Important notes…

In a never ending effort to provide relevant information and communication so that everyone can gain a clear understanding of the vision and heart of the SOX Program, I am including some notes that describe our expectations in some basic areas.

Group Workouts… This portion of the SOX Program is designed to provide REPETION in basic skills: hitting, fielding, throwing, and pitching. Currently we are engaged in hitting and pitching/catching. Both are intended to provide repetition in basic skills with each. Hitting includes minimal instruction in conjunction with 3 basic drills; T, flip, and live batting practice. Pitching includes minimal instruction in conjunction with 2 warm up routines that target specific mechanics (throwing over the front leg with a complete finish… alignment in body position and step (stride) / And, the start from the stretch position where the pitcher’s weight is over the back leg in an upright position). We teach pitchers to stay tall and stay back in order to access leverage at 2 points (back leg and front leg) and to attain a downhill angle on pitches. And a basic bullpen routine of throwing strikes to all locations (across the plate, arm side, middle but down, and up). Note… flat ground work is just as effective in these instructional areas as is the use of a mound.

Head Coaches… are the backbone of our program. We depend on the head coach to provide ALL instruction to his team/players. Head coaches are expected to adhere to the SOX Fundamentals as a guide to ensure consistency of instruction. In addition, the head coach provides leadership to his team in regard to support of the program, tournament play, and evaluation. We also expect our head coaches to be in compliance with pitch count guidelines and practice schedules.

Assistant Coaches… Each team’s assistant coaches are volunteers who assist the head coach with conducting practice and provide input in regard to players. Assistant coach involvement regarding instruction and development is intended to be subject to the direction and leadership of the head coach.

Instructors… PSA instructors are an integral part of the program. They conduct Group Workouts and provide individual instruction. The Program is based on the expectation that coaches will, through evaluation, encourage their players to access individual instruction to assist their players at improving weaknesses and to help them reach their potential. No doubt, this element is the most effective form of instruction in regard to fine tuning of skills.

Team Managers… these volunteer positions are invaluable to each team. The TM has the responsibility of assisting his head coach in regard to communication with parents, travel, and organization. In addition, the TM is expected to maintain communication with the SOX Director.

SOX Director… Oversees the Program, designs instructional opportunities, provides avenues for monitoring evaluation of players, sets and implements policy, works with team head coaches and team managers, available to assist all teams in any way needed, recruits, evaluates. monitors, and assists all team coaches, schedules instruction per team in regard to package opportunities… All of this is done with input from head coaches and team mangers.

Input, Questions, Grievances… At all times, we want to be open to input from parents in regard to the program. Constructive input is of great value to us in making adjustments to continue to improve the Program. Questions deserve answers, so we are open and available to answer any and all questions from parents in regard to any aspect of the program. We are confident in what we do; therefore, we are not afraid of questions. Grievances are inherent to any organization and we are not exempt. However, after following our procedures in hearing and considering grievances, we expect all to conform to decisions made. In all of these areas, we have a process in place to accommodate each; it is… First, contact your team head coach (not the TM). If the head coach needs assistance in regard to input, questions, or grievances, he will contact the SOX Director for assistance. If necessary, a meeting will be scheduled to discuss with all parties involved.