IN GAME CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS

          How we present ourselves is how we will be perceived by others, and perception is a big part of the battle. We want other teams to know we are focused, disciplined and secure in our abilities. More than that however we want to do everything we can to make sure our actions and words are honoring to God.

         It is my strong belief that God has given us the ability to play and coach this great game. We should always try to reflect our thankfulness in how we play, how we act and how we talk. It also needs to be said that none of us will be perfect in this area, but we should be characterized by our efforts to keep our negative words and emotions in check. Following are a few guidelines for our in game conduct.

 

1. You will always be expected to be at 100% effort when running to first. A hard 90 is the standard here.

 

2. You are expected to hustle and make a turn on every groundball through the infield.

 

3. Every fly ball to the outfield you are expected to run all out (unless there is a runner on first) so you will end up on second base if the ball is dropped. Never assume the ball is going to be caught.

 

4. Study and know all signs. It is not okay to miss a sign or decide on your own to do something else.

 

5. Defensively, go through the situation in your head before every pitch so you will always be prepared to handle your responsibility when the ball is put into play.

 

6. Infielders and outfielders are expected to pursue at 100% all fly balls heading into foul territory until they have clearly gone out of play. Don’t ever assume a ball is going out of play. Give yourself the chance to make a spectacular play for the team.

 

7.  No arguing or looking back at umpires, ever! The only communication you are expected to have with them is a greeting or asking if a pitch you swung at would have been a strike. It is Coach Bottenfield’s responsibility and his only to deal with umpires as he sees fit.

 

8. Make a legitimate attempt to not use foul language. If you feel the need to use it then do it under your breath where only you can hear it. The dugout is not your safe haven to use for others to hear either. If profanity is yelled on the field so the dugouts or fans can hear it there will be a warning the first time, after that there will begin to be consequences. We understand that none of us are perfect and will mess up, but not being able to control your language or outbursts affects the whole team. It can take away from the focus we need to win that day.

 

9. There is to be no throwing of any equipment. Not only does it cause a scene we don’t need, it can also inadvertently cause injury to another player.

 

10. No tobacco during practice or games. This is not only a PBA rule but an NCAA one as well. No Exceptions No Warnings.