We're continually seeking and sourcing new products. We feel we've got some really great ones coming down the road. Have any ideas you'd like to share? Send them our way. We'd love to get your input. We look for those hidden gems, "diamonds in the rough," that you would find in the big national chains. Upstart sports is committed to finding and bringing you product you wouldn't have otherwise heard about or known of. That's why our slogan is, "We Found it For You!"

We have found a new one for you, and we know you're going to love it. We'll give you a hint: Its something you'll find on the diamond! More to come very soon. We're excited!

Those of you who participate in youth baseball may find this a helpful document to distribute to parents in your league next season:

______________ League Parental Code of Conduct

As the parent or legal guardian of the child named below, I hereby consent to abide and ensure that my child will abide by all rules, guidelines and policies established by the Team, League, (League Name and District of which my child may be a participant. Additionally, I will, to the best of my ability, attempt to ensure that members of my family, my friends and relatives who may be directly or indirectly participating in Team, League or District activities will also abide by all rules and policies established.

I understand that I may be asked to leave the premises of a team activity if, in the judgement of a coach, umpire, or League Board Member, my behavior is deemed to be; inconsistent with the goals and philosophies of the League; is not in the best interest of the children, parents, spectators, etc. who may be participating in the League activity; or if my behavior is abusive, degrading, or could cause harm or injury to people around me.

I further agree to the following:

1. I will not criticize, belittle or question the ability or authority of any official, coach or volunteer of the Team or League.
   
   
2. I will in no way criticize, demean belittle, mock, taunt or attempt to communicate with the UMPIRE before, during or after a game. However I may offer genuine praise and thanks for a referee's performance as would be expected in and recognized as a showing of good sportsmanship.
   
   
3. I will control my emotions during games. I will not yell at or criticize other players, coaches, parents, or officials of the Team or League.
   
   
4. I will not use foul language.
   
   
5. I will not smoke or use tobacco products or partake of alcoholic beverages while on the premises of a Team or League activity.
   
   
6. Coach/Parent Relationship:
   
   

• I will not pressure the coach to:
  
  

1. Play my child a certain position
   
   
2. Play my child more than is required by the "Mandatory Play Rule"
   
   
3. Alter his/her coaching style, technique or philosophy
   
   
4. Question an umpire's judgment or overall officiating ability
   
   

• But I will:
  
  

1. Support the decision of my child's coach to play my child at any position the coach sees fit
   
   
2. Ensure that my child is on time for all games, practices and activities
   
   
3. Attempt to control any negative behavior by my child as pointed out by his/her coach or League Official
   
   
4. Encourage my child to play an position his/her coach recommends he/she play
   
   
5. Try to volunteer my time whenever possible
   
   
6. Understand that all coaches are volunteers who devote a tremendous amount of time and energy to Little League
   
   
7. All grievances, problems, questions, etc. will be discussed with a Team or League official OUTSIDE of the presence of children or preferably accomplished off the premises in a personal meeting or telephone conversation
   
   
8. I will respect the right of an umpire not to communicate with me "on the spur of the moment" about issues that may be particularly controversial, or, under the circumstance, not in the immediate best interest of the child participants
   
   
9. I understand that all League games, practices and activities function under a RECREATIONAL philosophy, stressing sport as a FUN, HEALTHY activity to be participated in for enjoyment and not for competitive advantage or personal achievement
   
   

I understand the above Code of Conduct and will abide by it. I am aware that if I am unable to refrain from any of the unacceptable behavior detailed in this document that I may be asked by the umpire or coach to leave my child's game or practice. Repeated incidents may result in my being banned from attending any League Activities.

Signed__________________________________________ Date______________________________________


Print Name _________________________________________
Player's Name ____________________________

Literally! Look how easy it is to transport the Team Shelter from one place to another. This means that schools with multi-use fields can utilize the shelter for their soccer, lacrosse and field hockey teams, but then quickly remove it when football needs the field. Contact us about getting your own shelter in your school's colors, affordably.

Some great new programs on the horizon from us. In the meantime, get out there and have some fun in the sun these next couple of days. Exercise, watch your kids play sports, kick or throw or hit a ball around. You've earned the rest and relaxation!

Yesterday we posted some information about the Little League World Series and how all eight regional tournaments were going on right now. If you catch any of those games on TV you'll see players in fancy dugouts just like the ones in the Big Leagues. But what about the average, run-of-the-mill Little League baseball field where all of these kids, and millions more, played their regular-season games? Nearly all of those fields simply have a chain-link fence-enclosed bench that offers no place to store helmets, gloves, bats or other items.
That's why we're proud to carry the Bench Coach Dugout Organizer. It turns that ordinary city field bench into a true dugout experience by providing cubbies for gear and racks for bats. Every travel team and youth baseball league should have these to spruce up the experience for the kids!

All eight regions are in full swing with state champions squaring off to see who gets to go to the hallowed ground of Williamsport, Pa and the Little League World Series. All of these youngsters have big league dreams, but they're still kids at heart. Let's root them on!

The answer? Everyone who is involved with a high school or college field hockey, lacrosse or soccer program. And that's not all. Team Shelters are tremendous for club soccer and travel lacrosse or field hockey programs as well. The beauty of the team shelter is its affordability, portability and much more. No longer will fans in the stands be able to interact with your players on the bench. And, of course, the biggest factor is part of its name...shelter. Wind, rain, snow, sleet, only a mail carrier wouldn't like the Team Shelter. And, to top it off, we're working on a program that will allow your team to get one for free, or at a subsidized cost. More on this to come soon. In the meantime, let us know if you'd like more information or details about this great product.

We told you a few weeks ago about our newest member to the family, Zoid Fitness. Over the weekend we uploaded a new video that displays the brilliance of this amazing training product. We really recommend you check it out. If you're a soccer coach, football coach, or coach basketball, tennis, almost any other sport you can think of, this should be part of your arsenal.

Soccer games? Travel baseball? Maybe some hoops down at the rec center? How about a game of pick-up football? Or maybe you're just going for a run or a good work-out at the gym. Regardless, make sure you take advantage of the fair summer weather and get active. We're counting on having you for a customer for years to come! Enjoy your weekend!