MISSION STATEMENT (08/09)

The INLAND EMPIRE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION (known as IE SIDEWINDER) is dedicated to instilling, in all its players, a sense of fair play, good sportsmanship, and a commitment to creating an environment which will enhance every player’s development and provide the framework to build a positive self-image as part of the athletic experience.

Our ladies are all student athletes and we emphasize ensuring our players balance school and softball in an equitable manner.

Our parents are the best and we all work together to make sure our players maintain a strong family oriented environment backing them up.

The IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION is a premier youth fastpitch organization whose main goal is to help create an organization of winners, which will strengthen them in the game of life.

BYLAWS

Communication:

Team Managers are responsible for communicating responsibilities, team activities, tournament information, and financial status to players and parents.

Conduct:

Players, coaches, parents, and family members are responsible for maintaining the integrity and sportsmanship that exemplifies the IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION.

If undesirable conduct is observed during softball activities, the individual(s) will be asked to disassociate with the organization.

Eligibility:

Any girl between the ages of 10 and 14, inclusive, will be eligible for tryout for their respective age division. The divisions are defined as 12 and under; and 14 and under, and not limited to one team per division. The age cut-off date for the age eligibility is consistent with the age eligibility cut-off dates of the softball organizations in which the teams play. E.G. ASA, TCS NSA, ISA, AFA, AAU, USSSA and any other softball organization the IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION elects to gain sanction.

 Finances:

Each team is responsible for its own funding for operational expenses, e.g. tournament fees, equipment, travel, uniforms, etc. Teams are encouraged to participate in mutual fund raising activities where the profits will be divided according to the team's participation, or where profits will be added to the IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION’s general account for the purpose of funding mutual expenses. E.G. insurance, and organizational operating expenses. For the purpose of tax exemption and tax reporting, teams will deposit funds into the IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION general account. Teams must maintain an income and expense sheet in order to balance against the general account. All deposits and expenditures must be reported to the director for accounting purposes. Teams are entitled to audit their respective balances held in the general account. In the event that a IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION should disband, any funds solicited, collected, or earned under the auspices of the IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION, shall remain in the general account of the organization.

Equipment:

It is understood all equipment purchased because sole property of IE Sidewinder. Equipment can be purchased at anytime, if the need arrives to purchase equipment. IE Sidewinder will provide coaches the necessary equipment to be competitive. This includes, but limited to practice balls, practice nets and practice gear. ALL Managers are responsible for purchasing games balls for various tournaments and friendlies. Any equipment purchased using team funds because the property of the IE Sidewinder Organization. Any equipment purchased using non-team funds, is the property of the purchaser.  

Loyalty:

A player is discouraged from playing for another travel team outside of the IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION while on the roster of a IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL TEAM.

Participation:

The IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION encourages and expects all parents to be actively supportive of their child; additionally, parents are expected to support the team, the coaching staff, and the organization. This includes participation in funding activities, team maintenance, and moral support.

Player Retention:

Once a player has been selected for a IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL TEAM, the player should remain on the roster from year to year assuming the player and parent(s) continue to support the IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION Mission Statement and Bylaws. For the purpose of continuing to develop players within the organization, players should move up to the IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL TEAM in the next age division as they become eligible for the next age division.

Playing Age:

In order to maximize the success of the team and the player, and to best perpetuate the competitive nature of travel softball the INLAND EMPIRE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION expects players to play in their respective age division.

Organization Start Up Fee:

The organization player start up fee is to be paid when the team is announced in September. The “start-up” will be used to help get the team started for the season. Cost will include, but will not be limited to, team player apparel, safety gear, bat bag and player insurance. Where this requirement causes a hardship, confidential arrangements will be made.

Monthly Dues:

Dues are due at the first practice of each month. Prompt and complete payment is expected so the organization is able to pay for field rental usage fees, round-robin games and tournaments. Where this requirement causes a hardship, confidential arrangements will be made.

Rosters:

The maximum number of players on a roster will be 14. Players can be added to the team anytime during the season. Players added to the roster will be based on team needs. The organization does not support solicitation of players from other organizations unless the player has expressed interest in playing for the IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL TEAM.

Tournament Play:

Any IE SIDEWINDER SOFTBALL TEAM may play in tournaments of their choice assuming funds are available and when playing in the tournament is in the best interest of the players and the SIDEWINDER FASTPITCH SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION.

Tryouts:

Where tryouts are necessary, each candidate shall be given equal opportunity to 1) bat; 2) bunt; 3) field fly balls; 4) field ground balls; 5) throw; and 6) run in competition with candidates within the same age division. Managers are expected to communicate the results to all candidates. There will not be a tryout charge.