2011 Softball Handbook Released:

Greater Gwinnett Christian Lady Barons Softball Handbook

PURPOSE STATEMENT

Greater Gwinnett Christian (GGC) is an organization of Christian home schooling families prayerfully established to encourage and support the teaching of Christian ethics and the budding of Christian character through participation in Christ-centered extracurricular activities related to athletics.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

WE BELIEVE:  The Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God and constitutes completed and final revelation. Nothing has been added to it and it is the only source of divine truth. The Bible is without error in whole or part, including theological concepts as well as geographical and historical detail (2 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 22:18-19). God has existed from all eternity in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ was God come in human flesh, being fully God and fully man, except without sin (John 1: 1-18). All men are in violation of God's righteous requirements and His holy character, both by nature and act; and are therefore under His wrath and just condemnation. The central purpose of the coming of Jesus Christ was to pay the penalty of man's sin through His substitution death on the cross - the successful accomplishment of which was attested to by His subsequent visible bodily resurrection (Romans 3:10, 23; Romans 6:23).Salvation is offered as a gift, free to the sinner. This gift must be responded to in individual faith, not trusting in any personal works, but the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

TAX EXEMPT STATUS

GGC has been officially recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt non-profit organization. While the membership and program fees are not tax deductible, contributions made to GGC are. Members are encouraged to consider contributing and to solicit corporate contributions.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Following are the requirements for a family to participate in GGC fast pitch softball:

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  • They must be in compliance with the Georgia Home schooling Law.

(A copy is available on request.) In addition, although the Georgia law does not require persons over the age of 16 to be enrolled in school, they are also not eligible to play high school sports if they are not enrolled in an academic educational program. The GGC adheres to that same principle. Therefore, GGC requires the same educational program for all its players that the Georgia law requires for students between the 7th and 16th birthdays. If a player chooses not to participate in an academic educational program adherent to Georgia code, he also may not participate in GGC Barons fast pitch softball. Georgia law stipulates, "A basic academic educational program that includes, but is not limited to, reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science." Georgia Code Ann. 20-2-690(c) (4).

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  • They must sign the statement of faith.
  • They must sign the release and indemnity agreement.
  • They must pay the GGC annual fee, as well as the fast pitch softball fees.
  • They must be willing to abide by all the rules discussed in this handbook.
  • The player must sign and adhere to the code of conduct.

The player must be at least 11 years of age as of January 1st in the year of play. Because of different league eligibility standards, the maximum age will have to be in agreement with their decision when it is made. It is typically the age of the player as of January 1 of the year of play.
A player is considered ineligible for GGC fastpitch softball if any of the following have occurred prior to the beginning of the season:

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   1. The player has graduated from or completed their home school training
   2. The player is 19 on January 1st of the year of play.
   3. The player is actively enrolled in full-time college.
   4. The player is employed for more than 20 hours per week.

A student who has been expelled from a public or private school may not participate as a GGC player for one year from the time of expulsion. Exceptions may be made under extraordinary circumstances by an appeal of the student and at least one parent to the coach, athletic director, and coordinator from the given sport, and one board member from another sport.  If the exception is approved, the player will be on probation for one year.

FEES

There are two fees: The first one is the GGC annual family membership fee of $50, which covers administrative costs of the organization and insurance coverage which covers your child during GGC games and practices.  GGC does not benefit from anyone buying the policy. A copy of the coverage is available upon request. This is a family membership, regardless of the number of children. This fee covers all sports under GGC, which currently include basketball, baseball, fast pitch softball, and Golf. The GGC membership fee must be paid at registration. Membership will run for a full year commencing on July 1.  GGC does not benefit from anyone buying the policy. A copy of the coverage is available upon request.

The last fee is the softball dues, which is determined year to year based on that season's expenses. If, at the end of the season, the expenses were less than estimated, the overage will roll over to the next season's program. No refunds will be given. Additional fees may be required if the team decides to participate in other events that were previously unscheduled and therefore not budgeted.  This does not include any extra tournaments we may elect to participate in. Tournaments entered in over and above the annual schedule will cost approximately $30.00 to $35.00 per player.  This fee will be budget based.  No one will be allowed to practice following tryouts unless the GGC membership fee and the first installment of the softball fee have been paid. No one will be given a uniform until the second payment is made. No one will be allowed to play the first game unless the third installment has been paid. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Athletic Director and coordinator. 

TRYOUTS

The Coach will announce tryout dates. All team members are evaluated and accepted by tryout. Tryouts for High School, Junior Varsity and Middle School will be scheduled for July and announced annually for the entire team. Players should attend tryouts dressed in softball shorts/pants and sliders and appropriate shoes, shirts, mouth guard, and ancillary equipment. They should also be prepared to exhibit skills in fielding, running, hitting, catching and throwing.

Because it is the desire of the softball organization to give players reasonable playing time and adequate training, the leadership has decided to limit the number of players on each team to 15. The softball athletic director and coordinator will determine any exceptions to this.

UNIFORMS

Uniforms are the property of GGC and are distributed to players for the Barons’ season only. Players are responsible for the care and cleaning of their uniforms. The charge of a lost uniform is the cost of a new one regardless of the age of the old one. It is the player's responsibility to turn in their uniform(s) at the end of the season. Failure to return the uniform will result in the player being assessed a replacement fee. 

PRACTICES AND GAMES

Practice will begin the week following tryouts. The coach will set the location and time of the practices.  Attire for practices is the Barons practice uniform.  Players should be prepared with all of their equipment so that necessary changes can be made without jeopardizing a player’s safety due to a lack of equipment. It is very important that players attend every practice. If a player must miss a practice, he should let the coach know in advance. It is also the player's responsibility to find out from the coach after the practice when and where the next practice will be, in case a change was made. Players will be advised of any last minute changes through the calling post.  It is also very important to develop discipline in individual players. This carries over into many areas, one of which is punctuality. The current policy states that any player who is even one second late according to the coach's watch will run the number of laps designated by the coach. Being on time means being on the field and fully prepared to start practice, not driving into the parking lot or walking up to the field tucking in a shirt. If there is a legitimate reason a player cannot get to practice or a game on time, that player should call the coach in advance. Additional requirements are given in the code of conduct, which is included in this handbook.It should be understood that playing time will not be equal for all players. This is a different philosophy from most park and recreation teams. It is expected that team members will promote team unity and respect for the coach's authority. Players are encouraged to work hard in developing the highest skill level possible in order to earn positions, as well as keep those positions. Just as important is the development of Christ- like attitudes and good sportsmanship.

COACHING

The coach makes all coaching decisions.  All discussion on coaching issues should be taken up first with the coach. If a problem occurs during a game, discussion concerning it should take place the day after the game. It should never take place immediately after the game. Parents should encourage their players to address the coach directly concerning any issues. This teaches them to take initiative, accept responsibility and accept authority. Because fans, as well as players and coaches, represent Jesus Christ and GGC, it is the desire of the leadership that parents and other fans exemplify Christ-like behavior at all games, regardless of umpire calls or other issues.

The schedule as handed out is tentative due to weather and unforeseen circumstances that arise with some of the teams scheduled to play. You will always be notified as soon as possible when there is a change.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

It is the desire of the GGC organization that players maintain Christian behavior at all times. The coaches set and enforce appropriate rules regarding behavior. Disciplinary action for broken rules varies from running laps, being suspended for a certain number of games, or, finally, being dismissed from the team. The coaches handle the discipline of team members. When a grave breach of these rules occurs, the coach will seek consensus with the Athletic Director before a suspension or dismissal takes place. The player and player's parents (or guardians) will be notified of the disciplinary action to be taken. A parent, if deemed necessary, to a committee made up of the coach, Athletic Director and a Board Member, may make an appeal. The committee's decision is final. Member families are responsible for the behavior of their guests at games. Parents are responsible for any damages caused by their children to a home or away facility. Family members not complying with this policy will be refused entry to the field or gymnasium.

GGC PARENT, PLAYER AND FAN CODE OF CONDUCT

At all GGC competitive events, parents, players and fans are required to exhibit positive, encouraging behavior toward umpires, the opposing team's players, and their fans. Acceptable behavior includes loud, positive cheers and encouraging remarks supporting our players and coaches' efforts. Derogatory remarks or harassment directed to officials, other players or fans will not be allowed. GGC member families should make guests aware of this policy and be responsible for their cooperation. During games, GGC Board members are requested to remind offending members or fans of this policy. Umpires are authorized under GA High School rules (and most other league rules) to remove any fan or parent from the field or gym for rude or disruptive behavior whether or not a GGC representative has warned them. It is GGC's belief that members, players, coaches and fans of a Christian organization involved in a competitive event should not forget who they are or whom they represent when they walk into a gym or onto a ball field. GGC should be known for its competitive teams, encouraging presence, enthusiastic supporters and positive behavior. 

CALLING POST / E-MAIL / WEB SITE

The calling post serves a very important function. Parents and players must be sensitive to the urgency of the calling post messages. This will be used for reminders and emergencies, i.e. when changes are made at the last minute due to weather, etc.

E-MAIL

E-mail messages will be sent on a regular basis containing pertinent information. Please check e-mails daily.  

INSURANCE

Because of the nature of the game of fastpitch softball, it is important that all players be covered by medical health insurance. Insurance is required and that information should be shown on the GGC application form in case a player is injured and parents or guardians are not present. Families needing insurance may purchase coverage for their child’s participation in GGC activities for a cost of $14 per year per child.

RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

I Corinthians 6, we are taught not to take our disputes to ungodly judges before unbelievers. Keeping this in mind, parents are required to sign the release and indemnity agreement shown on the GGC Application Form. This states that consent is given for their son/daughter to participate in GGC competitions and will indemnify and hold harmless GGC, GGC Board Members, officers, coaches and personnel, against all claims, including claim, suit, or action for personal injury or otherwise.

PARENTAL NOTICE; COMPETITIVE LEAGUE STATEMENT

GGC teams are not members of recreational, teaching or fun leagues. No guarantee of playing time is implied or promised for any player because they are selected for a team. Coaches have complete discretion on who plays and how much playing time a player receives based on their judgment of circumstances, player readiness, maturity, skill, cooperation, effort and other factors. Parents are requested to be encouraging and supportive of their player and counsel them privately to continue to work hard, improve, not be discouraged, and to be patient. 
Greater Gwinnett Christian, Corp.