2013-14

Bronco Select Travel Baseball

Parent Handbook And

Rule Guide

INTRODUCTION: On behalf of the Bronco Select Baseball Board, welcome to the 2013-14 season. The

mission of the Traveling Baseball Board is to create a fun, fair, and safe baseball

environment that promotes the development of self-confidence, respect for others,

leadership, and teamwork in our athletes. We strive to create an environment that results

in a positive experience for everyone involved in the program - athletes, parents, coaches

and all volunteers. The Bronco Select handbook provides a reference for most of the

information that participants and parents need to know about the program. Any other

necessary information is located on the Bronco Select Website at

www.broncosselect.com . For more detailed information, this document will refer you

to detailed information that exists on the website. Please take time to review the

handbook and the website. Thank you for your participation. Your support and feedback

will allow our baseball program to continue to grow and improve, allowing us to achieve

our goal of becoming a successful program.

TRAVELING BASEBALL PHILOSOPHY The purpose of this program is to

provide athletes who have demonstrated advanced baseball skills the opportunity

to compete with other players who have similar abilities. Teams will participate in

both league and tournament play.

The objectives of the Bronco Select Program are to provide an organized

program for the youth of the community that will promote physical fitness,

stamina, and agility; develop self-confidence, respect for others, teamwork, and

leadership; teach the fundamentals of baseball; assist players in developing their

skills; and incorporate the spirit of good sportsmanship in victory or defeat while

having fun.

We have a board consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 5

other members that are made up of the rest of the coaches in the program. There will be a

website available to everyone with each team’s events listed. Some parents will be asked

to help the organization out by doing certain duties delegated by the coaches of the

program.

We will be collecting all traveling baseball fees at the parents meeting on October 6th.

This will include most fees for the season – Some exception will apply. If your team

agrees to go on an extra trip, the parents will be responsible for the extra costs involved.

(Hotels, food, travel expenses, etc.)

We are currently researching ideas for more opportunities for the boys to practice in the

winter months. When we receive more information on that it will be relayed to you by

your respective coaches.

Traveling Fees and Registration Traveling baseball requires a significant time

commitment from April through July, and possibly into early August. To assure

ample playing time, only 11-13 players are placed on each team. Every player's

presence is important and is expected! Unless otherwise exempted by the coach, all

players are expected to attend all practices, league games, and tournament games.

Unexcused absences may result in a reduction of playing time. Family vacations should

be planned accordingly.

Registration Fees: The registration fees for all kids involved with Bronco Select is

$300. In addition to the initial fee, each player is required to sell (20) ten dollar tickets to

the spring pig roast. Which is our major fundraiser for the year. We are also looking at a

small fall/winter fundraiser. Fees cover the uniform(s) and approximately half of the

teams' expenses; the other half is paid for by revenue received from the spring pig roast

and fall fundraiser. Team's expenses are for participation in league and tournament

games, umpires, equipment, uniforms, field usage, field maintenance and

improvement, and association administration and support. All traveling baseball

fees are collected at the parents meeting. This will include most fees for the

season . Additional money may be required if your team's expenses are above average as

determined by the Traveling Baseball commission.

Games and Practices

Practices will begin shortly after the first of the year. Your coach should contact you in

December with the details of the practices.

League play begins in May (ages 8-14) and continues through July, with

approximately 16 weekday league games, plus up to 4 regular season

tournaments played on weekends (Friday through Sunday). Each team will decide how

many tournaments they will participate in.

Local Fields: The program will be using the fields at Yorkville Elementary School,

Union Grove High School and Union Grove Elementary School. Any other field usage

will be at the coaches discretion.

Program Evaluation Forms: Parents and players are asked to

complete an questionnaire at the end of each season on their experience with the

Bronco Select program and their coaches. This is your most significant

opportunity to express your opinions and to help us make improvements.

Contents of evaluations are confidential. The Bronco Select Board values and considers

all input, recommendations, content offered from the evaluations. Please take advantage

of this opportunity. Each new season we will let you know what changes were

implemented as a result of evaluations. The online evaluations are available on the

Bronco Select Website. If you have any questions please contact the president, or vice

president as they will be the only one with access to the tryout results. The Bronco Select

Board and all of our volunteers value your opinions. If you have suggestions for

improving our program, the best way to communicate them is to include them on the

questionnaire you are asked to complete at the end of the season. Please include as much

detail as necessary for us to understand what you would like to see implemented. If

evaluations are not timely, you may submit suggestions to any Bronco Select Board

member, but please still put them in writing so that they receive the attention they

deserve. Suggestions specific to your player's team are also appreciated. Please discuss

your comments and concerns with the team's coach after a game or practice. He/she

will greatly appreciate if you will avoid all discussions prior to or during games and

practices and will be better able to focus on your request after the event.

Uniforms & Equipment

The Traveling Baseball program will supply uniforms including 2 sets of jerseys, pants,

socks, belt, and hats, the pants. The items are for the player to keep after the season.

Any damage to equipment caused by negligence or intentional abuse must be reimbursed

by the player. Failure to do so will result in denial of any further sport participation in

any Bronco Select program by the player or any member of his/her family. Uniform

policy – only board purchased uniforms will be used during games. This includes hats,

pants, t-shirts, jersey’s, and socks. Failure to comply will result in team sanctions. The

Bronco Select program also supplies:

-approved game baseballs

-catchers gear(shin guards, mask, chest protector)

-batting helmets

- catchers glove

- scorebooks

Personal Equipment: Each player must provide his/her own glove, shoes, and

personal protective equipment (except batting helmets and/or catcher's

equipment). Properly-fitted, correctly-sized equipment is very important to a

player's success -- especially in terms of gloves (not overly large) and shoes.

Most leagues require the wearing of athletic supporters with a hard protective

cup; in any case, their use is mandatory by the Bronco Select Board. Players are

encouraged to use cleated baseball shoes with hard rubber/plastic or metal cleats,

according to the rules of the league in which they participate (see below).

Bats Bats are another item of equipment which, like gloves, need to be fitted to

the individual player. Parents should consult coaches and/or specific league

rules (see below) before purchasing bats. The Bronco Select program does

not provide bats as part of the team's equipment bag.

Other : . Players not selected to this years team are encouraged to play in their

recreational league to better hone his skills for next year. Each tryout is a clean slate for

all players.

TRYOUT POLICIES

Eligibility and Registration: A player is eligible to participate in Bronco Select

Baseball team tryouts subject to the following criteria:

Complete registration form.

Must meet age (grade) guidelines set by the program. Age cutoff is April 30th

of the

current year.

Must not participate in other traveling sports that conflict during the summer months.

Photocopy of birth certificate made available to Bronco Select board at the parent’s

meeting.. Birth certificates may be dropped off at the walk-in registration dates, or

mailed to the current president’s house

Players that tryout for traveling baseball may not be placed on a team, even if

there are roster spots available. For the safety and self esteem of the players, it is

sometimes best to not be put on a traveling team and then develop skills in a

different environment such as Recreation Baseball. If after tryouts, it is

determined based on the scoring that players do not have the skills necessary to

participate in traveling baseball, they will not be placed on a team. Bronco Select

recommends you play with the association that serves your high school attendance area.

Birth Date Cutoff The birth date cutoff is April 30. The team (age level) for

which a player is eligible is the same as the player’s age on that date. A player cannot

play up.

GENERAL POLICIES

Attendance Every player's presence is important and is expected!

Unless otherwise excused by the coach, all players are expected to attend

all practices, league games, and tournament games. Unexcused absences may result in

a reduction of playing time !

Behavior and Sportsmanship/Suspensions

- The highest standard of sportsmanship will be expected from

players, coaches, parents, umpires, and spectators.

- Players will treat their teammates, coaches, umpires, all

spectators, and the opposing team with respect. After each game, all

team participants will line up and shake hands.

- Conduct which will not be tolerated includes verbal abuse ("trash

talk"), tantrum-like acts, profanity, arguing judgment calls, physical

aggression on or off the field, acts intended to cheat the spirit of the rules

or to intimidate the umpires. Umpires may use their discretion whether to

issue a warning or to immediately eject the violator (coach, player, or

spectator) from the game. The umpires and/or coaches are responsible

for reporting all incidents to the Traveling Baseball Commission.

Subsequent violations may result in suspension from play and/or

attendance.

- If you have a problem with the performance of an umpire, please

direct your concerns to the team's coach. He/she represents the program

and should be the only person communicating with the umpires. One of

the objectives of the program is to teach respect for the officials/umpires

and the proper procedure for dealing with problems.

The Bronco Select Board reserves the right to suspend any coach,

parent, player, or spectator who violates sportsmanship rules.

A coach or umpire may suspend any player who acts in an

unsportsmanlike manner. The coach must give the player one warning and

discuss the situation with the player's parent(s). The warning should

include an objective description of the behavior and of the intended

discipline. Another violation shall result in the player sitting on the bench

for the remainder of the game. The next violation shall result in the player

sitting on the bench for the remainder of the game plus the entire next

game played. Subsequent violations may result in the player being

suspended from the league. All player violations/suspensions must be

reported to the Bronco Select Board.

Playing Time There will be no playing time guarantee. This will be at the coaches discretion. A coach

may reduce the playing time of any player for failing or refusing to attend practice

sessions or games. The coach must give the player one warning and discuss the situation

with the player's parent(s). The warning should include an objective description

of the behavior and of the intended discipline. The coach must discuss the

intended discipline with the appropriate age-group director before the discipline is

administered.

Head Coach Selection Interviews and selection of Head Coaches are held in July/August. Primary selection

criteria include past baseball coaching and playing experience, personal coaching

philosophy, support of Traveling Baseball and Bronco Select policies, and the applicant's

commitment to spend several hundred hours during the season. Coaches' responsibilities

begin in January with tournament selection and entry, league meetings, and organization

of tryouts. All potential head coaches need to participate in the interview process,

regardless of past coaching positions. All candidates are informed during their interview

that their status as coach (if selected) will be provisional upon their child qualifying for

that team via the tryout/evaluation process.

Safety

The Traveling Baseball program provides batting helmets and catcher's

equipment. Players are responsible for providing any additional safety equipment

that they choose to use, i.e., mouth guards, safety goggles, and protective

devices. It is mandatory that each batter, on-deck batter, runner, player in a

coach's box, or non-adult bat/ball shagger (“batboys”) on the field wears a batting

helmet that meets NOCSAE standards. Spectators are restricted to the areas

that are "out of play" and should stay away from the benches unless asked for

assistance by a coach. Unless playing in the field, at-bat, on-base, on-deck, or

coaching, all players shall remain on the bench or outside the field of play.

Inclement Weather In case of inclement weather, the coach is responsible for

determining practice and communicating to players if it is cancelled. At home

games, the home team coach is responsible to determine if the game will be

played prior to the start of the game. Once play begins, the umpire is responsible

for determining whether play should be halted. In all cases, unless you receive

a call from your team's coach, you should appear at the site of the game or

practice as scheduled. Weather conditions can vary widely, even within the County

of Racine. Our policy is to make the decision at the field site. Games and

practices will be suspended when lightning is visible. If you are not able to be

present during an event, be sure that your player knows another parent who will

be present and with whom he/she can take shelter if severe weather suddenly

develops.

Donation Policy Make donations to Bronco Select Baseball if you want

Recognition. We will be making banners yearly with the donors logo and if they are a

bronze, silver, or gold sponsor. Each team will carry a banner with them and display it

wherever they play. Here is the donation breakdown:

Bronze: $100-250

Silver: $251-$500

Gold: $501-$1000

Platinum: Any amount over $1000

Refund Policy Bronco Select does not give refunds. If an injury occurs, we will take it

on a case by case basis.

Concessions Policy (IF TOURNEY IS HELD)

All parents of players must volunteer to help run the Bronco Select hosted

tournament their son(s) participate in. The work requirement may vary based on size and

location of the tournament but is generally a minimum of 5 hours (between concessions

and fields) Anyone choosing not to work will be charged a fee of $50.00. Any

assessment would be due and payable immediately once the hours were not

worked. The Board would not accept registration for future seasons until the

assessment was paid. Concessions revenue will go to run the current season and improve

Bronco Select Traveling Baseball now and in the future to the extent possible.

Blood Policy Consistent with the Bronco Select policy, a player or coach who is bleeding or who has

an open wound shall be prohibited from participating in the game until appropriate

medical treatment has been administered. If medical care or treatment cannot be

administered in a reasonable amount of time, the player will have to leave the game.

(The length of time considered reasonable shall be in the umpire's judgment.) Once the

bleeding has been controlled, the player or coach may reenter the game. If there is a

substantial amount of blood on the uniform, it must be changed before that individual

may participate.

Drug and Alcohol Policy No alcohol is allowed on any school property

or in city parks. Drugs, of course, are illegal everywhere. Bronco Select Drug and

Alcohol Policy 1. The Bronco Select Board believes that all players/coaches participating

in a VAA youth activity should refrain from the use of alcohol and/or a controlled

substance. 2. It shall be a violation of this policy for a player/coach while participating in

a Bronco Select youth activity to use a beverage containing alcohol or use or consume,

have in possession, buy, sell, or give away any controlled substance. 3. Once a violation

has been brought to the Board’s attention and a decision has been made by the Bronco

Select Board, the player/coach will be informed of his/her ineligibility in Bronco Select

by a written letter from the Bronco Select Board of Directors.

a) First Violation: Upon notification by the Board, the player/coach shall lose

eligibility for the next two consecutive games or two weeks of a sport season in

which the player/coach is participating, whichever is greater. No exception is

permitted.

b) Second Violation: The player/coach shall lose eligibility in the Bronco Select for that

sport season. No exceptions are permitted.

c) Cumulative Penalties: Penalties shall be cumulative beginning with and

continuing throughout the player's/coach's participation in the Bronco Select.

Tobacco Policy No tobacco is allowed on school property or in city parks. Bronco Select Tobacco

Policy B

1. The Bronco Select Association does not condone the use of tobacco by

players under the legal tobacco age. 2. It shall be a violation of this policy for a

player participating in a Bronco Select activity to use tobacco. 3. Once a violation has

been brought to the Board’s attention, the player will be informed of his/her ineligibility.

Ineligibility will be the same as for the Drug and Alcohol Policy. 4. Bronco Select

recommends that coaches refrain from the use of any tobacco during a youth

sport activity. In addition to the Bronco Select policy on tobacco, the Traveling Baseball

Commission requests that all coaches, spectators, and parents refrain from

tobacco use while participating in or observing a baseball activity. If a coach or

parent must use tobacco during a baseball activity, they must remove themselves

from the playing area, which includes the bench area as well as spectator viewing

space.

Equipment Abuse Under no circumstances shall equipment abuse be tolerated.

Umpires and coaches are instructed that each instance of equipment abuse will

result in that player sitting on the bench for the remainder of the game. At the

umpire's or coach's discretion, a warning may be given. Players and his/her

parents will be held responsible for reimbursement cost of any damaged

equipment caused by equipment abuse. Players may be suspended from

participation in future Bronco Select programs until complete reimbursement is made.

COACHES' RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS

The Coach is a teacher of baseball skills, a manager of the functions necessary

to run a team, and is responsible for the social, psychological, and physical

development of all players in his/her care. He/she is accountable to the players

and their families, the Traveling Baseball Commission, and the Bronco Select Board of

Directors.

Coaches’ Responsibilities include:

- Obey and enforce all Bronco Select rules.

- Treat all players in an equal and fair manner.

- Follow the "Coaches' Code of Ethics" supported and distributed by the Bronco Select

Board.

- Demonstrate good sportsmanship, self-control, and proper behavior.

- Promote sportsmanship and proper behavior of team players, all coaches, and

spectators.

- Attend the Coaches' Meeting and the Parents Pre-Tryout Meeting in August. -

Assure that all players receive playing time that is fair and ample as mandated by

the Bronco Select Board.

- Teach the players to have fun and enjoy competition. Help the players to

develop a healthy, competitive attitude toward winning and losing.

- Assess individual player’s strengths and weaknesses and create a

developmental plan to help each player improve in the areas of concern.

- Encourage and compliment players; use only constructive criticism. When

necessary, provide individual, respectful feedback to players.

- Attend a minimum of 90% of their team’s practices and games.

- Care for the equipment that is issued to them. If any equipment is lost or

damaged, coaches should report the problem to the appropriate age-group Co-

Commissioner.

- Conduct a pre-season parents' meeting. At this meeting, the coach should set

the tone and expectations for the season, distribute team schedule, roster, parent

responsibilities, code of behavior, etc.

- Arrange for team photographs. If desired, this can be done by scheduling with

the Community Baseball team picture coordinator.

- Schedule field time for practices and any make-up (home) games with the other

coaches at their age-group level.

- Report any problems with fields to the appropriate age-group Director.

- Recruit parent volunteers for tournaments, phone trees, etc.

- Attend the post-season meeting in July. At this meeting, they should

review their season, return equipment, and provide suggestions for improving the

program in the following year.

- Arrange to have an assistant coach attend any required functions (e.g. coaches

meetings, etc.) that they are unable to attend.

- Guideline – schedule as many practices as games to allow teaching & skill

development.

Coaches' Rights include:

- To be treated with respect by players, parents, the Traveling Baseball

Commission, and the Bronco Select Board of Directors.

- To be made fully aware of the rules and policies under which they must function.

- To have access to necessary safety equipment and practice fields.

- To expect full cooperation from parents and players for miscellaneous team

activities.

PARENTS' RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS Your child's participation in the Traveling Baseball program will require a significant

contribution of your time and effort. Parents can contribute many things to support their

child, team, and the program. Parents' Responsibilities include:

- Let your child know you love him/her - win or lose.

- Compliment and encourage. Let the coach handle coaching and criticism.

Coordinate your efforts to help your child's development with the

recommendations of the coach.

- Support your coaches. Remember that they are responsible for many children

in addition to your own. Allow the coach use the practice time for the team.

Arrange to talk to the coach during non-practice time if you have concerns

regarding your child’s participation.

- Don't compare your child to other players. Be honest with yourself about his/her

abilities. - Regard each player on the team as your own.

- Keep negative comments to yourself. Express concerns to the coach (only) in a

straightforward, fair, and objective manner.

- Teach your child to have fun and enjoy competition. Don't tell him/her that

winning does not count because it does, and he/she knows it. Instead, help

him/her to develop a healthy competitive attitude toward winning and losing.

- Follow the "Parents' Code of Ethics" supported and distributed by the Bronco Select

Board.

- Demonstrate and be a role model for good sportsmanship and proper behavior.

Don't criticize officials/umpires, coaches, and other parents or players.

- Ensure the good sportsmanship and proper behavior of your children and your

guests. - Provide transportation/arrange for your child to attend all

practices/games/team events. Offer to car pool with other parents

- Inform the coach whenever your children will miss or be late for a practice or a

game.

- Volunteer to assist the coach whenever possible.

- Volunteer your time and talents to make your team's tournament a success.

Parents' Rights include:

- Have your child treated fairly and with respect.

- Have your child practice and play in a safe and healthy environment.

- Have your child coached by effective and qualified adult leader.

- Have your child engaged in practicing and playing activities that increase his/her

skill and enjoyment of the sport.

- To be fully informed by the coach with respect to schedules, team philosophies,

policies, and your child's strengths and development opportunities.

PLAYERS' RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Players on a traveling team should take pride in them self and in their team, including

following coaches’ direction as well as allowing constructive feed-back for their play.

Players' Responsibilities include:

- Have pride and confidence in yourself.

- Be attentive and work hard in practice and games. Make your best efforts to

perform the tasks as directed by the coach (es).

- Be a competitor, perform up to your full ability, and contribute to team unity.

Compliment teammates and let the coach handle criticism.

- Show respect toward your coach, your teammates, and your parents and other

adults.

- Show respect toward opposing teams, coaches, and umpires.

- Keep your (personal and team) equipment clean, in good repair and organized

in the bench area.

- Maintain a responsible attitude toward your health. Be aware of and adhere to

the Bronco Select policies on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

- Remember that baseball is a game and keep it in perspective with family,

school, and/or church activities and responsibilities.

- Demonstrate good sportsmanship and proper behavior.

- Remind your parents that you need to be at practices and games on time. -

Inform the coach whenever you will miss or be late for a practice or a game.

Players' Rights include:

- To participate at a level that matches your maturity and ability.

- To play as a child -- not as an adult.

- To participate in a safe, healthy environment.

- To be treated fairly and with dignity.

- To have fun in sports.

- To have an equal opportunity to develop your abilities and strive for success.

- To have good coaching -- to be taught the fundamentals and sportsmanship.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Bronco Select appreciates the value of social media and the ability to share information,

opinions, pictures/videos and accomplishments. However, it is important to understand

that everything you post is public information and should express your perspective but

always be respectful of the audience.

Expectations when posting online (Coaches, board members, players, parents, anyone

associated with Bronco Select): 1. Recognize that how you present yourself online is not only a reflection of you but also as

the organization.

2. Ensure your postings are clearly understood to be your personal opinions and not

necessarily that of Bronco Select.

3. Show respect for the organization, the players, coaches and board members. Do not post

disrespectful comments about the individuals involved with the program, opposing teams,

other baseball organizations, opposing fans or umpires. Restrict the posting of offensive

comments or images, avoid insults and inappropriate language.

4. Exercise extreme caution when posting any information about the players. Remember the

all players are minors and personal information (first & last names, addresses, phone

numbers, etc.) should not be shared unless their parent/guardian agreed to that

information being shared.

5. Consider perceptions. Be sure that your use of social media is consistent with how you

wish to represent yourself in public.

6. Encourage the correction of posted mistakes or inaccuracies in a respectful manner.

7. Do not represent yourself as some other individual when posting information online. Be

accountable.

8. If you are about to post something that gives you the slightest pause consult with your

teams coach or board member to discuss the appropriateness of the content.

9. Use social media to promote the positives of your team and the Bronco Select

organization. Be respectful and responsible for your postings.

Social Media includes:

Social networking sites eg Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Friendster

Video and photo sharing websites eg Flickr, YouTube

Microblogging sites eg Twitter

Weblogs

Forum discussion boards

Online encyclopedias such as Wikipedia

Any other web sites that allow individual users to use simple publishing tools online

PROBLEM RESOLUTION GUIDELINES These guidelines have been adapted from guidelines prepared by the Bronco Select

Board. When a player or parent has a concern or a question regarding the policies or

procedures of the Bronco Select program, they should first bring those concerns to the

attention of the coach of the team involved. - If the problem persists or cannot be

resolved between the player/parent and the coach, it should be brought to the

attention Bronco Select Board. All parties involved will meet to discuss the situation and

find a solution. The decisions of the Bronco Select board will be final.

2012-13 Bronco Select Board and coordinators

President: Loren Painter: 1-262-994-3209

Vice President: Jesse Willis: 1-262-909-0102

Treasurer: Mike Wiedenbeck: 1-262-994-5414

Secretary: Rory Esch 1-414-881-6094

Board Members:

Greg Gamble:1-262-930-6236

Chris Sackman: 1-262-613-5343

Dave Berrera:

Rod Schuls: 1-262-930-2124

Scott Katterhagen:1-262-930-3554

Concessions Director:

Equipment Coordinator:

Field Coordinators:

Tournament Coordinators:

Uniform Coordinator:

Tryout Coordinators:

Website Coordinator: Mike Erickson

Each year a Traveling Baseball Annual Meeting is held. The agenda includes:

New member elections, review of the previous year and objectives for the coming

year. Please attend each year.

BRONCO SELECT

PLAYER/PARENT CONTRACT

I understand that by being a part of Bronco Select, I am to uphold the

policies set by the program. If I cannot adhere to these rules there will be

consequences. The previously stated items are in place to make me a better

person and to uphold the integrity of this program. I have read the handbook

and understand what is expected of me as a player.

SIGNATURE OF PLAYER DATE

__________________________ ________________

As a parent in the Bronco Select program, I have read and understand

the procedures set forth in the parent handbook. If a problem arises, I will

go through the correct procedures to rectify the problem. I will not talk to

the coach about playing time, only what my child can do to better himself to

help the team more. By signing your name you declare that you understand

what is expected of you and agree to help further the goals of the Bronco

Select program. You will help create a fun, competitive and winning

atmosphere surrounding Bronco Select Baseball.

I will demand of my son that he is the BEST TEAMMATE he can be.

This means – working diligently on his own skills so as to help his team be

able to compete. Also, to help his teammates improve their skills and place

the welfare of the team ahead of themselves.

SIGNATURE OF PARENT DATE

_________________________ _________________