Importance of Host Families –

A host family is one of the most important and influential aspects of a ballplayer’s summer collegiate league baseball experience.  While some of our players are from the south-central Kansas area, many of them will be traveling in from across North America and the world!  Because they will be away from their school and home, the goal of the host family program is to help players adjust to their new area, assist them as they get acquainted with Newton/North Newton and surrounding communities, and provide a safe and stable living environment.  It also provides an opportunity for the community to assist in the development of these players on and off the baseball field. The Newton Rebels Baseball organization strongly believes the relationships that are forged between players and their host families will be memorable and will last a lifetime.  There is no other way to get closer to the team and the game.

Host Family Agree to the following guidelines  –

Host families are providing a home for their assigned player(s) for the duration of their stay in Newton. The players arrive the last week of May, though some may arrive later because of classes or college playoffs and world series. The Newton Rebels’ season, including playoffs and the NBC Tournament, will conclude no later than the 2^nd week of August.  

During that 2 month span of time, host families will provide:

1. A private room – if the family is hosting more than 1 player, the players can share a room, but each player must have their own bed and the room cannot be shared with other family members. Please, no day beds or pull-out coach beds in the family den or living room.
2. Reasonable access to food and the kitchen – Keep it simple! If you feed your family, please include your player, as you would any guest in your home. The player understands you are not here to provide him with every meal.  Games are in the evening. Some players will sleep later in the day and not eat breakfast. He may want to grab fast food on his own dime.  You will not be responsible for every meal. Players will eat with the team at the ballpark after games. Think “easy” when stocking your pantry. A best practice is to visit with your player(s) for their likes. He can also fix his own meals too!

3. Access to your family bathroom and use of the laundry facilities – A private bathroom is not required. Also, you are not the maid service! Please allow your player to do his own laundry. He can pick up after himself, help with household chores and keep his space and bathroom clean and organized.

4. Players will come ready with their own clothing and their own toiletries – Provide guidance to local grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and Walmart.

5. You may need to provide a towel and the occasional roll of toilet paper, plus hot water for showers, etc. Think of these men as your own college student home for the summer.

6. HOSTS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION OR A CAR FOR THE PLAYER – Our players are resourceful, 18-23 year old young college men, and can carpool with players or coaches. Most will have their own vehicles. It would be nice, but the hosts are not required to provide a parking space. 

     7. Access to your house – Please 
         provide your player(s) a key, keypad code,
         or garage door opener.

8. Please help the player(s) feel comfortable and a part of the community and your family, while respecting their personal space and their obligation to play baseball. Baseball is priority #1.

9. Host families are not required to provide insurance for players; insurance is covered by the league.

10. Beyond that, we ask that you provide a welcoming environment for the players while they’re in Newton for the summer. Host families provide more than housing, but a home. We simply request that you make them feel at home. Thank you for opening your life and family to these players and supporting their dream to further their baseball career.

Host Family Benefits –

When you become a host family, you’ll be adding a new member to your family, not taking on a tenant or honored guest. Newton Rebels players are appreciative of the effort you will be making as a host family and they can serve as positive role models for your children. Yes, these are college-age kids, but they are to be respectful of you, your family and your home, nothing less will be tolerated by the organization.

• Host families will also receive free season family tickets for the Newton Rebels home games. Families are sure to love the excitement and entertainment of championship-caliber summer collegiate baseball in Newton, and the players enjoy seeing their adopted families in the stands.
• You and your family will be invited to host- family & team events we schedule. A pot-luck picnic is one of our fun events.
• You will receive a team signed baseball and a team photo.
• You will receive a 15% discount on Rebels Gear.
• You will receive public recognition via PA announcements, live game broadcasts, in the game program, website listing and social media posts.
• The longest-lasting benefit of becoming a host family is the bonds that will be forged between your family and your Rebel player(s), the sort of relationship that lasts a lifetime. Players and their host families have been known to keep in contact long after playing careers ended, remaining friends and sharing family milestones.

 Becoming a Host Family –

To become a host family, the first step is to determine if you are able to fulfill these host family responsibilities. If there are any questions or doubts, please speak to your family about it and feel free to contact the Newton Rebels office to discuss the matter. We also encourage you to speak with other host families about their experiences; the Newton Rebels are happy to put you in contact with host families for their input.

Prospective host families are asked to complete a questionnaire, which will provide the team with a summary and profile of the family and the living environment. After the questionnaire has been submitted, you will be contacted by the host family coordinator to answer questions and discuss the next steps in the process.

Players Expectations

1. Follow Host House Rules – please communicate clearly to the player(s) what your house rules are so that there are no surprises. Remember these are young college adults, who need support, but not another parent.
2. Keep your bedroom and linens in a clean and orderly fashion, free of odors and trash.
3. Keep food and trash out of living quarters. Players are part of the family and should assist in keeping the home clean and tidy.
4. Players will be held responsible for any household damage they cause.
5. Players shall provide their health & personal care items. Pharmacies, grocery stores & Walmart are nearby!
6. Will be appreciative, courteous, helpful, and pleasant to your host family.
7. Players will minimize noise, including comings and goings, so as not to unduly disturb the host family.
8. Pay for your own expenses out of your own money, such as personal hygiene, fast food, etc.
9. Act like a gentleman, exhibiting general decency, kindness, respect, moral decorum, and always act as a positive role model within the family and community.
10. Represent their families, universities, Newton community and Rebels Baseball with class and dignity. They are to be good, honorable members of our community.
11. Always follow the team rules, on and off the diamond, at the ballpark, community, and in Host Family homes, as well as abide by all municipal and state laws, including but not limited to alcohol, drugs, orderly conduct, etc.
12. Refrain from the use of tobacco products, vaping, alcohol, and drugs. For players who are of legally age to drink alcohol, Host Family alcohol use rules on the Host’s premises will be followed at all times. Host family house rules are to be upheld by all. Host family and players, please discuss clearly.
13. Firearms are strictly prohibited. Though players may have a license to carry a firearm on their person, possessing or storing a firearm in a host’s home is not permitted. Full disclosure to the Rebels organization and host family of the presence of a firearm is mandatory.
14. Illegal Drugs (including marijuana and non-prescribed prescription drugs) and paraphernalia possession or use on or in the host family property is strictly prohibited.
15. Women and friends are not permitted to spend the night unless you, the host, gives the player specific permission and with prior approval by the Newton Rebels Executive Board. This is not encouraged or expected, but is solely up to you, the host family. If the player’s family comes to visit, you may invite the family to your home, but this is certainly not an expectation. At no time are you expected to house or feed the player’s family or friends. Newton has a nice selection of hotels and restaurants within 10 minutes of any location in Newton.
16. Violations of these expectations will be grounds for discipline up to and including separation from the team.
17. Host family/player relationships can differ substantially from player to player. Host family and players, please sit down together within the 1^st couple of days of the players arrival to discuss these guidelines and host family rules.