Claremont High School Baseball 2017-2018 Team Contract – Player Responsibilities
Ron La Chase Head Baseball Claremont High School
[email protected] 1
The CHS baseball staff is very excited to begin the 2017-2018. We return 12 varsity lettermen, and all are poised to battle for the top spot in the Palomares League. We continue to develop and grow as a program and look to take this momentum into the 2017-2018 season. I am also happy to announce that we will be returning our extraordinary coaching staff for this season; as well as, adding a few new coaches that bring a new ideas and additional coaching experience. In my experiences, I have found that all successful programs require clear communication, trust, discipline, hard work, accountability, responsibility, and above all, the willingness to put the program first. So, I ask each of you “Are you willing to support all these elements required in building and maintaining a successful program?” I ask this question, not only of the players, but also to the parents, coaches, and program supporters. It is each of OUR choices on what we decide to put into our program; positive input will produce positive results; in turn, negative input damages a program and takes away from the student-athletes high school experiences. Our program goal is to be mentally and physically prepared to compete and ensure studentathletes have a fun and positive experience along the way. We will focus on details, fundamentals, and dedication required of a successful and competitive program. I treat the Claremont High School Baseball Program as a family unit. As you know, families that keep open lines of communication, foster positive relationships, and maintain trust function as a strong unit of one. I look forward to working with everyone; especially with our players as I watch them mature and become good young men and positive role models in the community. I look forward to working with all of you as we begin the 2017-2018 season.
Sincerely,
Ron La Chase Claremont Baseball Head Coach
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Mission Statement The objective of the Claremont High School Baseball Program is to provide students at Claremont High School with the opportunity to participate in a quality baseball program at the high school level. The Claremont High School Baseball Program is committed to providing students with equitable participation opportunities and an environment that develops the talent, sportsmanship, and leadership capabilities of every player. The Claremont High School Baseball Program will provide an environment that will promote highest ideals for both athletic and scholastic achievement, in school and in the community.
Coaching Philosophy
Communication is the key to success for any team and organization I must be a good role model and teacher for the players; as well as the coaching staff Recognize that each player is unique in their development, understanding, and talent To promote and demonstrate the understanding of respect for the game, teammates, opposing players, coaches, and umpires Teach each player the proper mental approach for each situation Play to our strengths and improve on our weaknesses while embracing each practice and game with maximum effort, enjoyment, and purpose Promote the idea that playing high school baseball is a privilege and not a right
Claremont High School Baseball Program Goals
To develop players and coach’s knowledge and understanding of the game To develop both physical and mental baseball skills to ensure every player reaches their potential To develop respect towards others by practicing good sportsmanship at all times To play as a team to reach OUR common goal: win the Palomares League
Team Structures Roster sizes at each level will vary. The coaching staff will evaluate each teams needs and build that team with overall depth in mind. There will be multiple roster cuts (October 15th, December 3rd, and February 3rd). We will not finalize the rosters until athletes from fall and winter sports have had their opportunity to tryout, following completion of their sport. Team cuts are a reality of high school athletics. Claremont High School is a very competitive environment and we are forced to make cuts at all grade levels, even with returning players. Be assured that these actions are never personal and be prepared that it may happen to your son. The baseball program tryout period is geared to allow your student athlete every opportunity to show his character, abilities, and desire over a period of time.
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Tryouts – All Players, All Grade Levels
Tryouts for returning players (2017-2018) will begin on September 11, 2017. All players are expected to compete on a daily basis. Those players participating in any fall sports will have the chance to tryout upon completion of their sport. Winter sports participants should attend baseball tryouts starting November 2017. Rosters will be finalized upon fall sports participant tryouts.
Athletic Clearance – All Players, All Grade Levels
Prior to participating in September workouts and October tryouts, all players must complete their Athletic Clearance Form on-line at www.athleticclearance.com prior to September 11, 2017. Players are not allowed to participate in workouts, practices, or tryouts until the Athletic Clearance Form has been completed on-line.
Academic Requirements During Tryout Period
Academics are of upmost importance and are first priority at CHS. Students who do not meet the academic requirements stated within the 2017-2018 Claremont Baseball Handbook will not be eligible to earn a position on a roster. Baseball staff will be checking grades prior to and during the tryout period; failure to meet these standards will prevent students-athletes from making a team.
Fall Workouts and Tryout Period
Player evaluations will be made by the coaching staff at all levels. These evaluations will be based on the student athletes’ baseball abilities (Five Tools: arm, fielding, hitting, power, and speed). Other factors pertinent to a good player and being a good teammate will also be considered; these include academics, coachability, attitude, and work ethic (hustle).
All positions, at all levels, are open for competition. Overall program depth charts will be made available throughout the fall and winter. Upon releasing each depth chart a member of the coaching staff will communicate one on one with the player to discuss their position on the depth chart. Coaches will discuss with the player’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals to improve. Coaches will not discuss any other player.
Team cuts are a reality of high school athletics, and I know that they can be abrupt and seem cruel. Claremont High School is a competitive environment. We are forced to make cuts at all grade levels, including returning players. Be assured that these actions are never personal and be prepared that it may happen to your son.
The fall and winter season will focus on player evaluations, development, and ability to successfully execute during team scrimmages and opposing school games. Playing time will be determined by the coaching staff. 4
Student Athlete Expectations 1. Respect everyone involved in the program. Yourself, coaches, teammates, parents, opposing teams (their fans), and administration. You are a representative of Claremont High School and its community. This also includes texting and social media postings. 2. A Claremont shirt/jersey, Baseball pants, belt, and cleats will be worn for every practice unless instructed differently. 3. Come to practice on time, mentally prepared, and with all required equipment. One minute late is considered late. On time means that you are dressed and on the field at the when practice starts. You are accountable for yourself and your actions. 4. Practice time consists of field setup, cleanup and field maintenance. Do not neglect you assigned job. 5. In order to be eligible, each student athlete must attend at least four periods on the day of a game or practice. 6. Notify coach in advance, if you are going to be late for, or missing, a practice or game. Not the day before!!! Communication with your Coach is imperative! *
First unexcused late for practice will result in a verbal warning
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Second unexcused late for practice will result in being sent home for the day, including a one game suspension
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Third unexcused late for practice will result in being sent home for the day, including a week’s suspension from baseball activities, and dropped to the bottom of the position depth chart
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Fourth unexcused late for practice will result in immediate dismissal from the team
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Please communicate with coaches if you are in need to meet with a teacher regarding make-up assignments, a missed quiz or a missed test
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First unexcused late to a game will result in being scratched from that days lineup, and a suspension for one game.
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Second unexcused late to a game will result in being scratched from that days lineup, suspension for a week from all baseball activities, and dropped to the bottom of the position depth chart.
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Three unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the team.
7. Fall baseball leagues (Scout ball & Area Codes) and private instruction are encouraged; however, these activities should not interfere with practice time and games. Please 5
communicate with the coaching staff if there is any type of conflict during the fall season Saturday games. Baseball may offer opportunities for some student athletes. If you have been invited to play Area Codes, Scout Ball, or have been invited by a college or MLB organization to an event during Fall & Winter season please let me know ASAP as I will work with you to attend these events. 8. Do not take any money in exchange for your baseball skills. This includes hitting and pitching lessons, and baseball camps. If in doubt, please consult the Varsity Head Coach. Any violation of this CIF rule would result in removal from athletic eligibility. 9. Have a positive attitude at practice, games, bus rides, and related events. 10. Profanity and inappropriate language is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. 11. Proper sportsmanship will be required at all times. 12. Inappropriate interaction with officials/umpires is considered unsportsmanlike and will not be tolerated. 13. All players will maintain at least a GPA of 2.0 or above at the time of grade checks. This rule will be enforced throughout the school year (August – June)
Student athletes will not be eligible to return to the roster until he has met the above standards and the next grade period has been recorded and posted
Student athlete will be dropped to bottom of team’s latest depth chart
If you are having any academic struggles it is your responsibility to notify your parents first. If you choose, you may also contact the coaching staff to assist you with your studies. We will help find a current baseball player to help tutor. Please notify someone before it becomes a problem. If you choose to wait, it may be too late to assist. 14. Anyone receiving a grade of “D” or below is expected to attend that class during Office Hours. Failure to attend the class in question during Office Hours will result in the coaching staff exercising the right to hold the player out of practice(s) and/or game(s). 15. All school rules apply. This is a school sanctioned extracurricular activity. 16. No use or possession of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. The Claremont High School Baseball Program adheres to the policies of Claremont Unified School District, Claremont High School, and Claremont High School Athletic Department. Any student found on campus to be in possession of, and/or under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drugs will be subject to discipline from Claremont High School, Claremont High School Athletic Department, and Claremont High School Baseball Program.
Five day suspension from school, including five days no baseball activity 6
An additional five day suspension from the baseball program will follow the Claremont High School suspension. Student athlete will be dropped to bottom of team depth chart. Student athlete will dress for practices (participate in field maintenance), and dress for any scheduled games; however, will not be on the lineup card A second infraction of ANY team rule will result in immediate dismissal from team
17. Any student off campus, that can be confirmed, to have been in possession of, and/or under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drugs will be subject to discipline from the Claremont High School Baseball Program.
Discuss situation with player, and based on severity of offense, discipline may result in the following: o o
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Dismissal from the team. Student athlete will be suspended for five days from all baseball activity, dropped to bottom of team depth chart. Student athlete will dress for practices (participate in field maintenance), and dress for any scheduled games; however, will not be on the lineup card Student athlete will be suspended for ten days from all baseball activity, dropped to bottom of team depth chart. The student athlete will not be allowed at or on the baseball field for the first five days of the suspension. The last five days of the suspension requires the student athlete to dress for practices (participate in field maintenance), and dress for any scheduled games; however, will not be on the lineup card A second infraction of ANY team rule will result in immediate dismissal from team No discipline
*Coaching staff will determine the discipline of the student athlete
Parent Support / Role 1. Promote sportsmanship at all games. Be a positive role model for Claremont High School athletes. 2. Not all players will receive equal playing time. The players that give the team the best chance to win will be on the field. The Palomares League will be a highly competitive conference in which we expect to excel. 3. Be realistic about your son’s/daughter’s abilities.
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4. Follow the appropriate chain of command for communicating concerns: -player communicates with coach -player communicates with parent -parent communicates with coach -parent communicates with Athletic Director (Mike Collins) 5. If you have a concern to discuss with the coach, please call to schedule an appointment. Coach La Chase (760) 902-7454 Mike Collins (909) 624-9053 ext 30415) I understand that it may be difficult for your son/daughter to approach a coach and ask “tough” questions; however, this builds the foundation I require for leaders in the Claremont High School Baseball Program. It also allows your son to gain confidence and become a leader in high school and also into the future. I believe that the biggest role of the parent is to be a silent source of encouragement. I think if you ask most boys what they would want their parents to do during the game; they would say "NOTHING".
Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches 1. Playing Time 2. Team Lineup 3. Team Strategy 4. Any other player than your son 5. Do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both parents and coaches. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution. See #5 above under Parent Support.
Consequences for Violation of Parent Contract 1. Warnings will be issued based on the severity of the offense. 2. The majority of the consequences will be dealt with in-house to help promote team unity. Coaches, and if appropriate, team captains will convene to determine the severity of each offense. 3. Coaches and Athletic Director may meet to discuss punishment for each incident/offense.
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Player & Team Rules and Guidelines This is Claremont High School Baseball. As a young man, and a participant of the Claremont High School Baseball Program, you will be treated with respect at all times. In turn, this responsibility requires you to be accountable and responsible for your actions, both on and off the field, and in the classroom. You will represent yourself and be solely responsible for communicating with the coaching staff as you feel needed. This means that the player will be responsible for communicating with the coaching staff and not parents, grandparents, or other players. The Coaches will have an “open door” policy which will allow you to meet with a coach or coaches and ask appropriate questions. In the event the coach or coaches cannot meet at that time we will schedule a time that accommodates all. It is your best interest to inform your academic counselor about your participation in athletics and they will assist in setting up the best possible schedule. Once the season begins the student may be released early for both home and away games. Students are responsible any assignments missed while leaving early. Any student athletes interested in playing college baseball should register with the NCAA Clearinghouse during the beginning of their sophomore year and notify their academic counselor of their interest. Registering with the NCAA Clearinghouse does not guarantee an athletic scholarship; however, it does help determine the academic course of the student athlete. Claremont High School Baseball Program will host a summer baseball team. Student athletes are encouraged to play summer baseball. In the event that a student athlete does not have a team to play on, please contact the Varity Head Coach and the coaching staff will arrange contact between a the parents and a local coach.
______________________________________________ Your signature below acknowledges that you have read, understand and agree to comply with the team rules and regulations described in this agreement. Failure to execute this agreement does not relieve the player of the team rules and regulations. Player Name: _________________________________________ Date:__________________________ Player Signature:______________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Signature:_____________________________________________________
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