Express Baseball Club – Team Rules & Guidelines

To maintain a positive, respectful, and structured environment for players, parents, and coaches, all families participating in Express Baseball Club must adhere to the following rules and policies. These guidelines ensure the best experience for all involved while upholding the integrity and reputation of our program.

1. Game Day Conduct

• Respect Umpires: Treat umpires with respect and refrain from arguing or questioning their decisions. They are professionals or volunteers working to facilitate fair play.
• Respect Teammates & Parents: Support all players regardless of skill level. Maintain a positive atmosphere among parents and avoid confrontational behavior.
• Respect Coaches: Support coaching decisions. If concerns arise, follow the proper communication process outlined below.
• No Alcohol or Smoking: Alcohol, smoking, and vaping are strictly prohibited at all Express Baseball practices, games, and events.

2. Coaching Decisions & Communication Protocol

• 48-Hour Rule: Parents must wait at least 48 hours after a game before discussing coaching decisions, playing time, or roster issues with coaches, club directors, or other parents. Immediate post-game discussions are not allowed, as they can be emotionally charged and unproductive.
• Communication Process: After the 48-hour period, parents may reach out via agreed-upon methods (e.g., email, scheduled meetings). Coaches will respond in a reasonable timeframe.

3. Roster Commitments & Playing for Other Teams

• Roster Exclusivity Rule: Players cannot be on another team’s roster during the same event or in a different event on the same weekend as an Express game. This violates tournament rules and club policy, jeopardizing our team’s eligibility. Any player violating this rule will be removed from the roster for the remainder of the season.
• Commitment to Team Budgeting: Regardless of participation, all payments remain due. The club operates on a team budgeting system, meaning costs for coaches, facilities, and tournaments are allocated based on full-season commitments. Players who are removed from the team for violating policies are still responsible for their financial commitment.

4. Team Communication & Parent Conduct

• No Unauthorized Messaging Groups: Parents may not create or participate in "GroupMe," iMessage, or similar group chats using Express customer contacts for team-related discussions. All official team communication must go through Express-approved channels.
• Respect for Administrators & Staff: Follow all administrative guidelines and comply with requests in a timely manner.
• Conduct in Stands: Maintain a supportive and respectful atmosphere at games. Avoid negative discussions about players, coaches, or parents.

5. Social Media & Public Conduct

• Responsible Use: Parents and players should refrain from posting negative comments, complaints, or criticisms about the team, coaches, or staff on social media. Public posts can harm the team’s reputation and create unnecessary conflicts.
• Privacy & Personal Information: Do not obtain or distribute other families’ personal contact information without consent.

6. Attendance & Commitment

• Game & Practice Attendance: Notify coaches in advance if a player cannot attend a game or practice. Unexcused absences may result in removal from the team or communication channels or effect playing time.
• Uniform & Spirit Wear Policy: Players must wear proper team attire for games. New uniforms are purchased in the fall and used the following spring. Parents may not create or sell unauthorized Express spirit wear.

By following these policies, we create a positive and professional environment that allows our players to grow and succeed. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining the standards of Express Baseball Club.