Ohio Bison Baseball & Softball - Parent/Player Contract

The rules, philosophies, and procedures that The Ohio Bison Baseball & Softball Program will operate under are outlined in the following pages. Please read through each page closely, as we want you to be fully aware of what is expected of our players and parents. Our goal is to make the Ohio Bison a premier organization for individuals dedicated to their craft, community and development. 

Mission Statement and Purpose: Ohio Bison Baseball & Softball program is a travel organization based out of Licking County, Ohio. The program consists of positive coaches with the right experience, whose goal is to promote development and character so that players will be prepared to take their game to the next level on and off the field. We are dedicated to providing committed athletes the opportunity to improve upon not only their fundamental skills as an athlete but also as a positive member of the community.  

Colors: Our team colors are Vegas Gold, Teal and Black (primary) but we may have alternate uniform variations that include White, Grey, or colors that support a specific cause (Example: Pink for breast cancer awareness).

A.    FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS:

 Player Fees: Each player (family) is responsible for:

*Subject to change 

Player Fees: Each player (family) is responsible for:

*Subject to change 

The non-refundable deposit is required when the contract is signed and submitted; this fee and contract must be submitted within ten days of contract offer to secure a spot on the roster. The complete team fee listed above must be paid in full by February 1^st of upcoming year. The deposit will count toward your total fees. If the fee is not paid in full before the date established above the player will be ineligible until their obligations are filled. Fundraising or financing options are available to cover all or some of this investment, the parent should inquire. All player fee payments are non-refundable. 

Player fees cover the expense of tournament fees, league fees, facility fees, player and coach gear, baseballs and various training equipment, coaches pay*, training, designated camps and clinics, practices, practice field maintenance, insurance, indoor facility use, administrative expenses, office expenses and facility costs, admin expenses and etc. 

Additional Costs: Personal equipment costs such as personal helmets, gloves, bats, cleats etc. will be paid by the player/family. We strongly encourage players to wear our team colors or neutral colors that do not clash with our program’s colors. Discounts are available on select brands/products through our organization. All travel expenses, meals, facility admission charges and other miscellaneous expenses related to travel athletics are the responsibility of the player/family unless otherwise noted. 

Fundraising: Each player will be responsible for selling two (2) individual tickets to our Night at the Races* event. This requirement is done to help us continue building on our scholarship fund, which ensures no player is ever turned away due to their financial inability to pay. 

At our organizational meeting and throughout the year we will present a multitude of fundraising options which allow players to help offset program fees or earn money for additional gear. These fundraisers will not be required.

 In addition, each individual team might elect to do additional fundraising to help pay for additional tournaments, games, equipment etc. Participation to these fundraisers will be at the discretion of each head coach.  

* (or event of similar status as deemed by Ohio Bison staff)

Late Fees:

Late fees are designed to discourage team fees from being paid after February 1. The only way teams can be properly entered into tournaments, winter training and cover all expenses is when players complete their financial obligation in a timely manner. All late fees will be STRICTLY ENFORCED with ZERO EXCEPTIONS unless you receive written and signed permission of the program director. For any player not paid in full on February 1 there will be an additional $100 of late fees applied to the overall balance due every month on the second day of each month, until the financial obligation is fulfilled. 

Uniform Portal: Our program is an all Under Armour program for jerseys and apparel. We will provide a link to all players where required team uniforms can be purchased by the individual players. The organization will not be responsible for purchasing these jerseys but instead will be the responsibility of the participant. There will be items marked as required and those marked optional. Every player must purchase the required items to eligible for the season. 

Ohio Bison - Parent/Player Contract

 If your player chooses to leave the program, or is dismissed from the team due to rule violations or disciplinary reasons, these fees and all money paid are non-refundable. In addition any player that chooses to leave or that is dismissed they will not be granted a release from our roster via Nations, COYBL or any other sanctioning or governing body which our program is associated with. 

When your team is playing out of town, each parent is responsible for meals and lodging, and making other arrangements if they are unable to accompany their child on trips. It is not the coaches’ responsibility to do so. In some instances, such as large out of town events, we may block rooms for our organization to stay at the same hotel, but it’s the parents’ obligation to fulfill the financial costs.

B.     TRAINING AND COACHING ASSIGNMENTS 

1. Practices, camps, and games will be conducted by the Bison coaching staff. Players will have access to seminars, camps and showcases through the organization at a free or reduced rate. This training is to benefit you, and players are responsible for the material presented. 

2. Tournament games are conducted by the game coach. Game coaches are required to report the results of each game to the Director/Coordinator of the program. 

 3. Game coaches will be selected by the Program Director. Each team is different based on the uniqueness of the team. Head coaching assignments may shift after the end of spring, summer, and fall seasons.

C.     PARENTAL PARTICIPATION – Expectations & Rules 

The success of this program depends heavily on the commitment of everyone in our organization. Parents are encouraged to attend practices and games. You may be called upon to help with practice drills, scorekeeping and other items. Game coaching responsibilities are assigned by the director to officially designated persons only. Coaches and Bison staff have final say on whom is allowed to be involved in team functions including camps, seminars and games. 

Ohio Bison - Parent/Player Contract

Rules for Parents:

1. The Ohio Bison strive to be known as a “Class Organization” We ask that parents, relatives, and friends attending the games absolutely do not abuse umpires, opposing coaches or players as well as our own players in any way. Allow the players to play the game as they have been coached. This rule will be strictly enforced, any violations of this rule by players, coaches, parents or fans can result in expulsion from the team or team activities. THIS IS A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY.

2. During games, parents are respectfully asked to remain at least ten feet away from the dugouts unless otherwise asked by the coaches. Players are instructed not to talk to their parents and friend outside the dugout while a game is in progress. Please allow the only adult contact with your child during a game to be the coaching staff. This rule is in place in order to promote an environment that promotes focus and awareness to the game for the players, while also allowing the coaching staff to effectively due their job. 

 3. Any parent challenging the authority of a Bison coach or staff member will be asked to leave the game and or team. Verbal or physical abuse of coaches will not be tolerated.

4. Parents that have concerns or questions are required to follow proper procedure. 

*Never address the coach before, during, or immediately following a game or practice.  Make an appointment, all contact with Bison staff to address issues outside of player safety or well-being must wait a minimum of 24 hours before any appointments can be made. (This includes, text messages, phone calls, all social media as well as in person communication) These are very busy times for coaches and they must stay on schedule. 

* Always follow proper chain of command if you have any issues: Player to Coach –> Parent to Head Coach –> Parent to Coordinator –> Parent to Director * Never discuss other players when addressing a concern with a coach.

D.    PLAYING TIME

The Ohio Bison strive to provide every participant an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills before competition.  Coaches will track how many practices, workouts, and individual workout sessions a participant put in. These results can be used to determine playing time. The Ohio Bison is a competitive travel organization, we do not guarantee any amount of playing time. It is the job of our coaches to put the players in positions individually and as a team that allows them the best opportunity for success as a unit. No issues regarding playing time will ever be discussed with any Bison staff. 

The coach, with the direction of the coordinator and the director, will determine the best playing positions for each player. It is the goal of the organization to put players in the best positions in which we feel they will have the best opportunity for success.

E.      PLAYERS – Rules and Expectations 

Every member of the team should recognize that The Ohio Bison is a premier organization for individuals dedicated to their craft, community and development. Participants of all kinds will acknowledge they are representing themselves, their families, Licking County and The Ohio Bison at every game, event and function in which they participate on a Bison team or wear a Ohio Bison embellishment; and they will do their best to represent the organization in manner that brings respect and pride to the whole organization. 

Rules 

1. Be on time, early is always better than late. Being absent or tardy without a minimum of 48 hour notification will create problems for you and the coaches, who account for each player in the practice/game plan.

 2. Use positive language, no profanity or vulgar remarks of any kind are permitted.

 3. Be a part of the solution, not the problem (don’t criticize, condemn, or complain). Always do your best (see definition of success below).

Player Expectations

 Definition of Individual Success: Peace of mind, the self-satisfaction of knowing you truly did your best. No Bison coach, staff member or administrator will ever ask you to anything outside of your ability. We simply ask that you give us 100% effort at all times, regardless of your ability. 

 Body Language: Always maintain positive body language, no matter what. Not over-confident, head up shoulders back, look coaches and teammates in the eye, positive. 

Know our signs, calls, team goals, and routines by heart, players may be assigned specific duties to lead in practice/games. 

The Rules to Winning: 

1. Pitching: Throw Strikes – 60% or better first pitch strikes, and 60% or greater overall strikes. This gives our defense a chance to play, we can’t defend a walk. 

2. Fielders: Make routines plays - through the practice of repeating fundamentals consistently. Any “highlight reel” type plays are a bonus. 

3. Hitters: Quality At-Bats, or “QAB”. QAB’s are a better indicator of success of the individual hitter and team success. There are 9 ways to have a QAB. 

F.      ENFORCEMENT OF RULES AND VIOLATIONS 

The rules and expectations listed herein are in place to ensure the quality development of our teams while maintaining the integrity of our organization. Any (parents or players) violations of these rules will be handled by the following manner, and can be adjusted based on severity.

 1. A formal warning will be issued and documented. 

2. A suspension from participation in at least one (1) game but no more than two (2) weeks will be issued and documented.

 3. Possible expulsion from the Bison Baseball Program. 

 Ohio Bison - Parent/Player Contract

G.      BIRTH CERTIFICATE: Players must have a copy of their birth certificate or photo ID available. Any team can challenge the age of a team member, if there is no record of birth certificate players can be removed from participating and games forfeited. We ask that you email a digital copy of the birth certificate/ID with this contract to your players coach with the player’s name and date of birth in the subject. 

WAIVER and RELEASE: I hereby give permission to treat with medical attention. By turning in this signed form you hereby absolve Ohio Bison, its’ staff, and all affiliates, from any injury or damage caused intentionally or unintentionally before, during, or after any organizational related activities. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation. Bison Baseball is not responsible for any injuries or damage to property. 

Volunteer Hours: Each player will be required to volunteer a minimum of  six (6) community service hours. Volunteer opportunities will be made available, and an hour’s sheet will be assigned to track hours. This is an initiative to give back to our community through our “The Herd Cares Program” which allows us to make a greater individual contribution to our county and community.

Academic Expectation: Each player will be required to check in with their respective head coach on a semester basis regarding their current academic standing. We believe that academic excellence and school behavior go hand in hand with athletic participation. For older age group teams academics are a large part of the recruitment process for playing at the collegiate level. 

PARENT / PLAYER CONTRACT SIGNATURE FORM

Please complete and sign below. Return this page digitally or physically to:

Ohio Bison – 17 W. Main St. Newark, OH 43055 as soon as possible after reading and agreeing to the terms of the contract.

__________________________________________________ (Print Player Name) hereby accepts the foregoing contract including items A. through G., and all terms and conditions thereof. Date of Birth verification ___________________(mm/dd/yyyy). On May 1st of the upcoming season, this player will be ______________________ years old, and High School Grad Year is: 20_________

Player Signature______________________________________ Date__________________ Parent Signature______________________________________ 

_____________ (must have this checked) I have submitted my nonrefundable deposit to make this contract official. I understand fundraising and financing options are available for any/all player dues but it is the responsibility of the parents to inquire about such options before Sept 1 to be considered eligible, for details email: [email protected] . Parent/Guardian Contact information Parent(s) Names _________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________ Home Phone___________________ Cell ____________________________ Primary Email(s)_______________________________________________

Payment Agreement

This financial commitment is for no less than one year, paid through a bank draft plan or in full; payments are nonrefundable. I understand that the Ohio Bison Baseball LLC has no liability or responsibility for any personal injuries, loss or damages to personal property. 

PAYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS:

1. Fees which are paid in full are invoiced approximately 30 days prior to the annual renewal and payable by the renewal date.
2. I understand that drafted fees are continuous, and remain in effect until financial obligation is fulfilled.
3. Should my bank/credit card, for any reason, not honor my deduction, I understand that I am still responsible for that payment plus any service charge that apply. These charges are in addition to any service fee my bank may charge. I understand that it is my responsibility to notify Ohio Bison Baseball LLC with a 30-day written notice should there be a change in my financial information at any time.
4. All fees which are to be paid in full are involved approximately 30 days prior to the annual renewal and payable by the renewal date. 
5. This form must be completed to be considered eligible. This information is store securely and will only be used in the following situations. 1.) To process player fees and all other charges including late fees. 2.) Team loaned equipment is not returned at season end. 3.) For damages or expenses incurred due to player. Individuals will be notified of all charges before they are applied.

BANK DRAFT AUTHORIZATION: I authorize Ohio Bison Baseball LLC, and my financial institution (named below) to make electronic entries to my: 

Name of Financial Institution: ________________________________________________

Name on Card/Account: ____________________________________________________

Card/Account #: ___________________________________________________________ 

Routing #: ________________________________________________________________
Address Associated with Card/Account: ________________________________________ 

City: _________________________________ Zip: ________________________________

Exp. Date: ___________________________________Security Code: _________________