Dugout Policies and Procedures

1.  All players are inside the dugout.  Only the designated players outside of the dugout.

2.  All equipment inside the dugout.  Baseball bags can be left outside of the field.

3.  Once a relief pitcher, hitter or position player is told to warm-up, he does so immediately.

4.  Each player should place his glove and cap in a designated spot in the dugout where his teammate knows where it is.   That’s so he can pick him up (take his glove/cap to him) if he is left on base to end an inning.

5.  No player is allowed to leave the dugout area to talk with a fan, friend or family member unless given permission by the coach.  If permission is given (in rare cases), keep the conversation short and brief.

6.  During the National Anthem, each player and coach will stand at attention.  Absolutely no talking or fooling around.

7.  Designated players will be asked to chart pitches, warm-up pitchers between innings and in the bullpen, gather baseballs between innings from the inf. and the OF, play catch with the OF between innings, CHASE FOUL BALLS, checking opponents signals, watching if opposing runners touch bases, etc…

8.  Any derogatory remarks to opposing players will not be tolerated.

9.  The coaches will handle any arguments or altercations with the umpires.  No derogatory remarks will be directed to the umpires.

10.  Under no circumstances will you make gestures or verbal comment to the crowd or individuals that might show disrespect toward you or your teammates.  Ignore these people or the situation that might occur.

11.  It is important that you keep your composure at all times.  You must maintain control of your emotions and your actions.

12.  Absolutely no equipment will be thrown (bats, helmets, gloves, etc…) out of frustration.  Immediate benching of the player involved will take place.

13.  No eating of any kind in the dugout or playing area unless approved by coaches.

14.  When we come in from the field, all players will run at just less than top speed and meet with the coaches (if requesting to do so) before going into the dugout.  Only the lead-off hitter will proceed to the dugout.

15.  When we take the field at the beginning of an inning, all players will run just less then top speed out to their position.

16.  It is the responsibility of each player in the dugout to promote a positive attitude and create support at all times.  Be energetic and provide support and enthusiasm for your teammates.

17.  Make sure that your bag and or other equipment is tucked away to prevent others from tripping over your stuff.  Make sure there is a pathway to walk in the dugout.

18.)  Be aware of your body language.  One of the hardest jobs on this team is to be sitting on the bench.  Put the TEAM first and be a good teammate.  The same body language rule applies to those that are playing in the game.  Learn to deal with both the good and the bad that this game offers.  If your body language indicates to us that your head is no longer in the game or that you’ve lost confidence….we will make a change in the line-up.

19.)  Sportsmanship:  When shaking hands at the end of a game, be a gracious winner and a gracious loser.

20.)  Keep your jersey tucked in before you get on the field and don’t untuck it until you have left the field.