Since this is our Holiday Season issue, I’ve taken the opportunity to put together a couple of "holiday" stories for your enjoyment. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the park,
My daughter and I practiced softball ‘til well after dark.
The bat bag was packed and practice complete,
For the tournament this weekend in which she would compete.
All other players were preparing for bed,
While my daughter had visions of winning in her head.
With the equipment loaded we walked to the car,
For the trip to our home, which wasn’t too far.
When from a far field we heard such chatter,
A game was just starting, entering the box the first batter.
Towards the game we were drawn like a moth to a light,
An unexpected game bringing us both such delight.
When we reached the game field what did appear,
The current ASA Champions scrimmaging in all their gear.
Standing in the dugout, barking at players and kicking the ground,
The team’s popular coach, who is nationally renowned.
He whistled and shouted to players by name,
Then turned to me and said, "Your daughter has game."
"We’re rebuilding for next year and have some spots to fill,"
"I’ve heard of your daughter and she might fit the bill."
Into the game my daughter did go,
How she would do I really did not know.
But it soon became apparent and easy to see,
That my daughter had skills that this team sure did need.
When the practice was over, the Coach to us did say,
"She can play with us on any day."
We accepted his offer to become a team member,
Because we had not signed a roster, being only December.
We went back home to ready ourselves for bed,
With visions of trophies dancing in our heads.
"Your hard work paid off," I said to my gal.
She replied, "Only because you are my pal."

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

COACH’S RESOLUTIONS
·I will not argue with another umpire, unless he/she is really wrong.
·I will not pickup any players for nationals, unless Suzie Speedball’s, Betty Bomber’s or Sarah Speedster’s teams don’t earn a berth.
·I will be honest and forthcoming to the player’s parents, unless I don’t think they can handle the truth.
·I will make sure that all players get equal playing time, unless we are playing in a qualifier or a showcase event with several college coaches and my daughter hasn’t committed to a college.
PLAYER’S RESOLUTION
·I will be supportive of my teammates all year, unless one of them makes an error that costs us a ball game.
·I will be on time for all practices and games, unless my boyfriend calls or my best friend Alice wants to hang out.
·I will start a workout program to get into the best physical condition I can, unless I have something else to do.
·I will always give my best effort in our games, unless that hunk Tommy is at the game. I wouldn’t want him to see me dirty or sweaty.
PARENT’S RESOLUTION
·I will never make negative comments about my daughter’s coach, unless she isn’t playing every inning of every game and pitching every other game.
·I will take my daughter to every team game and practice, when Connie Committed’s mom can’t.
·I will keep my daughter on her travel team, unless a better team approaches us about joining them.
·I will not bad mouth an opposing team, unless they really deserve it.

FOUL TIPS
As always, I hope to provide information in our first column next year on any major changes to ASA rules or the ASA Code. I’m also hoping to obtain information on action at the regional meetings pertaining to the youth softball program. Most regions conduct their annual meeting during or shortly after the ASA National Council meeting.
I got a nice email from Bill Plummer III, Assistant Director of Membership Services with ASA commenting on my column in our July issue concerning the growing violence in youth sports. I really appreciated his comments and insights into what parents expect from our sport, and how these expectations help create the atmosphere that has led to many of these unfortunate incidents.
I kind of got caught up in a bunch of family commitments the past couple of months that caused me to miss too many softball games. That would include all of the major October/November college exposure events, and some fall college tournaments. I still have a couple more opportunities before the year comes to an end.
Here’s hoping for amild short winter. I’m already looking forward to spring and the start of a new softball season.
As always, you can contact me at floydeunslip@yahoo.com_and so the ball rolls.