DON’T COMPROMISE

OUTLAWS INFORMATION PACKET

Dear Parents,

GC Outlaws Travel Baseball offers our local youths the opportunity to play competitive baseball against other travel programs.  The program includes a Spring and Summer season that runs from March thru the end of July. Indoor workouts will start promptly the first week in January.

It is the goal of this program to create an environment that will allow the players to realize their capabilities as baseball players; to develop confidence, self esteem and poise as athletes; to understand that their achievements are a direct result of their efforts; to cultivate lifelong friends among their teammates, and to support each other in all situations; and to understand that sportsmanship, not showmanship, is the major ingredient in playing with class.

While it is apparent that the GC Outlaws Travel Baseball team is a competitive team, winning alone is NOT our primary objective. Players are selected to the team based upon playing skills and ability to fulfill a role within our team environment.  We teach positive TEAM skills in a fair environment. Players respond well to this approach and the result is a competitive group with mutual support and good team chemistry. The same expectations are placed upon the parents. Mutual respect for all players, umpires, coaches and opponents at all times. The true purpose of our team is to provide a supportive and competitive environment so that the players can improve as athletes on the field and young people of good character off the field. While we try to divide playing time amongst the players, the stronger position players and top pitchers (as determined by the manager and coaches) will always receive more innings. The amount of playing time per individual is not guaranteed. This allows for healthy competition between teammates and serves as a just reward for personal improvement. We encourage the players to stay focused and work hard. They learn that most things in life are competitive and that they need to put forth a strong, committed effort if they are to succeed.

Being chosen and accepting to play on the GC Outlaws Travel Baseball team is accepting the responsibility of participating in all practices, games and tournaments, and acknowledging and agreeing to the following:

· Players must attend all practices and games; any absence must be directly communicated to the Manager and Coaching staff.

· No parent should enter the dugout during a game or actively provide coaching instructions to their child during a live a game

· No badgering umpires or opposing coaches

· No distracting or negative comments from the stands

· Clean up after yourselves after games or practices

By accepting this letter you have also agreed to committing and prioritizing the GC Outlaws Travel Baseball Program over other regularly conflicting obligations; otherwise it may result in being dismissed from the GC Outlaws Travel team. The news of the dismissal will come from the Manager, but ultimately the decision will come from the GC Outlaws Travel Baseball Board of Directors.

Thank you all very much.

See you all at the field.

GC Outlaws Board of Directors

Introduction

GC Outlaws Travel baseball is a competitive baseball organization, committed to providing the finest instruction available for the developing young baseball player. We will provide your child with the necessary fundamental baseball skills and situational knowledge to optimally further his/her ability. The game of baseball’s playbook is extensive, and there is a tremendous amount of attention placed upon the smallest details. The coaching staffs at each level will do their best to facilitate baseball knowledge and continued growth. In addition to the coaches’ extensive knowledge and experience, they share another common thread; their love of working with and developing kids talent.

Our expectations are very high, as are our standards. We have prepared this package to help address any issues and answer frequently asked questions.

Our Goals

To teach your young athlete the strategy of baseball and optimize their fundamental skills. To make a positive impact on them as young men. To do all this with dignity and respect. We will promote sportsmanship and playing the game the “right way.” Your child will take personal responsibility for his/her actions, apply hard work, perseverance and pay attention to detail. We may not win every game but we will be the most respectful coaches, players and parents in every game we play. Our players are going to play with respect for their teammates, opposing players and umpires, no matter the circumstance.

Our Program

Program Includes:

· Training: We will establish all training techniques and strategies. Each team will practice at least twice a week.

· Outlaw baseball may periodically bring in our specialized instructors to help the players develop at a higher level.

· Private lessons: Can be arranged with various instructors/coaches. Outlaw baseball currently utilizes Don McDonald and Eric Beaulac. It is always preferred that your child utilizes our outside instructors for private training. This allows for constant communication between instructors and team coaches.

· League Play: We play in the Eastern New York Travel Baseball League (ENYTB). Coaches will schedule games according to team preference. There is no set number of games a team will/will not play. Game play is used to reinforce practice and prepare for tournaments.

· Tournaments: We will play at least one tournament per year but may elect to play in additional tournaments.

· Website: The organization has its own website that is used to post schedules and communicate to the general public and or sponsors. Address: www.outlawsbaseball.org

· Fall Ball: We offer Fall play. Again, this is at the discretion of the individual team coaches with regards to length of season and number of games.

How to get started

· Copy of birth certificate- to Team MOM

· Signed Player/Parent Contract with fee structure- to Team MOM* Contract is good for one season. If you choose to leave the organization prior to fulfilling the complete dates, there will be no refunds of payments and fundraising dollars issued.

· Signed Player Registration Form- to Team MOM

· Fitted hat and jersey/shirt size- to Manager

· Uniform number options- to Manager

Time Commitment

· 3-4 days (max) per week for practices and games. Two practices per week are the norm. Most games are scheduled and played on the weekends; any combination of Saturday and Sunday.

· League games will not be scheduled during Tournaments. Tournaments will consist of a minimum of 3 games with a maximum of five or six games over a weekend. Tournaments held during holiday weekends may run for three days. Lodging for parents and players is not included in any organizational cost/fee schedule.

· We will ask for help from players and parents to assist in field preparation, garbage pickup, park cleanliness and with the concession stand. Team “Moms” will help with a concessions schedule for parents to ensure coverage and fairness.

-Please keep in mind, we are all volunteers. “Many hands make light work.”

Frequently Asked Questions

* What skills will my child be taught: The organization is set up to function like a minor league system. Players will be taught strict baseball fundamentals including but not limited to: base running, hitting, fielding, pitching, baseball strategy and the mental aspects of the game.

* Is my child guaranteed a certain amount of playing time? No child is guaranteed playing time. We will roster up to 12-14 players for each team. Since there are only nine playing spots on the field, coaches will rotate players according to the situation. We encourage players to be open with playing multiple positions. It is NOT promised that every player will receive equal playing time. In baseball there are key positions that must be addressed. If your child plays one of these key positions, his playing time may be higher. Catcher and shortstop, for example, are critical positions. The team depends on these positions to be strong. Outside of the key positions; we will work with the team coaches to base decisions on the following criteria, in this order:

1. Skill level

2. Work ethic

3. Attitude

4. Attendance

* Where are the home fields? 9u-12u will play all home games at Hallock Park (Home of the Outlaws) in New Baltimore. 13u-18u currently plays all home games at McQuade Park in Coxsackie.

* Indoor Winter Workouts? Yes, they typically begin the first week of January at the Athens Community Center. Workouts during the week are not mandatory but we ask for full team attendance on the weekend. Group workouts are run and organized by the complete Outlaws coaching staff.

*Is everyone required to fundraise? Yes, the organization relies heavily on money from fundraising to meet its annual budget. Full participation by players and parents in all events coordinated by our fundraising committee and chair is necessary and required. If you are unable or choose to not assist in the current fundraising event there will be a “buyout” amount that you can play en lieu of participation. We conduct many fundraisers throughout the year including the Holiday Raffle, Christmas wreath drive, coin drops and chicken bbq dinners.

* Does each team formulate and submit its budget? Yes, each manager will on a yearly basis determine its budget and submit it to the Board of Directors for approval. This determines the organizations needs and player fees.

* Can my child play little league/school baseball? Yes, we encourage players to play, if wanted, outside of the Outlaws organization. Especially at the younger levels, this allows for continued play with friends and classmates and helps keep youth sports organizations viable. This is certainly not required. In cases of conflict (game play, all stars) we require players to play and participate with the Outlaws.

* Can each team do their own fundraising? Yes. In cases where extra money would like to be raised for expenses outside of your team budget (ie: Cooperstown tournament, lodging for parents, new tournament jerseys) fundraising is an option. All fundraising ideas however, must be presented by the team MOM in writing to the Fundraising Committee which will be passed onto the Board of Directors for approval.

Fee Structure/What is Provided

· For all teams, a $100 deposit is due upon signing and the return of the player and parent contracts. This secures your spot on the team. Any additional fees not covered by organization fundraising will be communicated by the Team Mom.

· Yearly fees cover team insurance, league play (Spring, Summer and Fall) and tournament play costs. They do not include lodging, meals and/or any other expense incurred by the player.

· Uniforms (home/away jerseys), hats (game/tournament) and a team bag with full embroidery are covered by the organization. Pants, belts, cleats and personal equipment are not provided. We ask each player to purchase a black matte helmet with no other designs, paintings, logo’s etc. We will provide you with a sticker logo and numbers.

· We offer twice a year a team and VIP store through Eastbay to purchase team and player merchandise. You will be notified by our Equipment Coordinator through email of the timing and specifics.

· Greene County Outlaws, Inc. is a New York 501 (c) (3) Corporation. We will furnish our EIN number upon request.

Our Coaches

Coaching Staff

All coaches in the Outlaws organization have varying years of baseball coaching and experience. The coaches are selected and trained by Tom Carroll, Jr., the President of the Outlaws and former Ithaca College infielder. Tom provides the vision and attends most practices to ensure the character of players and coaches is upheld to his standards and fundamental teaching across all teams.

14u: Tom Carroll, Jr.- Manager

Sean O’Connor- Coach

Tom Carroll, Sr.- Coach

12u: Greg Sager- Manager

Mike Arp- Coach

Louis Scott- Coach

11u: Luke Wagor- Manager

Don Cross- Coach

Stacey Russell- Coach

10u: Adam June- Manager

John Luvera- Coach

Jesse Walz- Coach

9u: Scott Sitcer- Manager

Pete Galante- Coach

Rich Slater- Coach

Chuck VanAlphen- Coach

Team Mom’s

14u: Kristen Conrad

12u: Melissa Slater and Kristin VanAlphen

11u: Shannon Slater

10u: Erin Stern

9u: Shannon Slater and Kristin VanAlphen

Board of Directors

Tom Carroll, Jr.- President, Treasurer

Sean O’Connor- Vice President, Director of Fields/Grounds, ENYTB Rep

Greg Sager- Co-Vice President, Equipment/Purchasing, Co-Treasurer

Erin Scott- Secretary

Kristin VanAlphen- Fundraising Chair

Melissa Slater- Fundraising Co-Chair

Leslie Arp

David Costanzo

Stacey Russell

John Luvera

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide competitive travel baseball experiences for our players. We provide an experience that promotes sportsmanship, elite instruction, teamwork, respect for and enjoyment of the game of baseball.

Goals

· Create an environment to learn and play travel baseball while having fun.

· Exhibit good sportsmanship on and off the field.

· Create a positive culture of team success.

· Balance player development goals with competitive goals.

· Continue to grow Outlaws travel baseball across the age groups.