The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
2013-2014
Tournament Team Handbook
Austin Big Dogs
Baseball Tournament Teams
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
2013-2014
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
2013-2014
Table of Contents
Item
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Description
Mission Statement
Core Values
 Life
 Baseball
U of B Partnership
 About U of B
 U of B Involvement
Player Eligibility
 Age Requirements
Team Composition
 Number of Players
 Player Selection
 Player Removal
Parent’s Role
 Support & Encouragement
 Conflicts & Concerns
 Financial Obligation
Player’s Role
 Dress & Appearance
 On Field Conduct
 Off Field Conduct
 Practice/Game Attendance
Communication
 Email
 Texting
Facility Rules
Player’s Commitment
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
2013-2014
Our Mission
The University of Baseball exists to provide a fun, positive and
competitive team-focused environment that produces solid baseball
players and honorable young men.
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
01 | Core Values
BASEBALL
2013-2014
[ KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAME ]
Good ball players are smart ball players. Our
coaches will teach players the overall strategy
of baseball, how to make good decisions on the
field and how to prepare mentally for the game.
[ FUN ]
The reason we play, coach and watch youth
baseball is to have fun! Sometimes the pressure
and frustration of competition can overshadow
the joy of the game. Therefore, the University
of Baseball will make an intentional effort to
incorporate the value of fun for everyone
involved (players, coaches, parents and fans).
[ SOUND FUNDAMENTALS ]
Every player has their own style, but at the core
of every good player are sound fundamentals.
We recognize that for our young athletes to
develop into solid players we must commit to
teaching the correct baseball fundamentals.
Therefore, we will consistently devote practice
time to ensure that all players establish sound
fundamentals.
[ TEAM FOCUS ]
A team is only successful when each member
puts the needs of the team first. We will
consistently teach the value of team so that each
player knows that “we are better together.”
[ PHYSICAL CONDITIONING ]
In order to compete on the highest achievable
level a player must be in good physical
condition. The University of Baseball will incorporate overall fitness training, as well as
baseball-specific speed and agility training into
our practices. We will also provide resources
helping the players to exercise and practice on
their own.
[ PLAYING TIME ]
[ SPORTSMANSHIP ]
It is important to win games, but it is more
important to play with sportsmanship. The
University of Baseball will teach players how to
play with integrity, honor and respect for their
opponent and their own team. Furthermore,
each player and coach will be held accountable
for their sportsmanship on and off the field.
Practice is extremely valuable, but we recognize
it cannot replace game experience and that a
player has to have substantial playing time to
get better. While the University of Baseball will
not guarantee equal playing time, we will
ensure that each player has adequate game
experience. Remember that our program is
“development based” and games are a bonus.
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
2013-2014
LIFE
[ BALANCE ]
We have learned from experience that players,
coaches and parents sometimes lose proper
perspective on the game of baseball. When our
perspective of the game gets out of balance,
negative behaviors follow. Many times we see
players lose their temper or cry when they are
not playing well or don’t live up to
expectations. It is our desire to teach the players
how to keep the pressures of competition in balance and it is important for the coaches and
parents to also maintain and support a balanced
perspective.
[ LIFE LESSONS ]
Competitive sports always bring up real life
challenges and issues. Our desire is to use these
challenges and issues as teaching opportunities
to instill skills that not only apply to baseball
but all of life (perseverance, work ethic,
leadership, etc.).
[ COMPETITIVENESS ]
Our players will repeatedly face competitive
situations all of their life. Therefore, we desire
to teach them how to be fierce and fair
competitors, competing tenaciously with character and integrity, on and off the field.
The University of
Baseball will teach
players how to play with
integrity, honor and
respect for their
opponent and their own
team.
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
02 | U of B
Partnership
The Austin Big Dogs are committed to continuously
improving the level of instruction and playing
opportunities available to our ball players.
Therefore, we have partnered with The University
of Baseball Teams, a program of Austin Area
Athletics. Through this partnership The University
of Baseball provides professional instruction from
former MLB and college players, individual lessons
as-needed and indoor training and practice facilities.
About The U of B
The University of Baseball provides a higher level
of competition for talented and motivated Central
Texas baseball players 8U-18U who are willing to
commit time to the improvement of their skills,
sportsmanship, and competitiveness in a team
focused environment. University of Baseball
organization is dedicated to developing each
player’s skill, knowledge, and love for baseball
while participating 12 months each year in the
various travel baseball affiliations including United
States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), Super
Series, Nations baseball, and other organizations.
University of Baseball provides the best avenue for
individual player success by applying second to
none MLB, College, and High School experienced
instructors and coaches. This organization has the
resources available to aid players with future
placement opportunities. University of Baseball has
the premier baseball training facilities and resources
dedicated to creating better baseball players.
Ultimately, the development of skills and team
focused play is the guideline for our program.
U of B Involvement
University of Baseball Athletic Indoor Facility –

Periodically the Austin Big Dogs will
practice at University of Baseball indoor
facilities under the guidance of two
professional instructors. The indoor facility

2013-2014
is located at 1626 cr 269 Leander, TX
78641.
On-field Instruction -University of Baseball
will also periodically join the Austin Big
Dogs for regular practice sessions,
providing additional on-field instruction.
[ August 1st - July 31st ]
The Austin Big Dogs organization has a fiscal and
operational year beginning August 1st and ending
July 31st of the following year. The team coaching
staff will invite players to participate with the
organization each year. It is understood that all
participants will be committed to participating with
the organization for a one year duration coinciding
with the organization’s fiscal year unless
specifically noted otherwise.
[ Limited-basis Players ]
There will be occasions where players will be asked
to participate with the organization on a limited
basis for various reasons. These specific reasons
will mainly revolve around tournament commitment
conflicts throughout the season. These limited time
players will have the same liberties extended to
them once on the team and playing in predetermined specific tournaments.
[ Tournaments ]
There will be no less than 12 tournaments per year
unless agreed to by the players, parents, and
coaches. This is roughly one tournament per month.
Although some tournaments will be in Austin, most
will be within a two hour travel distance from
Austin.
[ Team Meetings ]
There will be periodic team meetings to discuss the
team calendar. This will be the time for all parents,
players, and coaches to agree on events, practice,
and other activities to be carried out. We wish for
this process to be very open where all conflicts can
be managed to the best degree. The success of the
team revolves around the player and parents.
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
2013-2014
03 | Player Eligibility
04|Team Composition
Age Requirements
Number of Players
Any player who before May 1st of the current season (fiscal
year) reaches the listed birthday in Column (b) shall not be
eligible to participate in the listed age division in Column (a)
and shall be required to play in the next older age division.
The University of Baseball will try to maintain 1011 players on each team for all teams 13U and
under. For 14u – 18u we will maintain 13-14
players. From time to time we may add 1-2 more
players for specific tournaments.
(A) AGE DIVISION
(B) BIRTHDAY
8U
9TH
Player Selection
9U
10TH
10U
11TH
11U
12TH
12U
13TH
13U
14TH
14U
15TH
15U
16TH
16U
17TH
Player Removal
17U
18TH
18U
19TH
On rare occasions a situation may occur where a
particular player may need to be removed from the
University of Baseball tournament team. If this
situation occurs the parents will receive a prorated
refund based on the number of tournaments the
player participated in.
We are an invitation only travel baseball program.
All eligible players interested in playing travel
baseball will be invited to participate. Currently
there is not a try out process for making the team,
but instead a player evaluation. This process could
be altered on an as-needed basis. Our goal is to
organize a team where the players, coaches and
parents have fun while playing competitive baseball
at the highest achievable level. Please understand,
the coaching staff holds the right to make changes
to the team as necessary to accomplish this goal.
Baseball is a game, and
games are supposed to
be fun!!!!
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
05 | Parent Roles &
Responsibilities

Support & Encouragement

Parental support is integral to the success of the
team and maintaining a fun, positive experience for
all players, coaches and fans. Parents are asked to
be supportive of their players and their coaches in
multiple ways:




Expressing only positive cheers and words
of encouragement during games and
practices
Trusting that your coaches are making
decisions that are best for the team
Practicing with your child on their own time,
using your coaches’ suggestions to work on
improving individual skills
Assisting your child with consistent at-home
physical and strength training.

Do not bring up negative issues immediately
before, after or between games. Please
provide adequate time for game-time
emotions to calm.
Request to speak with the coaching staff
privately. Do not make negative comments
in front of players or other parents.
Consider solutions to the concerns you have.
In addition to sharing your concerns, please
provide the coaching staff with your ideas of
how things may be improved
Financial Obligation
There will be fees each year for participating with
the University of Baseball. These fees cover team
expenses during the “official” season. These
expenses include (but are not limited to) uniforms,
sanction entry fees, tournament entry fees, umpire
costs, incidentals, insurance, park district fees, and
equipment costs. There will be the opportunity for
sponsors to help alleviate some of the team costs.
Hotel rooms and general travel expenses are to be
covered by each player and his parents. We will
work in every way to manage the travel cost to a
minimum so we can enjoy more baseball play
throughout the year.
Conflicts and Concerns

Travel team games and practices can get very
intense, but at no time will criticism, arguments or
yelling at coaching staff, umpires, players or
opposing fans be tolerated. If a parent’s conduct
crosses the line with the above requirements, you
will be asked to disengage and leave the scene
immediately with no repercussions to you or your
player. If you choose to stay engaged, you and your
child will suffer team privileges as determined by
your coaching staff.

Parents are encouraged to bring their questions,
concerns and general feedback to the coaching staff
within the following guidelines:
2013-2014


Each participant will be required to pay
into the program twice per year.
All limited team participant financial
commitments will be handled on an
individual basis.
All payments are non-refundable unless
otherwise specified.
Each participant is required to pay for the
season’s fees completely, even if they
choose to leave the program before the
season is complete, or if they are
removed from the program due to a
breach in conduct.
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
2013-2014
06 | Player Roles &
Responsibilities
If a young player is serious about accepting the
privilege of competing in tournament baseball, he
must be willing to accept the following
responsibilities:
Off-Field Conduct

Dress & Appearance



Wearing jewelry of any type (rings, watches,
necklaces, or earrings) will not be permitted
during games and practices.
Wear uniforms and practice attire properly.
You will be required to be fully dressed
from the time you get to the field until the
time you leave. This includes shirt, socks,
and caps. Wear your uniform in a respectful
manner at all times.
Everyone will be required to wear long
pants and to wear proper baseball attire for
all games and practices. Everyone must
wear jackets and/or long sleeves when
necessary to all games and practices,
especially early in the season. Spikes and an
athletic supporter and protective cup are
required equipment at all times.
On-Field Conduct



Swearing, name-calling, or harassing other
players will not be tolerated.
Control your emotions at all times. We need
players that will think and then act, not the
other way around. Throwing of helmets,
bats, gloves or anything in the dugout will
not be tolerated and disciplinary measures
will take place.
Treat all officials, opposing coaches,
opposing players, and their fans with
respect. If you have nothing positive to say,
then don’t say anything at all!


You will be expected to conduct yourself
in a First Class manner around Austin
and in any community you visit for
games or practices.
Whenever you are representing
University of Baseball tournament teams
you are expected to behave in a respectful
manner. That includes any time that you
are wearing Austin Big Dog attire
throughout the year.
Players are expected to maintain
satisfactory academic standing. Poor
academic performance or disciplinary
behavior may impact your team
privileges and will be addressed on a
case-by-case basis.
Practice & Game
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory! You are expected to be
on time for practice, meetings and games. The team
cannot achieve their goals and maintain a winning
attitude if players are missing or arriving late for
games and/or practices. If you will miss a practice
or a game, for any reason, the manager must know
about it as soon as possible.



The first unexcused absence will impact
playing time in the next game.
The second unexcused absence will
impact playing time and parents will be
notified.
The third unexcused absence will be
considered a disciplinary issue and the
player will be removed from the roster
for the balance of the season.
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
07 | Communication
2013-2014
08 | Facility Rule &
Etiquette
Email
The University of Baseball strives to maintain an
open line of communication for all families. The
Program Coordinator will use EMAIL as a primary
source to distribute information. Baseball can
change fast, so please understand that it is very
important to keep a close eye on the email account
that you have provided for information as it goes
out.
Texting
The University of Baseball is now using texting to
cellular phone for information that is time sensitive.
Please ensure that you keep your cell phone
numbers updated with the Program Coordinator, to
stay up to the minute with Team/Program news. If
you are unable to receive Text Message, please
inform the Program Coordinator, so you can be
added to the “call list”.
As a part of The Austin Big Dogs your player will receive
a membership to our indoor training facility. Please
read and follow the rules and etiquette standards
below.










We will consistently
teach the value of
team so that each
player knows “we
are better together”.



Call ahead to schedule your cage time.
Always sign in at the front desk when you
arrive.
Only players on The Austin Big Dogs Roster will
be permitted to use the facility under their
membership.
No one is allowed to swing the bat inside the
facility unless they are inside a cage.
Do not take chairs into the cages, please sit on
the buckets.
All players are required to wear a batting
helmet when hitting in a cage.
All players under 14 are required to have adult
supervision.
No player is permitted to wear cleats inside the
facility. You may however wear cleats on the
outdoor bullpen or field.
Anyone who “squats” to catch another player
must wear complete catchers gear.
No sunflower seeds or peanuts are allowed in
the facility.
Always be mindful of your assigned time and
leave the cage on time.
Please always pickup all the equipment you use
in the cages and return them to the front desk.
Please put all your trash in the provided
receptacle.
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
09 | Player Commitment
Contract
The purpose of The University of Baseball
Tournament Team program is to develop your
mental, physical, and emotional abilities as a
ball player and to enhance your opportunities
to play at a higher level if you so desire. In
order to meet this goal, certain personal
sacrifices must be made; sacrifices that show a
commitment to this program and the team.
These commitments include:
1. To work consistently toward higher individual
techniques and team goals.
2. Complete dedication to the team as a whole.
3. Wholehearted participation in practice
sessions, and tournaments.
As an UBTTP player and student athlete......
- I will learn how to set goals, always strive to achieve
them, and develop a lifestyle that will produce success
on and off
the court.
ACADEMICS: I will make academics my absolute first
priority. Practice schedules are established well in
advance so players are able to plan for study time
accordingly.
ATTENDANCE: I will be present at every practice and
game, unless I am sick, injured, have a medical
appointment, have a family emergency, religious
activities or I am participant in a school sponsored event.
I realize that missing practices or games lets my team
down and will result in a loss of playing time. Players
with an excessive number of unexcused absences will
be recommended for suspension or removed from the
team. It is important for players to communicate with
coaches in advance regarding schedule conflicts.
TARDINESS: I will arrive early or at the coach
designated time and be ready to practice or compete in
a match. Those players arriving late will be required to
complete additional conditioning or drills.
ATTITUDE: I will always exhibit a positive attitude
towards fellow players and the coaching staff. Coaches
will not tolerate disruptive attitudes. In severe cases
players will be recommended for removed from the
team.
- I will overcome the urge to complain, think negative,
backstab, take part in cliques, act selfishly, or engage in
any activities that disrupt team chemistry.
- I will work hard to tell the truth in my interactions with
teammate and coaches.
2013-2014
- I will be loyal to my teammates, to my coach, and to my
program.
- I will work to resolve conflicts at the lowest level.
Misunderstandings and conflicts are an inevitable part of
any group activity, and maturing means learning to deal
with these in an appropriate manner.
- I will learn the principle of positive reinforcement and
apply them in practice and game and help my teammate
succeed.
- I will comply with the acknowledgment rule at all time
(using good listening, verbalization, and eye-contact
skills).
- I will eliminate the use of obscenities during practice
and games.
- I will accept the decisions of the coaching staff
regarding playing time and I will support my teammate
when I am not in a match.
DEDICATION: I understand that when I am on a Team
Roster, I will not leave this team at any time during the
season. It directly affect the rest of the team in a
negative way when a player leaves the program mid
season.
RESPONSIBILITY TO TEAMMATES: BASE/SOFT ball
is a team sport, I will have an obligation to my
teammates to abide by the rules.
- I will be accountable for all team requirements ( e.g.,
being on time, doing my share of off field team duties
such warming up other players, and scorekeeping) and I
will do these with a sense of pride to support the team.
- I will learn to be aware of the effect of my mood swings
on people around me and to keep these swings within a
reasonable variance and let the coaches know when I
have external problems that may affect my performance
and the team.
Remember that athletic participation is a
privilege. Playing in this club involves a great
deal of individual and family sacrifice. If you
agree to this commitment contract, you will be
expected to adhere to these policies and
realize that they are imperative to a sound
team concept. Failure to follow these policies
could result in any of the following
consequences:
1. Disciplinary actions as decided by the
coaching staff.
2. Suspension from the team for a series of
unexcused absences from practices and/or
tournaments.
3. Dismissal from the program.
As a team player I take full responsibility
for my actions.
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The University of Baseball Tournament Team Handbook
2013-2014
High School Showcase
Team Travel Policies
Option #1
The family can arrange their own hotel accommodations for the days our team is scheduled to play.
The family will need to turn in this option to the Program Coordinator no later than 2 weeks prior to
tournament weekend. All players are required to ride in the van, however. This player will STILL be
REQUIRED to contribute to their team’s Van rental and Coach’s stay.
Option #2
The family can enroll their player in the “Team Travel” program. This option will include team
transportation, and room accommodations. The U of B will rent 15 passenger van(s), dependant on
how many players enroll in this option. This will allow players to have transportation to the hotel, and
to-and-from the fields. Also, the U of B will assign the players roommates for the weekend with no
more than 4 players to 1 room. The family will need to turn this option in to the Program Coordinator
no later than 2 weeks prior to tournament weekend. Preferred roommate options must be turned in at
that time also, and the Program Coordinator will attempt to meet those requests, but it is NEVER
guaranteed. With this option, the cost associated to travel and room will be split according to actual
cost. Players are responsible for their daily food, drink, and incidentals while traveling with the team.
Cost Example: (1 night stay)
12 players travel as a team
Van - $120/day for 2 days = $240.00
Gas - $4/gallon @ 300 miles & 15 mpg = $80.00
Hotel - $90/night for 4 rooms = $360.00
Total Actual Cost = $680.00
Option #1 Cost per player: $34.00
Option #2 Cost per Player = $57.00
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