Philosophy of Our Team Culture is: Respect, Gratitude and Selflessness.
Parental Mantra after games – “I love to watch you play!”
Demand for perfection is the enemy of Joy, Engagement and Growth.
“Feelings of Pressure come from fear of Failure” – Tommy Lasorda
Communication will be through WhatsApp mass texting. If that does not work for you please let us know and look at this Website or ask for direct texting / email. Please read the Team Manual and addendum. Facebook (Homer Mariners Softball) will be mostly for posting pictures, non-critical announcements. The app GameChanger will be used for stats, live video and results of games. Sign on by searching Homer Varsity Mariners or Homer Junior Varsity Mariners.
Games- planning these overnight trips- Rally in The Valley ( Wasilla-Palmer) April 24-26 the May 1-3 back to the Valley for three conference games. Region Tournament will be in Kodiak May 29-31/
Parental assistance is crucial – We will need assistance with field maintenance, game management, treasurer. scorekeeping, umpiring, planning, cajoling, etc. We may also need Volunteer Drivers. If you are willing to do that then please enroll as a Volunteer with the school district (kpbsd.org) and fill out this Volunteer driver form. School will need a copy of license, registration, insurance and then perform an inspection on your car.
Expenses – player fees / waivers to HHS office. If helpful or necessary, we can supply almost all necessities- gloves, shoes, uniforms, masks, etc. We usually collect a small sum of money to defer hotel fees when we travel . Players are responsible for their own meals but arrangements can be made if this is a hardship. No one will be turned away for financial reasons. Income comes from player fees, Raffle ticket sales, pull-tabs, split the pot, local businesses ( see our sponsors and thank them) and Booster Club, Our financial situation is always a bit tight- requiring around $25-30,000 a year
Participation Fee is $200 this year and can be paid at https://kpbsd.revtrak.net/hs/homer-hs/homer-hs-athletics/#/v/hhs-softball-participation-fee or 
Homer Mariner Softball Inc, (a 501-c-3) is the umbrella organization for High School and the USA/Softball summer program. Anyone is welcome to serve on Board of Directors. Usually one meeting a year.
Schedule will be up to date on website. Sudden changes in Practice Schedule will be minimized but communicated through REMIND for the players and WhatsApp for Parents/Guardians and on the practice Schedule link. Please see the schedule tab for those links.
Please remember that high school sports are meant to be an extension of the classroom so the same supportive environment should be our standard. Cheer the advances and growth of all players. We expect them to push the limits and fail and then learn to fail better the next time. If you have emergent questions about safety issues, contact us immediately. If it is about playing time, positions, etc – please wait for 24 hours before bringing it to us. The school district requests that everything go through coaching staff prior to involving AD or Administration.
Surveys show that one of the most stressful parts of athletic participation is The Ride Home. I have not seen that as a major issue in the last 20 years but it is definitely something to pay attention to. This video, produced by the Kansas City Royals is uncomfortable to watch at times but well worth the investment of 45 minutes. Would recommend watching it with your daughter.
Resources for supporting your daughters
Advice for Dads and other Parentals.
Here is a special site for Parents new to Softball to learn the lingo. It was recommended by Annelise, one of our fans from the Chicago area. Softball Terms
Positive coaching we aspire to
KPBSD HS Guidelines (Pages 15-17 of major importance)