
   • Equipment and training tools

Uniforms may or may not be included in team fees. 
All fees paid are non‑refundable.

Fundraising & Sponsorship
Teams may participate in fundraising activities and sponsorship opportunities to offset costs. Participation from all families is encouraged.

The Senators will have fundraising programs that may occur at an organizational, team or individual level. All fundraising levels will benefit each player and the team. Additionally, we have several team sponsorships options which businesses and individuals may take advantage of. (Organizational Donation, Team Donation, Player Fee Sponsorship and more (Note – No business names or logos are permitted on any of the players OR coach’s uniforms)). If every player's family tries to get a couple of sponsors, the funds for team fees and other expenses may be offset in part or entirely.

Team Conduct Rules
Players and families always represent the Maryland Senators. Expectations include:
   • Respect teammates, coaches, opponents, umpires, and spectators
   • No foul language, fighting, or equipment abuse
   • No tobacco or vaping products
   • No parents in dugouts or coaching from the stands
   • Cell phones are not permitted in dugouts during games

**Violations may result in disciplinary action including suspension or removal from the team.

Risk Waiver
Participation in sports involves risk of injury including serious injury or death.
Players and parents acknowledge and accept these risks by participating in team activities.

The Maryland Senators organization, its coaches, volunteers, and representatives are 
released from liability for injuries or damages arising from participation in team activities.

Photo & Media Authorization
Parents and players authorize the Maryland Senators to use photos and video for player 
evaluation, instruction, marketing, websites, and promotional materials.

Social Media Policy
Members of the Maryland Senators community should represent the organization positively 
online.

Guidelines include:
   • Be respectful and positive
   • Avoid posting harmful or offensive content
   • Protect personal information
   • Represent the organization responsibly

1. Support All Players
• Encourage effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship over winning.
• Remember the game is for the players/youth – not the adults.
• Never yell at, criticize, or demean any player—especially from the stands.
• Celebrate improvements and positive attitudes.
• Encourage your player to give it their all on the field, work hard, be respectful, no
   horseplaying and support whatever role they have in that day’s game/practice.

2. Respect Coaches
• Allow coaches to coach—do not give instructions from the sidelines or stands.
• Do not disrupt coaches during player meetings, practices and games.
• Support coaching decisions, including playing time and positions.
• Address concerns privately and respectfully at an appropriate time. No parents,       
  family members, or friends are permitted to approach a coach regarding playing     
  time, positions or game situations during or immediately after games.
• It is recommended to wait 24 hours to allow emotions to settle and process, then
  contact the coach to set up a time to talk.

3. Respect Umpires
• Umpires are human and will make mistakes.
• Do not argue, yell, or display disrespect toward umpires.
• Model composure and sportsmanship at all times.

4. Positive Sideline Behavior
• Cheer positively—No parents, family members, or friends are permitted to heckle,
   harass or use derogatory, profane or vulgar remarks or gestures towards any 
   member of the Maryland Senators, the opposing team, coaches, parents or
   umpires.
• Avoid confrontations with other parents, fans, or teams.
• Keep language appropriate and family-friendly.

5. Let Players Play
• Do not pressure your child or others about performance.
• Allow players to learn from mistakes and grow.
• Focus on development, not just results.
• Encourage your child to put in extra practice on off days.

6. Communication Guidelines
• Follow a “24-hour rule” before addressing concerns after a game.
• Communicate respectfully with coaches via agreed-upon channels.
• Do not use social media to criticize players, coaches, or the organization.

7. Attendance & Commitment
• Ensure players arrive on time for practices and games.
• Ensure players are fully prepared with proper equipment, proper protective gear,
   and proper baseball/softball attire/uniforms.
• Notify coaches in advance of absences.
• Support your child’s commitment to the team.

8. Dugout
• No parents (or other spectators) are allowed in the dugout during a game unless
   the coach approves. If there is no physical dugout structure, please respect the
   area of the dugout. The players need to be able to focus on their teammates,
   coaches and the game.

9. Safety & Well-Being
• Promote hydration, rest, and proper sportsmanship.
• Never encourage unsafe play or behavior.
• Help maintain a healthy, positive team environment.

10. Represent the Team with Integrity
• Remember that parents are a reflection of the team and organization.
• Conduct yourself respectfully at all games, practices, and events.