1. Eagan Softball 2019 Wildcat Handbook
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out”

2. 2019 Softball Coaches Head Varsity Coach – Christian Duncan
Asst. Varsity Coach – John Schuenke
JV Coach – Alex O’Connor
B Squad Coach – Open
9th Grade Coach – Abby Brinkmeier
Asst Coach - Jeff Dierberger

3. Player Expectations As a Player I will…..
Be on time to all team functions.
Have all necessary equipment for all team functions. Including full uniform (jersey, pants, belt, socks and cleats) and/or proper practice attire.
Communicate directly with Coaches when I will be late or absent from any team function.
Communicate directly with Coaches with any questions/concerns in regard to playing time, positioning, practicing or other softball issues. (Never during competition. Best before or after a team function. Teammates playing time or positioning will never be discussed.)
I will adhere to instructions, directions and coaching given to me by our team coaches.
Ask questions when I do not understand something.
Always use appropriate language on and off the field.
Be a positive representation of the game, program, my teammates, coaches and community.
Refrain from any gossip or bad mouthing of my teammates, coaches and team parents.
Cheer supportively and encourage my teammates at all team functions.
Be respectful to all umpires, coaches, players and parents.
Not argue calls with any official.
Stay in the dugout during games unless given permission to leave from a coach.
Not talk with others outside of the dugout/field during games and practices.
Work hard and put forth my best at all team functions.
Be fully engaged during all team functions.
Take care of myself physically and emotionally so I can perform at the highest level.
Inform my coaches of anything that is preventing me from competing at my best.
(i.e. school work, injuries, sickness, family/personal issues etc.)
Try everything in attempt to improve.
NOT MAKE EXCUSES, WHINE, OR COMPLAIN.
HAVE FUN!

4. Parent Expectations As a Parent I will…..
Be supportive of my daughter and her teammates.
Remain positive at all times during games.
Allow player to address playing time and positions with the coaches, and learn what they can do to earn what they want.
Address coaches with questions, comments and concerns at appropriate times in an appropriate manner. (Never before, between or right after games. Preferably after practices and/or 24 hours after a game. )
Allow coaches to coach. Avoid sideline coaching and also coaching and/or criticizing after the game.
Ask questions when I do not understand something. (In appropriate manner away from the game.)
Be a positive representation of the players, team, and program.
Refrain from shouting or screaming at coaches, umpires, parents or players in an undesirable manner.
Avoid speaking negatively about coaches, players, parents or umpires to other players, coaches, parents or umpires.
Support coaching decisions on the field and away from the game.
Stay out of the dugout during practices and/or games. Not talk with anyone in the dugout during practices and games.
HAVE FUN!

5. Coach Expectations As a Coach I will…..
Be a positive representation of the program, players, parents, other coaches and community.
Make playing selection based on unbiased factors.
Do my best to allow this team to compete at its highest most competitive level.
Address questions in a timely manner.
Offer constructive criticism and suggestions to players in a respectful manner to improve their skill and knowledge.
Monitor the health and wellness of players while in my company.
Place each player in a situation they can be challenged and successful.
Be respectful of all coaches, players, parents and umpires.
Be engaged in all practices and games at all times.
Use appropriate language on and off the field.
Avoid speaking negatively about players, coaches, parents and umpires to other players, coaches, parents and umpires.
Leave all personal issues at the gate and not allow them to affect any coaching decisions.
Teach team work and lessons to take off the field.
Teach all aspects of the game. Explain ideas, philosophies, and most decisions to the team/player for learning purposes.
HAVE FUN!

6. Expectation Highlights
Treat our opponents & umpires with respect. You can’t play and have fun without them.
Players are expected to talk issues over with their Coach. Then parents with coach, if necessary.
24 hour rule with game “issues”.
Players are to hustle at all times. Take care of our fields and facilities. Listen to Coaches and always try what is being asked of them.
Players are expected to help with fundraising and to do volunteer hours.

7. Fundraising vs Volunteer Hours for Players
Fundraising = funds the program: All players are required to work EHS Softball Fundraisers.
Volunteer hours = helping others: Players grades must complete 4 volunteer hours.
Fundraising
HyVee book sales , Cub bagging dates, Basketball concessions and EHS softball tournament
Player Run Fundraising
Candy bar sales
Optional Fundraising
Zoup! Night
Chipotle Night
Coach Requested Volunteer Hours (4 hours total required, grades only)
Two hours at EFP youth clinics
Two hours to be used as player wishes

8. Preseason To Do List Registration:
Complete online registration. Registration is open now via FeePay. Please register as soon as possible. It is a big help to us to know numbers.
Ensure you have a valid physical on file with activities office. Physicals are good for 3 years.
Uniform & Spirit Wear:
January – Players pay for jerseys; Booster club orders jerseys.
Pay Booster fees.
Players are responsible for ordering uniform pants, socks, belt and helmet if needed through our vendor site by deadline of January 21, 2019.
All uniforms and Spiritwear must be ordered at the online store by the deadline.
If you are going to wear a long sleeve shirt under your uniform it will need to be white.

9. 2019 Season Outline Season starts Monday March 11, 2019,.
We will be in the EHS gyms during March, but all players will need to bring clothes/cleats to practice outside everyday. Anytime weather permits, we will go outdoors.
Practice times will vary when indoors. Typically from 4:00/4:30 to 6:30 or 6:30/7:00 to 8:30/9:00.
Try outs will be that first week. Wednesday March 13th all players will go to The Cages. Bus will leave EHS at 3:30 and will arrive back about 6:20 pm.
If any cuts, those players will be notified during practice on Friday March 15th.
Second week will be focused on forming teams, with teams being announced Thursday March 21st. We will have a pizza party in EHS Commons that night.
Anticipate having all 4 teams this year. (Varsity, JV, B-Squad, & 9th Grade)
Friday March 22, 2019 all players will be going to the Irish Sports Dome in Rosemount. Bus will leave EHS at 5:10 pm and arrive back about 7:15 pm
Spring Break: no penalties for going that week; any additional days whether before or after the week of Spring Break, will affect the players time on the field in games. Practice will still take place that week Monday – Wednesday. No practice Thursday and Friday. All attendance related issues must be communicated with your coaching staff.

10. 2019 Season Outline
Once we are outside, each team’s coaches will set the practice schedule.
Weather updates for games and practices will be on the “Welcome” page of our EHS softball web page. An blast will also be sent out.
Spring cleanup day will be Monday April 1st 4:30 to 5:30. Varsity should plan to practice before 3:15 to 4:30 and lower level teams should plan to practice after from 5:30 to 6:30/7:00. All players will participate and we may need some parent volunteers.
Wednesday April 3rd all players will go to the Dundas Dome. Bus will leave EHS at 4:00 and arrive back about 7:45pm.
Friday April 5th all players will attend Midnight Madness at the Irish Sports Dome in Rosemount. Players will need their own rides. We have the dome from 10:00pm to 12:00am. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early.
The game schedules are online on our EHS page, rSchoolToday & South Suburban Conference site. (
We only bus TO the games. All players will need rides home from games.
7th & 8th graders may need to get out early for away games, depending on opponent.
If you are late to or miss practices/games, it will effect your playing time. You will not be penalized for missing if it’s due to school work or illness. Please communicate with your coaches.

11. Softball Program Philosophy
9th Grade Program
The goal for the 9th grade program is to provide a quality experience to each athlete while preparing them to move on to higher levels of competition.
The team will be made up of 7th, 8th, and 9th graders.
Players should know how to bunt, steal, slide, hit, and run the bases aggressively.
Players will learn game strategy while improving throwing, catching, hitting, fielding, and running skills.
Athletes will have “FUN” while learning the game of softball.
The team will have players.
Players will see a good amount of playing time, although playing time will not be equal.
Each player will start at least 1 game.
Practices will be held at the Northview Complex. (Usually field #5)
Players will be expected to attend all practices unless notification is given. If notification is not given, players will be penalized at the coaches discretion in the next game(s).
These players will enjoy competitive softball.

12. Softball Program Philosophy
B Squad
The goal for the B Squad team is to provide a place for positive and competitive play.
The B Squad program will consist of freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors who want to continue to enjoy the game.
The team will consist of players, who will see playing time in each game.
Players will improve their skills as well as have a ton of “FUN”.
Players should continue progressing towards understanding the components and strategies of the game.
Players will see a good amount of playing time, although playing time will not be equal.
Practice will be held at the Northview Complex.
Players will be expected to attend all practices unless notification is given. If notification is not given, players will be penalized at the coaches discretion in the next game(s).

13. Softball Program Philosophy
Junior Varsity Program
The goal for the JV team is to prepare players for the Varsity level of competition. Therefore, the level of play should exceed the expectations of both the 9th grade and B Squad teams.
The JV program will consist of freshman, sophomore, juniors and seniors.
Players may need to review basic strategy of the game, but should be ready for advanced strategy.
Players will be expected to “think” and “anticipate” the game.
Players will be expected to attend all practices unless notification is given, to participate in games.
Players will likely see Varsity competition in the future.
This team will play the same schedule as Varsity and will travel with them.

14. Softball Program Philosophy
Varsity Program
This is the highest level of softball competition at Eagan High School.
The Varsity program will consist of players that possess the ability to play at the highest level.
Players will possess maturity, dedication, leadership, ability to work hard, and desire.
These attributes will provide players with the skills and potential to perform at the highest level of play.
All Varsity softball players are expected to attend all practices, outings or any other activities that are established. This level is at the HIGHEST level of commitment!!
The Varsity program will not exceed 18 players, and may at times be fewer than 12.
A tournament team will be compiled at the end of each season. This team will consist of no more than 18 players and 2 managers.
The tournament team will be comprised of the Varsity players, and any outstanding players from the freshman, B Squad, and junior varsity teams.

15. Transportation Team Travel
All players must ride the bus TO our away games. All players will need rides home from our away games.
Players must remember they are representing Eagan High School.
If you have a special event (i.e. band concert, play, etc.), you will need to provide prior notice to the coach that you will not be using transportation.
Special occasions such as a dome practice or scrimmage where a bus is provided to and from the location, all players must ride the bus both ways.

16. Practices Policies Practice and Games School Discipline
Full effort and attendance is expected at each practice and game.
Show enthusiasm on and off the field.
Each player is expected to demonstrate leadership, not just the Leaders.
If you are absent from school for more than half of the day, you may not practice or play in a game scheduled for that day.
Players with an unexcused absence from practice or games will be suspended for a period of time. All absences must be communicated to your coaching staff.
Players will be expected to wear pants and long socks to practice. They will also be expected to have tennis shoes in their bag in case we have to change our schedule and be inside. Please come prepared for practice!
School Discipline
 Players should never be suspended from school or assigned ISS or detention. Again, these situations will allow suspension for a period of time from practice and/or games.
 One day of ISS/Detention: Player will not be allowed to participate that day.
 Second day of ISS/Detention: Player will not be allowed to participate twice as many days as assigned to ISS/Detention.
 Third day of ISS/Detention: Player fate with Eagan softball will be discussed.
 Out of school suspension: Player can’t participate until you are back in school. There will also be consequences established by the coaching staff.

17. Lettering Policy
In order to earn a letter “E” in softball the following criteria must be met:
                                                                                           
Finish the season as a player in good standing of the tournament team.
Play a minimum of: a. TBD
b. Currently coach’s discretion
c. How you helped the team/program on & off the field will be factors.
Understand and follow the MSHSL rules regarding the following:
Tobacco/Chemical use abstinence
Progress towards graduation
Follow the polices of Eagan High School
5. Senior Letter Award
Any Senior who has participated in the program for all 4 years will be awarded this letter.

18. Wildcat Code of Conduct For Players, Coaches and Fans
Fundamentals of Good Sportsmanship
                                                                 
Know, understand and appreciate the rules of the contest.
Show respect for the officials. This implies willingness to accept and abide by the decisions of the officials.
Show respect for the opponents at all times.
Recognize and appreciate the skill of a
performance regardless of team affiliation.
5. Maintain self-control at all times. Good
sportsmanship is a responsibility for all who are involved in the game. This includes players, coaches, parents, and fans.
6. Show a positive attitude in cheering, refraining from intimidation or negative cheering. Cheer your team to victory!
Acts of Misconduct:
Throwing any object onto the playing field or in the stands.
Behavior deemed as dangerous or interferes with the rights of others to observe the game.
Possessing, consuming or being under the influence of chemicals.
Use of obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures, signs, posters or banners which show disrespect for opponent’s team, officials, cheerleaders, band or any other performing group.
Entry onto the playing field at anytime.
Remember that you REPRESENT Eagan High School!!

19. Wildcat Code of Conduct
For Athletes
During the calendar year, regardless of the quantity, a student shall not: * Use a beverage containing alcohol * Use tobacco * Use or consume, possess, buy, sell or give away any controlled substance.
Penalties:
First Violation:
a. The player shall lose eligibility for the next two consecutive interscholastic contests or two weeks (14 calendar days) whichever is greater.
Second Violation:
a. The player shall lose eligibility for the next six consecutive interscholastic contests or three weeks (21 calendar days) which ever is greater.
Third Violation:
a. The player shall lose eligibility for the next twelve consecutive interscholastic contests or four weeks (28 calendar days), which ever is greater.
*Penalties shall be accumulative beginning with the player's first participation on a high school team and continuing throughout the player’s high school career.