During this most recent spring softball season (which got cut short due to Covid-19), my daughter Cristi, was the head varsity coach. As the season commenced, she sent out a letter to the players’ parents and expressing 7 things she expected from each player.

I thought her coach’s rules were worth sharing with coaches who are always looking for ways to build stronger teams.

Cristi’s team rules:

1. Player to coach communication.

Every player will learn how to communicate properly to the coach. We want to emphasize good habits by communicating proactively. If a player has an issue (late to practice, doctor appointment, prior school function, etc.), they must communicate this with the coaches directly.

2. Be ready to go at practice time.

If practice starts at 4 p.m., every player needs to have cleats tied by 3:50 p.m.

3. Show effort and attitude.

There are only two things in this world you CAN control: your effort and attitude. Set YOUR priorities and eliminate all other distractions. Come early or stay late when necessary. Be motivated by an inner desire to improve yourself. Give 100% effort and possess a positive attitude.

4. Be Patient with your pace of progress.

 Be a “big picture” person. Put in the hours to overcome obstacles on the tough days. Never quit!

5. Be accountable and responsible.

If you fall short in a task or requirement, have the courage, and admit your error. Live with the consequences of that choice and move on. It is that simple.

6. You can choose to be positive or poisonous.

In every environment an athlete experiences, they have a choice as to how they look at it, how they talk about it, and how they become successful in it. There are only two types of people in this world: positive and poisonous. Which one are you?

7. Respect for the program and the team.

Our ups and downs are only OURS to share. Think twice before you share your “funny” humiliating story to an outsider who may “act” like they don’t really care. Possess the sincere ability to respect your teammates whether you can relate to them or not, whether you socialize with them or not. Every person has positives within them, something that makes THEM special. It is YOUR job to find the positives and focus on them. You have a choice.

These 7 rules are a good starting point if you have not yet established any guidelines for behavior and attitude on your team. Take them, tweak them, and make them fit the culture of your team.

Janis Meredith is a family life coach who wants to help all parents raise champions. You can find out more at rcfamilies.com.