TOURNAMENTSSOX Expectations
SOX Program 2011 Expectations
As we enter the main part of our season, we felt it necessary to address our expectations as an organization…to be crystal clear so there are no misunderstandings. No organization can thrive and succeed without a vision and a laser focus. Our vision is twofold: The first is physical development and the second is spiritual development. We recognize that this begins at the top. We commit to be role models for our players and provide avenues for growth and development physically, mentally, emotionally, in service, attitude, and relationally with God. We will not veer from our vision.
Our expectations are high and we expect excellence from our teams/players/coaches/parents. This attitude of excellence and an expectation to win is an important element in the development of our players and teams. The reality of life is that most people will do what is expected of them and competition is no different. Players can learn to develop a "can do" attitude whereby they learn to expect to win.
However, this is no microwave oven…to develop and win requires patience and work. A critical part of developing a winning attitude is to understand and embrace this principle - The process determines the result. Yes, the process is critical in developing and winning; in fact it is essential. Winning is a by-product of the process of effort, attitude, learning, determination, improvement, teamwork, trust, and love for each other. This cannot be achieved with a critical or complaining spirit and we expect all to be positive and committed to the SOX Program.
However, this is no microwave oven…to develop and win requires patience and work. A critical part of developing a winning attitude is to understand and embrace this principle - The process determines the result. Yes, the process is critical in developing and winning; in fact it is essential. Winning is a by-product of the process of effort, attitude, learning, determination, improvement, teamwork, trust, and love for each other. This cannot be achieved with a critical or complaining spirit and we expect all to be positive and committed to the SOX Program.
We believe that the foundation for player development is instruction. And we commit to provide consistent and constant instruction. We will expect our players to access all opportunities for instruction provided by the SOX Program. All players in our organization will be evaluated during the year in regard to our basic fundamentals and this evaluation will enter in the process the following year in determining placement. Our instruction will be consistent from the team coach, SOX instructors in Group Workouts, and individual instruction. The basics of what we will teach are available for you to view on our website (click on White Sox then click on SOX Fundamentals).
Our expectations as a program follow:
· Expectations
o Coaches
· Lead by example
· Positive and encouraging
· Hold players and parents to high expectations (on and off the field)
· Prayer at practices/games
· Practice: 2/week with no games; 1/week with games
· Organize practice
· Develop a pre-game routine
· Develop player’s mental make-up (up-tempo, aggressive, think WIN)
· Provide instruction consistent with the SOX Fundamentals
· Work closely with the Team Manager
· Communicate – in advance, clearly (with parents, players, team manager, director)
· Attend all coaches meetings
· Encourage players/parents to take advantage of all instructional opportunities
· Develop players – commitment to player improvement
· Play to win
o Assistant coaches
· Follow head coach instructions for practice assistance
· Support the head coach and all team rules/expectations
· Positive and encouraging
· Attend all training sessions
· Become familiar with the SOX Fundamentals – any instruction given must be consistent with these fundamentals
o Parents
· Ensure that your child is on time for all practices/games
· Not allowed to coach during practice or games
· Ensure that your child is dressed properly for practice
· Be patient and positive
· Communicate with the head coach/team manager
· Ensure that your child takes advantage of all instructional opportunities
· The SOX Program will not allow “chirping”, dissention, complaining…if you have a problem, address the coach (in private) or call the SOX Director
· Be respectful to umpires and all coaches
· Remember that at all times you represent the SOX Program; our reputation in on the line and we will guard it at all costs
· Support the SOX Program (the program has priority over the team)
· Reinforce the teaching of SOX Fundamentals (see online manual)
o Players
· Develop responsibility
· On time for all practices and games with necessary equipment
· Work hard, give best effort at all times
· No food 1 hour prior to game time, or during a game
· Earn playing time and position
· Be a positive influence on the team (no whining or complaining)
· Always be in the lead, accept role as a teammate
· Sox payments
o Beginning next year, all SOX monthly fees must be paid by credit card, bank draft, or pre-paid for the year. For the remainder of this year, beginning in January, players whose accounts are not current by the 5th of each month will not be allowed to practice, play in games, or access PSA services or facilities and will be assessed a $10 late fee. You may submit credit card # or bank information to Vonnie prior to the 5th of each month or pay in full for the remainder of the year. Full pay accounts will receive a 5% discount on the amount owed for the balance of the year. Thank you for your understanding.
Terry Thompson
SOX Director
601-953-6899