Welcome to the Breakers Labs De Jong 12U 2026 season!
This season is about development—both on the field and beyond it. Our goal is to create an environment where players learn how to work, compete, handle adversity, and grow with confidence. Wins and losses matter, but development remains the priority.
Team Goal
To develop confident, competitive, and accountable players through consistent habits, effort, and preparation.
Team Identity
The Breakers identity is built on:
- Hard work
- Hustle
- Competing every rep
- Being a good teammate
These standards apply during practices, games, and in how players carry themselves as teammates.
Player Accountability
We emphasize:
- Attitude
- Effort
- Energy
- Emotional control
- Focus
- Preparation
- Competing regardless of the outcome
Accountability is not based on:
- Statistics
- Playing time
- The result of any single day
Results come and go. Habits stay.
Eating or chewing gum in the dugout is not permitted unless approved by the coaches. Players must remain fully engaged throughout the game.
Attendance and Commitment
Arrive on time so we can start on time. Practices, games, and other team events will begin with or without your daughter.
Please communicate with the coaching staff in advance if your daughter cannot attend a practice or game.
Team-bonding events are mandatory, not optional. Unexcused absences from practices, games, or required team events may affect playing time.
Sideline Support
Be positive and encouraging at all times. Cheer for the players, but do not coach them.
Parents and family members should not give players instructions during games. This includes talking to them:
- From behind the dugout
- While they are in the on-deck circle
- During an at-bat
- While they are on the field
- Between innings or during other game situations
Avoid negative, critical, or abusive comments during practices and games. Allow the coaches to coach without interfering with coaching decisions.
Help players compete with confidence by reinforcing effort, preparation, and accountability.
Game-Day Perspective
Treat games like going to a movie. You would not yell instructions to the actors or question the director during the show. You would sit back and enjoy it.
Allow the coaches to coach, the players to play, and the umpires to make their calls—even the questionable ones. Cheer positively, support the team, and enjoy watching your daughter compete.
Game-Day Conduct
Parents and family members should not enter or approach the dugout during games.
Players should arrive fully prepared with everything they need, including:
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Snacks
- Equipment
- Any necessary medication
If your daughter needs something, you may leave it outside the dugout without calling over to her, speaking to her, or interrupting the team.
If a player leaves the dugout for any reason without first speaking to a coach, she will not reenter the game.
If an injury occurs, a coach will come get the parent. If a player needs medication, she should notify a coach, who will get the parent’s attention.
We are preparing our players to become confident, responsible, and independent athletes for high school and beyond. This is competitive softball—not recreational ball—and our game-day expectations should reflect that.
Sportsmanship and Conduct
Show respect for everyone through your behavior and language.
Violence, abuse, bullying, and profanity are strictly prohibited. This applies to all interactions with:
- Teammates and opposing players
- Parents and spectators
- Coaches
- Umpires
- Tournament and event staff
- Facility personnel
Do not argue with umpires. The coaching staff understands the game extensively and will determine when it is appropriate to question or discuss a call.
Complaining to or arguing with an umpire will not be tolerated. If a coach approaches the fence and hears you arguing with an umpire, you will be required to leave immediately.
“Outfield Parent Land”
If team standards regarding communication with players or umpires are ignored, all team spectators will be required to sit in the outfield.
If parents or spectators refuse to follow this direction, the player connected to those individuals will be removed from the field of play.
Hold one another accountable during games so the coaches do not have to.
You are responsible for every spectator you bring, including grandparents, relatives, and friends. Their behavior can result in the entire team’s spectators being moved to “Outfield Parent Land.”
Team Culture and Communication
Do not stir the pot or participate in gossip. Negative conversations have a way of getting back to the people involved and can quickly damage the team environment.
If you have a concern, bring it directly to the coaching staff so it can be addressed respectfully and constructively. Do not complain behind the scenes unless you are prepared to have an honest, face-to-face conversation about the issue. We value solutions, not commentary on playing time, player habits, or coaches’ decisions. None of it will be tolerated behind the scenes.
We want this to be a great experience for every player and family. We will go above and beyond to make that happen, and we expect honesty, maturity, and respect in return.
Communication Guidelines
Parents are welcome to approach coaches with general questions, scheduling needs, or logistical matters.
Do not approach coaches or coaches’ spouses during practices, warm-ups, or games to discuss:
- Playing time
- Positions
- Player roles
- Coaching decisions
- Other team-related concerns
These conversations must take place privately, after a 24-hour cooling-off period, and at a mutually agreed-upon time outside of team activities.
Continued violations of the team’s communication or conduct expectations may result in removal from an event, suspension from games, or removal from the team.
Supporting Your Daughter
Parents naturally focus on measurable results such as hits, strikeouts, batting averages, errors, and playing time. We ask that you focus instead on the qualities that drive long-term development:
- Effort
- Preparation
- Competitive mindset
- Accountability
After the Game Matters
The game ends when the final out is made. Development continues afterward.
What is said in the car, later that night, the next day, or over text can either build confidence and competitiveness or create pressure and hesitation.
Avoid asking:
- “What happened on that strikeout?”
- “What happened with that weak ground ball or infield pop-up?”
- “What happened when you made that error?”
- “Why weren’t you focused?”
Instead, ask:
- “How do you think you competed today?”
- “What did you learn today?”
- “How did you feel during your at-bats?”
- “How did you feel while you were on the field?”
Follow-up questions that reinforce accountability include:
- “What do you want to work on this week?”
- “How can we be more prepared?”
Parent and Player Check-Ins
Every three months, we will hold a brief check-in with each player and parent. Check-ins will take place during the first weeks of:
- November
- February
- May
These meetings provide an opportunity to:
- Address questions or concerns
- Clearly communicate where the player currently stands
- Identify what the player needs to improve before the next check-in
Each player will receive a written development sheet outlining her specific areas of focus and goals before the next meeting. Players will be responsible for sharing this information with their parents.
Financial Commitment
Monthly dues are due by the first of each month.
Timely payments allow us to plan responsibly for fields, tournaments, uniforms, and other team expenses.
Failure to pay dues may result in the player being removed from the roster or being unable to participate in team activities until the account is brought up to date.
Our Commitment
The coaching staff is committed to teaching the game, developing players the right way, and creating a positive, competitive environment.
We want this to be a great experience for every player and family, and we will go above and beyond to support their development. In return, we expect preparation, accountability, communication, and respect from everyone involved.
We appreciate your trust and partnership this season.