This email is going out to all 11u-14u parents.   We send it out the same time every year. When we started the Gamers program, we wanted to provide a unique and exceptional development program for young men.  We are on the path of accomplishing that goal, and your support and enthusiasm has been a key factor in our success. We also had the goal of changing the culture around youth baseball in St. Louis and the environment that our teams play in.  Part of this has to do with players, part with coaches/directors and part with parents.  It takes a full team effort to achieve the principles of: Redefining "winner" - by focusing on effort, learning and rebounding from mistakes Filling Emotional Tanks - by providing positive support, without over-coaching Honoring the Gamer - by treating Opponents, Officials and each other with respect It is has probably been several months since you read the Gamers Handbook and the Positive Coaching Alliance parent material. Click here for a copy of the PCA principles for Parents. Click here for a copy of the Parent Pledge that you signed. Please take time to refresh yourself on these principles.  We take this very seriously and it is just as important to our success as throwing strikes, hitting cutoff men and executing bunt plays. I can quickly summarize our specific rules regarding parent expectations at games and in the stands: 1. No umpiring. 2. No coaching from the stands (or near the dugout) 3. Only positive and supportive comments. 4. No alcoholic beverages in the parking lot or stands (i.e. do not bring coolers of beer).  If beer is sold at the youth event (which ONLY happens in St. Louis) please drink responsibly. Please get your son to the field on time, make sure that he has plenty of water and snacks before pre-game practice starts, and enjoy watching him play for 3 1/2 hours (90 minutes of pre-game practice plus 2 hour game). If a player is late to the game without calling, is not wearing his uniform properly, or his parents hang around the dugout, or coach him from the stands during the game, it is a violation of the Gamers Style of Play and the entire team will run poles after the game for that violation.  Your son does not want that to happen. If your son is going to be late, please have him call the coach and let him know in advance.  It is important to teach young men to be accountable for talking with coaches. Finally, please do not hang around the dugout.  The dugout is for players and coaches, not parents.  Sorry for the negative tone of this email, but it is important that the expectations are set at this point of the season.  99% of our parents support these expectations and do a great job.  A small percentage think that these rules do not apply to them.  They are wrong. We take this very seriously and every year are forced to suspend a couple of players and/or parents that do not live up to their commitment to help us create a positive sports environment. Thanks for your support on this and we are looking forward to another great season. Mark Gallion