Coaches Corner

Mason District Little League

March 17, 2012

Overview

MDLL’s Managers and Coaches are the core of the league. Managers and coaches must be leaders. All must recognize that they hold a position of trust and responsibility in a program that deals with a sensitive and formative period of a child’s development. The heart of Little League is what happens between the adult manager/coach and player. It is the manager more than any other individual who controls the situation in which the players may be benefited. Improving the level of leadership in this vital area is a continuing effort in MDLL.

Managers and coaches need to have understanding, patience, and the capacity to work with children. The manager and coach should be able to inspire respect. Above all else, managers and coaches must realize that they are helping to shape the physical, mental and emotional development of young people.

Managers must be something more than just a teacher. Knowledge of the game is essential but it is not the only badge of a Little League coach or manager. While an adult with training and background in the game is a desirable candidate for manager or coach, the Manager Selection Committee and the President looks for other important qualities.

Regular Season and All-Star Manager Selection Process

1.     Manager candidates should notify the MDLL President of their interest and intent to be a manager.

2.     Candidates must complete and submit the LL Adult Volunteer Application per Little League Rules and Guidelines.

3.     Candidates must attend either pre-season Managers/Coaches clinics or VBC training (preference is that candidates attend both training sessions). Managers must attend the Mandatory Safety meeting. These are usually held in the spring.

4.     Depending on the number of Manager candidates, the MDLL President may form an Executive Committee for the purpose of providing recommendations for League Managers.  This Executive Committee may interview candidates, parents, and peers in preparing their recommendation.

5.     As per Little League rules and MDLL Constitution, the President provides a slate of managers to the MDLL Board. MDLL Board votes on the slate.  The Board cannot modify or substitute candidates on the slate presented [Little League Rules and Guidelines].

Regular Season and All-Star Manager Selection Criteria

The factors considered in selecting managers for regular season and All-Star Tournament teams may include:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of baseball fundamentals and previous coaching experience, particularly at that level.
2. Demonstrate willingness to learn from others by being a coach in a division before being a manager.
3. Demonstrate willingness to attend coaches’ clinics.
4. Demonstrate willingness to attend board meetings.
5. Support player development activities like player’s clinics.
6. Actively assist in pre-season field clean up and pre-game field preparation (bases, drag, rake, line, scoreboard, etc.).
7. Agree to follow and support the rules, procedures and guidelines provided by both Little League International and Mason District Little League.
8. Demonstrate positive attitude, with traits of courtesy, patience and discipline.
9. Demonstrate good time management and organizational skills.
10. Show dependability by being on time for games and practices and being prepared to run the activities.
11. Agree to assist with non-sport activities, such as promoting and/or organizing fundraisers; helping organize such things as Opening Day, picture day etc.
12. Agree to help with League umpiring needs, if MDLL umpires are unable to officiate.

The MDLL President will also take into consideration parental feedback in the selection of Managers.

Resources

MDLL Training Handouts and Coaches Resources

Little League Coach Resource Center 

Positive Coaching Alliance – Little League Double-Goal Coach®: Coaching for Winning and Life Lessons

Hips Then Hands

Virginia Baseball Club

American Sports Medicine Institute Pitching Guidelines