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Bombers Baseball Club Rules

We like to keep things loose and fun but at the same time, we need to make sure we try to maximize our chances for success. Over the years, I have observed the following things that I think have made other teams successful. I want to apply these “best practices” to our organization because I think it will help us be successful and make for a better overall experience for both the players and parents.

Steve Riccio
Founder, President, GM
Bombers Baseball Club

Parent Rules:

  • No communication with your son from 30 minutes prior to the first game till they leave the dugout after the last game. We only have them for a few hours and we need them to focus on the game and our coaching.  Exceptions: player injury or personal emergency.
  • There will never, ever be any "parent/relative coaching" of your son or other players during any Bombers practice, game or tournament.  Players need to always focus on their coach's instructions and no one else.  No parent would ever do this during a HS or college game and we expect the same from all our Bombers supporters.    
  • Always be supportive and positive toward ALL the boys on the field. Don’t denigrate any player’s skills on the field. We want everyone to walk away from the field with good feelings and solid confidence.
  • Avoid bickering with the other team’s parents/fans. Some parents/fans can get really emotional and intense.  They can’t keep the game in perspective so please avoid getting sucked into an argument or confrontation with them because it will distract our players, sends a terrible message and it is embarrassing for everyone.
  • If there is a problem during a game or practice concerning your son such as playing time or other issues that you would like to discuss, PLEASE, cool off, wait 24 hours, and then email me so we can set up a call to discuss it in a calm manner. Discussing these things immediately after an emotional win or loss is always a bad idea.
  • Keep us informed about any injuries, sports conflicts, problems with grades, school, etc.

 

Player Rules (make sure your son reads these):

  • Maintain good grades in school.  This is rule #1 for a reason.  Playing baseball is a privilege, not a right.  Parents and guardians make many sacrifices to provide you this privilege and the expectation of good and improving grades in school is the best thing you can do for both yourself and everyone who supports you.  School work and grades always come first. If your parents are unhappy about your grades and effort in school – you will not play until they give us the green light.
  • Maintain good behavior at home, at school and at all Bombers events.  This is rule #1A.  Don't cause problems for yourself and others who are there to help you.  You will always receive more assistance and opportunities from those around you by always being kind, respectful and helpful.
  • Focus on the process and NOT the outcome. This is the most difficult part of any sport, particularly baseball because it is a game where you fail more than you succeed (batting averages, errors, etc.). If you focus on the “process” of improving through preparation and practice rather than the end result of each time you hit, field and pitch; you will be on the path of continuously improving your skills. What is this “process”? See the following points.
  • Practice, practice, practice. Several studies have shown that it takes 10,000 hours of practice for someone to become an expert at something like a sport, musical instrument, and a profession even if you have natural talents and abilities in that area.  In short – you still need to practice constantly and outwork your peers in order to become the best at something. (Note: 10,000 hours of practice equates to 20 hours of practice per week for 50 weeks per year for 10 years - so get busy!).
  • Positive attitude/no sulking. As mentioned above, baseball is a game where you will fail more than you succeed – recognize this and accept it. If you fail to control your emotions on the field, you will NEVER be consistently successful.
  • Maximum hustle and effort 100% of the time. This is the key difference between good and great players. You don’t have to be the most talented player in order to be the best player on the field – effort and hustle are the keys to greatness.
  • Respect for all players, coaches, umpires and parents. “Mouthing off”, causing trouble and any dirty play will NOT be tolerated and could result in you being kicked off the team.
  • Have fun. Enjoy yourself on the field while also following all these rules. Baseball is a GAME so enjoy it. Life is much more difficult so appreciate your time on the field while you can.