Mandatory Safety Clinics for All Coaches

EWPAL Little League teams are managed and coached by volunteers, typically parents of players. Every team, from Tee-Ball through Majors, needs one manager and at least one assistant coach.

The Board reviews candidates and establishes a list of potential appointees. The EWPAL President appoints all managers and coaches, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors. There is no seniority or tenure in serving as a manager or coach year to year.

To be considered, simply click the link below and sign up to volunteer. The Board will perform background checks and review all applications after registration closes.

Guidelines

Managers and coaches must provide a positive role model for all players. Please read and become familiar with the league's local rules for your division, codes of conduct, parent handbook, and saftey codes. Also, all managers and coaches must submit a Volunteer Form prior prior to the season.

Volunteer Form

Code Of Conduct Form

Field Maintenance Contract

Team Administration

Managing a Little League team typically begins with a parent meeting. Hold a parent meeting prior to your first practice to set proper expectations and cover logistics. Each parent needs to sign on for volunteer duties during the season. In addition the following document outlines what is expected of each team before and after each game and practice. Each manager, their coaches and parents are expected to be familiar with the document and abide by its content. Its best for each manager to print out and distribute a copy to each parent at their initial parent meeting.

Field Maintenance Contract

Violation of these requirements will be subject to Board sanctions up to and including dismissal of managing privileges.

Parent Meeting

A parent meeting is typically the first thing you need to do prior to your first practice. The parent meeting allows you to cover your coaching philosophy, set up practice times, gain volunteer support and answer any questions. As well, it is a time for the parents to get to know you and the other parents.

The meeting should be held about 2 weeks prior to the first practice. The meeting should be a requirement for all parents. Express your goals of the practices and games. Establish agreed upon days and times for practice, and remind them that players should arrive for games about 30 minutes prior to game time for warming up.

It is a good idea to create a short letter or overview that outlines the things you want to cover. The letter is also an opportunity for you, as a manager and coach, to establish the upcoming season's guidelines and convey them to the parents. Take some time to discuss the letter and answer any concerns. This is an important first step in establishing a good relationship with the parents. Below is a sample letter and topics to cover at your parent meeting.

Sample Parents Letter

Communications

Setting up a phone tree or other form of communication (such as e-mail) helps keep your parents informed of any changes in practice or games schedules.

Coaching Clinics

Each year, EWPAL Little League coordinates clinics for coaches of all levels. The clinics cover the development of players on both mental and physical levels. Information on this year's clinic will be forthcoming.

Practice Planning

Practice time is when skills, knowledge and sportsmanship are taught. Young players have a limited attention span, so practices should be well planned and efficient. Break practices up into individual drill stations versus conducting a one hour scrimmage. Limit stations to small, manageable groups and rotate stations every 8-10 minutes.

Additional Assistance Wanted!

In addition to managers and coaches, we are also especially interested in getting support from people in a trade such as:

Or anyone who can support us by providing services and equipment to enhance the complex.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to a great season!