Tampa Mustangs Girls Fastpitch Softball Organization

The TAMPA MUSTANGS FASTPITCH ORGANIZATION is one of the oldest and most successful fastpitch programs in the country and currently consists of 11 teams. The primary objective of the TAMPA MUSTANGS FASTPITCH ORGANIZATION is to field highly competitive girls softball teams in each age level of competition in regional and national tournaments sponsored by one or more national softball organizations.

Other teams and organizations have come and gone over the years; the TAMPA MUSTANGS have survived due to commitment from players, parents, and coaches to the Mustang philosophy....Be the best you can be. Tournament ball is extremely competitive and will challenge us to keep that philosophy in mind at all times. Commitment to that philosophy has developed two very important characteristics during the 26 seasons we have played ball....we have developed the spirit of sportsmanship and the attitude of success.

Each players safety and welfare is the single most important priority. In order to support that priority, you are advised of the following organizational messages that are important to orientation into the MUSTANG family.

Sportsmanship is the backbone of the TAMPA MUSTANGS. Good conduct and sportsmanship includes full cooperation with officials and a show of respect for opposing team members and fans. During the early years of the MUSTANGS, we had a lot more sportsmanship than success. We became known around the state as "that really nice team from Tampa". We quickly became more competitive and more successful, sometimes making sportsmanship a challenge in the heat of battle. If a player or parent finds it necessary to display unacceptable behavior at any time or place during a tournament, we ask that you remove any MUSTANG paraphernalia that you might be wearing or displaying. Continued negative behavior will result in discussion as to whether the individual should remain a member of the organization.

Teamwork is Imperative. Our teams bring together parents and players from softball programs around the country to play together as a team. We will win and lose as a team. Finger pointing or verbal abuse among players or parents will not be tolerated.

The coaching staff makes the decisions. The TAMPA MUSTANGS FASTPITCH ORGANIZATION seeks coaches who have the ability to coach softball at a highly competitive level and have the temperament to deal with umpires, fellow coaches, players, and parents, in accordance with the Tampa Mustangs Coaches' Standard of Conduct. There are on average 400 decisions made by a coach during one game, from what pitch to call, to which player goes in, and which player comes out. Not all of the decisions will be correct, but the coaching staff has been delegated to make the decisions and the parents have an obligation in supporting those decisions. If the coach or manager requires a parent's advice as to who to play and where to play, he/she will ask the parent. If there are issues, a Mustang Coach should be open to "off-field" discussion. It is suggested that you talk to the coach.... not each other about these issues.

Players are part of a team. This means that the decision of when and where to play a player will be predicated on the needs of the team. This also means that coaches do not have to play a player in every game. A players contribution to the team may be as a role player (e.g. to add speed on the bases, to replace an injured player, etc.). When not in the game , the player and parents of the player are expected to support the team.

Players are expected to participate in all practices. Working together at practice is the key to promoting team unity and playing well together in game situations. Practice sessions are an important component for the development of team concepts and the improvement of individual skills. You, as parents, are the best judge of what is a valid reason to miss practice. When possible, please advise the coach in advance of any conflicts with practice schedule

It takes money to run the TAMPA MUSTANGS. The family of each player will be responsible for her pro rata share of participation expenses. These expenses include, but not limited to, TAMPA MUSTANGS team registration fees, personal and team equipment, tournament entry fees, and individual travel expenses. Fund raising will be carried out in many forms. Some of the fund raising events include, but are not limited to, softball tournaments, corporate sponsors, team program advertisement sales, concession work, and many others.

It takes support to run the TAMPA MUSTANGS. There is a great appreciation for the wide range of expertise, experience, and creativity that families bring to an organization. You will be asked and expected to contribute your talents to support the organization, coaches, and players. This support will take on many forms (e.g. fund-raising, typing, phoning, moral support, electronic communication, printing). Please feel free to be pro-active and volunteer what and when you can.

once again....Welcome to the Tampa Mustangs