1. Introduction
2. Policies

1. Eligibility
2. Participation Requirements
3. Dress/Appearance Code
4. Code of Conduct

3. Procedures

1. Select Ball
2. Tryouts
3. The Season
4. Practices
5. Attendance
6. Game Rules
7. Fees and Fundraising
8. Complaints/Suggestions

Introduction

The Montgomery County Mustangs formed in 2002 to address the desire of home school boys in the Montgomery County, Texas area to participate in high school and junior high level competitive baseball. Operated entirely by volunteers, it is both an athletic organization and a ministry to home school boys. Without sacrificing diligence or determination (the desire to win), the Mustangs place strong emphasis on the spiritual growth of the players and all who come in contact with the program.

With our goal of representing ourselves in a Christ-like manner, it is in critical for everyone to abide by these policies and procedures at all times. Suggestions and requests for an exception to or problems with the the policies and procedures should be addressed in writing as per the Complaints/Suggestions section below. Please note that policies and procedures may be modified and/or added to at any time at the sole discretion of the board of directors.

Eligibility

The Montgomery County Mustangs is open to junior high and high school level players. All home-schooled boys who are 18 years of age or under on September 1st of the academic year are eligible and invited to try out for one of our teams that plays in the spring of the same academic year. In addition:

• Players who are 19 or older on September 1st of the academic year are ineligible to play on the Varsity squad in the spring of that academic year.

• Players who are 15 or older on September 1st of the academic year are ineligible to play on the junior high team in the spring of that academic year.

• No player who is under the age of 11 at the time of tryouts is allowed to try out or play on that year’s team. A player does not have to be a resident of Montgomery County to play on one of our teams.

Participation Requirements

To participate in any Mustang activity (including games, practices, banquets, fund raisers, etc.), a player must meet the following requirements:

• Submit a signed signed membership form (one per family)

• Provide a copy of the player’s birth certificate Submit a signed Medical Release / Waiver of Liability Form

• Comply with Dress Code

• Comply with Code of Conduct

• Cooperate with other players, coaches, umpires and others in authority

• Participate in all applicable fund-raisers (or pay the corresponding opt-out fees)

• Be current on all fees (season fee, opt-out fees, etc.)

Code of Dress / Appearance

All players must abide by the following at all Mustang functions:

• No jewelry

• No visible tattoos

• No died hair or eccentric hair styles (subject to coach’s decision as to what is "eccentric") Hats must be worn correctly, with the bill in front (with the obvious exception for catchers . . . while catching)

• No advertising on any clothing that depicts alcohol, drugs, tobacco, violence, sexual innuendo, profanity, mysticism, the occult, gangs, etc.

• No droopy drawers

In addition, players should recognize the need to wear appropriate protective gear and appropriate clothing for practice, including cleats, baseball hat and pants that the player can run and slide in (preferably baseball pants).

Code of Conduct

All players, coaches, parents and fans must abide by the following code of conduct when attending or participating in any Mustang function:

• No profanity

• No illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages

• No drunken or disorderly behavior

• No booing of players, teams, coaches, umpires, parents or others

• No abusive or belittling language at or about players, teams, coaches, umpires, parents, etc.

• No suggestive or offensive language, innuendoes, gestures or jokes.

• No complaining about teams, players, coaches, parents, etc. out loud or to others.

These rules apply both on the field and in the surrounding areas (bleachers, parking lot, rest rooms, etc). In addition, the head coach of each team has the authority to set additional rules of conduct that must be adhered to. If there is a problem with any attitude or action, please address comments and/or suggestions to the coach (after the game), or to the board of directors according to the Complaint/Suggestion Procedure detailed below.

Special note regarding tobacco products: Use of tobacco products on the field or in the dugouts is strictly prohibited (no exceptions). Use of tobacco products by a player is prohibited before, during and after any MCM function; this includes travel time to and from functions as well as free time when the team is on the road. Adults who feel they must smoke are directed to separate themselves from any area where their habits are likely to be a nuisance to non-smokers.

About "Select Ball"

Parents and players are reminded that this is "select" baseball. Coaches at the high school and junior high levels are neither required nor encouraged to get every player into the game. On the contrary, players and parents alike need to understand that the coach’s job is to try and win baseball games using the players that he thinks will get the job done given the circumstances of the game. This is one of the reasons why we limit the number of players on a team. Every player who makes the team is an important part of the team and we rely on consistent attendance and diligence from all players. Finally, coaches are encouraged (though still not required) to play all players in scrimmages, and in actual games where either team has a significant lead. There will definitely be play-time opportunities for all players at various points during the season. Since all players receive essentially the same practice time, drilling, instruction, etc., each player has the opportunity of progressing to the point that he may indeed be considered for greater playing time.

Tryouts

Tryouts are held during the off-season each year, normally in the December/January time period. All players who have played for a Mustangs team in the past or have attended one of our camps will be contacted in advance of the tryout date(s).

The Season

The season will run from February through early May, plus the Homeschool World Series in May for the high school. Our season typically consists of playing other homeschool teams (Dallas Angels, Houston Eagles) as well as private schools in the greater Houston / Southeast Texas area. For both high school and junior high the season is typically no more than 24 games, not including tournaments (or rainouts!).

Practices

Both the high school and junior high teams will confine their practices to no more than three times per week, unless preparing for a special tournament, or unless an exception has been approved by the board of directors. Individual practice periods shall last no more than three hours.

Attendance

All players are encouraged to attend all practices and coaches are encouraged (but not required) to consider faithful attendance as a factor when weighing the merits of a particular player’s playing time. Coaches depend on reliable attendance information in order to prepare organized practices. Players/parents should notify the coach at the earliest possibility if the player will be unable to make a practice or if he will be late. 

Game Rules

Unless otherwise noted, all games will be governed by high school rules according to the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS). Information on rules (and obtaining rule books) can be found online at http://www.nfhs.org.

Fees and Fundraising

Our season fees will be announced soon. 

We are in the process of modifying our fundraising to make it more fun and productive. These fees will be driven by two key considerations:

(1) We will, by God's grace, acquire the funds necessary to make this one of the very best homeschool baseball programs in the nation, and

(2) No Mustang will be unable to play because of financial considerations

Complaints / Suggestions

If you have a suggestion, seek an exception to a particular policy, or have a problem with the attitudes or actions of a coach, player, board member, etc., please address your comments in writing to:

Dave Preston
General Manager
Montgomery County Mustangs
P.O. Box 132701 
Spring, Tx. 77393-2701

If the problem or suggestion is specifically play-related, you may address your comments verbally to the coach, but only privately after the game or practice.