Team culture is the shared values, beliefs, behaviors, habits, connection, and sense of belonging that define a group of individuals working together towards a common goal. It's the fuel that powers teams to drive forward and achieve success together. Team culture is about building a resilient group of people who support each other, understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, and can easily pivot and adjust in a changing environment.
RESPECT EVERYONE
Be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity. Offer help to fallen opponents, compliment extraordinary performances, and show sincere respect during pre- and post-game rituals. Avoid any disrespectful conduct, including profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks (sexual or racial), trash-talking, taunting, or actions that demean others. Treat umpires with respect and refrain from complaining about or arguing with official calls during the eventt.
COMPETE EVERY DAY
We don’t take days off. We compete in everything. By adopting this mindset, you help your team stay sharp. Complacency is not allowed to creep into our culture. Compete every day, push your teammates to become better, and, in the process, take our team to the next level. Positions are not guaranteed; they are earned! Show up. Work hard. No excuses
HAVE CHARACTER
True athletes don’t let their talent interfere with their character. Having talent doesn’t give a player permission to coast. Don’t let off-field behavior become an issue. Show up in the classroom the same way you do on the field. Maintain high standards and lead by example. Live up to the highest ideals of ethics and sportsmanship, and do what's right—even when it’s the 'unpopular' decision.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Players must communicate with their teammates and coaches. Complaining to teammates or expressing frustrations behind the coaches' backs only creates division within the team and ruins the team culture. Communication is expected. A silent voice is a wasted voice. Communication is essential in every drill, play, and in all situations, both on and off the field.
BE DRAMA FREE
If someone is talking about another teammate to you, don’t endorse it or repeat it. Remove yourself from the conversation. While this may be inevitable at times, you must do your part to avoid it. Erase any notion that you are better than any teammate—that is not how Abington Softball operates. Coaches talk, and we are always in the know. A player who creates unnecessary drama will be adversely affected by their own actions!
BELIEVE IN YOUR TEAM
When the team is trailing and things aren’t going as planned, inspire your teammates to fight back and give their all. When the team is winning but things aren’t going well, remind your teammates that the game’s not over and to never let up. Believe in the team’s mission and be willing to do whatever is needed to push the team closer to its goals. Remember, we play for the name on the front of the jersey, not for ourselves
EMBRACE YOUR ROLE
Don’t whine, complain, or sulk about playing time. Embrace your role and give it your best effort. Great team cultures thrive when teammates are willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Teams excel when players recognize and accept their roles.
BE SUPPORTIVE
Support everyone on the team, including all players, coaches, and managers. Every player has a role, and each player deserves the same respect and support. Every player can make progress; no player is above another.
ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
Softball is a game of failure. It is impossible to be perfect. If you are doing your best, then you are doing your part. Understand that behind every missed opportunity is another one. Focus on your goals and celebrate your progress.
SHOW CITIZENSHIP
Play by the Rules – maintain a thorough knowledge of and abide by all applicable game and competition rules. Avoid the temptation to gain a competitive advantage through improper gamesmanship techniques that violate the highest traditions of sportsmanship.
BE UNSELFISH
Bright lights don’t need spotlights. Being unselfish allows you to make the right play. Celebrate your teammates' wins and build them up in defeat. Being a lone star won’t help your team win.
SET GOALS
Players who concentrate solely on performance tend to lose in the long run. Great players set goals. Goal setting is an important step toward success. It provides players with direction, purpose, and focus.