The Power of T.E.A.M
- Posted 6 months ago|
- 2 comments
TEAM Together Everyone Achieves More
As many Little League parents, coaches, volunteers and fans may know, teamwork is everything. That's why T.E.A.M is such an important slogan to me.
Last year as our boys, the Urbandale Little League All-Stars made their way through the Little League World Series Tournament in Pennsylvania, each player understood the value of T.E.A.M. And because of this, Urbandale made it all the way to the semi-finals of the tournament--just one game away from the championship game! It was truly amazing to see our boys play so well together.
I know that sometimes it's hard for the players and even coaches and family to keep the T.E.A.M mentality during the rough patches. But ultimately, the T.E.A.M prevails when each person involved fully embraces the power they have when they work together.
In an effort to embrace T.E.A.M,I gave the Urbandale All-Star players some helpful guidelines before they began their journey through the Iowa State tournament and eventually the National tournament.
1. Attendance to ALL scheduled games and practices is absolutely mandatory. If a conflict or illness should arise, please notify a member of the coaching staff prior to the scheduled event. A players playing time or position will be directly affected by unexcused absences.
2. This team will not tolerate poor attitudes and improper conduct! No team member will be allowed to disrespect the coaching staff, his teammates, umpires or the opposing team. If this occurs the player will immediately be removed from the game or practice and a meeting will be scheduled with the player and his parents. Any repeated offense could result in dismissal from the team.
3. We will always stress team play! No player is ever above the team, we are all equal and every player is an All-Star player. We will always support and encourage our teammates during games and practice.
4. The player's safety is always our number one concern! If a player throws any equipment (i.e. bat, helmet, glove) he is not only showing poor sportsmanship, but also is endangering those around him. If this occurs, the player will immediately be removed from the game or practice. The player is also at risk for being dismissed from the game or tournament by the umpires or tournament officials. Any repeated offense could result in dismissal from the team.
5. Effort & Hustle equals playing time! Players will be required to listen and execute all coach's commands and requests during all practices and games. Player evaluation will take place at every practice and game. Hustle will always be required! We will always strive to do our best and hustle while on the field or base paths. We will always run to our positions and run off the field at the end of an inning. Walking will never be allowed on the field of play in games or practice!
6. We plan on looking sharp and professional at all times! The full ULL All-Star uniform is mandatory for every game. The team uniform should always be clean and presentable for every game. Player's hats will not be worn backwards or sideways during any game or practice and the player's jersey will always be tucked into his pants. Player's shoes should be cleaned and shined before every tournament game.
7. Proper practice attire is also required. Each player should plan on wearing a t-shirt or jersey, baseball pants along with a baseball hat for each and every practice. Protective cups are also a requirement for every practice and game. If we are having batting practice only, shorts will be permitted for that practice.