COMMITMENT LETTER & PLAYER CONTRACT
It is our privilege to welcome you to the Maryland Senators Travel Baseball/Softball organization! The coaching staff is looking forward to working with you and your child. In effort to assist with the scheduling of tournaments for the upcoming playing season the coaching staff will need to have commitments from all participants. This letter will act as a binding agreement between the parent(s), player(s) and the Maryland Senators.
Philosophy/Expectations:
The coaches prepare for each, and every game. Our focus before and during games as well as practices, is to work with, develop and coach the players. As parents, we must all realize that the coaches have the player’s and team’s best interest in mind. There may be situations where a player may not make it into a game as much as you’d like. We ask that you be understanding and remember that we spend hours before a game, preparing and forming a game plan for our players. The coaches treat each player as if he/she is his/her own child. During games, it is necessary for each, and every parent to represent the Senators, but please leave the coaching to those with whom you have entrusted to coach your child. If you have any questions or concerns you would like to discuss, we are happy to schedule a mutually agreeable time to talk.
Practice:
We all know it takes practice to develop and prepare players to compete and win games. We are asking each family to make the Senators their #1 priority for the upcoming season; not only for games, but also for all practices and/or workout sessions. Practices and workouts are an extremely important part of the team and players development. Our coaching staff works hard at every practice, teaching and showing each player different positions and situations that might occur during a game situation. We understand that some may not be able to make every practice; however, we are asking that we are notified as early as possible when you will miss a practice, workout or game. Considerations for missing a practice will influence a player’s playing time. Out of respect for the coaching staff, it is your responsibility to contact the manager of his/her team (24 hours or more prior) if he/she will be missing a practice and/or workout. All players are expected to arrive to practice on time and give their best effort. During practices, including winter workouts, horseplay and goofing around during instruction and/or activities will not be tolerated. If a player is not adhering to the request of the coaches, they may be asked to leave practice. ALL players are expected to be in baseball/softball attire, this includes baseball/softball pants and hat, for every practice.
Strength of Schedule:
The schedules will consist of the most beneficial tournaments and showcases for our players to be exposed to the appropriate level of quality competition. The tournament schedules will be announced at the earliest possible date. Tournament and/or league schedules will be provided to players and their families immediately upon their completion by the coaching staff. Players are expected to attend all tournaments and games as scheduled. We will ensure tournaments are scheduled in advance, and the parents have time to make plans. However, there may be tournaments that become available or situations (like weather/pandemic) that make a tournament date changes unavoidable. The coaching staff will inform you of these tournaments and would ask that you please make every effort to let us know as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend.
Finances – Uniform & Team Fees:
The Senator teams are able to use a vendor of their choice but they must have the Senators logo and all uniforms must be approved by either the baseball/softball director. (NOTE - Uniform costs are NOT included in Team Fees!) Additionally, there will be a “team fee” to play with the Senators. Team fees will vary by age group/team and will be communicated as far in advance as possible. The team fee will be required and collected no later than 8 weeks prior to the start of each Senators team’s season. The Senators organization is continually working to add sponsors as well as fundraising to assist in the cost of tournament fees, umpire fees, equipment, insurance, administrative costs, etc. These efforts will dictate each teams’ total costs each season. The scheduling of additional tournaments (not on regular schedule) might require additional payments. Most tournaments only give credits when canceled not refunds so if another tournament has to be added because of one canceled or rescheduled, there will be additional fees to cover the cost of a tournament replacement.
Team Fees include:
1. Tournament Fees
2. Umpire Fees
3. Players & Team Insurance
4. Equipment (Balls, Tees, Nets, Training Equipment/Aids, etc.)
5. Recruting tools
6. Administrative & Miscellaneous Fees (Advertising, Website, Banking, Accountant, etc.)
Team Fees MAY NOT include: (*May require a small fee/copay)
1. Winter Workouts and use of indoor facility
2. Professional speed, agility and strength training - Crossfit
NOTE: All fees paid are non-refundable. If a player is removed from the team for any reason or if a player chooses to leave the team for any reason, they are not entitled to any return of monies.
Fundraising/Sponsorships:
The Senators will have fundraising programs that may occur at an organizational, team or individual level. All fundraising levels will benefit each player and the team. Additionally, we have several team sponsorship options which businesses and individuals may take advantage of. (Organizational Donation, Team Donation, Player Fee Sponsorship and more) Options to have sponsors name on banners and websites are available. (Note – No business names or logos are permitted on any of the players OR coach’s uniforms). If every player's family makes an effort to get a couple of sponsors, the funds for team fees and other expenses may be offset in part or entirely.
Team Rules: The Senators organization operates a well-disciplined program with emphasis on positive reinforcement, team loyalty, and the highest level of sportsmanship and individual leadership. Our coaches insist on these positive qualities year-round.
All players/parents are required to follow these to be considered eligible to play in tournaments:
1. Uniforms MUST be kept clean, in good repair, and always tucked in when applicable; from calisthenics until the game is completed, uniforms should be worn correctly.
2. Hats should be worn correctly (i.e. straightforward) when applicable.
3. Absolutely NO parents (or other spectators) allowed in the dugout during a game. If there is no physical dugout structure, please respect the area of the dugout. The players need to be able to focus on their teammates, coaches and the game.
4. Players can leave the dugout during a game for the following reasons only: to retrieve a foul ball, go to the bathroom, warm up/stretch/throw, or in a medical or weather-related emergency. Players are expected to perform the necessary function and return to the dugout without incident.
5. Throwing and/or abuse of equipment is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate suspension from team activities.
6. Foul language on or off the field is strictly prohibited. Violation may result in suspension from team activities.
7. No earrings or jewelry are allowed at practice or during games.
8. All players/guardians are expected to call or text a member of the coaching staff in the event a practice or game is to be missed. If a player is absent without notice, the player will sit the next game.
9. Players are expected to uphold the rules at all times. In short: players will keep their temper regardless of victory or defeat, be good sportsmen and never heckle teammates, opposing players, umpires or spectators. Unless otherwise indicated, the penalties for any of the aforementioned rule violations will result (at a minimum) in an immediate suspension of practice/playing privileges, and a maximum penalty of dismissal from the team. The coaching staff will decide the severity of the penalty(ies) to be imposed for any rule(s) that is violated and/or for inappropriate behavior. All coaching staff disciplinary decisions are final.
10. Altercations between team players or opposing players are discouraged and prohibited. Any fighting will be disciplined by immediate suspension and probable dismissal from the team.
11. No parents, family members, or friends are permitted to heckle, harass or use derogatory, profane or vulgar remarks or gestures towards any member of the Maryland Senators, the opposing team, coaches, parents or umpires.
12. No parents, family members, or friends are permitted to approach a coach regarding playing time, roster positions or game situations prior to or during a game. Any issues or concerns should be addressed with the coaching staff privately and after a game. It is recommended to wait 24 hours to allow emotions to settle and process.
13. Any parent who gets into an altercation with another parent, coach, player or umpire will result in their daughter’s immediate release from the team.
14. No parent, family member or spectator should be coaching the players during the game. Please wait to discuss any coaching or advice until the game is over. Please support all players; at all times.
15. There is to be no tobacco, including vaping by any player on or off the field.
16. There is to be no cell phone usage within the dugouts during pre-game warm-ups, during games or during practice.
17. All players should have their own personal cooler/container for all practices and games to be kept in the dugout with them.
18. In addition to our social media policy it is understood that any post made by the player and/or family that negatively affects the organization, team, or family/teammate may have consequences. Unless otherwise indicated, the penalties for any of the aforementioned rule violations will result (at a minimum) in an immediate suspension of practice/playing privileges, and a maximum penalty of dismissal from the team. The coaching staff will decide the severity of the penalty(ies) to be imposed for any rule(s) that is violated and/or for inappropriate behavior. All coaching staff disciplinary decisions are final.
19. All players and parents should be respectful to those around. Being negative and complaining does nothing but bring negativity. Remember if you have an issue about something on your team, schedule a time to speak to your team’s coach.
20. All players should arrive to practices and games on time, fully prepared with proper equipment, proper protective gear, and proper baseball/softball attire/uniform.
By signing this document, I agree to participate in the Maryland Senators program for the Fall 2024 season and I adhere to the team philosophy, rules and financial obligation. I understand that any violation to the above rules may result in anything from a suspension to removal from the team.
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MARYLAND SENATORS PLAYER RISK WAIVER
WARNING OF RISK
In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Maryland Senators; a baseball/softball program of Calvert Cure Baseball, Inc., athletics/sports program, related events and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:
1. The risk of injury and/or illness from the activities involved in the program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce the risk, the risk of serious injury does exist;
2. The risk to have contact with individuals, who have been exposed to and/or have been diagnosed with one or more communicable diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19 or other medical conditions, diseases, or maladies does exist, and it is impossible to eliminate the risk that I could be exposed to and/or become infected through contact with or close proximity with an individual with a communicable disease;
3. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of the releases or others, and assume all full responsibility for my participation;
4. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and
5. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release and hold harmless the Maryland Senators; a baseball/softball program of Calvert Cure Baseball, Inc., their officers, officials, coaches, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of the premises used to conduct the event ("Releasees"), with respect to any and all injury, illness, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property, whether arising from negligence of the releasees or otherwise.
6. I have read this release of liability and assumption of risk agreement, before acknowledging the checkbox below, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by agreeing to it on my own behalf or on behalf of the youth participant associated with this guardian account, and I sign it freely and voluntarily without an inducement.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY ADULT PARTICIPANT: By acknowledging and agreeing to the checkbox below, I agree and verify the following: 1) I consent and agree to assume the risks of participation in these programs; and 2) that I specifically agree to the release as provided herein of all the Releases, and, for myself, my heirs, assigns and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify the Releases from any and all liabilities incident to my involvement or participation in these programs even if arising from the negligence of the releasees or otherwise.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY PARENTS AND/OR LEGAL GUARDIANS OF YOUTH PARTICIPANTS: By acknowledging and agreeing to the check box below, I agree to and verify the following: 1) I am the parent or legal guardian for the youth participant associated with this guardian account, 2) that the date of birth of the youth participant associated with this guardian account is correct, 3) that as parent/legal guardian with legal responsibility for this youth participant, I consent and agree to assume the risks of his/her participation in these programs; and 4) that I specifically agree to his/her release as provided herein of all the Releases, and, for myself, my heirs, assigns and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify the Releases from any and all liabilities incident to this youth participant's involvement or participation in these programs as provided above even if arising from the negligence of the releases or otherwise.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS AND ASSUMPTIONS OF RISK
I recognize and acknowledge that there are inherent risks of physical injury to participants and spectators of this program/activity, and I voluntarily agree to assume the full risk of any and all injuries, damages, or loss, regardless of severity, that my minor child/ward or I may sustain as a result of said participation. I further agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child/ward may have (or accrue to me or my child/ward) as a result of participating in this program/activity against the Maryland Senators baseball/softball organization, including its officials, coaches, agents, and volunteers (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Maryland Senators). I do hereby fully release and forever discharge the Maryland Senators from any and all claims for injuries, damages or loss that my minor child/ward or I may have or which may accrue to me or my minor child/ward and arising out of, connected to, or in any way associated with this program/activity.
PHOTO / VIDEO AUTHORIZATION
I hereby give my consent for the Maryland Senators to use photo/video coverage of myself and/or minor child/ward for purposes of player evaluation, instruction, and education and in future program guides, flyers, videos, websites, and other media-oriented products. Photos/video and other media using images of me or my child/ward will remain the property of the Maryland Senators. However, legitimate requests for copies of these materials will be honored as best possible.
Maryland SENATORS BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PROGRAM SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
The Maryland Senators, a Calvert Cure Baseball, Inc. baseball/softball program (Senators Organization), recognizes the importance of the Internet in shaping the public’s perception of our organization. The Senators Organization also recognizes the importance of our coaches, managers, volunteers and athletes in leading and setting the tone of social media interactions in a manner that advances the Senators Organizations mission and goals.
Mission Statement
Maryland Senators is committed to the development of the player in an enjoyable, safe, team-oriented, and community-based manner while learning and playing the game of baseball/softball. Our most important goal is to help our players reach their fullest potential, both on and off the field. Regardless of the age of a player, we strive to prepare them for the next level. We teach confidence, a winning attitude, process, managing failure, professionalism, strategy, preparation, energy, and the importance of being a great teammate and student. We believe it is our duty to build quality young men and prepare them for life. We use the great game of baseball/softball to do just that.
Applicability
This Social Media Policy applies to all coaches, managers, volunteers, and athletes (“Senators Members”). This Social Media Policy applies to all social media content posted by Senators Members in their professional and personal capacity to the extent such content is related to the Senators Organization.
Aspirations
The Senators Organization strives to create a positive and inclusive organization that is dedicated to helping young athletes reach their potential. In furtherance of this goal, The Senators Organization aspires to engage members of the Maryland community in positive, honest, transparent, and knowledgeable dialogue about the Senators Organization through social media. The Senators Organization views social media as an important tool for communicating its successes and opportunities for athletic and individual development. The Senators Organization also views social media as a platform for receiving constructive feedback from the community and for discussing challenges and opportunities for improvement in a positive and constructive way.
Guidelines:
All Senators Members shall abide by the following guidelines when using social media:
1. Be positive and respectful, and always take the high road. When disagreeing with others’ opinions, remain appropriate and polite. If you find yourself in a situation online that is becoming antagonistic, ask the Operations Manager or your teams Head Coach for advice on how to disengage from the dialogue in a polite and respectful manner that reflects well on the Maryland Senators.
2. Do not post content that would harm or otherwise damage the Senators Organizations reputation. Remember that even while you are on your own personal time, you are a representative of the Senators Organizations, and people may interpret your online postings or social interactions as though they were official Senators Organization statements.
3. Use good judgment when posting comments on any official Senators Organizations sites. Bear in mind that your comments can create liability for the Senators Organization. If you are unsure whether a comment is appropriate to post, either do not post it or obtain prior approval from the team's Head Coach or the Operations Manager.
4. Be smart about what you publish. Once something is posted, it exists online forever. Ask yourself, “would I want to see this published in the newspaper or posted on a billboard tomorrow or ten years from now?” If the answer is “no,” do not post.
5. Encourage others to engage in positive interactions on social media. If you are concerned about any Senators Member’s use of social media, please bring your concerns to the attention of the Head Coach or the Operations Managers.
6. Personally, identifiable information (information, such as a name and date of birth and/or a street address which, when taken together, can identify a particular individual) should not be disclosed in any manner on official Senators Organizations social networking sites without the prior written approval of the Operations Manager.
Violations of the Social Media Policy
The Senators Organization Operations Manager and/or Coaching staff shall have the authority to monitor and enforce this Social Media Policy. The Senators Operations Manager and any individual appointed by the Operations Manager, shall have the authority to remove any inappropriate or offensive comments from official Senators Organization sites and to block any individual or organization from posting on any official Senators Organization social media platform if they determine, in their sole discretion, that such removal or block is in the best interests of the Senators Organization. Any Senators Organization Member who fails to adhere to this Social Media Policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of such individual’s involvement in the Senators Organization. The Senators Organization has a right to change the social media policy at any time.
