Hello Dakota Ridge Families. Coach Terry here.
Typically we like to have a meeting for all players and parents before tryouts so that everyone understands the expectations, commitment and dedication required to be a part of the Eagle Family. Obviously, things need to be a little different this year, so we have bullet pointed out some of the most common topics. We will upload the 2020 Player Parent Handbook to the website shortly. You can find it here. Please read the entire email and Handbook thoroughly, and if you still have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Boosters. A few items are new this year that are different than in years past: TRANSPORTATION We will NOT have buses this year for away games. If you have any questions about this, please ask me. We know this may be a hardship for some families who don’t have the flexibility to take their kids to and from games, and may ultimately change their ability to participate in the program. Therefore we wanted to address this issue as soon as we could in order for parents to consider the necessary arrangements for transportation. While Coaches, Boosters and Team Parents can assist with providing information on carpooling, it is NOT their responsibility to coordinate carpools or to transport players that cannot get to games on their own. As of now, our current away schedule is on the calendar, and is subject to change (including opponents). Here is a link to the calendar on the website (subject to change): Typically, the start times are as follows:
Things to think about when deciding on carpooling:
COVID-19 As you know, we have been taking precautions to help keep players and coaches safe. Those precautions include: Temperature screenings, questionnaires, hand washing, sanitizing of balls and nets, etc. It is very important that we maintain this level of safety in order to keep everyone healthy, and to have a successful season without having to shut down. If a player has any symptom of COVID, or has been exposed to it, or has any reason to think she might be exposed to it, she must IMMEDIATELY tell a Coach so that the proper protocol can be put into place. She may be asked to self isolate for 14 days. We know that our players want to be out on the court, supporting and cheering on their teammates, but we must be safe about this. Therefore, if a player knowingly continues to practice without notifying the Coach about having symptoms, or being possibly exposed, etc., there is a possibility that she may be immediately dismissed from the team for the remainder of the season. This is a serious violation, that could result in the end of our entire season, player or coach illness, or worse. There is a zero tolerance policy. SPECTATORS At this time, we do not have guidance on what the spectator policy will be. We do not know if student and / or parent spectators will be permitted to attend games. If spectators won't be allowed, there may be a live stream alternative. Additionally, we do not know if players will be allowed to stay to watch their teammates play (Level 4 may not be able to stay to watch Varsity for example). As soon as we have this information, we will certainly pass it along. TEAM MEALS There will no longer be team meals. No team meals are allowed per Jeffco policy due to COVID. Each player is responsible for bringing their own dinner. Please keep it healthy. PLAYER EXPECTATIONS ACADEMICS
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, TOBACCO If a player is involved with any of the above listed illegal substances, including during the off season or on social media, the consequences are:
If a parent or another player suspects a violation of this policy, they are expected to contact a Coach right away. FEES We know athletics can be expensive, so we try to keep our fees low. The below fees cover the costs of the items listed. It is not necessary to purchase new shoes unless you want to, as we no longer require players to have matching shoes. We only ask that the players wear comfortable COURT shoes. If you have any questions about shoes, please ask your coach. Below outlines the fees set for the program this year: Jeffco Athletics Fee: $175.00 - this is a fee established by Jeffco, and is not included in our program fees. Every athlete, regardless of sport, is assessed this fee. This fee goes towards Coaches' salaries, CHSAA fees, awards, Athletic Trainers, Security, Officials, and much more. Player Packs: $130.00
Fundraising: minimum of $100 In order for our program to be successful, and for our players to have the necessary equipment they need, including nets, balls, Referee stands, scoreboards, player appreciation (pool party, cancer awareness nights, scholarship, pizza parties, etc), parent appreciation and more, we need additional funds. Therefore, because 100% of our funds go back to the players, we require every player to participate in fundraising. There will be more information to come on fundraising, including programs and incentives to help raise these funds. Note, all funds raised go back to the program, and do not offset player fees. TOTAL EXPECTED COSTS Below is how much money you should expect to pay this season Freshman / New Player: $175.00 Jeffco Fees + $130.00 Player Pack + $100.00 (min) Fundraising $405.00 The above cost does not include if your player needs coverup shorts and camp shirt, or if you choose to purchase additional items not included in the Player Pack. Additional Fees (not included above):
We never want cost to be a deterrent from a player participating in a season. If your family is experiencing a hardship and needs assistance with the above listed fees, please reach out to the Boosters. SPIRIT WEAR Spirit wear will be available for purchase again after teams have been selected. Purchase of these items are completely optional, and the costs for spirit wear are not included in the above estimates. 100% of proceeds of spirit wear sales will go back to the program. VOLUNTEERING The program relies on volunteers. In order to keep the costs manageable, the program will rely on every family to sign up for at least one home game to Line Judge or Score Keep as well as other volunteer opportunities. Parents are needed to run the Concessions stand (pending this happens with the COVID protocol) so the players can watch and support their teammates. The program asks that every family participate in volunteering, to not only lessen the burden on the Coaches and Boosters, but to show your player(s) that you are invested too. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer, like:
If you’re interested in volunteering, on any level, please let us know. Additionally, sadly, we will be losing some amazing Senior parents this year, and we will have 2 board positions available after this year is over, if anyone is interested in being an Boosters Officer, please let us know that as well! If you have any questions about anything addressed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or Boosters. Go Eagles! Coach Terry |