Fastpitch Softball Player/Parent Agreement

Competitive Fastpitch Softball can be a challenging, demanding and enjoyable sport. It is the goal of the GSA to build a competitive fastpitch softball team while providing an enjoyable environment for players to develop softball skills, knowledge and the ability to function as a team. We encourage and support our girls to excel on the field as well as in school and their community. We are a competitive, educational-friendly organization. To ensure that each player clearly understands the expectations of her and her parents, the following agreement has been provided.

Competitive softball is not Recreation Softball; it is a competitive environment where playing time is earned through ability, effort and attitude demonstrated at practice and in games. The coaching staff will work to involve the players when possible, however Playing Time is NOT Guaranteed. Players will see playing time in a number of ways: fielding, base running, pinch-hitting, etc. Parents/Guardians are welcome to discuss questions involving individual playing time with the coaches after the current game or tournament. Please make sure that all discussions are private and away from all players. 

Pickup games with other teams MUST be approved by the coach and may only be in reference to other in house participation and not another tournament or travel team play. It cannot interfere with GSA practices or game times.

Practices are the key in the development of all players. All planned practices are mandatory. At least one coach must be told in advance of a practice that a player will not be able to attend, except in the case of emergencies. All players should arrive for practice and be ready to take the field on time and in appropriate clothing (or practice uniform). All necessary equipment should be brought to practice including glove, bat, mask, and batting helmets. Missing numerous practices without notice is grounds for dismissal from the team.

In order to maximize practices, it is imperative that players give 100% of their effort and attention to the practice. This requires the players to be at the practice on time and ready to practice. 

1. Players will hustle on and off the field and between stations.

2. Players will not talk to anyone when a coach is talking to them specifically or to the group.

3. All equipment must be treated with respect and picked up at the end of practice.

4. All trash will be picked up before leaving the fields and dugouts.

5. All cell phones must be turned off or on vibrate in player’s bags at all times.

6. Players will be required to treat coaches, teammates, opposing players/coaches, and

umpires with respect at all times.

It is important to support our teammates and to learn from the game time situations. In order to succeed in this the following game time guidelines apply:

1.    Players must attend all games scheduled for their team. If the player needs to miss a game, let the coach know as soon as possible. Each player’s attendance is crucial for the team to function and not having enough players could result in cancellation of tournaments and loss of fees for the organization. Players are to remain in the dugout during the entire game.

2.    Players not playing are to keep a positive attitude and support team members that are currently on and off the field. Valkyries are a community based organization that hold high standards of behavior.

3.    Parents/Guardians will not coach players on the field.

4.    Parents/Guardians are encouraged to cheer and encourage all players during the game. Negative statements will not be tolerated and will have consequences to player or parent involvement in the program.

5.    All cell phones must be turned off or on vibrate in player’s bags at all times, including watches.

Players are not guaranteed to be retained year to year. All players new and old must try out every year. If a special need is identified on the team for a new player, the coaching staff may hold individual tryouts to fill those needs. These tryouts may occur with the team or separate. Once a player signs a commitment to GSA, this precludes them from participating in any other play for other competitive softball programs throughout the contracted season.

A player’s dismissal by the coaching staff is the last possible resort to resolving an issue that negatively impacts the organization. A player may be released if more than 3 documented violations occur to the Player/Parent Agreement. When a player asks to be released from GSA, they are still required to fulfill the original financial obligations. All equipment issued by the team is to be returned in good condition. 

The grievance process will be as follows: 

a) The Head Coach of each team will try to resolve any issues arising on his/her team.

b) If unsuccessful, the Head Coach will refer the grievance to the Commissioner for resolution. c) If unsuccessful, the Commissioner will refer the grievance to the Executive Board for resolution. The decision of the Executive Board is final.

d) If the Commissioner is the Head Coach of the team, and/or if the parent is uncomfortable speaking to the President, for any reason, the issue may be raised to the other serving GSA Officer and then the board members for any further resolution required past that point.

Our organization is funded in several different methods: 

1.    Each paying member will pay the deposit of $250 and have an option to pay the remainder of the fees in one lump sum or over 3 separate payments.. These fees cover the following:

●      These fees are to cover but are not limited to: tournament registrations, field fees, player insurance, Team Equipment, Player Equipment, field rentals, and facility rentals etc. *(Team fees/dues may be higher or lower depending on team participation)

●      Team uniforms will be paid for separately by the parents and include (2) tops, (2) uniform socks and (1) blue belt. Optional team apparel offered are: (1) black softball pant with belt loops, (1) Visor, (1) softball bag, (1) Valkyrie headband and (1) team jersey sweatshirt,

2.    Each player will be required to participate with all fundraising events sponsored by the team. For example: car washes, spaghetti dinners, raffle tickets and/or the sale of fundraising products.

3.    Each player will be encouraged to solicit businesses and individuals for sponsorships or donations. All monies collected will be applied to the whole organization and not one individual team or player.

4.    Injury Policy: If a player becomes injured during the season and is unable to continue playing, registration fees will not be reimbursed. Team expenses, including tournaments, league fees, are scheduled and paid in advance based on player registration and cannot be refunded.