Playoff Fever

The fever will be at an all time high this weekend, but that doesn't mean our attitude changes. All year we have preached and practiced good sportsmanship. That will not change during the playoffs. We will still hold every player to the highest of standards (just like the conduct contract we all signed).

In any event, the MMSL will be on high alert for any and all offenders. Of course, if it happens on our team, they won't need to take action, Bruce and I will already have done so...

I know this team and I know my players, we won't have an issue...anyway, with all that being said, here is the email that went out to coaches about conduct for this weekend:

Now on to possibly the most important topic we'll cover this week:Player conduct, on and off the field. I want this to be top of mind with you, and by extension your players.Our umpires are instructed -- encouraged, in fact -- to run a tight ship during the tournament. Yes, it's exciting to be in the playoffs.Yes, we're competitive people working in a competitive profession and sometimes that spills over onto the softball diamond. But that doesn't give a player permission to lose his or her head out there.On balance, the last couple of playoff tourneys have been class affairs. But there have also been a couple of incidents that threatened to mar the whole weekend. Last year, one player ran his mouth so much he caused both benches to empty at the conclusion of a game. The year before, a group of players from a team ousted from the tourney were so miffed about a call that didn't go their way that they heckled the umpire from the safety of the bleachers. They only shut up after the ump jeered them right back, while also noting their status as spectators.I bring this up not to call anyone out specifically but to remind everyone to keep things in perspective. Remember that you are representing your employer when you step on the field. Play hard and clean, and park the attitude someplace else.In short, don't act like these nimrods:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRfMe0cqpMs&feature=related

As I noted above, the umpires will have itchy trigger fingers this weekend, so be sure your players don't get themselves tossed from a game. The penalty is sitting out your team's next two games. The umps have full discretion to have players removed from Cabin John.Above all, have fun out there.