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2016 Flowery BranchHigh School Softball Handbook“The Road To success, Runs uphill”.-Willie DavisPhilosophy, Principles, Player Qualities, Goals, Rules & Expectations“Be a lady at all timesNever criticize, nag or razz a teammateBe a team player alwaysNever be selfish, jealous, envious or egotisticalEarn the right to be proud and confidentNever expect favors, alibi or make excuses.Never lose faith or patienceCourtesy and politeness are a small price to payFor the good will, respect and affection of othersAcquire peace of mind be becoming the best that you are able of becoming”-John Wooden’s set of normal expectations (revised)“iT is impossible To beaT someone when They neveRquiT.” –Babe Ruth
Dear Players and Parent(s):Welcome to the 2016 Softball Season. All of the coaches are eagerly looking forward to anothersuccessful season for our program. After coming off a 2015/2014 seasons with consecutive statetournament births, the coaches and players expectations for future success are high.We have enclosed program expectations, what we expect from players, some words of wisdom,schedules, and much more for your review. We expect that every player will read, and re-read,all of the material contained in these pages.We expect that every player in our program will give 100% of themselves to be part of a team.We expect all players to be available for practice or games from the day that the season begins tothe day that the season ends. Please do not plan family vacations, doctors’ appointments or tripsduring the softball season. Athletes are expected to communicate any and all issues orinformation, with both coaches and parents. We as coaches are respectful of the travel ballseason so we also expect the same consideration during the high school season and that FBHSsoftball takes precedent over travel ball activities.Playing a high school sport is a commitment, so we expect nothing less than full dedication fromour participants.See you on the diamond!Sincerely,Laura Novotny-BeaverHead Varsity Softball CoachLaura.beaver@hallco.org
Parents/Players,I wanted to contact all parents/athletes to make sure the policy on bullying is clear and there is no question asto what constitutes “bullying”. The policy of the FBHS softball team is simple. Any softball athlete who isfound to be verbally/physically/emotionally bullying anyone at anytime for any reason will be immediatelysuspended from the program and will forfeit their uniform. Softball athletes are expected to support andrespect their fellow teammates on and off the field. Please also refer to the softball handbook with regards to“rules and expectations”. Any athlete found in violation of the established guidelines will also be releasedfrom the program. One area that has not been covered in the handbook is social networking sites. Anyathlete who is using social networking sites (Facebook,Twitter, instagram, snapchat etc.) and is found to beposting inappropriate information OF ANY KIND (as deemed by the coaching staff) will be subject todisciplinary action. If anyone has any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.BULLYING: The bullying of a student by another student is prohibited. Any act of bullying should be reported tothe principal or his or her designee. In accordance with Georgia law, “bullying” means an act which occurs onschool property, on school vehicles, at designated bus stops, or at school related functions or activities, or by use ofdata or software that is accessed through a computer, a computer system, computer network, or other electronictechnology of a local school system that is:1) Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent presentability to do so; or2) Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodilyharm; or3) Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act which a reasonable person would perceive as beingintended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that;a) Causes another person substantial physical harm within the meaning of Georgia Code Section 16-5-23.1 or visiblebodily harm as such term is defined in Code Section 16-5-23.1b) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;c) Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment ; ord) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
10 Things That Matter Most to Being a Champion: Cindy Bristow1. Carry Your Own Stuff - while this might seem like a crazy thing to put in a list of 10 Thingsthat Matter to Being a Champion I think it's VERY important as a step to personalresponsibility. I see too many parents carrying their daughter's (and son's) equipment to andfrom the ballpark, and while these parents are probably trying to help their kids, they're reallydoing them a disservice. It's my stuff so I need to take care of it. I need to clean it if it's dirty,dry it if it's wet, know where it is when I need it and carry it when I'm going to and frompractice and games. Softball players are not golfers so we don't have caddies that carry ourequipment around for us. If any of you were fortunate enough to watch the 2008 OlympicSoftball Team play on its exhibition tour then you no doubt saw the Olympic players all carryin their own equipment. From Cat Osterman to Stacey Nuveman to Jenny Finch - they allcarried their own equipment plus all the nets and balls and team equipment. If you need itthen you should carry it!2. The Harder It Is To Do, The Better You Are When You Do It - Hard work mattersbecause it is "hard" and that means not everyone can do it! It means if you work hard enoughand are then able to do something that's considered "hard" then you're special. Work harderto do things that are hard instead of saying "that's hard" and then quitting. The easiest pathwon't get you anywhere - it's not about getting the best bat or the most expensive glove orthe coolest shoes if your swing stinks, you can't catch anything and you're out of shape andslow. Too many players want the easiest way to get something and if anything involves hardwork then there's an excuse why it can't happen. The harder something is to do the better youare when you do it. Playing college softball is hard and coaches are looking for players thatthrive when things get hard, they aren't looking for players that say "that's too hard" and quit.3. Make Plays Not Excuses - What's so puzzling to me is that the excuses usually come firstfrom the parent and then from the player. The parent is quick to point out why the kid couldn'tpractice this whole week, and why she wasn't able to pitch good in her last game and why sheisn't getting good grades meanwhile carrying all the players equipment to and from theparking lot before scurrying off to the snack bar to buy the player a drink. Helping your child isone thing, but making excuses for them only teaches them to make excuses for themselves.Sports aren't about excuses, they're about results. So practice making results instead ofexcuses.4. Stop Talking and Start Playing - I don't want to hear why you couldn't practice; I want tosee that you did practice. I don't want to hear why you couldn't' throw strikes because theumpire wasn't calling anything outside, I want to see that you were able to recognize thestrike zone and immediately shift your pitch just enough to get the strike called. And if I don'twant to hear it, then you know the college coach who is probably paying part of your tuition tobe there doesn't want to hear it either. Talk less and play more!5. Take Responsibility - own your actions no matter what the outcome. If you made the pitchwhether it's good or bad, own it. Work harder to own your actions and skills and quite puttingyour efforts into excuses about why you couldn't or didn't succeed. Everyone knows youweren't out there trying to blow it. If you struck out with the bases loaded everyone knowsyou weren't trying to do that, so quit making excuses about why you did. Instead, work harderto figure out what you learned from the situation and how you'll use that knowledge tosucceed the next chance you get - because you will get another chance! Remember that if youown it when things go good you've got to own it when things don't go so well!6. Say Please and Thank You - to your parents, to your coaches and to your teammates. Manycolleges believe this matters so much that they require their players to say "Thank You" everyday at the end of practice to their teammates and their coaching staff - because being nice toeach other matters!7. Remember That The Game Doesn't Know - The game doesn't know which team is favored,it doesn't know which team is the underdog, which team won yesterday, which team hasnever won, which team plays in warm weather and which team never gets outside until midApril. The game only knows what you're doing right now so you must play as hard and assmart as possible right now because the game doesn't know your team is favored to win, itonly knows that the other team worked harder and won! So play "in the moment softball"because the game doesn't know.
8. Be Ready - be ready when your name is called, when the ball is hit to you, when you're calledon to get the bunt down, when your team needs you strike out this hitter, when your teamneeds your leadership whatever it is, be ready! Instead of sitting on the bench complainingthat you don't get to play as much as you think you should, or as much as your parents thinkyou should, be ready when you do get to play. Put your practice in, pay attention duringgames and Be Ready so when you do get to go in you'll be so good that they'll never take youout! Be ready instead of being negative!9. Pay Attention - look at things that matter. Look to see if their infield is playing back, if theirpitcher is always throwing the first pitch for a strike, if the runner before you got on and you'llprobably need to bunt. Pay attention to anything that might matter and help you play betterand help your team win! Cheering is ok, but don't miss seeing the important stuff because youwere doing a cheer. You don't get extra runs for cheering better than the other teams sowatch while you cheer.10. Remember That You're A Teammate and Not The Team! - no matter what position youplay, who you play for and how good other people think you either are or will be, it doesn'tmatter! Because you're still just a teammate, you're never the whole team! That's why statsdon't matter. The only stat that matters is Runs so do everything in your power to help yourteam get more runs than the other team. It takes a TEAM to win so be a great teammate!Feel the Love“To play the game is great! To win the game is greater! To love the game is the greatestof all!” This quote is on a plaque inside the lobby of the famed Philadelphia Palestra. Itsays what most elite athletes already know. In developing their children in the game ofsoftball the best parents can do is to help instill a love for the game. No athlete ever madeit at the highest level without a real and undying love for the game. The love is whatmakes players train hard, the love is what makes players sacrifice for, the love helpsplayers overcome adversity and the love makes them reach for their dreams. This lovecannot be coerced, pressured, or forced. It must be nurtured and has to develop throughboth positive and negative experiences.Ask yourself these three questions after each and every game:1. Did I work hard?2. Did I take responsibility for my actions?3. Was I positive with myself and my team?If you can answer yes to all three of these then you were successful that day regardlessof the score or amount of playing time.
Flowery Branch SoftballA Letter from Coach Novotny-BeaverI played competitive sports at the high school, Division I college, and professional levels. I learned when I was very young thatparents' voices, as well as fans voices, from the stands have an impact on concentration.I had been raised, like most kids, to listen to everything my parents told me. The same went for my coach. If those two voicescontradict what is a child to do? Disappoint mom and dad and ignore the coach? The choice is a no-win situation.Every parent wants their kid to be the best at everything they attempt. Parents want to show their love and support for their kid;every kid wants to make their parents proud.How do these two voices affect performance and concentration?1.2.3.4.There are two kinds of people at any sporting event-players and fans. Coaches, referees, and umpires fall into theplayers' category.A PLAYER is an active participant in the game. They either play, coach or call the game.A FAN is a non-participating observer. They don't play, coach or call the game. Their ONLY purpose is to cheer ontheir favorite players.A PARENT is a FAN, unless they are the coach on the field. They are to cheer NOT coach their child or others. Anydeviation from this will most likely result in the parent either not being able to watch their child perform or watchingfrom the parking lot. Again, hurting the child.Kids sign up to play the game and have fun. If they are constantly worrying about impressing or pleasing their parents, it may bejust enough pressure to drain every drop of fun out of the game.Most parents want to advise their kids at games. It should never happen while their kid is on the field. When training wheels arefirst taken off a child's bike, a parent runs alongside to catch the child if he or she falls. Most parents do the same things from thestands. Realize your child is fielding a position on a competitive, organized sports team, just like adults and professionals do. Aparent must allow a child the chance to prove he or she can do it alone. It may never happen if they feel their parent is there tocatch them every time they fall.A coach goes over errors with players as well as gives instruction. Most fans don't know what is running through a coach's mindwhen they call a play or make a change. We could be thinking about the next inning or trying to test the defense or offense.Please don't make the mistake of yelling out criticism and publicly pointing out an athlete's mistake it only pours salt in thewound. If you make the mistake of yelling at someone else's athlete be prepared for the criticism back to you.Supportive cheers directed to the entire team are always welcomed. A comment to a player that has just done something good isalways welcome. While the kids are on the field leave the coaching to the coaches. It is the only coaching they need to hear.Be the supportive FAN your kid needs and wants you to be. As long as they know you are there, they will play their hearts out tomake you proud. Find ways to make the game as fun as it can be for your child.Play Ball,Coach Laura Novotny-Beaver
Flowery Branch SoftballPhilosophyThe purpose of Flowery Branch softball is to develop a program that will protect, conserve, andpromote the health, and physical welfare of its participants. It will emphasize softball as anintegral part of the total education process, and maintain policies that will cultivate high ideals ofgood citizenship and sportsmanship.We believe we can accomplish this by stressing three main areas:1. ATTITUDE: It is vital that our players realize that softball is a special opportunityand therefore we can be VERY selective as far as whom we ask to be a part of our program. Inthis program we want players who are not only good softball players, but also those who put outtheir best effort in the classroom.2. DISCIPLINE: We feel that maintaining consistent discipline will offer our studentathlete the best chance for personal improvement. We will try to make the rules andconsequences for breaking rules very clear to all players before the season starts. It is importantthat we treat all players fairly. We do also understand that each case is a unique situation,and will govern these situations accordingly. As a rule, we will be “firm but fair”!3. TEAMWORK: Teamwork is our third area of emphasis. Our program willemphasize that the players govern all their action with the idea of TEAM first and me second.This is the single most important areas that our players will need to follow in order to continue asuccessful softball program.As coaches our duties extend way beyond the knowledge of athletics and reaches into the life ofeach of our players. We feel that at Flowery Branch High School it is extremely important tobuild on the "character" or our athletes and to prepare them for their adult life. We placetremendous emphasis on academics, self-discipline, and high morals. It is one of the mostimportant responsibilities in the school. As teachers and coaches we hope to build a strongfoundation for our athletes, and help them become the best possible person on and off the field.
Flowery Branch SoftballPlayer Qualities1. Coachability: The athlete who is willing to listen and learn will progress faster than onewith greater ability who "knows all the answers."2. Character: The athlete who respects others is on the road to success. The ability toknow right from wrong and make the proper choices is a must.3. Intelligence: The athlete must be intelligent on and off the field. They must be dedicatedto self-improvement in all aspects of her life.4. Moral Fiber: The athlete must have personal goals and work toward satisfying them in ahonest and sincere manner5. Quickness: Not speed, but how fast you can move your hands and feet over shortdistances.6. Arm Strength: Not only the ability to throw the ball far and hard but also with accuracy.7. Hitting Ability: Having great hand eye coordination, putting the ball into play.8. Stamina: Athletes must be able to perform at high levels both mentally and physicallyfor long periods of time without a decrease in production.9. Unselfishness: The primary ingredient to success in a team sport, like softball, is a playerwho thinks team first. One that sacrifices herself, will bring success to both.10. Respect of the Game: I have never met a successful player who did not respect and lovethe game. We know that most successful people love their work. The same applies tosoftball.
Flowery Branch SoftballGoalsThese program specific goals that we have set are extremely practical to achieve. They are highand enviable for any program to work for, but our program will achieve them. It is important tostill remember, that everyone must start to truly believe that these goals can and will be achieved.The goals are set specifically for our program. Some of the goals are year to year and some arepermanent.1. BE A GOOD TEAMMATE2. Win the Georgia High School State Softball Championship3. Win our Region Championship4. Work harder than any other team in Georgia5. Establish great program pride6. Have classy young women in our program6. Have fun, be supportive and never be content with your progress
Flowery Branch SoftballRules & ExpectationsThis has been prepared for you so that there will be no misunderstanding about what is expected of you as a member of theFlowery Branch Softball program. Each one of the items outlined in the statements are well within the boundaries of acceptablebehavior. These standards will contribute to an environment in which we will strive to become better athletes, students andyoung women.1. Alcohol, and other illegal substancesThe Hall Co. drug and alcohol policy for athletics and extra-curricular activities will be the instrument used in administeringdiscipline relative to any non-compliance with team standards of alcohol and illegal substances. Any athlete found guilty of suchviolation will relinquish their position in this program. I reserve the right to incorporate additional discipline and punishmentbased on the particular situation.2. AcademicsYou must adhere to the academic requirements of Hall County and the GHSA. However, the coaching staff reserves the right toenact additional or separate disciplinary action based on circumstances that may arise. Detentions or suspensions will result inadditional disciplinary action per coaches’ discretion.3. AttendanceYou must adhere to the Flowery Branch High School attendance policies and must not have any unauthorized absences from anyclasses. You may not participate in a practice or game on a day in which you were absent from school. Any athlete who isabsent from practice, regardless of circumstances, the day prior to competition has forfeited their position and must work to reattain their position. Do not plan vacations, doctors appointments, social outings during the softball season because conflicts willaffect playing time and positions. Athletes who miss practices or games are subject to disciplinary action ranging fromconditioning to dismissal from the program at the coaching staff’s discretion. See responsibilities as a team member below.4. AppearanceYou are expected to dress properly while at school or any time you are representing Flowery Branch High School. Make everyattempt to dress in a manner reflective of the individual, your family and our softball program. If a coach tells you to fix yourappearance you are expected to comply. We feel these are fair requirements and if one chooses to challenge the guideline thansome reflection needs to be done as to PRIORITIES. We would ask the individual, which is more important, the program orpersonal image.5. Responsibilities as a Team MemberAs a member of the Flowery Branch Softball program you are expected to commit yourself to the program six days a weekduring the season. You must be available for all games and practices. Tardiness to games or practice will result disciplinaryaction at the coaching staff’s discretion. Excessive tardiness could result in game suspension(s) or dismissal from the team.Absence from practice or a game without a valid excuse will result in a one game suspension. A valid excuse is determined bythe coaching staff. A second occurrence of missing a game or practice would result in dismissal from the team. Each situationwill be handled accordingly and will ultimately be handled at the coaching staff’s discretion.6. Sports out of SeasonYou are not allowed to participate in other sports where injury can occur during the softball season (the first day of practice untilelimination from tournament play). An athlete should concentrate on their present responsibility and attempt to do as well aspossible in that sport. We would not expect you to play softball during another sport season to which you had committedyourself. This rule includes travel and recreational softball teams.7. Cuts and QuittingWhen an individual tries out for softball at Flowery Branch High School they are faced with the cut system. This means we canonly keep a limited number of players on the team. If you fail to make the team you are welcome to try out again the followingyear. When a player quits the team they will not be allowed to try out for softball the remainder of their Flowery Brancheducational career.8. ComplianceFailure to comply with the standards set forth can result in suspension or dismissal from the program. Failure to give 100% effortwill result in discipline ranging from dismissal from practice and to dismissal from the program.
Flowery Branch SoftballStudent Athlete Guidelines & AgreementBetween: , student and Flowery Branch softball programParticipation in athletics is a privilege, not a right. The athlete must earn and maintain this privilege through dedication, desireand discipline. Without the pursuit of those, the athlete can in no way do justice to herself, her team or the school. The athletemust discipline herself to be a good citizen and student in order to achieve athletic excellence. The coaches at Flowery Branchbelieve that the order for determined course of action for the pursuit of athletic achievements and the character training of ouryoung people, the following "Athletic Policies" must be understood and agreed to between the school, the athlete and the parents.1. I will attend school every day except when I am prevented from attending because of legally excused reason. I realize thatunless I am in school a minimum of four full periods (unless excused by the administration and coaching staff), I am not eligiblefor participation/game on that day. I also realize that if I miss school, a class, practice or a game for a reason consideredunexcused, that I am ineligible for play or practice and may be subject not only to discipline from school, but also under rules ofmy coaches. I understand I must communicate directly with the coaching staff regarding my absence.2. I will be responsible for all equipment issued to me. I will care for it properly and keep it secure. I realize that if I lose anyequipment, I am financially responsible for having it replaced.3. My behavior at all times (school and away) will be above question. I realize that failure to behave myself (school and away)brings discredit, not only to me, but to the entire school and softball program. I understand that I may be subject to disciplinaryaction by the school and/or my coach for any behavior considered inappropriate. I also understand that suspension, either inschool or out, will result in my being ineligible during my suspension and possibly being disciplined further by my coach. I alsounderstand that proper dress and appearance falls into the category of behavior and failure to apply policies will be dealt withaccordingly.4. I will not use or abuse harmful substances. I understand the dangers associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco (all forms) anddrugs, and because of the harmful nature of these substances, I will not subject my body and mind to their effects. I also realizethat many of the above mentioned substances are illegal and that their use on campus as well as off-campus is against policy. Iunderstand that if I do abuse any of these substances, I am placing my team membership in jeopardy and that this violation ofschool and team policy as well as the law will be dealt with in the strictest manner.5. I will be a credit to my team and my school on the playing field. I will give 100% in every practice/game. I will play with thegreatest of intensity that I am capable, while maintaining the highest level of sportsmanship.6. Finally, I will display a business like manor at all times. When I get to the ballpark before a game or practice I will dressoutside the confines of the playing surface until I am completely ready, both mentally and physically. I will hit the field runningand will continue to do so until I leave the field at the end of the practice or game.7.8.I will abide by any and all guidelines set forth within the softball handbook and softball program.I will ALWAYS be a good teammate. I will represent myself, my school, my team and my family with pride andrespect.With the understanding and the backing of my parents and coaches, I give my word that I will live within all policies (outlinedabove) that have been established for this program.Athlete's SignatureDateI, as a parent, will do all that I can to support my daughter, not only in her education but also in her athletic endeavors. I will doall I can, not only to see that she abides by the policy above, but also that she understands the meaning and importance of policy.Parent/Guardian SignatureDate
STUDENT/PARENT CONCUSSION AWARENESS FORMSCHOOL:DANGERS OF CONCUSSIONConcussions at all levels of sports have received a great deal of attention and a state law hasbeen passed to address this issue. Adolescent athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effectsof concussion. Once considered little more than a minor “ding” to the head, it is now understoodthat a concussion has the potential to result in death, or changes in brain function (either shortterm or long-term). A concussion is a brain injury that results in a temporary disruption of normalbrain function. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twistedinside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. Continued participation in any sportfollowing a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, as well as increased riskfor further injury to the brain, and even death.Player and parental education in this area is crucial – that is the reason for this document. Referto it regularly. This form must be signed by a parent or guardian of each student who wishes toparticipate in GHSA athletics. One copy needs to be returned to the school, and one retained athome.COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSIONHeadache, dizziness, poor balance, moves clumsily, reduced energy level/tirednessNausea or vomitingBlurred vision, sensitivity to light and soundsFogginess of memory, difficulty concentrating, slowed thought processes, confused aboutsurroundings or game assignmentsUnexplained changes in behavior and personalityLoss of consciousness (NOTE: This does not occur in all concussion episodes.)BY-LAW 2.68: GHSA CONCUSSION POLICY: In accordance with Georgia law and national playingrules published by the National Federation of State High School Associations, any athlete who exhibitssigns, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from thepractice or contest and shall not return to play until an appropriate health care professional has determinedthat no concussion has occurred. (NOTE: An appropriate health care professional may include, licensedphysician (MD/DO) or another licensed individual under the supervision of a licensed physician, such asa nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or certified athletic trainer who has received training inconcussion evaluation and management.a) No athlete is allowed to return to a game or a practice on the same day that a concussion (a) has beendiagnosed, OR (b) cannot be ruled out.b) Any athlet
2016 Flowery Branch High School Softball Handbook "The Road To sccess, R ns phill". -Willie Davis Philosophy, Principles, Player Qualities, Goals, Rules & Expectations
