WIZARD PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & GUIDELINES

The Philosophy of Wizard Softball is to assist all committed and hardworking athletes in developing their softball skills and provide the opportunity to compete with other players of similar abilities.

Our objectives are to provide an organized program for the youth of the community that will:

1.Teach the fundamentals of softball
2. Develop self-confidence for every player
3. Allow every player to have an opportunity to participate and develop
4. Play in a safe and healthy environment
5. Incorporate the spirit of good sportsmanship in victory OR defeat.
6. Develop respect for others, teamwork, pride in the team and community
7. Winning is found in the progress made toward individual and team goals, not by the team’s win/loss record
8. No individual is more important than the team. No team is more important than the program.
9. Allow everyone to have fun and enjoy the game of softball.

When are travel ball games played?

Tournament ball games are typically from Friday to Sunday starting in mid May for younger girls, early to mid-June for older girls until the end of July. 

What is the cost to play Wizards Travel Ball?

Cost for 2009 Wizard teams are $500.00 for 10U-18U plaeyrs which include 5 tournaments, two sets of uniforms, insurance, team equipment, and use of the new indoor practice facility.  The Elite Wizard players fees are $550.00 which include the same as above with an additional 2 tournaments.  Fees can be paid over the winter months but must be paid by March 1st.   

Will all of the players on a team have the same amount of playing time?

Playing time on a Wizard travel team is earned by each individual girl and also determined by the coaches depending on the situation at hand.  Players can earn their playing time with hard work, enthusiasm, commitment to practices and games, positive attitude and good sportsmanship.  Playing time is determined by each individual coach, however players that miss an excessive number of practices or games should not expect to play as often as they would like.

What extra fees will we be required to pay?

The Wizard fee covers those items mentioned above.  Your team and coaches may decide to add another tournament, meals, extra equipment, etc. to your season.  These expenses are not covered in the Wizard fee and will have to be paid for by other means.  Any Wizard Wear clothing items will incur a separate fee also.

Wizard players are encouraged to play on their local rec. teams.  Some Wizard teams may play in fall ball or summer rec. leagues.

The Wizard program strongly urges prospective players and their parents to ask questions of the Wizard coaches prior to committing to that team.  Here are some questions that you may want to consider:

1.       How many tournaments will the team play?  Do you expect to play in any additional tournaments, fall, winter or spring that will cost an additional fee?  How many tournaments will require an out of town motel stay?

2.       What role does the coach expect for this player?  Are there other girls on the team whose main position is the same?

3.       What is the coach’s commitment policy?  How much fall, winter, spring and summer practices do they expect to have?

4.       Does the coach have a daughter or relative on the team?  If so, what position do they play?