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 REMIND. We currently have three “classes”- Everyone, Parents and Players. If you wish to be on any specific one, or not be, please let us know. If that does not work for you please let us know and alternatives will be found. 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 29-May 2nd, then Kodiak May 21-24 on the ferry, there and back. Region Tournament will be in Houston May 27-30. State Tournament will be in Fairbanks June 3rd to 6th. I am requested to tell you that your daughter will likely share a bed with a player of the same gender.
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 as the bus situation is strained. If you are willing to do that then please enroll as a Volunteer with the school district (kpbsd.org/employment) and fill out this Volunteer driver form. School will need a copy of license, registration, insurance and then perform an inspection on your car. ALSO, please join the Booster club PTA for $10 which will provide $1.000.000 of liability insurance if driving for a school trip.
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. If you still have financial hardship, scholarships are likely available from Homer Mariner Softball, Inc. 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 tighter than usual this year ( as it is for you) but still requiring around $25-30,000 a year
Participation Fee is $300 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, gamechanger and hopefully MaxPreps. Sudden changes in Practice Schedule often happen until we can get to the field but will be minimized and communicated through REMIND for the players and Parents/Guardians. 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)