Coaches, Players, and Parents
Protocol
"Passion & Commitment"
When
you read the document posted on our website (www.nhcomets.org),
“About The NH Comets Junior Olympic Softball
Organization”, the first paragraph states simply our 1st
mission, “to provide a supportive environment for female
athletes to improve their softball skills, and participate in quality
tournament play.” That being said, what are the components
necessary to live up to that statement?
a-THE
NH COMETS have a responsibility to provide quality coaching, equipment,
insurance, and financial support to help with expenses, such as off
season clinics, coaches’ expenses, costs unmet by the player
fee, and any other type of support necessary to give the teams an
opportunity to be successful. The organization needs to both be
accountable and to hold coaches, players, and families accountable to
the goals expressed in the statements below.
b-COACHES
have the responsibility of putting their roster together, providing
written, organized, dynamic, fun, goal oriented practice plans designed
to improve both individual skills (throwing, hitting, fielding,
pitching) and the team’s offensive and defensive concepts.
Coaches must organize a tournament schedule primarily for June and
July, giving players who have earned the chance an opportunity to step
up in games (while still keeping the team competitive in tournaments).
They must provide off season clinic opportunities for players to
improve skills in a noncompetitive environment, while always giving
constructive positive feedback. To provide all this leadership, takes
passion, being humble enough to ask for help when needed, ACCEPTING
RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISTAKES ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD, and always keeping
the best interest of the TEAM at heart. This is a huge endeavor, and a
learning process for the coaches involved. To do this, takes PASSION
& COMMITMENT.
c-PLAYERS
are responsible to come to practice with a desire to improve skills
with an “I’ll try!” attitude, working
through struggles and adjustments positively, respecting and supporting
coaches and teammates at all times, supporting the organization,
building confidence, and experiencing a new level of competition, while
having a great time. Always remember, that you have chosen a team sport
for one basic reason, to be part of something greater than you could
ever be alone. It’s about PASSION & COMMITMENT.
d-PARENTS
have the most difficult job of all. They must first bear the financial
responsibility. This is explained in the document on the website,ABOUT
THE NH COMETS JUNIOR OLYMPIC SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION. Parents must
realize that JUNIOR OLYMPIC (J/O) SOFTBALL IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. The
level of play here is very high, and cannot be found anywhere else.
It’s not a recreational program, like LL or Babe Ruth. It is
a tryout program. This is for players who wish to be the best players
they can be. ASA is for players and families choosing to have fun by
dedicating themselves to their team, teammates, coaches, and
organization. PLAYING TIME IS EARNED AS A RESULT OF PRACTICE ATTITUDE,
ATHLETIC ABILITY, AND SKILL LEVEL. The most difficult thing as a parent
is to watch your daughter struggle, and be supportive and patient. When
people are given a chance to step up competitively, they will have
successes, and they will have struggles. It’s these struggles
in life and how we react to them that mould our character. I urge you
to be patient and supportive. Always keep in mind that coaches have
your daughter’s best interest at heart and will work hard to
help. We all know that the things that come easy mean little to us.
It’s the things we struggle for in life that shape us. Also,
if your daughter is not in the game, this is a teammate’s
opportunity. Talk to coaches in a proper setting, never interrupt
practices or games. Remember, COACHES DO THIS FOR FUN TOO. Be
supportive. To gain from this program, COMMITMENT TO PRACTICES AND
GAMES IS ESSENTIAL. Players will learn far more here, than they will
anywhere else. As an organization, our stance is that this program is
the best for the players involved, and to reach the stated goals for
the players and teams, once preseason practices begin, THE COMETS
SHOULD BE THEIR PRIMARY COMMITMENT. Teams will begin practices before
the tournament season starts, which is mostly in June and July.
Something special, like a bid to ASA Nationals could extend that a
week. We ask families to plan their vacation in August if possible, and
always keep coaches informed. In the off season, we want kids to play
the sport in season, and our workouts are optional, but highly
recommended, as this is an opportunity to make adjustments in a
noncompetitive setting. It’s about PASSION &
COMMITMENT.
As
a parent of former players and coach, on behalf of the board of
directors, I urge you to follow these protocols. You will have an
incredible experience!
Sincerely
yours,
Bruce
Addison/President/NH Comets J/O Softball Organization.
603-568-6732
and baddison@nedelta.com
