TEAM RULES

1.  Uniforms:
a. Everyone will wear their uniforms in the exact same way. Do not alter your uniform in any way. All players will wear the team-issued uniform.
b. Shoe color for our program this year is white.
c. Players should always have turf shoes and/or tennis shoes.
d. JV and Frosh players use only long black sleeves.
e. Varsity players may wear both green and black sleeves (green provided), depending on which uniform we wear.
f. Team-issued program jackets will be the only jackets worn during games and in the dugout.
g. JV and Frosh game socks are black.
h. Varsity will have green and black game socks.

We wear our uniforms the same way to promote a Team First attitude. This is a no “I” guy zone!

2.  Practice Gear Requirements:
a. A link will be provided to order team practice shirts and shorts. You will be required to wear our new Eagle Baseball logo T-shirts only during practice. Green or black is allowed; the team will decide the days.
b. The team practice hat is the only hat you may wear to practice. You cannot wear a game hat to practice.
c. Gray pants are for practice only.
d. A black belt is allowed for practice only.
e. Black socks are allowed for practice only.

We do this to look sharp and organized. It is important to take pride in our appearance on the field. Discipline is key.

3.  Be on Time:
a. We have a 30-minute rule. If practice begins at 4 PM, arrive by 3:30 PM to set up the field and get in early work.

4.  Communication:
a. It is the player’s responsibility to communicate with their coach, not the parents.
b. Do not text a coach directly; use the Team Snap app to communicate.

5.  Game Etiquette/Rules:
a. Focus on our team.
b. Maintain positive energy.
c. Abandon self, embrace team.
d. No throwing equipment: removal from the game will occur.
e. Loud profanity results in removal from the game.
f. Do not “show up” a coach, umpire, or teammate.
g. Hustle everywhere; no walking (fast-paced). Lack of hustle = removal from the game. Sprint out every ball.
h. Maintain a positive attitude.
i. No trash-talking other teams; be classy.
j. No talking to parents or anyone in the stands during games.
k. Phones must be put away and turned off during games; no earrings!
l. Do your jobs, field prep, clean the dugout, etc.
m. Represent your school with class, character, and integrity, always on and off the field. It is a privilege to play for Eagle High School baseball, not a right.
n. Be humble; praise teammates and other teams in interviews.
o. Communicate with the coaching staff.
p. Positive body language is important.
q. Learn to deal with failure. Do not let anyone see you rattled or that they got the best of you.
r. Dugout energy: Recognize when teammates do something well and hop out of the dugout to greet them (e.g., moved a runner over, sacrifice bunt, etc.).

6.  Fundraising:
a. Everything we do is for the program and to give the players the best experience possible.

7.  Outside Lessons/Teams/etc.:
a. You may not play for other teams during our season. This may lead to removal from the program.
b. Outside lessons must not conflict with our practices or games. Sundays are your best bet. I recommend not scheduling anything that may hurt your performance or lead to overtraining during the spring season.

8.  Grades:
a. School always comes first. Take care of business in the classroom.
b. Communicate with the coaching staff if you need to take time to work on a class or grade.

9.  Eye Black/Glasses/Wristbands/Arm Sleeves:
a. Limit the overuse of eye-black; it cannot be smeared (league rule).
b. Sunglasses are allowed.
c. Wristbands are allowed in team colors.
d. Arm sleeves are allowed if they are in our team colors.
e. Pitchers cannot use white arm sleeves.

10.  Program Team Cleats:
a. We will use white cleats this year as the color of our program.
b. You can choose any brand you would like, as I know varied brands fit individuals better.

11.  Take Pride in Your Field:
a. The expectation is that the players take care of their field.
b. The entire team, regardless of grade, must work together to prep and clean up every day.
c. It is our responsibility to keep it nice!

12.  Realistic Outlook:
a. We want our athletes to understand how difficult it is to play at the next level. It requires a commitment to excellence in everything you do, on and off the field, to prepare to play at the next level. Only 7% of high school athletes play sports at the collegiate level.

13.  Playing Time:
a. Playing time is determined by the coaching staff at each level.
b. Players are welcome to talk to their coaches about playing time only. Parents will not be involved in that conversation.

14.  Riding a Bus/Plane/Driving to Games:
a. Remember that you are always representing our program. Conduct detrimental to the team can result in removal from the program. Behave appropriately.
b. Drive carefully across town to games and in school parking lots.

15.  Overall Respect for The Game and Program:
a. The program comes first, not the individual. If a player is not being a good teammate due to playing time or any other issue, the coaches reserve the right to remove or suspend them from the team.
b. The expectation is for Eagle High School Baseball Players to respect the game and honor it by the way we play, hustle, work, and behave on and off the field.
c. Win or lose, we are respectful to opponents and umpires. After every game, when we shake hands, we take off our hats as a sign of respect as we move through the line. We look each player in the eye and say, “Good Game.”

16.  Parent Etiquette:
a. Refrain from berating umpires.
b. Let the coaches coach. Yes, we will make mistakes.
c. Let the boys play. Yelling at them does not help them play better, nor does shouting baseball instruction during the game.
d. Be a positive influence on the program. How can you help make the program better?
e. Help out. There are many things you can do to assist us, such as field and facility prep and fundraising. Be a part of the solution.
f. Playing time is earned, not negotiated.

17.  Removal from the Program:
a. The coaching staff reserves the right to remove players from the program for the following reasons, but not limited to:

• Fighting

• Inappropriate behavior on and off campus

• Drugs, tobacco, vaping, edibles

• Not attending school

• Poor parent behavior

• Disrespectful behavior towards coaching staff

• Any other behavior that would tarnish or embarrass the program

18.  Cheering on Our Other Teams:
a. The expectation is for each team to cheer on our other teams when they can. This is part of our connection through all teams.
b. It is never appropriate to show up to our program’s game and be disrespectful to our own program, make fun of our teams playing, or individual players.
c. We are one program, and we will support each other through good and tough times and lift one another up.
d. Coaches are always evaluating behavior and actions on and off the field.
e. Older players should take the time to help younger players understand what it takes to be an Eagle High Baseball Player

19.  Standard Rules for Fans:
a. Drinking or tobacco (etc.) is not allowed on the high school campus.
b. Let us be responsible and appropriate.
c. Parents are not allowed in the dugout or on the field unless there is an injury and we call you over, or if a group of parents is helping prep the field before or between games.
d. There will be no parent coaching during the games. This includes giving hitting advice on deck, etc. The players need a clear head and one coaching staff voice. Not complying with this may result in player removal from the game.
e. Parents do not need to attend practices. This is not 11-year-old baseball anymore. You can wait in the parking lot for pick-up.

20.  Community Service:
a. We will continue to incorporate our community service throughout the season.

21.  Social Media:
a. Don’t let one dumb post ruin an opportunity for you or the program.
b. Personal responsibility is required from everyone. Let an adult see it before you post it.

Baseball is a game. Let us have fun playing at an elevated level and enjoy the ride. Perfection is hard to attain in a game filled with so much failure. Go Mustangs!!!