ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HAVING READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS DOCUMENT IS REQUIORED TO COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION.  THIS IS YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE ORGANIZATION.  please note the final agreement does update year to year...Each registrant signs an agreement upon payment and that agreement will govern any and all decision.

I/We the undersigned, hereby understand and acknowledge that Softball is a girl’s sport and activity and give my/our permission for our daughter noted above/ herein as “Player” to participate in club softball with The North Jersey Vipers ( “Vipers”, “Organization”) (AKA Vipers Fastpitch, NJ Vipers, NE Vipers, R Germano’s NE Vipers, Vipers, NVSA, NV Renegades or any other trade name used).  It is understood that participation may result in injury. I do hereby waive, release, absolve, indemnify, and agree to hold harmless the “Vipers”, “Organization”, “NV Renegades” volunteers, coaches, owners, directors, board members, facility owner, landlord, management company, Robert Germano, Elizabeth Germano, Lindsey Germano, Raegen Germano, and all leadership participants.

We acknowledge that we have read and understand this parent and player packet provided herein.  Additionally, we acknowledge that if a player quits or is removed from a team (for any reason, voluntarily or involuntarily) there will be no refunds given, no exceptions.  THIS AGREEMENT CERTIFIES A PROMISE TO PAY.  NO REFUNDS ARE AVAILABLE

 

I/We further acknowledge that we have reviewed the program outline at www.northjerseyvipers.com that contains the program description, goals & offerings (as well as other Organizational representations).  I further acknowledge that I had the opportunity to ask any and all questions prior to registering/ paying, and I make this decision freely.  The outline and offerings are based in “Good Faith” and serve as general guidelines since there can be things that change beyond the Organization’s control, including but not limited to Executive Orders, state/ local mandates, and potential impact and/ or limitations due to CoVid-19 but not limited to CoVid 19.   You acknowledge that any loss of schedule (practice or games) are beyond the control of the organization.  As shown in since Return To Play in 2020, the organization will address any actual interruptions and quarantines on an ongoing basis and review on a case-by-case basis.  NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR LOST TRAINING OR TOURNAMENT TIME and all decisions by “The Organization” are final.  Along with the general description, the website also contains uniform expectations, practice/game expectations, playing time considerations, etc....   Coaches, player availability, weather and misc. schedules can impact practice scheduling and practices can be cancelled.  We will always "err" on the side of caution with weather.  Further, if school is cancelled for weather/ power/ state of emergency, etc.…, there is a great chance (90%+) that all indoor facility and / or outdoor events will be cancelled.  We do look at these case by case but will always be cautious to ensure the safety of our players, coaches, and parents.

 

Volunteers:  We are always looking for volunteers and acknowledge that many of the best ideas come from our parents and players.  Should a parent/ guardian have a concern, objection, or question on what/why/how/when something happens or is managed, they should first approach their coach, then the ownership.  Parents should be prepared to offer ideas, suggestions, and alternative solutions whenever possible.  We want to hear from you and respectfully request a solutions-based approach.

 

Payments: are due on scheduled due date.   You acknowledge that your daughter will not be eligible to play in games or practices with any fee balances outstanding.  If participation numbers do not meet enough to form a team, the Vipers will refund 90% of funds collected.

 

I understand that being part of the “The Organization” is a privilege and an enhanced commitment.  I represent herein that my child(ren) will make as many games and practices as possible.  I acknowledge that we are part of a team and that the team's commitment to scheduled events is necessary for the team and the organization to be successful.  Should there be a situation(s) where my child(ren) cannot attend a tournament, game, or practice, I will give as much notice as possible to the staff directly via phone/ email or text.  Should there be recurring situations that games and practices are missed and communication is not proactive between me (and/ or my child) and the coach(es), I understand that playing time may lessen and/ or be significantly reduced, including no time allotted in a particular game.

 

The organization works very hard and in conjunction with Head Coaches and team coaches to create a schedule.  The Organization will communicate these events to you and/ or place TBD dates into your calendars as much as possible.  You are expected to be at as many games/ tournaments (if applicable) as possible.  The Organization is your priority over other town, rec, or other similar teams.  Should a game or tournament be scheduled and the team cannot field enough players, the game/ tournament will be considered as if it happened.  Players, coaches, and parents are expected to appreciate and fulfill the commitment being made by all parties.  Rosters are built to absorb 1-2 players being unavailable from time to time.  The club will, if possible work with the team to try and change or reschedule if possible, however, if no substitute tournaments or games/ events are possible (in same fee and seasonal range), the event will be considered played for the purposes of delivery and fulfilling seasonal representations.   Parents should not take it upon themselves to presume the team has enough players.

 

Should a game/ tournament be re-scheduled due to weather, State/CDC shutdowns, field availability, etc... that are beyond the control of the organization, players acknowledge that they are expected to make every effort to be available for a re-scheduled date.  Player (un)availability is the player's responsibility and choice.  The organization will not entertain any requests for refunds, give backs, etc... in these situations.  No exceptions.

 

UNIFORM:

 

➢           Players must always wear softball shirt and softball pants to practices.  They must wear team uniforms for games.

➢           No Jewelry.

➢           Pitchers should always bring a jacket (per weather, <70 degrees) and players should wear appropriate gear and clothing as weather and conditions dictate.  Pitchers should bring ice for their arms as well.

➢           Players are responsible for water and meals on game and practice days.

➢           Uniforms must be worn properly.  Jerseys always tucked in.

➢           Delivery of uniforms can vary from estimated delivery times due to items beyond the control of the organization.  Order early.

➢           Any organizational gear will not be distributed without payment of fees as scheduled and agreed. The organization must approve the uniform # choice to ensure no duplicates.

➢           The Organization does not put the player’s name on the back of the jersey.  We play for the name on the front.

➢           Softball Face Masks are suggested for all infield positions…mandatory for pitchers.

 

FIELD CONDUCT:

 

➢           Warnings or ejections - if you disagree with an umpire's call, keep your opinion to yourself.  Do not throw or kick your bat, helmet, or the dugout fence.  Do not argue, mouth off, or glare at an umpire.  If you scream or give lip to any umpire at any time, you will be removed from the game.

➢           Hustle!!!  Run on and off the field.  If you are hustling, you won't have time to give an umpire an angry look or nasty comment.

➢           Facility Conduct: Players will respect the indoor facility and will keep it clean; respect it being there for other organizational players to train and get better; do your part to help clean the facility after my team practices to keep it ready for the next team to use (just as the previous team did for me)

➢           I understand the coach and coaching staff has the right and responsibility on where my child plays, bats in the lineup, how many innings they pitch/catch, etc....   I agree I will play the positions I am assigned to during the games in which we play.  Players will hustle with enthusiasm, present a positive attitude, and represent the organization with class.  THE COACH WILL DECIDE WHERE PLAYERS PLAY AND HOW MUCH THEY PLAY.  As referenced herein and throughout, the times to discuss positioning, playing time, etc... is after the 48-hour rule has elapsed

➢           Playing time and positions are earned not given.  EVERY position on the field is important.  EVERY ONE!  Coaches run practice and evaluate skills on an ongoing basis.  Players are inserted where they can best succeed.

 

DUGOUT BEHAVIOR:

 

➢           Stay alert and involved in the game.  Being in the dugout is game time and NOT break time.  Keep your focus on the field and the game that we are playing.

➢          No horseplay or verbal abuse of teammates.  Your teammates come to the field to compete - not to be put down or mistreated by a teammate or anyone else.

➢          NO dugout visitation with friends or family.  You can visit before or after the game - NOT DURING THE GAME

➢           No food is allowed in dugout.  Eat before or after the game.

➢           I will root on my teammates and participate/ create a positive attitude.

➢        Social Distancing will be observed as much as logistically possible and adhere to organizational guidelines for CoVid-19 (or other/ similar type situations)

 

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

➢           Please be positive in the stands to each player.  Do not argue with the umpires or coaches.  Let the coaches coach!  Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

➢           Players play.  Coaches coach.  Parents cheer.

 

PLAYING TIME

➢          The team’s manager and coaching staff determine playing time.  Playing time is not guaranteed or will be equal for all players.

➢           If a parent or child has a question regarding playing time, it should be addressed with the Team Manager (Head Coach), in a civil manner, and not ever during a game or practice, or immediately following.

➢           Coaches are advised to NOT discuss anything game related with parents/ guardians until the “48-hour rule” has elapsed.  48 hours must elapse.  Coaches are directed by the organization to not have these conversations in < 48 hours.

➢           Attendance is imperative!  Players are expected to be on time for practice, meetings, and games. The team will not be able to achieve their goals and maintain a positive attitude if players are missing or arriving late for games and/or practices.  Vipers are your priority.

➢           The organization requires that players (12U+) contact their coach directly if they are unable to attend a practice or game.  Should a player not contact their coach directly and with as much lead time as possible, when possible, this will result in less playing time.

➢           The Organization’s activities are not recreation softball, where every participant is guaranteed a minimum number of innings played, or that every player bats in the lineup in all games.  The Organization’s softball is a heightened commitment.  Our objective is to play everyone as much as we can as game situations dictate to be competitive.  Having said that, no girl or parent signs up for softball and attends practices with the expectation to travel all over the county (or state and surrounding states in some cases) just to watch from the bench while the other girls play.  If a girl has been deemed worthy of making the team, then it becomes incumbent upon the manager and his/her coaching staff to find playing time for all players.  The manager will make every attempt to get each kid half the game in scrimmage/ league games.  We will also strive to play competitive softball and there may be times when the Manager and coaches will be “unfair” with playing time in the interest of competition.  As stated above, playing time and positioning is earned.

➢           Playing time will be addressed in the aggregate and not on a game to game, week to week basis.  Games are often timed and in many cases our teams may get less/ more at bats, less/ more field time.  Ex. If a player plays 2 of 5 innings on Monday and 4 of 5 innings on Wednesday, that situation will be viewed at 6 of 10 innings, or 60%.

➢           Pitching.  Many of our athletes will take up pitching as their career evolves.  Some rosters may be set with pitchers when entering the season and others are a work in process.  There is an old saying of “you never have enough pitching”, so if a player is excelling with pitching outside of organizations games, the coach and player will see if there is a way to get innings here.  Coaches are under no obligation to let players “try” pitching during Viper games, however roster make up and availability will allow coaches to use discretion.

➢           Lineups.  The most important batter is the one who is up to bat.  Lineups are made by the coaching staff and balance several factors.  The organization will set and tinker with lineups often with the goal to produce the most amount of runs.  Coaches see practices and games.  They see what is being worked on.  48 hours must elapse after games to even approach.

• The organization does not control how many times a lineup will turn over in a game. Some games the lineup will turnover four times and others maybe two times (or one and a half times).  The organization has no control over these types of situations and will manage to the best of our ability to get all players at bats and fielding time.

 

 

Priority.

 

This is worth repeating.  I acknowledge that this team is a priority.  I will not forego games or tournaments for games at the Rec, or Town levels or with other seasonal sports unless communicated & scheduled with my head coach or the organization.

 

The Organization does support and encourage multi-sport athletes.  We ask that the Primary Sport/Primary season approach be applied...Soccer/field hockey/volleyball in the fall, Track, Hockey, Basketball in the Winter.  In the Spring/Summer, The Organization is your priority and #1 commitment.    Since this is a summer schedule, we expect other sports to come after ours.

 

Should there be conflicts,

 

Organization games trump all unless a High School in season game or practice.

Games should trump practices (Basketball game vs. Practice)

I will contact the coach directly if I cannot attend a practice or game.  Apps such as TeamSnap may be used but I acknowledge I will contact the coach directly and as early as possible.

I also acknowledge trends or excessive missing of practices and/ or games without coach collaboration, communication &/ or notification can result in restricted or forfeiture of playing time.

PLAY LIKE ATHLETES:

➢           EXCEL IN EFFORT.  Give your best 100% effort always.

➢          HUSTLE on and off field, walking is prohibited. We hustle and always run!  A team that hustles is a team that has GREAT SPIRIT and one that plays with discipline and enthusiasm. Hustle does not require awesome talent; it requires simple commitment and desire. When we compete with other teams on the softball field, this part of the game we will always win.  Regardless of the competition, WE WILL OUT HUSTLE EVERY TEAM WE PLAY.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The intention of this document is to promote Respect, Fairness and Sportsmanship for all participants within the Vipers Program. It is expected that all parents and players of the Vipers read and understand the Code of Conduct and continue to observe and follow all the principles contained within the Code throughout the season.

Parents

1. I will never yell, taunt, threaten or inflict physical violence upon any player, coach, official or spectator.
2. I will refrain from the use of abusive or vulgar language, racial, ethnic or gender related slurs at any time.
3. I will leave the coaching to the coaching staff. I will encourage my child to play in a manner consistent with the team’s strategy or plans.
4. I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteers who give their time to Club Softball for my child.
5. I will refrain from addressing or challenging a coach during a game.
6. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or any other players for making a mistake or losing a competition.
7. I will respect the umpires and their authority during games. I will not confront an umpire before, during or after a game.
8. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices unless I am one of the official coaches of the team. Attempts to coach your child, while may be well intentioned, may contradict what the head coach is doing or what has been practiced.  Parents are encouraged to approach coaches when appropriate to ask questions, but attempting to coach during a game is prohibited.
9. I will not enter the dugout during a game or position myself near a dugout as to interfere with players or coaches.
10. I will learn the rules of the game so that I may best support my child’s development in the game.
11. I will not confront coaches at the game field. I will take the time to speak with the coaches at an agreed upon time and place and it must be at least 48 hours after the game. Further, I also acknowledge that if I elect to “pull my child” midway through a game, tournament, practice, or Viper event because I am unhappy or disappointed, I am effectively pulling them from the program and my membership will be immediately terminated.  The 48 hour rule has already been explained, as has playing time, positioning & expectations.
12. I will remember that my child plays Club Softball for his or her enjoyment, not the managers or coaches.
13. I will teach my child that playing by the rules, doing their very best is more important than winning so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
14. I will teach my child that this is a team sport and no one individual can determine the outcome of a game.
15. I will not consume alcohol or tobacco products in the presence of any youth participant on the field or complex.
16. I understand that I, as a parent, do not have any control over team/club rosters. The Vipers target 13 players per roster.

 

Players

1. I will display good sportsmanship and team play at all times.
2. I will always control my emotions. I will be a player that will think and then act, not the other way around. I will not throw my helmet, bat, glove, or anything in the dugout or on the field.  I understand this will not be tolerated and I will be disciplined if I do it.
3. Follow the direction of the coaching staff. I will play where asked to play and hustle on and off the field.
4. I will respect all coaches, players, league officials, umpires, opponents, and spectators.
5. I will make every attempt to be on time and ready to play for all games and practices. I understand failure to attend practices or games without notice or being excused by the coaching staff can result in a loss of playing time.
6. I will wear my uniforms and practice attire properly. I will be fully dressed from the time I get to the field until the time I leave.
7. I will wear long pants and proper softball attire for all games and practices unless directed otherwise. I will wear jackets and/or long sleeves when necessary to all games and practices, especially early in the season. I understand that cleats and a facemask are always required equipment.
8. I will always try my hardest when playing the game and will always be supportive and positive teammates.

 

I hereby agree that if I fail to conform to the foregoing I will be subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to the following in any order or combination thereof:.

 

1. Verbal or written warning.
2. Immediate ejection from any game, practice, or any other organized league event.
3. Suspension from games(s), practice(s), or any other organized league event(s).
4. Removal from program

 

You permit "The Organization" to post pictures of game, practice, and other sanctioned events to its website & social media pages that many contain images of you and/ or your child.

RETURN TO PLAY (from Executive Order, March 2020) WAIVER AND RELEASE

In light of the recent events in 2020, including the outbreak of COVID-19 and Executive Orders issued by the Governor of New Jersey,  the NJ Vipers softball program (also referred to as “the Organization”, “Northern Valley Knights Softball”, “NV Renegades” , “Northeast Vipers”, “R Germano’s Northeast Vipers” or any other trade name; collectively the “NJ Vipers” or “Releasees”) require all youth participants and parents, including legal guardians, to read and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Waiver and Release prior to a participation in any NJ Vipers activities.  By agreeing to the terms set forth in this Waiver and Release, all players, and parents and/or legal guardians, agree to ALL terms and conditions – not just those related to COVID-19.

All players and parents (including legal guardians) hereby acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Risk of Injury: The risk of injury and/or illness from the activities involved in activities organized and sponsored by the NJ Vipers program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce the risk, the risk of serious injury does exist.

 

2. Risk of Disease: The risk to have contact with individuals who have been exposed to and/or have been diagnosed with a communicable disease, including COVID-19, exists through participation in activities organized and sponsored by the NJ Vipers program.  This includes, but is not limited to, exposure to players, coaches, and spectators. Furthermore, it is impossible to eliminate the risk that could be exposed to and/or become infected through contact with, or near, an individual with a communicable disease.

 

3. Disclosure of an Infectious Disease or COVID-19. As reported by health officials, infectious diseases, including COVID-19, may spread through close contact with other individuals.  Prior to sending a youth participant to an activity organized or sponsored by the NJ Vipers, the youth participant must be free of fever or symptoms of COVID-19 or any other infectious disease and/or health condition that may impact others.  If it is learned that the youth participant does have such a condition, the officers and officials of the NJ Vipers will be contacted as soon as practicable.  The NJ Vipers require daily Covid Questionnaires be completed the day of any Viper event.

 

4. Ongoing Compliance with Safety Measures. From time to time, the NJ Vipers will implement procedures necessary to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all participants in the program, including steps designed to combat the spread of COVID-19.  All players coaches and spectators are required to follow all instructions in order to maintain this environment, although the NJ Vipers cannot guarantee that all safety measures will prevent injury or the spread of infectious disease.

 

5. Assumption of All Risks: By executing this Waiver and Release, I agree to participate in activities organized and sponsored by the NJ Vipers program and knowingly and freely assume all risks associated with my participation or the participation of a youth participant for which I am the parent and/or legal guardian.  These risks include those in this Waiver and Release and all other risks, known and unknown, that are not explicitly included in this Waiver and Release.

 

6. Agreement to Comply: I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. I also agree to comply with all measures taken by the NJ Vipers to care for the safety of all participants – including those taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  I acknowledge that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may result in my expulsion from the NJ Vipers program.  If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself (and my child(ren) from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest representative of the NJ Vipers.

 

7. Release from Liability: By executing this Waiver and Release, I, for myself and behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release and hold harmless the NJ Vipers, its officers , Robert Germano and Elizabeth Germano, its coaches, its employees, and its volunteers, sponsors, sponsoring agencies, advertisers, lessors and lessees of training premises at 37 Rockland Park, Tappan, NY and places of play, from legal liability with respect to any and all injuries, illnesses (including illnesses resulting from COVID-19), disability or death resulting from activities organized or sponsored by the NJ Vipers.

 

8. Signatures: By executing below, I acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the terms and conditions in this Waiver and Release.  I understand that I may be participating in activities organized and/or sponsored by the NJ Vipers or I am the parent or legal guardian of a youth participant in the activities organized and/or sponsored by the NJ Vipers.   Under all circumstances, I agree to the following:

• As an adult participant, I consent and agree to assume the risks of participation in these programs with the NJ Vipers.
• As an adult participant, I specifically agree to the terms and conditions of this Waiver and Release, and, for myself, my heirs, assigns and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify the Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to my involvement or participation in these programs EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE. ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY PARENTS AND/OR LEGAL GUARDIANS OF YOUTH PARTICIPANT:
• I am the parent or legal guardian for the youth participant associated with this account, or of legal age (18) to sign on my own behalf,
• As parent/legal guardian with legal responsibility for this youth participant (or myself if over the age of 18), I consent and agree to assume the risks of his/her participation in these programs; and
• I specifically agree to the youth participant’s release (my own if over the age of 18) as provided herein of all the Releasees, and, for myself, my heirs, assigns and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify the Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to this youth participant's involvement or participation in these programs as provided above EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE.

 

General Statement:

 

It is the intent of “The Vipers” to ensure a safe, productive, and professional softball & baseball environment.  All decisions will be rendered with these principles in mind.