Player and Parent Resource Guide

ATHLET I CS SECT ION Player & Parent Resource Guide

2400 16TH ST. • GREENSBORO, NC • 336-373-3272 • WWW.GSOPARKSANDREC.ORG

WELCOME TO PARKS AND RECREATION ATHLETICS Athletics Office Greensboro Sportplex 2400 Sixteenth St. Greensboro, NC, 27405 336-373-3272 Weather Line: 336-373-2366 Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Fields & Facilities Practices and games are held at Greensboro Parks and Recreation facilities. Detailed information on location of facilities and directions can be found Table of Contents General Information ... 3-4 Youth Leagues ... 5 Adult Leagues ... 6 Expectations of Caregivers and Spectators ... 7 Social Media Guidelines ... 8 Safety and Weather ... 9 at https://tinyurl.com/ GSOfieldsandfacilities.

Thank you for making the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department your home for sports in Greensboro. Our philosophy is to create a positive environment for youth and adults by: 1. Emphasizing each individual’s right to participate 2. Teaching life skills, good sportsmanship, and game fundamentals 3. Stressing fun and enjoyment. This guide provides an overview of our program. Specific information for each sport can be found on our website, www.gsoparksandrec.org. We consider each of you vital to the success of our program. We take pride in providing exceptional recreational opportunities. Our goals are to: • Provide opportunities to learn life skills and contribute to the mental, physical and social development of the participant.

• Provide adult participants with a variety of sports, competitive league play in a structured environment, and an opportunity to socialize, be active and engage with other members of the community. • Teach our youth participants fundamentals and skill development while emphasizing fun and good sportsmanship and treating all participants, parents, coaches and staff with respect and dignity. • Maintain a family-friendly and sportsmanlike atmosphere and create an opportunity for parents and children to enjoy a common recreational activity. We hope that you will help us achieve these objectives. Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to serve you. Sincerely, Athletics Staff Greensboro Parks and Recreation 2

GENERAL INFORMATION RegistrationProcess

ask to speak with someone regarding fee assistance. Equipment & Uniforms Youth Football players need cleats, a mouth guard and an athletic supporter. Baseball players need cleats and an athletic supporter. Other equipment and uniforms are provided. Uniforms must be worn to participate. You may purchase equipment for your child, already provided by the department, as long as it meets the standards and safety requirements of the program. Adult For softball, players need to provide softballs and bats. For basketball and kickball, Parks and Recreation provides game and practice balls. All teams, except the Women’s Basketball League, must provide their own uniforms. All players on the roster must have matching uniforms (color and logo) with a printed number on the back. Team Formation Youth Players are assigned to teams based on age and their legal guardian’s home address. Adults Leagues are formed based on the day and competition level you selected during registration. Schedules, Rules & Bylaws Youth Team and league schedules will be distributed by coaches.

Schedules and League Bylaws are also available on our website approximately one week before games begin. Adult Schedules will be emailed to team managers approximately one week prior to the season. Schedules and League Bylaws are also available on our website. Playing Requirements Youth playing time varies by sport. Minimum play guidelines are outlined in each sport’s bylaws. Players are only allowed to play in the age group they are registered in and only on one team. Players are able to advance to the next age division with league director approval. Standings Standings can be found on our website under Friday Scoreboard, www.greensboro- nc.gov/FridayScoreboard. Standings are updated weekly. Youth Coaching The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department encourages individuals interested in coaching to contact the Athletics office. Prospective coaches must be at least 18 years old, submit a background check and complete training and necessary certifications to be eligible to coach. Please reference the Coach’s Corner on our webpage for more details - tinyurl.com/ GSOcoachscorner.

Youth& ParentRequirements Newcomerswill needto make an in-personvisit for theirfirst registrationto verifythe ir child’s age. Subsequentl,yparticipants will be ableto registeronline. Childrenof all gende rsmay play any sport. We require all first-time sports parents and caregivers to comp lete the Parents Associationfor You thSpor ts (PAYS) Programpriorto registeringa child. PAYS provide s a vide o-basededucation programto helpmakeyouth sports parents and caregivers awareof theirrolesand responsi bilitiesa, s well as ways theycanmaketheirchild’s experiencemoreenjoyableand pos itive. Contact us at 336-373-3272for more details or visit www.nays. org to takethe course. Moreregistrationdetai lsare locatedon ourwebsiteat www. greensboro-nc .gov/athlet i.cs Adults Adultsmayregisterin-personat our office byappointment only from10 am to 4 pmweekdays or online www.greensboro-nc . gov/athletic.sOrganizational meet ingsare heldprior to each

season after registration. PaymentAssistance Greensbororeside ntswho

cannot afford yo uth a thletic registrationfeesbecauseof economicneedmayrequestfee assistance.Prior to registering , contactthe Athlet icsofficeand

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Conduct The Greensboro Parks and

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products including any electronic cigarette or nicotine delivery system are not permitted at fields or facilities at any time. Concealed handguns are prohibited. Pet Information For the safety of our participants and spectators, pets are not permitted in the program or spectator areas. People who do not comply will be asked to remove their animal from the

site.Only serviceanimals,as defined by the Americans with DisabilitiesAct, are permi tted. Sponsorships Sponsor ship oppor tun ities are availablefor businesses andorga nizationsthatwant to promo te their brand and increase ht eir visibility as a community partner. Please call 336-373-2965 or emaidl avid. tugwell@greensboro-nc.gov for more information.

Recreation Department strives to maintain a positive environment and wholesome recreational atmosphere at all athletic events and programs. Our expectations are that all players, coaches and spectators conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. A detailed code of conduct is covered in the bylaws for each sport.

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YOUTH LEAGUES

League

Ages

Registration

Details

Baseball

5-14

Opens early January through February at www. greensboro-nc.gov/baseball. Opens early June at www. greensboro-nc.gov/baseball. Opens early June at www. greensboro-nc.gov/ cheerleading. Opens early June at www. greensboro-nc.gov/football. Opens early October at www.greensboro-nc.gov/ youthbasketball. Opens early June at www. greensboro-nc.gov/ cheerleading. Sessions offered throughout the year at www.greensboro- nc.gov/smartstart.

Ages 5-8: $35. Ages 9-14: $50. Jersey and cap provided. Practices begin early April. Games begin late April. Ages 5-8: $35. Ages 9-15: $50. Jersey and cap provided. Practices begin second week of August. Games begin mid-September. Cost: $50. Shell and skirt provided. Player purchases accessories. Practices start early August. Games start mid-September. Cost: $50. Equipment provided. Player provides cleats and mouth guard. Practices start early August. Games start mid- September. Cost: $50. Jersey provided. Practices begin early December. Games begin early January. Cost: $50. Shell and skirt provided. Player purchases accessories. Practices start early November. Games start early January. Cost: $25. Program is designed to build motor skills in a noncompetitive environment. Adult participation required.

ON-GOING WINTER FALL SPRING

Baseball

5-15

5-13

Cheerleading

Football

5-12

Basketball

5-16

Cheerleading

5-13

3-5

Start Smart Sports

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ADULT LEAGUES

League

Ages

Registration

Details

Kickball

18+

Opens early January through February at www. greensboro-nc.gov/kickball. Opens early January at www. greensboro-nc.gov/softball.

Cost: $350 per team. Competitive and recreation leagues available. Games begin late March. Cost: $475 per team. Competitive and recreation leagues available. Games begin in early April. Cost: $350 per team. Competitive and recreation leagues available. Games begin in mid-August. Men’s and Co-ed Cost: $475 per team. 45+ Cost: $40 per player. Games begin late July or early August.

Men’s Slow Pitch Softball

18+

WINTER FALL SPRING

18+

Opens early June at www. greensboro-nc.gov/kickball.

Kickball

Co-ed, Men’s Modified and 45+ Softball

Opens early June to late July at www.greensboro-nc.gov/ softball.

18+, 45+

Men’s Basketball

Opens early October at www.greensboro-nc.gov/ mensbasketball. Opens early October at www.greensboro-nc.gov/ womensbasketball.

Cost: $475 per team. Games begin late November.

18+

Women’s Basketball

Cost: Guilford resident $40; Non-resident $50 per player. Games start late November.

18+

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EXPECTATIONS OF CAREGIVERS AND SPECTATORS

The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department is committed to ensure that youth participating in our athletic programs have a safe, healthy and positive environment in which to play and develop their skills. Parents, caregivers and other spectators are asked to adhere to the following while attending our youth athletic events: Cheer, don’t coach. Avoid yelling specific instructions and issuing commands. Coaching from the bleachers or sidelines can be extremely confusing for a child and possibly contrary to the coach’s instruction. Coaches need your support.

Be supportive of their decisions and don’t undermine their efforts. If you don’t agree with a coach and feel the need to discuss something, make certain it is done at the right time and place and not in front of the children. Respect opponents and fans. Learn and understand the rules of the game. Respect the officials. Respect their judgement even if you disagree with them. Win or lose with dignity. Accept the results of each game. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory. Find something positive with each game, no matter what the outcome,

by working towards helping your child improve his or her skills. Support your child. Make sure that your child gets the most out of their playing experience. Show unwavering support, including positive reinforcement of your child’s performance and effort. Be positive. Adults should also be positive role models, including, but not limited to, showing proper sportsmanship at all times and refraining from negativity of any kind. Overall, parents and caregivers should be cheerleaders. Allow the coach to coach, the referee to officiate, and, most of all, allow your child to particpate.

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SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

We have no better advocates than our participants, parents, officials, spectators, employees, and volunteer coaches to help lead and set the tone of social media interactions in a manner that advances the Parks and Recreation Department and Athletics’ mission and goals. We recognize that social media can be an important tool for communicating successes and opportunities for athletic and individual development. It can also serve as a platform for receiving constructive feedback from our community, but it is imperative that we do so in a positive and constructive manner. Every individual who is involved in our programs plays a role in this social media platform, and we ask that you abide by the following social media guidelines. Be considerate. Be positive, respectful, and encourage healthy interactions. If you disagree with others’ opinions, remain appropriate and polite. If you find yourself in a situation that is becoming antagonistic, find ways to politely disagree and take the high road. Be accurate. Make sure any information you report has been verified, and that you have the proper rights and give credit when sharing someone else’s content. Understand that statements you make on social media can live indefinitely and can also reflect on Greensboro Parks and Recreation. Be engaging. Post content and questions that encourage thoughtful discussion. Remember that you are a

representative of Greensboro Parks and Recreation, and the public may interpret your online postings or social interactions as though they are official statements. Be honest. Use good judgment when posting comments on any official Greensboro Parks and Recreation site. If you make a mistake, admit it and correct yourself quickly.

comfort level and be mindful of the information you share. Do not post or share pictures of participants without proper consent. Personally identifiable information (name, date of birth, home address, etc.) should not be disclosed in any manner on social networking sites. Have fun. Interacting on social media should be fun and engaging. Set the tone for positive interactions and enhance Greensboro Parks and Recreation through social media.

Be safe. Protect your privacy by adjusting settings to your

LIKE, FOLLOW & TAG US!

@ GSOParksandRec

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SAFETY AND WEATHER PROCEDURES

was transported to. • Please inform us on the waiver form if your child has a medical condition, including allergies and prescribed medications. The league will inform the coach of your child’s condition. This is essential in order to assist the medical personnel who respond. • All athletics facilities are alcohol- and tobacco-free zones, including electronic cigarettes. No dogs (except service animals) are allowed on the fields or in program and spectator areas at any time. Concealed handguns are prohibited. Inclement Weather Procedures The safety of our patrons is important to us, and we make every effort to keep you informed of facility closures and program cancellations due to weather. Before the Game In the event of inclement weather on game days, call the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department Game Cancellation Line at 336-373-2366 after 4 pm on weekdays and 8 am on weekends. This number is located at the top of all game schedules. If no cancellation details are available, teams should report to the game location. On the Field If it rains after arriving at the field, the decision to play or cancel will be determined by Parks and Recreation staff and or the game officials on the field. Cancellations If the first game is cancelled due to weather and the weather clears in time for the next scheduled game,

the second, third and fourth games may be played if field conditions are safe. If the first two games are cancelled, all other games will be cancelled for that day at that field. Be prepared to play in the rain if In the event of inclement weather on non-game days, please contact your head coach concerning practice. Lightning Policy Athletics uses the Pocket Perry Weather App to monitor for severe weather within 10 miles of a given facility. This app provides athletic staff with access to real-time weather information including live radar, lightning mapping, storm tracking and all-clear timers. In the event lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius of the facility where games are being played, staff will initiate lighting delay procedures. Play shall be suspended, and staff, officials, participants, and spectators should seek shelter immediately. Play is suspended for at least 30 minutes after each lightning strike that occurs within a 10-mile radius. Any subsequent lightning that is detected restarts the 30-minute countdown to an all-clear notification for play to resume. Staff will continue to monitor conditions and use real-time information to assist in determining if conditions are safe to resume play. If the all-clear is received prior to the game time limit, staff and officials will determine whether or not to continue play. Games may be cancelled and rescheduled for a later date. conditions are safe. On Practice Days

Safety & Wellness Although we attempt to avoid accidents and emergencies through adequate planning, training, and maintaining safe facilities and equipment, emergency situations may still occur. Our staff has a clear understanding of the emergency response plan. Our volunteers and staff are trained on hot weather precautions, what to do in the case of an emergency, injury and accident prevent, and concussion awareness. Our bylaws for each sport include specific guidelines. In general: • All injuries are taken seriously and will be treated as such. We encourage all participants to notify coaches and/or staff when an injury occurs. If an injury occurs in practice, the coaches may advise you whether further care is recommended. • If parents or guardians are not present and the injury requires medical attention, 911 will be contacted and a designated staff member will accompany the

player to the medical facility until a caregiver arrives. Staff will reach out to the parent or guardian to provide information on the injury and the medical facility their child

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2400 16TH ST. • GREENSBORO, NC • 336-373-3272 • WWW.GSOPARKSANDREC.ORG