Parents

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

HRYS is one of the fastest growing leagues in Northern Virginia, but the number of volunteers is not! We are seeking volunteers to join the HRYS Board of Directors. No previous experience in any sport is required - just a willingness to learn, or a willingness to share your time/talents to help administer our league as we develop really great girl softball players and athletes. Monthly Board meetings are normally held on the first Sunday of each month at the Herndon Police Station 7pm. Check the Calendar for details. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Officers of the Board Open Positions
Field Coordinator - work with Vice Commissioner to oversee the fields used by HRYS
League Event Coordinator - work with Board to coordinate all league wide events
Members at Large - work with Board on all league activities

Board Committee Open Chairs
Spirit Wear Coordinator - manage the on line store and inventory of league spirit wear
Umpire in Chief - supervise the league's umpires
Publicity Director - coordinate all publicity for league
Clinic Coordinator - work with board in planning and running clinics for league including catching/pitching during spring/fall and winter

Additional Help is always needed with Spring Picnic, Homecoming Parade, Trophies, Team Photos, HRYS night, equipment swaps, Opening Day, fundraising/sponsors

Current Open Executive Board Positions
The following Board positions are up for election at the December meeting. Please refer to the HRYS Bylaws for details and contact Bob Thomas at commissioner@hrysfastpitch.com

Vice Commissioner
Treasurer
Equipment Manager

10U Umpires
This program provides umpires for our 8U and 10U games. While this paid program is intended primarily for teenagers,(grades 9-12) adults are welcome to apply. To volunteer registrar@hrysfastpitch.com

Parent Contributions to the Team

1. Recognize the Commitment the Coach Has Made: The coach has made a commitment that involves many, many hours of preparation beyond the hours spent at practices and games. Recognize this commitment and the fact that is not being done because of the pay! Try to remember this whenever something goes awry during the season.

2. Make Early, Positive Contact with the Coach: As soon as you know who your child"s coach is going to be, contact her/him to introduce yourself and let her/him know you want to help your child have the best experience she can have this season. To the extent that you can do so, ask if there is any way you can help. By getting to know the coach early and establishing a positive relationship, it will be much easier to talk with her/him later if a problem arises.

3. Fill the Coach's Emotional Tank: When the coach is doing something you like, let her/him know about it. Coaching is a difficult job and most coaches only hear from parents when they want to complain about something. It also makes it easier to raise problems later when you have shown support for the good things being doing. And just about every coach does a lot of things well. Take the time to look for them.

4. Don't Put the Player in the Middle: It is all too common for parents to share their disapproval of a coach with their children. This puts a young athlete in a bind. Divided loyalties do not make it easy for a child to do her best. Conversely, when parents support a coach, it is that much easier for the child to put her wholehearted effort into learning to play well. If you think your child's coach is not handling a situation well, do not tell that to the player. Rather, seek a meeting with the coach in which you can talk about issues.

5. Don't Give Instructions During a Game or Practice: You are not one of the coaches, so do not give your child instructions about how to play. It can be very confusing for a child to hear someone other than the coach yelling out instructions during a game. If you have an idea for a tactic, go to the coach, offer it privately and let him/her decide whether to use it or not. If he/she decides not to use it, let it be. Getting to decide those things is one of the privileges he/she has earned by making the commitment to coach.

6. Fill Your Child's Emotional Tank: Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to be there for your child. Competitive sports are stressful to players and the last thing they need is a critic at home. Be a cheerleader for your child. Focus on the positive things she is doing and leave the correcting of mistakes to the coach. Let her know you support her without reservation regardless of how well she plays.

7. Fill the Emotional Tanks of the Entire Team: Cheer for all of the players on the team. Tell each of them when you see them doing something well.

8. Encourage Other Parents to Honor the Game: Don't show disrespect for the other team or the officials. But more than that, encourage other parents to also Honor the Game.

Note: These guidelines are adapted from Positive Coaching: Building Character and Self-Esteem Through Sports by Jim Thompson, the founder and leader of the Positive Coaching Alliance. http://www.positivecoach.org/subcontent.aspx?secID=208

Photos of Softball Players and Games

A good article to read
Expert Tips on Taking Better Sports Photos

PERMISSION
Be sure you ask coach and parents if it is okay to take photos of players during games and to post on shutterfly.

LOCATION, LOCATION
Before you step into the dugout or onto the field, ask the coach if it is okay and then check with the head umpire about being on the field.
Stay clear of the players' bats!
Try not to block the view of others behind you.

FLASH
Do not use a flash during games.
Umpires and/or coaches can think it is lightening.
It can distract the players espcially batters, pitchers, and catchers.
At certain tournaments is prohibitted.

NAMES
Be sure to check with coaches about photographing names on jersies. When posting photos to the HRYS Shutterfly site only use first names if at all.
Please no tagging photos