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ABC Nation,
Hope all is well. I am writing to provide you a few friendly reminders related to the start of games and tournament's. I trust that you have taken time preceding this season to Invest in Relationship with the ABC staff and you feel confident that together we can navigate the challenges of this season. Circumstances this season will challenge your sense of entitlement, however, I am confident that God is big enough to allow imperfect people (like us) to work together, communicate with transparency, and treat each other with respect so that we can build, improve upon, and maintain a long-term relationship. Please take a minute as a family to review the following:
- uniform: please review the Uniform Protocol tab found of your team page to ensure that you are wearing the correct uniform "combo" each game day (pants/jersey/hat). Players not dressed in correct/proper uniform will not be allowed to play.
- game times: the coaches and I get game time and bracket information from the same resource you have at your fingertips: the host tournament website. Individual ABC team schedules have been populated with a link to the host tournament website(s) (not all host tournament website hotlinks are currently "live" on your schedule; however, they will be). Towards the end of each week leading into a tournament I recommend you begin to check the host tournament website for game time/bracket info. Don't be alarmed if you check and the bracket is not posted yet; just check back; and recheck several times during the week because it is not uncommon for there to be changes. Again, the coaches and I get our information from the same resource.
- directions: please do your best to navigate tournament websites on your own to find all desired information. Some tourney sites are better than others. Brackets, game times and directions might be challenging to find or might not be posted yet, but it is there. All game times, field locations, etc will be posted on the tourney website. Again, check the host tourney site and recheck. If you will be playing at a ball filed you have never visited before PLEASE make sure you have a clear understanding of directions to ball field(use MapQuest) and then once there, how to locate the specific field we are playing on. There are situations where fields are located quite a distance from the parking lot. Arrive 1hr early means your ball player is at the designated field with his spikes on ready to start warm ups; nothing else. There are consequences for arriving late or not in proper uniform *I have added a hotlink on your team home page next to the roster where you can review information and PDF addressing these topics.
- pool play vs round-robin: ABC participates in tournaments that have various formats. When participating in "pool play" where the outcome of first two or three games determines future game times you will need to check the tournament website throughout the tournament to learn what time we play once "pool play" concludes and bracket play begins (game times based on seeding). If tournament is round-robin format all game times are predetermined and posted ahead of time (ex: everyone plays four games and game times are predetermined upfront and do not change related to wins/losses). If you ever wonder "what time do we play" please check the host tourney website for info.
- helpful memo's: I have added a section to your team home page next to the roster titled "Helpful memo's". I encourage you to click on all topics to review. If you have any questions or concerns, now is the time to schedule a phone call with me to discuss. There is a PDF titled ABC Handbook. I recommend all players and parents review this document together (it addresses topics like playing time, what happens if I am late, if I have an ABC related issue or concern how do I proceed?, etc). Hotlink is posted in "Helpful Memo's" section on team page.
- inclement weather: the ABC inclement weather page (@abcraininfo) is your primary source for inclement weather info and instructions. We will always have an alternate plan to move indoors if weather is an issue. There is a button on your team page to access the ABC inclement weather page. Parents who contact me directly regarding inclement weather changes and adjustments will be directed to @abcraininfo.
- coaches contact info: ABC coaches are instructed not to provide personal phone numbers to parents. By design, we streamline the communication process by having parents who need to communicate info on game day(s) send a text message to me (Coach Prater 512-844-8105). Due to the increased ABC related activities on weekends, text messaging is the most efficient way to let me know what you feel I need to know (ex: Johnny is sick). I will pass along relevant information to the coaches. Please limit text message topics to those that are related to pertinent last minute information that is relevant to what is specifically going on in that very moment. From time to time I have to remind parents that the topic(s) of their text messages should be sent via email or are social in nature. With all do respect, do not engage with me via text message in a social manner or to "tell me whats on your mind". I have an open door policy and you will be heard (no question and well deserved); however, there is a Process. Read the ABC Handbook PDF to unpack this topic (link is on team home page). I am happy to discuss this protocol with individuals who would like further commentary regarding how any/all ABC policies, procedures are relevant to our purpose statement
Thank you for your time. We value and appreciate the opportunity to provide a first-class baseball experience for you, your ball player and your family. We are looking forward to a fantastic season of baseball!
Soli Deo Gloria,
Coach Prater
"I want to help you reach your max-potential"
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