WHAT MAKES A "CLASS" TEAM?
* PRIDE *
Pride in your team and teammates. The way you play, look and act, on and off the field.
Everyone is part of the "family". Do things to make the team proud. Don't embarrass the team or yourself.
Older girls encourage and help younger girls as they represent the future of the team.
Everyone is together as a team mixing with everyone else, don't divide the team into small groups.
Whatever team you play on and wherever you go
..... you represent YOUR TEAM.
* ATTITUDE *
Teammates encourage each other, even if it is the girl playing in front of you, and especially if someone makes a mistake. The team comes first, before the individual.
Treat opposing players with respect. Don't bad mouth them. If you run over someone, help them back up.
Treat the umpires with respect, realize that they do a difficult job the best they can and that it's better to be on their good side rather than their bad side.
Players play, spectators watch - the two should not mix.
Everyone on the team is equally important with a job to do the best she can. This goes for each starter and each girl on the bench who all work together trying to help the team in whatever way they can.
Girls play the game the same at all times, regardless of the score, situation or opponent. Don't allow the opposition to deter you from your goals or to lower your standards.
Girls play hard and play to win, but win or lose with class. Don't try to embarrass the other team when you beat them or give them extra incentive for the next time.
If you give 100%, and still come up short on the scoreboard, there is nothing to be ashamed of, learn from it and don't make excuses.
Girls will sacrifice themselves for the team - break up double plays, dive for balls, bunt runners over, etc.
No "clubhouse lawyers" - if there are problems they go back to the team captains or coaches but are not discussed behind girls backs which spreads dissension.
* PRESENTATION *
Appearance - Team is neatly dressed and looks sharp.
Warm Up - well organized, everything is done together with a purpose.
Infield/Outfield - quick and sharp and snappy.
Hustle - Run on and off the field, whenever a girl is on the field she is running.
Bench - Well organized, equipment arranged neatly and everyone has a job to do. All talk and activity is centered around the game and trying to help out in some way.
DO IT WITH CLASS !
