Manager OrientationManager OrientationMarch 5th, 2015

Agenda

• Introduction• Manager Responsibilities• Manager Training• Some Information About:-Practices-Parent Relations-Umpire Relations-Manager Evaluations

• Season Schedule Overview• League Breakout Session

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Craig StinePresident

Craig StinePresident

Rob SorensenMAJ - NL LD

Rob SorensenMAJ - NL LD

Larry Gowe

MAJ - AL LD

Larry Gowe

MAJ - AL LD

As A Manager, You Have A Chain-of-Command to Support You

Jon AndersonVP Baseball Operations

Jon AndersonVP Baseball Operations

Allen Judkiewicz

AA - NL LD

Allen Judkiewicz

AA - NL LD

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Ron ZabkoA - AL LD

Ron ZabkoA - AL LD

Mick BatsonA - NL LD

Mick BatsonA - NL LD

Jim SprattTball - AL LD

Jim SprattTball - AL LD

Mike WilliamsTball - NL LD

Mike WilliamsTball - NL LD

Paul Downey5T

Paul Downey5T

Mike Hickman

AAA - NL LD

Mike Hickman

AAA - NL LD

Erik Foss

AAA - AL LD

Erik Foss

AAA - AL LD

AnthonyCaracciolo

AA - AL LD

AnthonyCaracciolo

AA - AL LD

Your WSLL BOD Direct Support Officers

• Phone numbers of all these officers are in the back of the gray book.

• Player Agent: Todd Nethery-Releasing, Borrowing a Player

• Safety: Allen Judkiewicz-Background Checks, Injury Reporting, Safety Observations/Issues

• Training: Steve Gillingham• Umpire-In-Chief: Scott Dias

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More WSLL BOD Support

• VP, Special Ops: Erik Foss-Opening/Closing Day/Registration/Try Outs

• VP, Property & Facilities: -Shawn James (Byron)-Rob Harris (Fenway)

• Others-Secretary: Gene Ager-Treasurer: Craig Copeland-VP, Communications: John Monaco (web, newsletter, printing)-VP, Parents Auxiliary: Amie Adams-VP, Player Support: Scott Mills-VP, Technology: Micah MacDonald

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Primary WSLL Information Resources

• Green Book and Gray Book-Outline rules of play-Local (Gray) and national (Green)

• Website -Day-to-day information-Training and clinics-Umpire and rules information-Team management-Scorekeeping-Field permits-Administrative policies

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WSLL Objective

• Provide children a fun learning experience that stresses-Good sportsmanship-Respect for others-Enjoyment of the game of baseball

• Develop lifelong baseball fans and participants• Encourage members to become active in their communities

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General Responsibilities

• Behavior -Key is respect, civility and recognition of our mission-ZERO TOLERANCE for inappropriate behavior (this serves as

first and only warning) applies to: • Managers• CORs• Parents: Address fan behavior early, stress positive cheering

• Sexual Abuse - protect your players and yourselves• Sexual Harassment-Those in position of authority may not suggest, invite, or extend

sexual favors, or subject anyone to verbal or physical sexual behaviour.

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Other Manager Responsibilities

• Observe chain of command-Do not attempt to address issues “in the heat of the moment”-Allow 24-hour cool down period-League Director (LD) is your primary contact for issues

• Dress code-Clean t-shirt or polo (no tank tops), short, sweats-Team hat-Uniforms not permitted

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Manager Parent Relations• Set expectations early-Schedule early mandatory meeting-Find a host-Have agenda

• Lay out ground rules• Get parents involved • Attempt to connect with every player• Take the parents’ temperature constantly• #1 Issue - Perceptions of unequal treatment • Consult your LD when you sense problems

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Pre-Season - Identify Team Personnel• Coaches-Two coaches of record (COR) + unlimited “practice” coaches-All must complete volunteer forms for background check -Only CORs in dugout (no more than 4 people)-Approved “practice” coach can fill in if COR is absent- Identify to LD by 3/13/15

• Team Parent -Vital part of your staff-Meeting 3/11/15 – each team required to send rep

• Pre-season field prep – several weekends in March.  -Youth volunteers who need community service hours are

encouraged -Adults needed

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ID Other Parent Volunteer Opportunities

• Umpires• Grounds Crew – assign for each game• Scorekeeper• Safety Officer

Get your parents involved from the

beginning to support you!

See checklist in Coaches Corner

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Volunteer Background Checks REQUIRED

Volunteer Forms due to League Directors – 3/13/14• Need volunteer forms for everyone you expect to be

with players-On the field - In the dugout - Includes practice coaches

• LD verifies all accounted for, forwards to Safety Officer• Safety Officer publishes list of cleared persons• Those without a background check or unsuccessful

background checks may not be on field (LD will advise)

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Other Pre-Season Responsibilities• Equipment -Pick up or have a designated representative pick up on

designated date- Instruct/advise players regarding proper and required use

• Protective Cup mandatory for male catchers• Helmet at all times during batting (even if tee hitting)

-Note Little League rule changes• No reflective/chrome helmets• Neoprene sleeves for pitchers

• Contact sponsor - introduce yourself• Encourage support of field prep days -Weekends in March-Good opportunity for youth volunteers who need community

service hours but need mostly adults

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Other Important Information

Player Call Up List – Due 3/27/14• Players from NL or AL A or AA teams can play with either level team.

Those borrowed from AAA into Majors must be borrowed for same league• AAA and AA coaches shall identify up to three players who can play at

higher level, Clear with parent before submitting name• These Borrowed players are held to the rotation rules, should be placed at

the bottom of the batting order as to give core team deserved at bats.• Players may be borrowed at anytime for teams in need, so that it does not

interfere with players current level of play team activities.• Provide list to League Directors

- LDs forward list to VP of Baseball Operations- VP forwards to higher-level LDs, who control call ups by delegation

from Player Agent- VP also sends list to Player Agent for forwarding to Little League

International- AA Managers will be provided a list of A level players from League

Directors as respective.

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PracticesPractices

Practices

• Frequency-Be judicious scheduling extra practices-Be sensitive to player (and parent) burnout

• Fields-Permits required-Generally one per week-Cannot practice on field not approved by the BOD

• Safety• Community relations

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Good Planning = Good Practices

• Have a written plan and agenda • Safety always a primary focus-Short term: proper equipment, safe procedures-Long term: avoid overuse or bad technique that can lead to injury

• Use stations to keep players moving and engaged• Emphasize proper hydration (even on cold days) • Practice “WSLL Playing Standards”-Use coaching tools to learn and teach proper technique-Emphasize and repeat proper throwing and catching mechanics

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GamesGames

Game Schedule Overview

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• 5T: 9 games.-Washington Irving Middle School (WIMS)

 • Tball: 12 games-Washington Irving MS-Rolling Valley Elem School-Byron Ave Park (Byron)

 • A: 14 games-Byron Ave Park-Burke School (Fenway)

No wins/losses or standings kept at

any level

Pre-game (as outlined in Gray book)• Cage Use (A Level)-Cages are available one hour prior to the start of games-Each team is allotted 20 minutes-Visiting teams first in the cage-Use cage closest to your game field

• Manager, Coaches, and Parents MAY NOT warm up any pitchers during pre-game, during game on the field, or bullpen area(s).

LL Rule 3.09“Let the Players Catch”

• On Field Pre-Game Warm-ups -Each team is allotted 5 minutes-Visiting team first on the field for warm-ups -Playing field cleared 10 minutes prior to game time for field

preparation, umpire conference, etc.

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Pre-game (continued)

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No Warm-up Area

when a game or practice

is in progress @ 3Rivers

3 Rivers

Wrigley

Forbes

Pre-game (continued)

• Check uniforms -Alterations not permitted to uniforms/helmets (e.g., decals)-Shirts tucked in

• No jewelry (includes cloth and rubber bracelets and earrings)

• Nothing distracting on player’s hands or wrists.

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Playing Rules – A • Inning Definition: 3 Outs or 4 Runs• Pitching machine:-VISITING TEAM sets up/tears down; remains at Byron Ave

Park at all times (unless written permission from VP of OPS)-36 mph-Offensive team feeds baseballs; have towel if rain in forecast-Dead ball if machine hit; advance one base-No hit batters

• At-bats: one warning for a called 3rd strike• No steals of 2nd base/home; no advancement beyond

3rd on steal• Runners may not advance after base runners have

stopped and pitcher/catcher/infielder have ball

Playing Rule – A (cont’d)

• 10 players on defense (4 in outfield)• Min 2/max 4 of infield play per player• Every player gets to start 2 games in infield• Outfielder positioning; cannot make out in infield • 2 coaches in field through May 6; one additional bench

coach permitted• No new inning after 1:30; drop dead of 1:45 (finish at bat)

Playing Rules – Tball & 5T

• Teams may borrow players from opponent for field• Bat the Lineup, last batter clears the bases• Offensive team provides “T-puller” Coach• Hits must travel at least 15 feet from Home Plate• No bunting/strikeouts• No advancement on overthrows or steals• No Score• No Standings

Playing Rules – Tball & 5T• 10 players on defense (4 in outfield)• Catcher/umpire stands opposite of hitter (not behind

batter)• Min 2 innings of infield (catcher not included) play per

player; max 2 innings of pitcher/1st base• Every player gets to start 2 games in infield• Pitchers should be discouraged from running ball to 1st

base• Outfielder positioning; cannot make out in infield• 2 coaches in field + one additional bench coach permitted

Time Limits

• Clock starts running on the scheduled start time

• Tball-Weekend: No new inning after 1:20-Weekday: Game ends promptly 1:15 after start- Innings begin as soon as last batter has completed at-bat

• 5T-Limited to 90 minutes-Usually 30 minutes of practice, 60 minutes of game

Game Administration• Game Start Times -Game clock runs from scheduled time, not start time,

unless delayed by prior game or weather

• Keep to one minute in-between innings• Keep the game moving, by focusing on the next

defensive half inning-Assignments should be known-Catcher or warm up catcher should be ready

• Have line-ups ready to go each inning-no huddles between innings; players should know where

to go

• Purposeful delays will result in disciplinary action•A Level - NO Base Stealing Allowed

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Post Game Administration

• Reporting scores-Home Team (A-5T); Winning team reports on web (AA-Majors)-5T should focus on game effort and all around play-See instructions on website-Use of last names are permitted but not required in write ups

• Post pitch counts within 24 hours-LDs and Safety Officer will monitor

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Weather Issues

• Lightning or thunder – clear the field at first visual or audible indication of a storm

• Game Delays or cancellations -Emphasize to parents; if they hear nothing from you to go to the

field-Encourage use of Rainedout.com-Check the website

• Make Up Games -First available date-Often the very next Sunday-Manager availability not a consideration

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Field Care• Proper and regular care is critical to field quality • Everyone needs to do their part• Leave the field in better shape than you found it• Rake base paths toward bag and plate• Repair the mound• If Gray Hat does not drag field with tractor, use manual

drag to restore the infield dirt• Line fields with smallest width setting, 2-inch, not 4-inch• Empty the trash cans in dugout and at field• Recruit/assign parent volunteers

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Parking

• Byron Ave Park - Park straight into parking spots• Irving MS – No parking on basketball courts• Other schools– marked spaces only• Fenway @ Burke School -Park in marked spots only- If parking behind Fenway on our neighbors’ streets, do not block

any portion of their driveways

NOTE: Be sure to lock your vehicles and keep valuables out of plain sight, GPS units, Cell Phones, Ipads, other electronics

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No Player Dropoff on

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If you are not parking - Player Dropoff AREAS at Yankee Ahead or when

EXITING ONLY !

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No Parking along walkway

This has been Implemented byFairfax County Park Authority

to support safety andMaximum capacity

(1) Left Turn Only to Enter at REAR of Parking Area

(3) Left Turns Only for Additional Row Parking

(2) Now you’re here – park STRAIGHT-IN for all rows NOT angled

YankeeField

No Parking along house fronts

WSLL Byron Ave – Church Lot Parking

3 rows of parking spaces offeredby Church of Christ

3-Rivers overflow parking area

(dry conditions only)

ForbesField

3-RiversField

WrigleyField

Continue to Byron Ave Park Road to Main Parking Lots

Stairs leading to field complex

In Season and End of Season Notes

• Report accident and injuries to the Safety Officer- Injuries shall be reported within 24 hours of accident/injury-Accident Tracking Forms and instructions available on WSLL

website (http://www.wsllbaseball.org/coachcorner.cfm)

• Player Release - Inform your League Director promptly when you have a player you reasonably believe will be out 3 weeks (AA–Majors only)

• Player Evaluations-Submit electronically at end of season -Be frank, but careful, in your choice of words-Confidential: WSLL uses utmost care in guarding these

evaluations

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The Fun Doesn’t End with Your Last Game!

• Team Pictures• Team Parties• Trophies -Regular Season

• AA–Majors: League (1st and 2nd Place)• 5T–A: Participation Trophies

-Playoffs (1st and 2nd) – A through Majors-Ensure sponsors get trophy/picture

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…and if you still want more baseball

• 9-10, 10-11 & 11/12 All-Stars.-Note: There is NO public discussion about All-Star

players -Protect the integrity of the process -Dissuade coaches/players/parents from public

discussion

• Fun Tournament: 8–10 and 10-12 divisions

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MANAGER TRAININGMANAGER TRAINING

Manager/Coach Training• Concussion Training Certificate

- Each manager/coach of record shall take on-line concussion training course as described in Safety Plan:

(http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html)- Certificate shall be emailed to Safety Officer representative, John

O’Grady Walsh, john.ogradywalsh@gmail.com

• Safety Awareness Program – required for new managers and managers that have not attended in last 3 seasons.

• Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) - Coaching philosophy and leadership training- “Coaching for Winning & Life Lessons”

• Training with WSHS varsity coaches and PCA - Inaugural Course completed on February 28th, 2015

• Practice plans, ideas, resources on website• Playing standards for each level of play in Admin Policy

Handbook

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Manager EvaluationsManager Evaluations

Evaluations • Procedure

-Mandatory. Each Manager SHALL complete an eval on each of their players. Board of Directors drafting new policy in by-laws for Evaluations and penalty for not completing if trying to get upper level coaching position

- Automated- Return rates are 65-70%. (2014 – less that 50%)- Returned to VP, Baseball Operations and to President- Stored for 5 years-WSLL will prepare summary for you as soon as possible- All but managers vote (coaches vote)

• Your role- Read the evaluation in advance- “Take the temperature” of your team- Give notice and remind parents of eval date - Insist on receiving a copy of your summary

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2013 2014• Game knowledge 4.41 4.58• Is an effective teacher 4.25 4.42• Relates well to children 4.36 4.50• Treats all players fairly 4.38 4.48• Relates well with coaches and umpires 4.40 4.59• Displays and encourages good sportsmanship 4.53 4.66 • Motivates and seeks to develop all players 4.39 4.43• Makes the game fun 4.36 4.49• Administrative ability 4.35 4.53• Practice organization 4.29 4.47• Communication with parents 4.43 4.56• Overall made our season enjoyable 4.42 4.54• Overall Average 4.38 4.52

Evaluations (All Levels) – Spring

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UmpiresUmpires

Umpires – General • We are stretched thin for umpires from AA thru Majors,• You will not receive league assigned umpires• Highly encourage identifying a Team Umpire to ensure

all games are covered, either by umping or finding a “volunteer”

• Help us (the league) with recruiting/retention - Need to convince more adults to get trained to umpire

• Umpire training: - “Parents from the Stands” training on 3/17 @ WIMS

Barker Hall 7-9PM• Team Umpires (AAA and AA only): Receive Registration

and Volunteer Fee Refund (5+ games)

Umpires – Game Day

• Plate Conference (Managers and selected ump/parent):-Players properly equipped (jocks & cups for

males, no jewelry, proper equipment for catchers, proper uniforms, etc…)-Ground Rules

• May only question rule interpretations, not judgments

• Questions during the season call me (Scott Dias/UIC)

Key Upcoming Dates• 2/15 – AAA Tryouts• 2/18 – Majors Draft• 2/23 – AAA Draft• 2/26 – AA Draft• 2/28– Managers/Coaches Training with WSHS Varsity coaches and PCA• 2/28 – Equipment Handout• 3/1 – First Day of Practice – Majors, AAA, AA• 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 – Umpire Training• 3/5 – Managers Orientation Meeting – A, T-Ball, 5T• FIELD PREP – Begins 3/7 and runs every weekend to Opening Day• 3/11 – Team Parents Meeting (Keene Mill Cafeteria)• 3/13 – Coaches List, and Volunteer Forms due to League Directors• 3/14 – First Day of Practice – A, T-Ball, 5T• 3/17 – Parent from the Stands Umpire Training (Irving, Barker Hall)• TBD – Scorekeeping Training• 3/27 – Player Call up List Due• 4/7 – Games Begin • 4/11 – Opening Day Ceremonies• 4/25 – Team Pictures (@ Rolling Valley Elementary)• 5/4 – Mid-Season Managers Meeting (@ Byron Park)

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Questions?Questions?

Thanks for Managing & Coaching Our Kids!

Have a Great Season!