PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR ELIGIBILITY. WE WILL FOLLOW THE PINE ISLAND SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES AS NOTED IN THE EXTRA-CURRICULAR HANDBOOK.
DETENTIONS DURING THE BASEBALL SEASON
1st Detention - Miss one game
2nd Detention - Miss two games
3rd Detention - Miss the remaining games on the schedule * If the player is an underclassman, they may continue to practice with the team.
MISSING SCHOOL, A GAME OR PRACTICE DUE TO AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
1st Unexcused Absence - Miss one game
2nd Unexcused Absence - Miss two games
3rd Unexcused Absence - Miss the remaining games on the schedule * If the player is an underclassman, they may continue to practice with the team.
GAMES
All players are expected to attend all games on the team schedule. However, players will be excused for other school activities, illness, injuries, personal problems, or family commitments. Parents need to send a note or email a coach about possible conflicts where the player will be gone.
PRACTICES
On school days practice will begin at 3:30 pm. When school is not in session, the starting time for those non-school day practices will be communicated to the players. When we practice indoors due to the weather, grades 9-12 will practice from 3:30-5:30 and Jr High will practice from 5:30-7:30. When we are able to start practicing outside, practices may go later than 5:30! If a player needs to leave practice at 5:30 or before for any reason please let your Coach know in advance and we will make sure to get the player dismissed when needed. If a player has a conflict and must miss a practice, they need to personally contact the coach. Any player showing up late for practice without a valid excuse, will have consequences.
Arm care practices (1st week) will be no longer than an hour and a half, 3:30-5:00 for C-12 and 5:00-6:30 for Jr High IF we are inside, IF we are outside everyone will practice from 3:30-5:00 arm care week. (New in 2024) Jr High will practice on Wednesdays. If we are outside Jr High will practice from 3:30-5:00, and if we are inside on a Wednesday they will practice from 5:30-6:30.
PARENT-ATHLETE-COACH COMMUNICATION POLICY
At Pine Island Baseball, we recognize the vital role that both parents and coaches play as role models in the lives of young athletes. Together, they provide essential guidance to help athletes grow, learn, and navigate the world around them.
The foundation of effective communication begins with the relationship between the coach and the athlete. We encourage our athletes to take initiative and communicate directly with their coaches regarding any questions or concerns. Open dialogue between player and coach fosters independence, confidence, and personal accountability. We kindly ask that parents support and reinforce this approach by allowing athletes to address their coaches before initiating a parent-coach conversation.
- Regarding Playing Time:
Coaches will not engage in discussions with parents concerning playing time. These conversations are reserved for the athlete and the coach. Players are welcome to ask questions such as how they can improve to earn more playing time or advance to the next team. The feedback may be straightforward or more nuanced, but it will always be honest. Athletes should be prepared to receive constructive and truthful responses.
- When Parent-Coach Conferences Are Appropriate:
While playing time will not be discussed with parents, there are circumstances in which a parent-coach meeting may be necessary. These include:
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Concerns about an athlete’s emotional or physical development
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Questions regarding ways an athlete can improve
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Behavioral issues affecting team dynamics or on-field performance
Please note: Coaches will not discuss other players, parents, or matters related to team administration or organizational decisions.
- The 24-Hour Rule:
To ensure productive and respectful communication, Pine Island Baseball enforces a 24-hour waiting period before a parent may contact a coach following a game or event. We ask that parents refrain from approaching coaches before, during, or immediately after games. Emotions can run high during these times, and allowing space for reflection often leads to more effective and positive conversations.
If, after 24 hours, a meeting is still necessary, please contact the coach via phone or email. Coaches will respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to fostering a positive environment for all our athletes.
POOR SPORTSMANSHIP
The Pine Island Baseball Program is proud of their tradition of sportsmanship. If a player is eliminated from a game due to poor sportsmanship, they will have to sit out the next game (MSHSL Rule). The coaching staff will determine if additional suspensions will occur if the action is flagrant.