The Smithtown Storm was formed by coaches who are completely dedicated to the team and its families. The Storm coaching staff share a strong belief that group achievement outweighs individual achievement.The goal is for the Storm players to develop skills that will allow them to be better prepared for School Ball in the future.One of the most important skills that our players are expected to develop is learning how to play as a team.Winning, losing, practicing and even socializing as a team are an important part of the philosophy.We encourage behavior that exhibits or promotes team results rather than individual results. The Storm plays in highly competitive leagues, local tournaments and out-of-state tournaments.It takes a significant commitment from parents, players and coaches in order to compete in those events.While the philosophy does not support a “win at all costs” approach, the goal is to play well and winning is one way to measure progress and results.Coaches will make decisions based on this philosophy.Such decisions will include player positions, lineups, and playing time.
Players must exhibit a good attitude towards coaches, teammates, and opposing players. They must be willing to listen, learn and practice what is being taught.This applies to both practices and games.Our philosophy understands that mistakes, errors, strikeouts and other similar events are part of the game.We encourage our players to learn from each situation and to have “short memories”.We strongly discourage our players from dwelling on a play (good or bad) to such an extent that it affects their attitude and approach thereafter.The team must come first and it does not help to be consumed by a prior play as the next play is right around the corner.Coaches will make decisions based on observations of the player’s attitude, approach and desire. Such decisions will include player positions, lineups, and playing time.
The coaching staff, assistants, and scorekeepers are volunteers.Each makes a significant contribution to the team in many ways.A large time commitment is required and sacrifices are made by these members.Often times, numerous “behind the scenes” hours are logged in order to keep the program rolling.We encourage parents to assist when and where possible.Some examples might include helping coaches during practices and preparing fields for play.
As coaches, we know that playing at this competitive level can sometimes be discouraging.We realize that the players are impressionable and are still only young boys.We will be positive role models.Building confidence and self esteem is important to us.We will encourage our players to do their best and will always give positive feedback after every game, regardless of the score.Our goal is to teach baseball the way it is meant to be played.We hope to secure lasting friendships, and lifelong lessons that will go beyond the baseball diamond.
Practices:
Practices are a key element in helping the boys to prepare for competitive events and to instill the confidence needed to be successful.Storm practices are not just the “run of the mill” hitting and fielding sessions.They are also designed to be instructional.Examples include offensive strategies, defensive strategies, pitching and catching along with other skills related work.We expect complete commitment from the players and parents and all players are expected to be at all practices.All players are expected to be on time so that the team can learn to work as one. If there is a reason a player cannot make practice, please discuss this with the coaches.
Playing Time:
The Storm do not have an “equal playing time” philosophy.Playing time is earned.It is the sole discretion of the coaches to determine innings played, positions played, batting order, substitutions, EH/DH or other.There is no guarantee offered for any of the aforementioned topics.
The coaching staff will give its best effort to provide ample playing opportunities although that is not always possible.Game situations, skill level, and player attitude will be among the factors in these decisions.Parents and players should not expect to have input in these matters.
Player Positions:
The Storm does not have a “guaranteed player position” philosophy.Positions are earned.It is the sole discretion of the coaches to determine innings played, positions played, batting order, substitutions, EH/DH or other.There is no guarantee offered for any of the aforementioned topics.
The coaching staff encourages its players to learn and develop the skills needed to play multiple positions. The coaching staff will give its best effort to provide ample opportunities although that is not always possible.Game situations, skill level, and player attitude will be among the factors in the decisions.Parents and players should not expect to have input in these matters.
In House Leagues:
The Storm expects complete dedication from players and parents.A typical year has 45 or more games and many more practices.We discourage a player from participating in an “in-house baseball” league during the Storms year.This is especially true of young pitchers and we encourage parents to carefully consider the pros and cons.If a player must do so, both player and parent must agree to give priority to the Storm for games.Pitchers are expected to be ready for their next turn for the Storm and must not pitch for any other team if doing so would prevent them for pitching for the Storm.There are no exceptions.
Pitching:
The team will not sacrifice a player’s health or safety in any situation.Storm pitchers are restricted during games by a pitch count rule.If a tournament or league does not have a pitch count rule, our young arms are restricted to safe limits nonetheless. We generally follow the rules set by NJBL or other similar youth organizations for all games.Often pitch count limits are set before the game and are more conservative than youth organization limits.We enforce rest days for pitchers between games and follow NJBL or other similar youth organization guidelines.
The Storm philosophy on throwing curve balls at the 10u level is simple.We don’t teach it or allow it.The coaching staff believes that a young arm should not be put at risk no matter how small or large the risk may be.Changeups and fastballs are part of the program.
Roster:
The Storm philosophy is to develop a team where group performance is greater than the sum of individual performances.The staff also believes that players should be put into situations where success is possible and players should not be setup for failure.Players will experience performance peaks and valleys during the season and that is a part of baseball.Should a situation arise where a player is struggling to compete at required levels, the Coaches will provide direction to the parent or player.The Coaches may suggest that a player look to a different team should improvement not be possible.
Team chemistry is an important part of the Storm program and that includes the chemistry between parents, players, and coaches. Not every combination is right for each other.
This too is a part of baseball and a part of life.The Coaches may make changes to the roster for such reasons and at times parents and players may make similar moves.The team philosophy is to handle these situations privately and with respect.The team expects parents and players to do so similarly and in a manner that does not hurt the remaining players.
Lessons:
The coaches will work with players as much as possible during practices and games.But time is a limiting factor.The Storm encourage players to take private lessons in order to reach new skill levels although this is not a mandate.We request that the parent or player communicate to the coaches that lessons are being taken.Our goal is to understand what is being taught so that we can reinforce those instructions and avoid conflicting instructions.
Dugout Areas:
The coaches observe that players often put a great deal of pressure on themselves during games – this seems particularly true during at-bats.Sometimes close proximity to a player by family or friends can increases this pressure. We have also found that friendly fan advice may conflict with coach instruction resulting in confusion for the player.Therefore, parents and siblings are not permitted in the dugout or near the bench areas.
Parent Communication Plan:
All players, parents and coaches should understand that it is impossible to keep all parties satisfied at all times.Issues will arise during the year.However, the way in which those issues are communicated must follow a protocol that prevents further deterioration of the situation.Should an issue arise that requires a discussion, the Coaches encourage doing so via private “in person” meetings or by phone.Email is not a recommended media to use for this purpose as it can be difficult to understand tone and it allows others to be copied inappropriately.The Coaches encourages parents to allow some time to pass before bringing an issue forward in order to prevent a potential volatile situation.
Periodic parent / coaches meetings will be held.These meetings are designed to further communications, set expectations, and to build better relationships.These meetings will generally be held prior to the start of a new season.Parent representation is expected.