ABINGTON SOFTBALL CODE OF CONDUCT
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR BULLYING
here is no room for bullying, hazing, or inappropriate behavior at Abington Softball! There is also zero tolerance for social isolation or cyberbullying. Consequences for these actions will range from team suspension to team expulsion.
NO CELL PHONES
Cell phones are to remain in your bag at all times. You are here to play softball—social media can wait. If you need to use your phone, you must ask the coach for permission beforehand. Exceptions are made for emergencies. Video recording without a player's or coach's consent is strictly prohibited.
DRESS CODE, PROTECTIVE GEAR & EQUIPMENT
You are required to wear a helmet in all hitting drills. If you wear a facemask in the field, you are required to wear it during drills as well. We practice like we play. Always have both outdoor and indoor shoes in your bag. All players are also required to wear softball pants, socks, and a tucked-in shirt when practicing, even indoors unless told otherwise. If we practice outside and it is cold, players should wear a long-sleeve shirt under a tucked-in t-shirt. No sweatshirts are to be worn during practice or games.
ELIGIBILITY
You are required to maintain passing grades to play at the JV and Varsity levels. We will receive a weekly list of ineligible students. Ineligible students will not be allowed to participate in practice or games until they meet the school's eligibility requirements. HOWEVER, you must still attend practice and home games in uniform. You will not be allowed to take the bus to away games. In some cases, ineligible grades occur because classwork or homework has not been graded. You will need to advocate on your behalf with your teacher to enter the grades so you can be cleared to play.
TREAT COACHES & TEAM WITH RESPECT
Under no circumstances is it acceptable to disrespect your team or coaches. Repeated behavior will result in suspension or expulsion from the team. Captains will serve as an extension of our coaches. If they are assisting with a drill, we expect you to give them your full attention and respect. Always be grateful for the sacrifices made by your coaches, parents, and/or guardians.
COMMUNICATION
You are a high school student and are required to communicate directly with your coaches. Coaches will only communicate with you via the TeamSnap app. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to communicate with a coach via text message. Please include two coaches in every message. If you are a JV player, you are required to include Head Coach Tina Hesdon in all communication with your coaches.
EQUIPMENT
All players are required to assist with equipment. Players may not leave the field until all equipment is put away. For away games, players are required to bring equipment on and off the bus. Coaches do not carry equipment.
INJURY
Any injury sustained in practice or games MUST be reported to the school’s Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) as soon as possible for evaluation, physician referral, and/or treatment. If a student-athlete is injured outside of school, they are ENCOURAGED to report the injury to the ATC for evaluation.
PLAYING TIME
ou may discuss concerns about playing time with the coaching staff in a constructive manner, but only outside of practice time, games, and the team dugout. Playing time is not guaranteed, and positions are not granted based on seniority. Playing time is determined by attitude, hustle, softball IQ, skill set, and previous in-game performance.
COMMITMENT
You are required to attend ALL in-season practices, scrimmages, games, and team functions. Absences must be approved by the head coach. Unexcused absences will result in limited playtime. Voluntary off-season participation is strongly recommended, as the most important work is done during the off-season.
PRACTICE & DRILLS
Keep in mind that drills are meant to focus on specific technical and tactical skills. If you have a question about a drill, please ask. We always expect 100% effort—no excuses, no complaints!
GAME DAY
You must pay attention, cheer, and support your team. You are required to remain in the dugout or on the bench while the game is ongoing. You are not allowed to sit with parents or spectators. Parents are not permitted in the dugout area.
HAVE FUN
High school sports are serious, but we want you to have fun too! We will find ways to incorporate fun drills and team bonding time into practices
TEAM MENTALITY
You don’t get to pick your teammates. If you have had issues with a teammate in the past, it cannot create issues within the team.