NTX Renegades

2026 Fall • 11U Recreational Baseball

Team Charter

About the Charter

  • A team charter is a shared foundation.

    It describes who we want to be, how we want to work together, and the kind of experience we hope to create for our players and families.

    It’s less about rules and more about purpose.

  • This isn’t a rulebook.

    It isn’t a contract.

    It doesn’t replace the rules and bylaws of VASA or MBSA.

    Instead, it describes the kind of team we want to be and how we work together within those league rules.

    • This charter is our starting point.

    • It was created by our coaching staff before our inaugural season as the Renegades. As our team grows, we hope it grows too.

    • Over time, we’d love for players and families to help shape it so it continues to reflect what matters most to our team.

    • We encourage parents to become familiar with this charter and share the highlights with their player throughout the season.

About the Renegades

  • We love baseball.

    The game teaches lessons that last long after the final out.

    Our goal is to help players grow in skill, confidence, character, and their love of the game.

    Winning is exciting, but it’s only one measure of a successful season.

    If our players become better teammates, dedicate themselves to the sport, support one another, and leave the season loving baseball even more than when they started, we’ll consider that a success.

  • The NTX Renegades are a recreational baseball team.

    We proudly compete within VASA / MBSA and support the mission of recreational baseball: giving kids the opportunity to learn, compete, and enjoy the game.

    At the same time, we believe recreational baseball can be organized, prepared, and focused on player development.

    We’re inspired by many of the best parts of higher levels of baseball—preparation, communication, teamwork, and intentional player development—while preserving everything that makes recreational baseball special: accessibility, community, and fun.

    Our goal isn’t to become a select team.

    Our goal is to create one of the best recreational baseball experiences we can for every player and family.

  • Every player deserves to be known.

    Effort matters.

    Mistakes are part of learning.

    Encouragement makes teams stronger.

    Respect should be shown to teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and families.

    Preparation builds confidence.

    Baseball is fun.

    We play to win!

The Renegades Way

  • Every player develops at their own pace, and no one is expected to have everything figured out.

    What we do ask is that every player embraces the mindset and habits that help both the individual and the team succeed. These are the qualities we'll encourage, reinforce, and help develop throughout the season. We believe they're part of what it means to be a Renegade.

    We'll encourage every player to:

    ✓ Be coachable. Listen, learn, ask questions, and apply feedback.

    ✓ Be a great teammate. Support others, celebrate their success, and put the team ahead of individual recognition.

    ✓ Bring consistent effort. Come prepared, work hard, and give your best each day.

    ✓ Develop baseball IQ. Learn the game, think through situations, and continue growing as a player.

    ✓ Show respect. Treat teammates, opponents, officials, families, and the game with respect.

    ✓ Embrace challenges. View mistakes as opportunities to learn, grow, and become more resilient.

    ✓ Love the game. Play with enthusiasm, curiosity, and gratitude for the opportunity to compete.

    None of these qualities are expected to be perfect. They're developed over time through practice, encouragement, and experience. Every player will have opportunities to grow, and our goal is to help each player take another step forward throughout the season.

  • Winning games is exciting, but it's only part of why we coach.

    Our goal is to help players become more confident, more knowledgeable, and more capable every time they step onto the field. We want them to develop not only as baseball players, but also as teammates, leaders, and young people of character.

    Throughout the season, we're committed to helping every player:

    ✓ Build strong baseball fundamentals.

    ✓ Develop a higher baseball IQ.

    ✓ Communicate confidently with teammates and coaches.

    ✓ Learn to compete with resilience, humility, and respect.

    ✓ Embrace challenges and mistakes as opportunities to grow.

    ✓ Support and encourage one another.

    Every player develops at a different pace, and that's okay. Growth isn't measured by comparing players to one another—it's measured by becoming a little better than yesterday.

    If each player leaves this season with greater confidence, stronger character, lasting friendships, and a deeper love for the game, we'll consider the season a success.

  • One of our goals is to help players develop a broad understanding of the game.

    Throughout the season, players may have opportunities to learn multiple positions as they continue developing their skills and baseball IQ.

    Defensive positions are assigned based on what gives the team the best opportunity to succeed while supporting each player's development. While we value player interests and strengths, position assignments ultimately reflect what is best for the team as a whole.

    Every player develops at a different pace, and that's okay. Growth isn't measured by comparing players to one another—it's measured by becoming a little better than yesterday.

    We encourage players to embrace new opportunities, remain coachable, and view every position as an opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow.

  • As a recreational team, we meet the minimum playing time requirements established by the league.

    Beyond those requirements, playing time is one of many baseball decisions made throughout the season. While athletic ability is certainly part of the game, it is only one factor we consider.

    Playing time decisions may take into account:

    ✓ League playing time requirements.

    ✓ Player development and readiness.

    ✓ Attendance and availability.

    ✓ Effort, preparation, and coachability.

    ✓ Safety and game situations.

    ✓ The overall needs of the team.

    Our goal isn't simply to reward talent. It's to help every player continue growing while making decisions that support both individual development and the success of the team.

    We encourage players to focus on the things they can control. When players consistently bring effort, a willingness to learn, and a team-first mindset, the opportunities on the field often take care of themselves.

Working Together

  • One of our goals this season is to create as much clarity as possible for our players.

    That means our coaches will often give very specific instruction during practices and games. Sometimes we'll focus on positioning. Sometimes it'll be mechanics. Sometimes it'll simply be helping players understand what to do in a particular situation.

    Learning takes repetition, and repetition works best when players hear one consistent message.

    Because of that, we ask families to avoid coaching from the sidelines during games. We know it comes from a place of encouragement and wanting to help. However, hearing different instructions from multiple voices can make it difficult for players to know what to do, especially in the middle of a play.

    Instead, we encourage parents to cheer, celebrate effort, and enjoy the game.

  • Creating one voice on the field isn't just the responsibility of our coaches. It takes everyone working together. The way we encourage, communicate, and support our players has a direct impact on their confidence and ability to learn.

    What Support Looks Like

    ✔ Cheering for great effort.
    ✔ Celebrating hustle, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
    ✔ Encouraging players after mistakes.
    ✔ Trusting players to listen to their coaches.
    ✔ Asking coaches questions before or after practices and games—not during live play.
    ✔ Sharing information that helps us coach your player well.
    ✔ Supporting every player on the team.

    What We'd Like to Avoid

    ✘ Calling out instructions from the stands.
    ✘ Coaching mechanics during games.
    ✘ Giving directions that conflict with what the coaches are teaching.
    ✘ Correcting players between innings while coaches are instructing.
    ✘ Debating coaching decisions during games.
    ✘ Putting players in the middle of disagreements between adults.

    When players hear one consistent message, they're able to play with greater confidence, think less, and enjoy the game more. That's what we mean by One Voice.

  • If your player is receiving instruction from a private coach—or if you have questions about how we're teaching something—we genuinely want to know. We welcome those conversations and are happy to partner together whenever possible.

    Our goal is consistency. If your player is working with another coach, we'll do our best to reinforce those same concepts. The exception is when we need to coach a specific game situation or make an adjustment that's necessary in the moment.

    If you'd like us to reinforce what your player is learning outside the team, here are a few simple ways to help us stay aligned:

    • Share a short video from a lesson demonstrating what your player is currently working on.

    • Send us a few notes or key coaching points from your instructor.

    • Let us know if there are specific cues, terminology, or drills your instructor is using.

    • Arrive a few minutes early to practice if you'd like us to reinforce or workshop a new skill.

    • Encourage your player to remind us what they're currently working on. We coach a lot of players, and those reminders help us provide more intentional support.

    • Keep the conversation going. The more we communicate, the more consistent we can be for your player.

    Sometimes our coaches may ask your player to execute something differently during a practice or game. Those adjustments are made to support a specific game situation, a team objective, or the development of the entire group. They aren't intended to replace or contradict the instruction your player is receiving elsewhere.

    When coaches, families, and private instructors work together behind the scenes, players are free to focus on one voice on the field. We believe that gives them the best opportunity to learn, build confidence, and get the most from every coach investing in their development.

Team Organization

  • Casey Chapman

    The Head Coach is responsible for leading the baseball program and creating a positive, development-focused environment for every player.

    Scope:

    • Leading practices and game-day coaching.

    • Planning player development throughout the season.

    • Determining lineups, defensive positions, and playing assignments.

    • Making all final baseball and in-game decisions.

    • Establishing team standards and expectations on the field.

    • Working collaboratively with the coaching staff to develop both individual players and the team.

    • The Head Coach has final responsibility for all baseball-related decisions.

  • Jon Kleinheksel

    The Assistant Coach supports the Head Coach in delivering practices, developing players, and managing game-day responsibilities.

    Scope:

    • Assisting with practice planning and execution.

    • Providing player instruction and feedback.

    • Offering tactical insight and strategic input.

    • Supporting offensive and defensive development.

    • Helping create a positive learning environment.

    • Serving as a trusted coach and mentor for our players.

  • Adrianne Chapman
    Communications, Family Engagement & Team Culture

    The Team Administrator coordinates communication, family onboarding, volunteer support, uniforms, team resources, and organizational details to help create a connected, well-organized experience for our players and families.

    If you're ever unsure who to contact, the Team Administrator is a great place to start.

    Scope:

    • Team communication.

    • Website updates and team resources.

    • Family onboarding.

    • Maintaining the Team Charter and supporting documentation.

    • Volunteer recruitment and leadership.

    • Supporting and coordinating key volunteer roles.

    • Uniforms and apparel.

    • Administrative and scheduling support.

    • Community-building initiatives.

    • Helping cultivate the culture and experience we want every family to enjoy as part of the Renegades.

Parent Volunteer Roles & Opportunities This Season

  • A great baseball season is built by many people—not just the coaches.

    Parent volunteers help create the experience that happens around the game so coaches can focus on coaching and players can focus on playing.

    The Team Administrator oversees our volunteer program, while many volunteer roles have ownership of specific responsibilities throughout the season.

  • The Team Parent serves as the primary volunteer coordinator for the team and works closely with the Team Administrator to help keep the season running smoothly. Serving as an extension of team operations, this role helps coordinate many of the day-to-day activities that support our players, families, and coaches.

    Scope:

    • Coordinating team events and activities.

    • Managing team projects, when applicable.

    • Coordinating volunteer sign-ups and assignments.

    • Working with families to help fill volunteer needs throughout the season.

    • Coordinating sign-ups for snacks, drinks, or other game-day needs, if the team chooses to have them.

    • Communicating with families on behalf of the team, when requested.

    • Working closely with the Team Administrator to support the coaching staff and enhance the family experience.

    • Helping coordinate additional volunteer needs that arise throughout the season.

  • On-Field Practice Support volunteers assist the Head Coach and Assistant Coach during practices, games, and other team activities. These volunteers provide an extra set of hands so practices remain organized, active, and efficient while the coaches focus on teaching, encouraging, and developing our players.

    This role is intended to support the Head Coach and Assistant Coach. Volunteers are encouraged to model a positive attitude, encourage all players, and reinforce the instruction being provided by the coaches. Player instruction, position assignments, playing time decisions, team strategy, and disciplinary decisions remain the responsibility of the Head Coach and Assistant Coach.

    Scope:

    • Assisting with field and equipment setup and breakdown.

    • Helping organize practice stations and drills.

    • Shagging baseballs and returning equipment during practices.

    • Assisting with batting practice, throwing drills, and other activities as directed by any Team Leader.

    • Helping keep players engaged and practices running efficiently.

    • Reinforcing coaching instruction and encouraging players in a positive and consistent manner.

    • Helping maintain a safe environment by keeping an eye on players, equipment, and the practice area.

    • Assisting during games when requested by a Team Leader.

    The goal of this role is to help create a safe, organized, and positive learning environment where every player can thrive.

  • This season, we're introducing GameChanger as a way to record game-day statistics and preserve a history of our team's games. The GameChanger Stats Recorder plays an important role by accurately capturing game events as they happen.

    We'll have a dedicated device positioned behind home plate for recording each game, so the volunteer can focus on entering plays into GameChanger.

    Scope:

    • Recording game events accurately in the GameChanger app.

    • Tracking pitches, at-bats, outs, hits, errors, substitutions, and other game events.

    • Working with the coaching staff to clarify substitutions and scoring decisions when needed.

    • Helping maintain reliable player and team statistics throughout the season.

    Accurate game data helps preserve a meaningful record of each season while giving players, families, and coaches a better way to look back on games and track development over time.

  • The Manual Scorebook Keeper maintains the team's paper scorebook during each game, creating an accurate written record of game events throughout the season.

    Scope:

    • Maintaining an accurate paper scorebook throughout each game.

    • Recording runs, hits, errors, outs, substitutions, and other game events.

    • Working alongside the GameChanger Stats Recorder to help ensure scoring accuracy.

    • Helping resolve scoring questions by maintaining a complete written record of the game.

    • Preserving a historical record of each game throughout the season.

  • The Scoreboard Operator helps keep players, coaches, officials, and spectators informed by operating the scoreboard during home games.

    Scope:

    • Operating the scoreboard during home games (phone app).

    • Keeping the score, inning, balls, strikes, outs, and other game information current throughout the game.

    • Working with the GameChanger Stats Recorder and Manual Scorebook Keeper to help ensure the scoreboard remains accurate.

    • Reporting any scoreboard issues to the coaching staff during the game.

  • The Walk-Up Music Coordinator helps create an exciting and memorable game-day experience by managing player walk-up music during home games, when available. A portable Bluetooth speaker is available for team use if needed.

    Scope:

    • Collecting walk-up music selections from players.

    • Organizing and maintaining the team's walk-up music playlist.

    • Utilizing the BallparkDJ app to play walk-up music during home games.

    • Ensuring music is appropriate and follows league and facility guidelines.

    • Working with the coaching staff and other game-day volunteers to help keep the game running smoothly.

Volunteer Registration (VASA or MBSA)

Some of the volunteer opportunities described above may require league registration and the successful completion of a background check before participating in team activities.

Registration requirements are established by MBSA and VASA and may change from season to season. If your volunteer role requires registration, the Team Administrator will provide instructions, deadlines, and any additional information you need.

We appreciate every family who is able and willing to invest their time in helping create a safe, positive experience for our players.

Season Logistics

  • By now, you've probably noticed that we like to communicate.

    Rather than trying to fit everything into one place, we use several communication tools, each serving a different purpose.

    Team Site

    Our Team Site serves as the central home for important team information, including the Team Charter, onboarding forms, volunteer information, team resources, and other materials families may need throughout the season.

    GroupMe

    GroupMe is our primary day-to-day communication channel for reminders, schedule updates, weather-related announcements, and other timely team information.

    GameChanger

    GameChanger is our official platform for schedules, player availability (RSVPs), game details, scores, and player statistics.

    Families will receive an invitation to join GameChanger before the season begins. Once the season schedule has been published, we ask that families update their player's availability as soon as possible and keep it current throughout the season.

    Email

    Email serves as a supplemental communication channel for longer updates, practice notes, seasonal information, and other communications families may want to reference later.

    We encourage families to check each communication platform regularly so they don't miss important team information throughout the season.

  • Life happens—we completely understand.

    Families juggle work, school, vacations, other activities, and the occasional unexpected surprise. We don't expect perfect attendance, but we do ask that you keep us informed whenever possible.

    A little notice goes a long way.

    Knowing who will be available helps the Team Leaders plan practices, prepare lineups, manage pitching responsibilities, and think through defensive assignments before game day. It allows us to spend more time focusing on our players and less time making last-minute adjustments.

    Whenever possible, please update your player's availability in GameChanger as soon as your plans are known. If plans change, we ask that you update your RSVP as soon as possible. Whenever practical, please update your availability at least three days before game day. We understand that illnesses, family emergencies, and other unexpected situations happen, and we'll always do our best to adapt.

    Our goal isn't perfect attendance—it's being as prepared as we can for the players who step onto the field each day.

  • Game days are one of the best parts of the season!

    They are an opportunity for players to compete, learn, encourage one another, and celebrate the progress they've made together.

    We ask players to arrive 30 minutes before game time, dressed and ready to prepare. This gives everyone time to stretch, warm up, organize equipment, review the lineup, and settle in before the first pitch.

    Whether we're winning or facing a tough game, we believe our players learn the most when they know they are supported. Positive encouragement from families helps create an environment where players feel confident to compete, make mistakes, and continue growing.

    We encourage families to cheer enthusiastically for great effort, good sportsmanship, and the success of every player on the field.

    At the end of the day, we hope every player leaves the field knowing they were challenged, encouraged, and excited to come back for the next game.

Building the Team Experience

  • League registration provides the essentials needed to participate in the season, including league fees, league-issued uniforms, and other required league expenses. Players are responsible for providing their own baseball pants, belt, socks, cleats, glove, bat, helmet, and any other personal equipment they choose to use.

  • As Team Leaders, we may occasionally offer opportunities that go beyond league registration to further support player development and enhance the overall team experience. Depending on the season, these opportunities may include indoor practice facilities during inclement weather or extreme heat, batting cage rentals, guest instructors, additional team equipment and supplies, upgraded apparel, team activities, or other shared resources that benefit the team as a whole.

    These opportunities may be supported through an optional Team Fund, fundraising, sponsorships, donations, or other community support.

  • The Team Fund exists to support shared team expenses that benefit the team as a whole. Team Fund resources may be used to enhance practices, support player development, purchase shared equipment and supplies, improve the overall team experience, and provide other opportunities that benefit the entire team.

    The Team Fund is not intended to cover optional individual or family activities or expenses, such as private lessons, camps, clinics, tournaments, field trips, or other optional opportunities that families may choose to participate in separately.

  • Participation in the Team Fund, fundraising, and any additional opportunities is always voluntary. Families who choose not to contribute may still participate fully in all scheduled team activities supported by the Team Fund.

    No player will ever be excluded from a scheduled team activity, practice, or Team Fund-supported opportunity because of a family's decision whether or not to participate financially. Every player is an equally valued member of the NTX Renegades.

    Contributing to the Team Fund does not provide any individual player or family with additional benefits, privileges, or influence over team decisions.

  • Team Fund resources will be used at the discretion of the Team Leaders based on the team's needs, available resources, and opportunities throughout the season, with the goal of benefiting the team as a whole.

    Team Fund expenditures will be made in good faith by the Team Leaders with the goal of supporting player development, strengthening the team experience, and stewarding team resources responsibly.

    To promote transparency, Team Fund income and expenses will be posted for team families to review throughout the season.

    If Team Fund resources remain at the end of the season, any remaining balance may be used for team keepsakes, an end-of-season celebration, or other team-wide purposes that benefit the players.

  • In addition to the Team Fund, we may occasionally pursue fundraising opportunities, sponsorships, donations, or community partnerships to help expand opportunities for our players and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families whenever possible.

    If you have experience with fundraising, community partnerships, sponsorships, or simply enjoy helping bring ideas to life, we'd love to have your help.

Wrapping Up

  • If you have questions throughout the season, you're probably not the only one.

    Our team website includes a growing list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) covering common topics like schedules, uniforms, communication, weather, volunteer opportunities, and other team information.

    If you can't find the answer there, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'd much rather answer a question than have someone wondering.

  • This charter is our starting point.

    It represents the kind of team we're working to build together—not just for this season, but for the seasons that follow.

    As our players grow, we hope this charter grows too. We'll continue learning, adapting, and refining it so it reflects the values, experiences, and traditions that make the Renegades unique.

    Thank you for trusting us with your players. We're excited for the season ahead and grateful to have your family as part of the Renegades.

Version: 1.0
Adopted: July 2026
Back to Team Site
Back to Team Site

The Team Charter is intended to complement—not replace—the rules, policies, and requirements established by MBSA and VASA. Whenever league rules or policies apply, they take precedence. Within those guidelines, the NTX Renegades are committed to creating a positive, respectful, and development-focused environment where every player is valued and given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute.