Each player will receive a team shirt from the CRA at the start of the season. Players in Tee Ball through Intermediate divisions will also be provided with a team hat.  CRA also provides helmets and approved bats for teams, but players are welcome to provide their own.

Players will provide:

• Softball/baseball glove
• Pants (no shorts allowed)
• Cleats or athletic shoes (metal cleats not allowed)
• Personal helmet (optional)
• Personal bat (optional)

Players are expected to wear their team's shirt at all games. No exceptions! If a player is asked to play-up in the next division, said player must be wearing their own team uniform.

Every player shall do their part to make practice run smoothly and give their undivided attention to the coaching staff while also following the coach's directions. If a player is unsure of a direction given to them or a drill being conducted, the player is encouraged to speak up and ask the coach for clarification.

Practices are designed to develop new skills and sharpen skills already acquired. Please yield to the coaching staff and designated helpers to give instructions and directions during practices and games. Too many voices can confuse the players.

Expectations:

• It is the responsibility of the player or parent to notify the coach in case of absence or tardiness.
• Each player shall arrive at practices at the arrival time designated by their coach. Players should be dressed out and ready to participate at the time of arrival.
• Players, coaches, and other volunteers shall have a positive attitude at all times during practices.
• Demeaning comments and behavior contrary to a positive learning environment are not acceptable behavior.

I really love the togetherness of baseball. That's real true love.

-NY Yankees manager, Billy Martin

Pre-game warm-up is an important part of the game. It allows players to bond and ready their muscles for the game at-hand and coaches to relay extra information about expectations and gametime set-up.

Expectations:

• Players shall make every attempt to meet the arrival time set forth by the coach. Promptness is expected.
• Each player shall wear the required team uniform
• Each player shall bring all their required equipment
• No watches, jewelry, or fitness devices shall be worn. They may be stored in the players personal equipment bag or give to a parent.

These expectations are in tandem with the pre-game expectations and shall be used as a unit.

Sportsmanship is paramount for this organization. Proper field decorum is required by all participants at all times.

Expectations:

• Cheers and positive comments are encouraged
• Respect for fellow teammates and competitors is mandatory
• Do not laugh at or make fun of opponents or teammates
• Foul or inappropriate language will not be tolerated
• Coaching staff will handle any and all disputes with the umpires. No parent or player shall be involved.
• All players are to be cheering and supporting their team by watching the game and being prepared to go into the game at any moment.

There will be no exceptions for misconduct or inappropriate behavior.

After the game is over, players and their supporting family and friends are expected to maintain an attitude of

Expectations:

• Players are encouraged to meet at the pitcher's mound for a group prayer
• Dispose of any trash in the dugout and clear out your equipment in a timely manner so the next team may enter and prepare for their game

The primary responsibility of the coaching staff is to strive to develop the fundamental skills of each player on their team. The coach should also foster an environment of sportsmanship within the team as well as encourage sportsmanship with opponents and officials.

Primary goals:

• Select players for team
• Determine the style and philosophy of play
• Teach players at practice sessions
• Assign all playing positions and roster spots
• Determines starters at game time
• Establish and enforce team and league policies
• Always assure safety and athlete welfare is first priority
• Maintain communication with the players and their parents throughout the season

A coach will be held accountable for his or her actions, the actions of their assistant, and the actions of their players. Unsportsmanlike behavior and repeated violation of rules will not be tolerated.

As a team and as individual athletes, you will get out of this season what you put into it. There are many obstacles that may need to be overcome, but if you are willing to work at it, you can achieve success. There will be demands on you that will be out of your comfort zone, but trust that our intention is to make you the best player that you can possibly be.

Therefore, players must:

• Attend all practice sessions
• Be receptive to coaching
• Be responsible for your uniform and equipment
• Represent the team and your community and follow the teams policies
• Show respect for teammates
• Report all injuries to a coach immediately
• Be on time, dressed out, and ready to begin practices and games as scheduled
• Work to improve individual skills outside of team practices
• Inform a coach 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend a practice or game
• Players should make every attempt to bond with all teammates. Be inclusive, not exclusive.

Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.

-Hall of Famer, Yogi Berra

Parents are the biggest support for players. To be clear, all of us are on the same team, athletes, coaches, parents, and the CRA. Parents need to support their child by allowing them to experience their frustrations, failures, and successes on and off the field. CRA wants you to know that we always have the best interest of your child in mind.

Understand that this is a process! By the end of the season, your child will have improved. How much your child improves depends upon the amount of effort put forth, and how much they are allowed to grow.

Expectations:

• Each athlete must be at practices and games on time. Punctuality is expected.
• If an athlete is sick or injured, making them unable to participate in practice(s) or game(s), the parent is expected to notify the coach as soon as the condition is known.
• Parents shall not jeer any player, coach, other parents, or officials.
• Negative and/or disruptive actions by parents could be cause for removal from the game.
• Parents are asked to keep their child focused on their goals, assist with their outside skill work, and to be positive at all times to help their player stay positive.

Players, parents, and coaches should consistently demonstrate good sportsmanship, with parents and coaches serving as positive role models to the players.

• No vulgar or inappropriate language
• Taunting and trash talking will not be tolerated
• Those affiliated with the team, but not a member of the team, must never intrude upon the field during a game, nor will it be permitted that they interfere with the game from the stands or dugout
• Cheerleading shall always be for one's own team, NEVER against opponents
• Keep comments positive in nature

Officials are necessary to the game. They are bound by the USA Softball rulebook and the CRA home rules, which makes them rigidly impartial.

Expectation:

• Fans, and particularly parents, shall never taunt or harass officials.
• Fans, and particularly parents, shall never discuss gametime ruling with officials. This shall be left to the coaching staff.