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Farmington
Girls Fastpitch Association
Operations Handbook
Approved February 7, 2000
Revised April 23, 2008
In
January of 2000 there were changes made to the By-laws of the FGFA.
One of those changes was to remove "operational" issues from the
By-laws and establish an "Operations Handbook."
While the By-laws required at least two meetings of the board of
directors to change a by-law, the Operations Handbook is open to
change by a vote of the FGFA Board of Directors. This allows the
board to make decisions and changes that are in the best interest of
the athletes in the Association, to the best of their ability.
The Operations Handbook is broken down into topic areas. Each shows
the date it was approved by the FGFA Board. An examination of the
minutes from the meeting should also reflect the additions,
deletions or changes to the handbook.
Table of Contents
1. Subject: Purpose
Dated Added: 2/7/00
Purpose:
Describes the intentions of the FGFA
The intent and purpose of the Farmington Girls Fastpitch Association
is to ensure equal and fair application of policy to all members. It
is also meant to prevent board members and coaches from using their
position to gain an unfair advantage. As the Association grows and
leadership changes, it is expected that these policies will remain
the foundation of the Association until such time it is necessary to
restructure the program.
This Association will remain an open league for Independent School
District 192, where any and all girls who meet the age eligibility
requirements are given equal opportunity to participate. It is the
responsibility of the Association to continually assist the players
and their coaches to improve the overall ability level. It is also
the responsibility of the Association to offer competition
commensurate with the ability and commitment level of the players.
Beyond the game of softball, itself, the Association will also
endeavor to instill a sense of sportsmanship, teamwork,
accomplishment, commitment, and respect.
2. Subject: Registrations
Date Added: 9/27/99
Purpose:
This Section outlines the procedures used in registering athletes in
the FGFA, including notification of registrations, deadlines and
refunds.
Time and place of registrations:
Refer to the FGFA newsletter and the newspapers.
Registration deadlines for Travel:
If
a player is not registered by midnight of the assigned registration
date, they will be subject to a late fee. Late fees may be waived
in the event that FGFA has to find players to fill rosters.
A.
Players that register in time to tryout, will be considered for team
rosters first, then late registrations will fill any vacant roster
positions.
B.
Late registrations will not be eligible for Gold Teams unless the
on-time registrations do not allow enough girls to fill a roster, or
at the discretion of the Travel Committee.
3. Subject: Code of Ethics
Date Added: 2/23/98
Purpose:
Defines code of conduct for parents, coaches and athletes.
A.
Parent Code of Ethics & Responsibilities
As a parent I pledge to:
1.
Help my child set realistic goals. Sports' primary value is the
opportunity for self-development.
2. Be realistic about my child's ability.
3. Control negative emotions and think positively. At games, yelling
at players, game officials or coaches is prohibited. Be a positive
role model.
4. Understand and respect the differences between parental roles and
coaching roles. While parents are ultimately responsible for their
child's development, they must leave the coaching to the coach.
5. Communicate openly with my child's coaches. (Coaches are not to
be approached during games over a disagreement concerning their
decisions.)
6. Practice with my child in order to achieve skill development.
7. Become familiar with the techniques and rules of the sport.
8. Make sure my daughter has transportation to and from all games
and practices.
B.
Coaches Code of Ethics & Responsibilities
As a Coach I pledge to:
1.
Place the emotional & physical well being of players ahead of
personal desire to win.
2. Treat each player as an individual.
3. Do my best to organize practices that are fund & challenging.
4. Ensure that I am knowledgeable in the rules of the sport that I
coach and teach these rules to my players.
5. Be patient.
6. Be fair.
7. Be consistent - apply rules equally to all players.
8. Treat each player, coach, official & parent with respect &
dignity.
9. Refrain from profanity during games & practices.
10. Be available to my players & their parents.
11. Place each player in positions where they have the best chance
to succeed. Never consume any illegal drugs. Never be under the
influence of alcohol prior to practices or games.
12. Communicate issues as they arise in a clear & timely manner, to
players, parents & the league.
13. All Masters head coaches are encouraged to attend coaches'
clinic before coaching a team. Association to pay fees but cost to
be added to registration fees.
14. Accept the responsibility to use our own players first in game
situations, before outside players.
C.
Athlete's Code of Ethics & Responsibilities
As a Player I pledge to:
1.
Follow the rules of the sport.
2. Accept decisions of the coaches & game officials without showing
inappropriate emotions. I.E. arguing with umpires.
3. Refrain from unsportsmanlike gestures, cheers or language.
4. Show respect for property & equipment.
5. Treat each player, coach, official & parent with dignity &
respect.
6. Display modesty in victory & graciousness in defeat.
7. Place the team goals at a priority over any individual goals.
8. Give the team my best effort at all times.
9. Understand that at the traveling level there are no guarantees of
playing time or position. All playing opportunities must be earned
at games and practices, and are determined by ability, attendance
and attitude.
10. Encourage & build up my teammates.
11. Attend all practices & games - coaches to receive notification
prior to practices or games that cannot be attended. Excused
absences do not guarantee playing time.
12. Never use tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs.
13. Stay informed - relay schedules of games, practices, etc. to
parents.
14. Remain orderly and stay within assigned team area during games.
15. Communicate clearly & in a timely manner with coaches on
relative issues as they arise.
4. Subject: Grievances
Date Added: 2/23/98
Purpose:
Describes how a parent, athlete or coach may file a grievance.
1.
Filing Procedures: Submit to FGFA President.
2. The grievance committee will consist of: Two Board Members &
Three Non-Board Members.
3. A grievance should be submitted in writing to the grievance
committee of FGFA, within 10 days, with grievance details being
specific as possible.
4. The grievance committee will meet within 10 days, upon receiving
the complaint, with all parties involved.
5. All parties involved will be given a chance to present their side
of the incident.
6. The committee will discuss & decide the issue after all parties
involved have been dismissed and will notify the parties of their
decision in writing within 48 hours.
7. Any person has the right of appeal on the decision of the
committee to the Board of Directors.
5. Subject: Fund Raisers
Date Added: 3/22/99
Purpose:
Defines the rule for team fund raisers.
No
Individuals or teams will perform fund raisers for their own benefit
until they have qualified for Nationals.
All fund raisers are to be part of the general fund.
6. Subject: Tournaments
Date Added: 2/7/00
Purpose:
To list any tournaments other than state tournaments Traveling teams
are required to attend.
10U will participate in two tournaments, Qualifier and State.
12U will participate in three tournaments, Qualifier and State
14U and up will participate in four tournaments, Qualifier and
State.
Regional and National tournament attendance is optional due to
traveling expenses.
7. Subject: In House Program
Date Added: 4/07/2008
Purpose:
Identification of rules for the in house program specific to the
FGFA.
1.
Individual FGFA League Rule Adaptations.
This section of the rulebook may contain modifications to the rules
that normally govern the sport of softball.
2. The FGFA Board of Directors must approve any modifications to
these rules.
A. Philosophy
The In House program is for girls ages 10 and under as of December
31st of the prior year, who want to learn how to play the
game of Fastpitch softball. This level of play stresses learning
the fundamental skills and rules to advance to the next level.
B. Objectives
Teach girls the skills, rules, concepts and strategies of Fastpitch
softball.
3. Six and Under Level (age as of December 31st of the
prior year)
A. Introduce: Hit the ball
1.
All players will hit off of a Tee and learn the proper way to
address the ball and the proper way to swing the bat.
2.
Other Objectives at this level: Identify Base positions and field
positions.
3.
Teams bat once through the line-up each inning or three outs per
inning, whichever comes first.
4.
Three outs are played per inning so the players have a goal to
strive for when in the field, and they learn the concept of playing
defense. Players at this age are more attentive in the field once
they realize they get up faster when they get three outs.
B. Season will be six weeks long.
1.
Players will participate in a skills challenge the first night of
practice and the last night.
2.
There will be one game and one practice scheduled each week.
C. 6U Parents will volunteer at the 8U tournament.
4. Eight and Under Level (age as of December 31st of the
prior year)
A. Introduce: Learn how to field the ball
1.
All players will focus on how to throw the ball, field positions,
proper fielding form, proper throwing form and introduce sliding.
2.
This level will be coach pitch.
3.
Standard practice at all levels is to use a tee during practice to
work on improving the bat skills of each player.
4.
Players will learn what a forced out is and when to tag a runner.
B. Season will be eight weeks long
1.
There will be one game and one practice scheduled each week.
2.
Practice nights will be in station format with all teams practicing
together.
3.
Games will be double header games.
C. Rules for the 8U Level:
1.
3 outs/5 run rule – scores
2.
No stealing (because it is coach pitch)
3.
4 pitches only and then off tee
D. 8U players will participate in a tournament at the end of the
season.
E. 8U Parents will Volunteer at the 10U in house tournament
5. Ten and Under Level (age as of December 31st of the
prior year)
A. Introduce: Develop Pitchers and Catchers & Continue
to strengthen Hitting & Fielding
1.
Develop players to advance to the next level, traveling level
2.
All 10U ASA Rules will apply with no variation
3.
Player pitch plus continue to strengthen hitting and fielding
4.
Coaches and Parents will be given a list of 10U ASA rules
B. Season will be ten weeks long
1.
10U In House teams will meet twice a week.
2.
The first two weeks will be practice only, after that the teams will
practice one night a week and play a game on the second night of the
week.
3.
The last two weeks of play, FGFA will attempt to arrange for 10U in
house teams to play against another Fastpitch In House program from
another town. (One in Farmington, one away).
C. All 10U players will participate in try-outs to evenly match the
in house teams
D. All 10U in house players will participate in a tournament at the
end of the season
E. 10U In House Parents will volunteer at the 10U Traveling
Tournament in Farmington
6. In House Coaches Responsibility:
·
Make it a goal to have team unity.
·
Attend coaches clinic prior to start of season, understand the
objectives of each level and develop players for their next level.
·
Understand and abide by ASA Rules of Play.
·
Provide evaluation of players progress and make suggestions for
improvements and/or move up to the next level.
·
Be fair, patient and consistent. Apply all rules equally to all
players.
·
Place the emotional and physical well being of players ahead of
personal desire to win.
·
Be available to players and parents.
·
Place each player in positions where they have the best chance to
succeed.
·
Communicate issues as they arise in a clear and timely manner to
players, parents and the league.
·
Treat each player, coach, official and parent with respect and
dignity.
7.
Parents Responsibility:
·
Help your child set realistic goals. Sports’ primary value is the
opportunity for self-development.
·
Be realistic about your child’s ability.
·
PRACTICE
with your child.
·
Control negative emotions and think positively. At games, yelling
at players, game officials or coaches is prohibited and you and your
child will be asked to leave.
·
Understand and respect the differences between parental roles and
coaching roles. While parents are ultimately responsible for their
child’s development, they must leave the coaching to the coach.
·
Communicate openly with your child’s coaches. (Coaches are not to
be approached during the games over a disagreement concerning their
decisions.)
·
Become familiar with the techniques and rules of Fastpitch softball.
·
Make sure your daughter has transportation to and from all games and
practices.
8. Subject:
Traveling Program
Date Added: 2/1/2008
Purpose: Identification of rules for the Traveling Program
specific to the FGFA.
1.
Individual FGFA League Rule Adaptations
This section of the rulebook may contain modifications to the rules
that normally govern the sport of softball.
2.
The
FGFA Board of Directors must approve any modifications to the
Traveling Program rules.
A.
Philosophy
The Traveling
Orange level of the FGFA is intended to provide an opportunity for
the highly motivated and skilled players to compete against teams of
similar commitment. It is not meant to be available to all players,
but rather a reward for the players who have shown superior talent
and commitment to the game. The Traveling Black level teams will
maintain the philosophy of the Orange program, but will seek to
further develop players trying to reach the Orange level. Either
team, at the discretion of the individual coaches, may elect to play
at the A, B, or C level.
B.
The Traveling Committee
Due to the serious
nature of the Traveling Program, a committee consisting of the
Traveling Director, FGFA President and Vice President will be
responsible for formation of the Traveling teams and will be
heretofore referred to as the Traveling Committee.
C.
Coach Selection
Final selection of
coaches will be done before tryouts. Selection of the coaches will
be the duty of the Traveling Committee. Anyone who chooses to
challenge the selection of a coach must do so within 10 days of the
initial announcement and must make an appeal at the next scheduled
board meeting. The Traveling Committee should select the coach they
feel will be best for the players, without bias toward daughters,
friends, relatives, tenure, or personal title. Volunteers will
always take priority over paid coaches.
All coaches, both
assistant and head will be subject to mandatory background checks.
While additional parental participation is encouraged, a maximum of
one head coach and two assistant coaches will be selected.
D.
Roster Guidelines
1.
Absolutely no requests to play for a coach or with a friend will be
honored.
2.
The
rosters for the Traveling teams will be determined by tryouts.
3.
10U,
12U players must play within their age level. Requests to play up
from the 14U level to the 16U level will be handled on a
case-by-case basis by the Traveling Committee.
4.
Criteria and score calculation method for tryouts will be determined
by the Traveling Committee and presented to the board before
tryouts.
5.
It is
the responsibility of the Traveling Committee to make reasonable
efforts to find qualified judges who are not familiar with the
players and therefore, impartial.
6.
The
following guidelines will be used to determine Traveling Teams:
1.
The
Traveling committee will appoint coaches for each Traveling team. A
temporary decision will be made prior to tryouts when necessary to
submit entries to the Tri-County League, but the final decision will
not be announced until after tryouts.
2.
When
there is more than one team participating in the same age level, the
rosters will be determined by the scores received at tryouts with
the top two pitchers, top catcher and the next 7 highest ranked
position players being recommended a roster spot on the Orange team.
The remaining positions on the Orange Team will be determined by the
Coach (Roster size to be determined by the Traveling Committee.).
This means that the top 7 evaluated players, after removing the two
pitchers and catcher, are recommended for assignment to the Orange
Team.
3.
Whenever there is a single team in a given age level, the top two
pitchers and the top catcher will automatically be assigned to the
roster. The next highest rated position players will then be added
to the roster to reach a total roster number determined by the
Traveling Committee. The Traveling Committee will set roster numbers
with the best interest of the players at heart. It may be necessary
to cut players at this point.
7.
No
make-ups for tryouts will be allowed unless prearranged or an
emergency the day of tryouts.
8.
Pitcher and Catcher try-outs will be held during the try-out period.
These try-outs will be held to determine the top two pitchers and
the top catcher for the purpose of assigning them to the Orange team
(regardless of their rankings at the position skills).
E.
Roster Adjustments
The Traveling Committee may exercise their right to adjust rosters
in the best interest of the league per the following guidelines
without the coach's or board's approval, in the same manner as a
varsity head coach.
1.
At no
time will a player be forced to move up to a higher age division.
2.
Any
player may be asked to move up but has the right to refuse without
penalty.
3.
Any
player may be moved to another Traveling team within the same age
division.
4.
Refusal to comply with the Traveling Committee’s decision can result
in loss of playing privileges with a prorated refund. This is in
regards to movement within the same age divisions.
5.
In
the event of a shortage of players, advancement opportunities will
be announced and granted to Farmington players first. If no
Farmington players show an interest, either from the next lowest
Traveling division, or from the same Majors division, then the coach
may recruit players outside I.S.D.192 approval of the Traveling
Committee.
6.
Waiving in to FGFA
a)
The
Board will follow rules established by League Governing Body
regarding the number of waiver eligible for each team. Board will
limit allowed number of waived girls to be 2 per team.
b)
The
Board will entertain requests by considering the needs of the FGFA
softball program and specific team. Consideration will include, but
is not limited to:
i.
Farmington players eligible to fill the team
ii.
Need
at skilled positions
iii.
Tryout evaluation (FGFA or outside organization
c) Pitching.
Because of the special nature of the position, exceptions can be
made by the Traveling committee up to, and including, bringing in
outside girls – at the discretion of the Traveling Committee.
F.
General Rules of Play
Rules governing
play fall into the following three categories:
1)
The
players, parents and coaches are subject to the FGFA By-Laws, and
the Code of Ethics. (Typically: attendance, substance abuse, playing
time)
2)
The
MSF registered league may have its own "In-House" rules in addition
to the ASA rules that all teams must know and follow. (substituting
for the catcher on base with two outs; 5 innings max per pitcher)
3)
Play
will be primarily governed by the American Softball Association's
rules for Junior Olympic fastpitch softball.
Subject: Club Program
Date Added: 1/4/99
Purpose:
Identification of rules for the Club program specific to the FGFA.
1.
Individual FGFA League Rule Adaptations
This section of the rulebook may contain modifications to the rules
that normally govern the sport of softball.
2. The Board of Directors must approve any modifications to FGFA
rules.
A.
Philosophy
This team may be formed if there is a lack of 16U and 18U
participants from the Farmington School District 192. The team is
part of FGFA only for the purpose of offering it a community status
to participate in the Tri-County League.
Presently it operates under the philosophy that it will offer the
highest quality of competition for girls that have outstanding
talent and the highest commitment as well as the desire to aspire to
play with the best.
B.
Roster
Players are not limited to the Farmington school district 192.
Players are recruited and invited to be members of the Club team.
All players of any age bracket of each community are eligible to be
players for the Club team.
C.
Restrictions
Since the Club team is under the jurisdiction of the FGFA, the
recruitment of players in the lower age brackets will be as follows:
1.
Coach of the Club if interested in any athlete in a lower age
bracket, will submit to the Board, for approval, a list of athletes
he/she wishes to interview and submit a possible invitation to join
the Club team.
2.
On approval, the President will notify the athlete(s) in question,
stating the intention of the coach to interview her for a position
on the Club team. Once the athlete(s) in question approve of the
interview and only then can a coach be permitted to talk to an
athlete about a position on the team. (No pressure from any one will
be put on the athlete to compete at her present level or move up.)
3.
After the interview and after an offer from the coach is submitted
to the athlete, the decision to accept is totally the athletes.
D.
Funding
No
financial support will be funded for the Club team from the FGFA
organization. All funds will be procured through donations and
fundraisers.
E.
Coaching Selection
As
long as the talent level and interest level is capable of fielding a
team of this nature, a special person will be required to head up
this team which consists of fundraising, recruitment in various
communities, dedication and the willingness to travel, this coach
will be the President's appointment.
If
at anytime an individual is not available to fulfill this commitment
as a coach, or if FGFA decides to change this philosophy, this team
will be terminated and the 16U or 18U team will fall under the
normal structure of FGFA organization.
Subject: Eligibility & Suspension and Refunds
Date Added:
Purpose:
Guidelines for suspending athletes from team or program.
1.
Any person who gives as assumed name or an incorrect age becomes
ineligible and will be suspended for the season.
2. Registration fees will not be refunded after the first scheduled
practice for any reason.
3. Only a head coach may suspend players: (suspended players are
restricted from practicing or sitting with the team during games
while suspended)
4. Players may be suspended for:
a.
Failing to attend or being constantly tardy to practices or games
without notification--1 game suspension.
b. Failure to refrain from tobacco, alcohol or illegal
drugs--Permanent suspension.
c. Displaying poor sportsmanship, either by word or deed--1 game
suspension.
d. Failure to respect teammates coaches or game officials--1 game
suspension
e. Parents failure to control their negative emotions during games
or practices toward coaches or officials--1 game suspension.
5.
All suspensions must be submitted in writing by the coach to the
President and respective parents within 48 hours of violation.
6. More than one suspension will result in permanent suspension for
the remainder of the season.
7. In the case of a contested game suspension enacted by the head
coach, the formal grievance must be filed prior to suspended game
day with grievance committee meeting within 48 hours. (If this does
not allow enough time for resolution then suspension will be delayed
until a resolution has been reached.)
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