Commitment
It is our privilege to welcome you to the Fusion team. The coaching staff is looking forward to working with you and your child. In an effort to assist with the scheduling of tournaments and practices, the coaching staff will need to have commitments from all participants. This letter will serve as your commitment to the Fusion travel team in exchange for the privilege and opportunity to participate in the program. Below you will find a list of things the coaches will ask of each family.
Practice and Playing Time
Fusion believes that playing time for all players is determined by the performance of the player, and is left up to the discretion of the coach.
• We do not guarantee equal playing time at tournaments, playing time is a privilege not a right.
• We do provide quality practice times that gives everyone the tools to become successful.
• We request that Athletes do not serve as guest players for other softball teams. The Coaching staff has created a practice and tournament schedule that allows Athletes to maximize their potential while allowing necessary time for rest.
• When you come to practice be prepared to give 110%, go all out and work hard.
• Attendance at practice is required unless deemed optional by your Head Coach. There are some acceptable excuses. Family emergency or being sick enough to miss school are two of them.
• If the athlete is going to miss practice or a tournament, please contact the Head Coach in advance so we can make necessary arrangements.
• Athletes are encouraged to bring water to practice, and they will receive water breaks.
• It is our job to make sure all practice facilities are cleaned up when we are finished.
• In case of inclement weather, you will be contacted by the Head Coach regarding cancellations or changes to our schedule.
Player Conduct
Athletes are expected to have a positive attitude, support their teammates, and show respect for their coach, umpires and fans that support the team.
• Athletes are expected to show good sportsmanship and teamwork.
• Athletes are expected to treat all facilities we use for practice, tournaments or travel better than our own. If an athlete damages one of these facilities he/she will be required to reimburse the club for any costs associated with repair or replacing items before being able to continue with the club.
• Players must understand that they represent themselves, their families, and Fusion at all times. Players shall not use social media sites to poorly reflect upon Fusion. The Head Coach and Fusion have complete discretion in determining if this policy has been violated.
• Players must be current on payment for any and all fees (including but not limited to player fees, uniforms, fan wear) assessed by their team in order to participate in practices and tournaments.
Parent Conduct
Fusion wants our families to be role models. Therefore we do not condone hostile, aggressive confrontations between a parent and any official, umpire, coach, other parent or athlete of any club. Family members are expected to follow the same social media guidelines as athletes; it shall not be used to reflect poorly on Fusion, its coaches, or directors. Violation of this policy may result in the parent being removed or the athlete being dismissed from the club.
Tournaments and Events
• Athletes are expected to be in at the event venue, dressed and ready to warm up no later than scheduled arrival time.
• Athletes, parents, coaches and their guests are expected to obey the rules of each tournament venue.
• All parents, coaches, and players are expected to leave the event venue clean and neat.
• Athletes will not be allowed to leave the tournament site until excused by the coach. The coach will not do this until all work responsibilities for the entire team have been completed.
Finances
Fusion assesses a fee to each player to assist with the cost of tournament fees, equipment, insurance, etc.. Each Head Coach will prepare a team budget based on expected team costs; each player will be charged accordingly and the Head Coach will let each family know the amount and timing of all for the season. Should you decide to separate from Fusion; all monies paid are not refundable; however the Head Coach will handle injuries to players on a case by case basis. If all fees (including uniforms, etc.) are not paid on the dates set forth by the Head Coach, Fusion has the right to not allow me to participate in any Fusion events.
Grievance Procedures
Knowing when to communicate and how to communicate with your athlete’s coach is a concern for almost every parent at some point during the season. We would strongly encourage the athlete, when appropriate, to first respectfully talk to their coach, before or after practice, about issues, such as playing time, before the parent approaches the coach. However, if this has already taken place without satisfaction or is appropriate under the circumstances, then be aware that Fusion follows the 24 hour rule when it comes to parents discussing concerns with the coach. This means that the parent must let 24 hours pass before contacting the coach about any issues. If at that time you still feel the desire to express your views to the coach, you should then schedule a time to meet with your coach before or after a practice. Tournaments are not an appropriate site to set meetings.
By my electronic signature below, I read and accept all terms and conditions recited above.
I understand what is required of me as a player and/or parent and will abide by the terms of this commitment letter and any other policies and directives of my coach or Fusion. Failure to do so may result in the suspension, discipline or removal of the parent and/or player from the Fusion program at the sole discretion of my coach or Fusion.