Stewards of the Game

Community:	Young people from Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Mooresville will play together, on the same teams. We believe if kids from different towns and backgrounds are allowed to play together as youngsters, they will be better prepared to live together as adults.
Diversity:	We will work hard to attract kids from diverse racial, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds to play in this league. No child who wants to play in this league will be turned away because his or her family can’t afford the entry fee. To reinforce league values such as teamwork, hard work and helping others…all kids will be asked to participate in fundraising activities to raise money towards funding scholarships for fellow players who could not otherwise afford to play.
Parity:	Pre-season skills days and drafts will be closely monitored to ensure that talent is spread equally across all regular-season teams. Good "match-ups" in both practices and games will enhance the development of all ballplayers. We will not permit the stacking of “neighborhood” teams designed to crush the kids across town.
Opportunity:	Every child, regardless of talent level, will be given equal attention and opportunity to improve their fundamental skills.
Competition:	We will compete to win…but not at all costs. Teaching kids “life lessons” will take precedence over winning games. Winning will be defined by giving one’s best possible effort and not necessarily by the final score. Our primary focus will be in building-up kids…not coaches and parents. To meet the needs of more advanced players, Stewards of the Game will assemble “Challenge Teams” early in the season for periodic weekend tournament play against other select teams in the area. By allowing kids of varying skill levels to play together on regular season teams, and then creating additional opportunities for the advanced players to participate in supplemental Challenge play during the season, we are "strengthening the weak without weakening the strong." The more advanced players come to understand their role in life in lifting others up through regular season play, but still have the opportunity to further refine their skills against stiffer competition through the Challenge play component of Stewards of the Game.
Safety:	The interests and safety of the children will come first in everything we do. If a player’s thrown his pitch limit, or pulled a hamstring, we will rest him…regardless of the score or “importance” of the game.
Coaching:	Coaching can make or break a child’s experience in youth sports. The Board of Directors, as well as fellow coaches, will hold all coaches accountable in managing their teams in accordance with the Vision, Mission, Philosophies, Values and Principles endorsed by this league. Coaches will be selected based on their embodiment and commitment to these core values and principles, as well as their knowledge of the game. We will select coaches who inspire a passion for the game and who are genuinely committed to helping each individual player become the best player they are capable and determined to become. Coaches will be keenly aware of their dual roles as stewards of the game as well as mentors for each and every kid.
FUNdamentals:	Good, sound fundamental skill development will be one of the key trademarks of this league. The instruction will be first-rate and FUN. We will engage professional instructors to hold coaches’ clinics at the beginning of each season to ensure all coaches are well-versed on the proper techniques of the game. These instructors will also be available for private or group lessons. Bottom line, we will work hard to ensure every child has a blast playing the game. When the buzzer sounds at the last game of the season, or the last out is made, and the kids are walking off the field…we want to hear them say, “Wow, I can’t wait till next season!”
Practice Philosophy:	Practices will be fun, yet well-organized and disciplined. Practices will be centered on repetition of sound/proven fundamental techniques. Practices will take precedence over games. If you’re interested in your child practicing an hour a week & playing three games a week…this league is not for you. In contrast, we will likely devote more hours to practices & skill sessions each week than we do games. Stewards of the Game players will learn quickly that if you have a passion to to be really good at something…you must be willing to work at it.
Player Expectations:	We expect each and every player to to put forth their best effort at every practice and game. We expect them to be respectful of all coaches, teammates, opponents and officials. We expect them to display good sportsmanship at all times (Philippians 1:27). We expect players to develop a keen understanding of "teamwork" and their commitment and responsibility to put the interests of the team before their own.
Parent / Fan Expectations:	In addition to our coaches and league administrators, we expect every parent and fan to do all they can to support, embody and exemplify the same life lessons and character values that we are trying so passionately to instill in the players. We expect all our fans to devote their full energy at team events towards encouraging all participants...including our players, opposing players, all coaches , fans and umpires. Parents and fans should leave the on-field / on-court instruction and constructive criticism in the hands of the coaches. They should leave judgment calls in the hands of the umpires and referees. Stewards of the Game coaches should be the only ones who challenge umpires and refs during a game...not players, parents or fans. And when our coaches address the officials, they will do so calmly and respectfully. If a parent or fan has a question or concern about a call, rule interpretation, or instructional tip for a player, they should direct these to the head coach. Stewards of the Game fans should be known around town for being fun-loving, boisterous, encouraging and respectful...no different than what we expect from our players and coaches. We also expect full parental support on getting players to show up on-time, ready to play, for all practices and games. There’s no way we can teach kids “life lessons” and develop their fundamental skills, if they aren’t there. Players must come to understand how "showing-up" for practice is an integral part of the commitment they have made to their teammates.
Playing Time	Attendance, level of effort, respect, team play and individual skill level will all be determining factors in a coach’s discretionary decision on “playing time.” Parents should address any questions or concerns about playing time directly with the head coach, both privately and respectfully...and not during the course of a game.
Christian Values:	Stewards of the Game will strive to “walk the talk” of Christian values on and off the field. But make no mistake…our spiritual values will not damper our competitive spirit. In fact, these values will fuel our spirits. Stewards of the Game teams will work hard and play with a “fire in their bellies”…with their primary purpose being to bring honor and glory to God. (Colossians 3:23).
Outreach:	All teams will be challenged to get involved in at least one team-sponsored outreach initiative to reinforce to the kids, and parents, our life-long responsibility to give back to our communities.

League Principles