For a high school baseball team is it better in your opinion to have more rules or less rules? Have rules that lay out the consequence or keep it open ended on a case by case basis?
John Wooden used 3 rules for his college basketball players and he was pretty successful.
Is having too many rules a hindrance or a good thing for the high school aged kids?
Is any coach willing to share their set of rules?
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Passion, I can't remember if you're a parent? When we took that leap we laid down a very small set of simple, age-appropriate rules that have worked pretty well. For the first few years the only rules were:
Rule number one: no hurting.
Rule number two: don't do dangerous things.
Rule number three: clean up your mess.
After a few years we added four - always do your best, and five - treat people with respect.
A bit later we added six, which is the golden rule. (similar to 5, i know, but it needs emphasis)
As the kids became pre-teens we introduced number 7, which covers pretty much all behavior not noted in the first six:
Rule number seven: Don't be a dick.
With simple rules like that, if a kid ever says, "but I didn't know that was against the rules!" The reply is simple: "Sure you did -- that's rule #7."
I would think that your team rules could be and should be even more simple.
I think it depends on the program. In our HS there are what seem to be a lot of rules, especially in regards to dress codes and grooming. However, it is required because for the "general population" it's a free for all. The coach has higher expectations. The kids generally comply without incident. I think in a school where the general standard was higher, it wouldn't be necessary to have the rules.
For a high school baseball team is it better in your opinion to have more rules or less rules? Have rules that lay out the consequence or keep it open ended on a case by case basis?
John Wooden used 3 rules for his college basketball players and he was pretty successful.
Is having too many rules a hindrance or a good thing for the high school aged kids?
Is any coach willing to share their set of rules?
Are you referring to code of conduct rules, i.e. wear your hat straight on your head at all times. Or are you talking about rules that are in effect during game play, like never swing when you are at a 3-0 count?
Rules -
1) Respect the game.
2) Respect your teammates, coaches, opponents and umpires.
3) Be at every practice and game - on time (See #1 & #2)
Do you need much more than that?
I don't think you do. That pretty much covers it.
Rules -
1) Respect the game.
2) Respect your teammates, coaches, opponents and umpires.
3) Be at every practice and game - on time (See #1 & #2)
Do you need much more than that?
I think that pretty much sums it up. Thanks.
I like having team rules. I have always been a coach that wanted to have every rule outlined so this way there was no confusion on anything. However, lately I am starting to learn that less is more and instead of calling it team rules, use the term "team contract" instead. Having a rule that says respect the game of baseball can be utilized for many things and situations. Being that it is high school baseball having rules that apply to the student are key as well. For instance, be a good student is a good thing to have in the team contract because if they do anything wrong as a student then they will be held accountable for their actions.
