Player Commitment Policy

General Information

Jersey Shore Vortex Fastpitch (JSVF) is a competitive travel softball program dedicated to building skilled athletes and confident individuals. Fastpitch softball is both challenging and rewarding, and our mission is to provide a safe, structured, and encouraging environment for players to grow on and off the field. At JSVF, we focus not only on athletic development but also on leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork. We expect our players to strive for excellence in the game, in the classroom, and within their communities.

Practice Expectations

Practices are essential to player development and team success, and we expect every athlete to treat them as a priority. Players should arrive at least 15 minutes early to warm up and be ready to start on time. All players are required to wear their full JSVF practice uniform, with hair secured and no jewelry allowed. Cell phones must be kept away during training unless there is an emergency and a coach grants permission. Players are expected to give their full effort and attention during every practice, contribute to equipment setup and cleanup, hustle between stations, and help maintain a clean practice environment. Communication is key—if a player cannot attend, they or their parent should notify a coach as soon as possible.

Attendance Policy

Consistent attendance is vital to building team chemistry and individual performance. Players are expected to attend all scheduled practices, scrimmages, games, tournaments, and team events. Excused absences include school-related functions, religious obligations, medical appointments, pre-approved vacations, and family emergencies. Injuries do not excuse a player from being present at practices or games unless otherwise discussed with the coaching staff. After five unexcused absences, a player will not be eligible to participate in the next tournament but will still be required to attend and support the team from the dugout. To be included in a starting lineup, players must attend the final practice before a game or tournament. If a player misses a tournament day for any reason, they will be required to sit out the first game of the next event before rejoining competition.

Financial Commitment

Participation in JSVF requires a financial commitment that reflects the true cost of operating a high-quality, competitive program. The season fee covers tournament entries, indoor and outdoor practice facilities, strength and conditioning programs, training equipment, uniforms, team apparel, insurance, and team-building events. Once a player accepts a roster spot, the full program fee becomes non-refundable, as budgets and tournament commitments are based on the confirmed team lineup. All payments must be made on time to ensure smooth program operations throughout the season.

If a player voluntarily decommits from the program after accepting a roster spot, an administrative fee will be assessed to account for the disruption to team planning and logistics. A $250 administrative fee will apply if the player has already paid in full. If the player decommits before completing full payment, a $500 administrative fee will be charged. These fees are assessed in all cases of voluntary withdrawal and are not tied to how much of the program has been completed.

Equipment and Uniforms

Players are responsible for bringing and maintaining all personal equipment required to play, including gloves, bats, cleats, sliders, sunglasses, and batting gloves. JSVF provides each athlete with a customized softball bag, helmet, fielding mask, practice shirts, hooded sweatshirts, and full game uniforms, including three jerseys. Players are expected to transport their gear, keep it clean and in good condition, and immediately report any lost or damaged items to their coach.

Positions and Playing Time

Our goal is to develop well-rounded athletes while fostering a competitive environment. Playing time is earned through:

  • Effort and attitude

  • Consistent attendance

  • Coachability and discipline

  • Confidence and skill development

Coaches involve players in various roles—starting positions, pinch hitting, defensive rotations, courtesy runners, and designated player/flex options (in softball). Playing time is not guaranteed, and positions may change based on the needs of the team. If a player has concerns, we encourage them to speak directly with the coaches—this builds maturity and communication skills.

Code of Conduct

All players and parents in the JSVF program are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior and sportsmanship. Respect for teammates, coaches, umpires, opponents, and the game itself is required at all times. Arguing with officials, coaches, or other players is unacceptable, and the program maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for bullying, gossip, or any form of harassment. Players and parents are representatives of the JSVF program and are expected to act accordingly, both on and off the field. We believe that fostering a positive team culture begins with personal accountability and mutual respect, and we are committed to creating an environment where every athlete can thrive.

Dugout Policy

The dugout is a focused, team-only space. Only rostered players and coaches are permitted in the dugout during games. Players are expected to remain in the dugout unless permitted by a coach and are responsible for keeping it clean and organized. This helps foster responsibility and team unity.

Cell Phone Policy

To support focus and safety, cell phones are not allowed during practices or games—unless there's an emergency and a coach gives permission. Parents may text coaches if something urgent comes up during a game, but players should not be using their phones during team activities. Unauthorized phone use may impact playing time.

Travel Policy for Overnight Tournaments

When overnight travel is required for tournaments, all players are expected to stay at the designated team hotel. This ensures team cohesion, consistent communication, and timely arrivals for scheduled games and team meetings. Families are responsible for booking their hotel rooms and covering all travel-related expenses. These costs are not included in the program fees, and families should make arrangements as soon as hotel information is shared by the team.

Meals during travel tournaments are typically organized as a team and split evenly among the total number of players and families attending. This includes any group meals or team dinners, as well as occasional team-building activities or outings. We will make every effort to provide options that are affordable and accommodating to all dietary needs.

The cost of coaches' travel—including hotel, meals, and other necessary expenses—will be divided equally among the families attending the event. The only exception is when the coach is also a parent of a player on the team, in which case the family will cover their travel costs and will not be included in the cost-sharing for coaches’ expenses.

We appreciate your support in helping to create a well-organized and enjoyable travel experience for all players and families involved. Travel tournaments offer important bonding opportunities and lasting memories, and your cooperation makes that possible.

Private Lessons & Skill Development

We encourage players to continue developing outside of team practices. Vortex members receive exclusive discounts on private and small-group lessons, with flexible scheduling—including at-home options in some cases.
Pitchers and catchers are required to train with personal coaches. Vortex team coaches may attend these sessions when possible to ensure alignment with in-game strategy and training goals.

24-Hour Communication Rule

We believe strong communication leads to stronger teams. If a concern arises, we ask that parents and players wait 24 hours before reaching out to a coach. This allows emotions to settle and encourages productive, respectful conversations. Please schedule a private time to talk—never during games or practices. We appreciate your partnership in creating a positive environment for our athletes.

Guest Playing Policy

JSVF supports well-rounded athletic development and allows players to guest play with other teams during off weekends. We simply ask that families keep us informed of any outside commitments. Occasionally, we may invite guest players to join our team for tournaments or games. If this happens due to limited roster numbers, those guest players may receive priority playing time for that event.

Final Thoughts

At JSVF, we are committed to developing athletes who are skilled, confident, and respectful—on and off the field. We appreciate the support of our families and the dedication of our players. Together, we create a competitive, growth-oriented environment that prepares athletes for the next level.