Softball's Little Instruction Book
Never underestimate the other team.
Don't bother holding a grudge against an umpire; it isn't worth it.
Umpires are people too, and they make errors just like you and me.
If you invite a substitute to fill a vacant spot, treat that person like a royalguest.
Never heckle a pitcher, especially if that person is new to the job.
Try to have fun, whether you're winning or losing. Otherwise,there's nopoint to playing.
Be respectful of the other team, even if they do not treat yourteam similarly.
Your sportsmanship on the field will quickly get known throughout theleague.
Don't let that loud-talking batter fool you.
Sometimes, the loudest player is the worst, the quietest the best, and everybody else falls somewhere in between.
You're never too good or too important to sit on the bench everyonce in a while.
Always run to first base, even when you bat a fly ball. An errormight stretch your Popfly into a single or double.
If your team has a uniform, wear it.
Don't question your coach's or manager's judgment in front ofthe team.
If you do have a suggestion for your coach, manager, or fellowplayer,do it privately.
If somebody makes an error, she already knows she made amistake. Don't remind her.
If somebody makes a particularly bad error, don't make herrelive it. She is already inenough embarrassment.
Don't measure your talent against players on your own team.
Never chastise another player when others can hear you.
If you're fortunate enough to play on a good team, treat it likea privilege.
Always respect your fellow players, even if they don't give you immediate reasons to do so.
Cheer for your pitcher, even when she throws poorly. Being onthe mound is the toughest job on the field.
When you're catching a hit, especially a bouncing one, alwaystry to get your body in front of it like a goalie.
You may take abounce off the chest, but you will stop the ball,and yourteammates will respect you for it.
If you can show up early, offer to install the bases and assist the umps with setup. Even if it is not your home team's responsibility, your effort will be remembered by their ballplayers.
Before you borrow a teammate's expensive bat, ask first.
If you're winning big, don't rub it in. Being cocky will hauntyou one day.
If you are the batter on deck, tell the runner coming homewhether she needs to slide ornot.
Unless you're looking a brawl, do NOT run into the baseman.
Basemen: remember to make room for the runner whenever the play is not to you.
The same person that let you down one game, may win itfor you next time.
There is always a next time.
Always shake hands, thank the umpire, and clean up afteryourself before you leave.
Most of all, leave the game on the field, where it belongs.