MEETINGS

The Softball Advisory Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. The meeting will take place at 544 Greentree Road. If you would like to have an item placed on the agenda, please notify Margaret Earling at 582-7045, by Friday prior to the meeting date. (Meeting place and time are subject to change without notice.)

MAILING ADDRESS

Correspondence for the WTPR Softball Advisory Board
should be addressed to:

WTPR Softball Advisory Board

P.O. Box 1106

Turnersville, NJ 08012

In an effort to accommodate more teams at Washington Lake Park some games will be scheduled on Sundays during the 2009 season. Chances are no more than two of your team’s games will be scheduled on a Sunday during the season.

The WTPR Softball Board, in an effort to make softball more “appealing” to more girls, has decided to reduce the number of players per team at all age levels. Fewer players on a team will result in more playing time for every player. Not only does this increase the girls’ playing time it also increases the need for a greater commitment level from each player and her parents. Please be prepared to dedicate the time and commitment necessary to make your daughter a “team” player.

Each year the number of special requests increases. While the organization makes every attempt to satisfy these requests, they can not be guaranteed. Please make certain that your special request is warranted. As the players get older it is important to spread the talent level equitably across all of the teams in that age group. Special requests only serve to defeat the purpose of ratings and drafts.

EQUIPMENT

The Girls Youth Softball Program provides most of the equipment necessary for your child to play and participate in a safe manner. It is the responsibility of both the team manager and the parents to ensure that any equipment used is in good condition and fits properly.

If you notice broken or unsafe equipment, please contact your League Director, or anyone on the Softball Advisory Board, in order to have the equipment replaced.

Also, if your child requires special equipment, please contact the Softball Advisory Board, and we will make every effort to accommodate that need.

The safety of the children in the Girls Youth Softball Program is of primary concern. Some examples used to raise safety awareness include:

• All managers and coaches are required to attend a training program, such as the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic, prior to practicing with their team. This program addresses the prevention and treatment of injuries and gives suggestions for proper coaching.
• Managers and coaches are urged to take a first aid and CPR course.
• Protective equipment is provided at all times.
• Equipment is constantly monitored and replaced if defective.

Please remember that all our managers and coaches are volunteers and not professionals in either coaching techniques or first aid. You can help make the program safer by attending and observing practices and games of your children. Also, if you have any recommendation for safety, bring them to the attention of your child's manager, in addition to forwarding them to the Softball Advisory Board.

All injuries associated with the Girls Youth Softball Program must be reported to your child's manager immediately and to the Washington Township Parks and Recreation Office (589-3227) by the next working day.

* If you played during the spring 2009 season as a 12-16 year old, you will play in the 16U Fall Softball Program.

* If you played during the spring 2009 season as a 10 or 11 year old, you will play in the 12U Fall Softball Program.

Registration Dates - Early June, 2009 (your Manager will have a hand out prior to the end of the season)

Registration Fee - $50.00

Fall softball games have been scheduled (for the past three years) on weekdays. Each team generally plays two games each week. Fall leagues typically begin after Labor Day and end by the last weekend of October. Additional information will be announced during the intramural season.

** Both of these Fall Ball programs will be conducted only if the number of sign-ups is sufficient for us to form the required number of teams for league play.

CLINICS

Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Date: TBD
Place: 11-12 High School Gym
Cost: No fee to coaches/managers

This clinic will be hosted by Mickey Shaw, Bud Blackburn, Bruce Frazer, Other local area HS Coaches and the Softball Advisory Board. This clinic will cover basic techniques on running, throwing, hitting and fielding. Umpiring and safety will also be covered at this clinic. Additional time will be spent with managers and coaches to answer any questions on the above topics.
Coaches or their assistants, at all level of instruction, are required to attend!

RUTGERS S.A.F.E.T.Y. CLINIC

Time: 5:45 - 9:00 PM
Date: TBD
Place: Senior Center
Cost: No fee to coaches/managers

All new managers and coaches must attend this clinic in order to have a team. This three hour clinic is scheduled to be conducted once in February, and once in March. The League Director will contact you to remind you of the times and dates set above or if any changes have been made. This program is open to all interested in coaching and is required only once.

Note: Sign up sheets will be available during all registration dates. For more information please contact the SAB Board.

After registration, call Parks and Rec to register - (856) 589-3227

Time: 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Date: To Be Announced
Place: Field #9 Washington Lake Park
Cost: No fee to coaches/managers

ASA LADY WILDCATS SOFTBALL CLINIC
Print the Sign-up form and follow the instructions on the form for registering.

This clinic is a must for all girls interested in gaining the finer points of hitting, fielding, running and sliding. Instructors are Bud Blackburn and the ASA Lady Wildcats.

Time: 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM
Date: Sunday March 30, 2009
Place: Washington TWP 11-12 High School Gym
Cost: $30.00

This clinic is open to girls who are ages 6-12. This is run by Bruce Frazer, Bill Neimeister and the 18U Lady Wildcats. Basic throwing, hitting and fielding techniques will be taught.

Time: 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM
Date: Sunday April 6, 2009
Place: Washington TWP 11-12 High School Gym
Cost: $30.00

HOW TO REPORT INJURIES

ACCIDENT REPORT FORM

All injuries must be reported. All coaches or assistant coaches must complete an Accident Report Form and turn it into the Parks and Recreation Office on the next working day. This form is also available on our website. Click here for Accident Report

INSURANCE COVERAGE

The program has insurance that is secondary. It is necessary to secure a Notification of Injury Form from the Parks and Recreation Office as soon as possible after the injury occurs.

Do not hesitate to submit this Notification of Injury even if you think your insurance will cover the injury. Forms must be submitted to the program’s insurance carrier, Maksin Management Corp., within 90 days of the injury.

Submit your claim to Maksin Management Corp. first. They will pay the first $100.00 of eligible covered expenses. You must then submit your claim to your insurance company. When you receive their Explanation of Benefits (EOB), send it to Maksin Management Corp. along with corresponding itemized bills. They will pay benefits for the eligible expenses per the terms of the policy.

WTPR SOFTBALL

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character."

I therefore agree:

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.

2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for them, not the adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. I will emphasize skill development and practice and how they benefit my child over winning.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

    I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

    • Verbal warning by head coach.
    • Parental suspension from the league without a refund.
    • Player suspension from the team without a refund.
    • As set forth by Washington Township ordinance # 22-2002 guidelines.