ASAP Baseball and Softball Academy

ASAP Academy Rules & Guidelines

Welcome to the ASAP Baseball Academy.

Our objective is to prepare the athletes to be competitive at the highest level. We encourage players to strive to be lifelong learners on and off the field, to grow as a person through character development, and to play the game of baseball with respect, dignity, and integrity. We believe that individuality is not sufficient to become a better athlete; we promote team unity and team spirit.

Our staff also believes that student athletes cannot attain and maintain top physical condition unless they are first mentally prepared. At ASAP Baseball Academy we teach the game through Athleticism, Self Esteem, Attitude, and Perseverance.

Our goal is to create a competitive team that will give the players the opportunity to showcase their talent at their respective age division.

The following are guidelines and rules that ASAP Academy will implement. Please take time to read and understand them.

Practice Guidelines:

The player must arrive on time for all practices. This does not mean at the exact time the practice is scheduled. For example, if practices start at 6pm, the player should arrive at least 10-15 minutes earlier. This will give them time to prepare their equipment, put on their shoes, etc.
If you cannot make practice, you will need to contact the manager or coach via phone or email.
The proper baseball attire and equipment are necessary when attending these practices. Your equipment bag should include the following: gloves, athletic shoes (in case we need to practice on turf or asphalt), cleats, hats, jackets or sweatshirts, 3 baseballs, and a mini first aid kit. During extreme hot weather, it is advisable to bring sunscreen, plenty of water or energy drinks, and lip balm.
No soft drinks or food during practices. Sunflower seeds, power bars, Gatorade, water, and gum are acceptable.
No jewelry (watches, earrings, etc) is to be worn.
Batting gloves belong inside the back pocket (not hanging out of the pocket).
NO PARENT INVOLVEMENT. There is no talking to the players during practices (exception: unless you are a volunteer parent during practices). Once the player begins practice, the player is with the team and not permitted to talk or have communication outside the playing field.
NO OUTSIDE COACHING. Do not yell at or instruct the players during practice. This is a team sport and every player is needed. Yelling or telling the players what to do can take them mentally out of the practice. We are the coaches….let us coach. Let the players play

Below is a list of general rules.

Respect other players, coaches, facilities, and equipment.
Always listen to the staff/coaches. Show consideration when coaches are speaking.
Teasing and put-downs are not tolerated at the academy.
Use appropriate language - No cursing.
Keep the practice / game area clean, throw your trash away and if you see trash, pick it up and dispose of it properly.
No Cell Phones, personal gaming or music devices allowed during games or practices.
Never leave practice/game areas without permission/supervision of staff.
Any other rules specific to the program will be discussed at practices.

Questions For Those Playing More Than One Sport or Playing On Another Team (Seasonal)

ASAP practice vs other practices? If your practice was scheduled prior to any ASAP practices, you should attend your other teams practice. If your other team schedules a last minute practice, you should attend the ASAP practice.
ASAP practices vs other team games? Attend your other teams game.
ASAP games vs other team practices? Attend ASAP game.
ASAP games vs other team games? It's preferred that we work together to find a way to make it a win win situation.

Leaving Practices Early

As we would like to involve the player through the entire program, there will be some days when a player needs to leave early. Please inform a coach prior to start of practice/game.

Game Time Guidelines:

The players will be asked to arrive 1 hour before game time. If a game is scheduled at 8:00am, the players are required to arrive 40 minutes prior to the game. This will give them the opportunity to stretch properly and have a good pre-game warm-up for injury prevention.
There will be no discussion on playing time or amounts of playing time with the parents. We prefer the players to discuss this with us. This will teach them to be responsible and be able to communicate with the managers and coaches in an appropriate and respectful manner. There are no exceptions to this rule. If this happens continuously, the player will be benched or released from the team. The commitment can be a burden and frustrating at times but understand the managers and coaches will do what is best for the TEAM to accomplish its goals. If you are unhappy, please be courteous and not bend the ear of fellow parents. If this happens, the player will be dismissed from the team. The success of the team depends on the parent’s cooperation and attitude.
No soft drinks or food during games and practices. Sunflower seeds, power bars, Gatorade, water, and gum are acceptable.
No jewelry (watches, earrings, etc) is to be worn.
Batting gloves belong inside the back pocket (not hanging out of the pocket).
No leaving the dugout area during a game unless it is to use the restroom. Notify a coach before leaving the dugout.
NO PARENT INVOLVEMENT. There is no talking to the players during game time. Once the player begins pre-game, the player is with the team and not permitted to talk or have communication outside the playing field.
NO OUTSIDE COACHING. Do not yell at or instruct the players during a game. This is a team sport and every player is needed. Yelling or telling the players what to do can take them mentally out of the game. We are the coaches….let us coach. Let the players play.
Be courteous to umpires. There will be times when an umpire will make a bad call. Let the managers and coaches’ deal with the umpires. Please show sportsmanship. Remember, you are representing ASAP Academy. During the managers meeting at home plate with the umpires, I make sure to get the umpires name so we can call him by his first name, and not BLUE. Show respect to the umpires.
Have FUN and ENJOY the game.

Behavior Guidelines and Consequences

In order to provide a pleasant and positive environment and to ensure the safety of our players and staff, disruptive, destructive and/or dangerous behavior by players or parents is NOT ALLOWED. Such behavior will result in the player being removed from the field. If the behavior continues, the player will be dismissed from the program. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated and there will be NO REFUND.

Any of the following will result in IMMEDIATE dismissal from the program:

Endangering the health or safety of others
Damage or destruction of property
Theft
Fighting
Unruly, disruptive behavior

Other Guidelines

Skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, motocross, and other extreme sports will be frowned upon. We prefer the players to exercise common sense through the duration of the program. It is advisable to refrain from risky and injury prone activities. Keep in mind; if you get hurt, you are also hurting the team. It is the programs opinion that these sports do not mix well with the team game of baseball.
When staying at hotels during out of town tournaments, there will be no wearing of ASAP baseball caps or jerseys.

Damage or Loss of Property

Player's parent/legal guardian will be financially responsible for any and all damages caused by the player. Parent/Legal guardian will be billed for any damage to the baseball facilities or equipment.

Rain Policy

Practices are usually at the assigned location even in rain. However, in the case of heavy rain, the practice may be moved to an alternate site. Players/Parents should always contact the manager/coach for information. If a practice location is changed, you will be notified via email or phone of the new location. Also in the case of rain, players should bring shoes with non-marking soles (preferably athletic shoes - no skate shoes) for indoor use. This information applies to outdoor practices that are affected by weather.

Emergencies, Natural Disasters & Evacuation Plans

Should an emergency or natural disaster occur at or near the practice, the coaching staff will follow standard emergency procedures to ensure the physical and emotional safety of your child. Discuss with your child what would happen if a natural disaster occurred during practice / clinic. Please, make sure that your player has any necessary emergency phone numbers in their equipment bags and provide the emergency information to anyone who may need it.

Team Fees:

There is an initial fee followed by monthly dues. Initial fees and monthly fees will be discussed with the manager and coaches. Monthly dues will be distributed on the 20^th of each month and are due on the 30^th of each month.

Please be aware that the budget is a projection only and actual costs may vary. Clinics and additional tournaments are not included in the fees. Clinics are not mandatory. Additional tournaments will be absorbed by the team.

Travel Fees:

Should a tournament or event take place farther than 60 miles from Santa Clarita Valley, the expenses incurred will be absorbed by the players / parents. This includes lodging and transportation (i.e. airfare, car rentals, gas mileage) only. Coaches are responsible for their own expenses (entertainment, food, etc.)

Refund Policy

Refunds are not guaranteed. ASAP Baseball Academy will assess and review the request and will notify the parent / player for further information. No refunds are given to players dismissed from the academy for inappropriate behavior.