West Vancouver Little League
Coaching Manual
Contents
Commitment to Coaches
Expectations of Coaches
League Code of Conduct
League Administration
Team Organization
Team Manager’s Role
Field Locations & Booking
Field Prep & Responsibilities
Key Policies
Whom to Call for What
Appendices -- MAJORS/MINORS
Divisions & Division Rules (WVLL specific)
Your Game Schedule – 2011
League Calendar – 2011
Sample Coaches’ Letter
Sample Roster/Schedule Handout for Parents
West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
Commitment to Coaches
WVLL Commits to Provide You:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
WVLL Coaches Manual
Copy of current Little League Rule Book
Assistance from divisional coordinator in player assessment and player draft
Coaching clinics provided by WVLL in March/ April
Assistance obtaining resource materials, accessing training for coaching
Notification of all tournament possibilities
Help with equipment/uniform needs from equipment/uniform coordinator
Support from the WVL L Executive in disciplinary actions involving players,
coaches or parents
WVLL Expectations of Coaches
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To attend player assessments in February or March (Minors & Up)
To attend player draft in February or March (Minors & Up)
To contact all drafted players within three days of draft
To attend coach’s clinics in late March or early April
To hold team meetings (players and parents) within three weeks of draft (see
suggested team meeting agenda set out later in this manual)
6. To hold at least one practice each week once games have begun
7. To learn the rules of Little League baseball
8. To stress the goals of WVLL
9. To understand and support the leagues’ policies, rules & guidelines in letter
and in spirit
10. To liaise with league admin & volunteers in a respectful and reasonable
manner
11. To alert league officials to issues or express concerns proactively so we can
maintain a safe, positive environment for all players, coaches and families
of Little League
12. To conduct one’s self in accordance with WVLL philosophy and standards at
all times.
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
Coach’s Philosophy
Our league wholly embraces the Little League philosophy – we are here to provide every
child with an opportunity to play ball, and look to do what we can to identify strong, positive
coaches from among the community who will take to heart that each child has a place on
the field and can, in the course of the season, be encouraged in whatever they bring to the
team – whether it’s a great arm, speed on the base paths or fun in the dugout.
Little League is a program of service to youth, providing training under good leadership
and an atmosphere of community participation. The movement is dedicated to helping
children become good and decent people by teaching them to be outstanding teammates.
It establishes the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.
We appreciate the unique qualities that each coach brings to WVLL and encourage
individual styles. We adhere to the Little League Pledge that which encourages players to
“strive to win”. At the same time, we ask that coaches emphasize the last part of the Little
League Pledge “but, win or lose, I will always do my best”. With this philosophy, we will
always produce winners, no matter what the score of last night’s game was.
Coach’s Code
1. Be reasonable in your demands on the young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm
2. Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements which no one should
evade or break
3. Group players according to age, skill and physical maturity whenever possible.
4. Avoid over-playing the talented players. The “just average” players need and deserve
equal time
5. Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it.
Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a competition.
6. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the
age and ability of the players
7. The scheduling and length of practice times and competitions should take into
consideration the maturity level of the children
8. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of
officials and opposing coaches
9. Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to
play again
10. Remember that children need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise
when it is deserved and set a good example.
11. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles
and the principles of growth and development of children
In the appendix and on the web site we have provided a sample ‘Coach’s Letter’ – you may also
find several other examples on other League sites.
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
LEAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT
The code of conduct promotes fair play and respect for all participants within the West
Vancouver Little League. The league's directors and members, all coaches, players and their
parents will adhere to the code of conduct set out below and will respect the principles of fair
play the code embodies at all times while participating in West Vancouver Little League related
activities. During games, practices, or any time players are wearing a West Vancouver Little
League uniform, they are expected to behave in a way that shows respect to other players,
umpires, coaches, spectators, and the community.
Code of conduct
We will respect the concept that children play baseball for the fun of it, not because their
parents, coaches or others want them to.
We will respect the spirit of the game and always play by the published official rules of Little
League baseball as well as by such applicable rules as may be adopted by West Vancouver
Little League.
We will respect and cooperate with teammates, coaches, opponents, umpires and other league
officials. We will treat all players with respect. We will at no time interfere with or take unfair
advantage of any player or umpire. We will always consider the physical and emotional wellbeing of others.
We will display self-control, courtesy, and good manners at all times when representing our
team and West Vancouver Little League.
We will remember that winning isn't everything -- that having fun, improving skills, making
friends and doing one's best are important to everyone's enjoyment of Little League baseball.
We will respect the reasonable requests of the coaches, umpires, and league officials. Failure to
show respect, such as disrupting practice or games, may result in a player or parent being
asked by League coaches or officials to leave the ballpark for the rest of that practice or game.
We understand that if coaches, parents, or children violate this code of conduct they may be
subject to appropriate disciplinary actions by the Board of Directors of West Vancouver Little
League.
We will wear our uniforms with pride, the way they are meant to be worn. This includes tucking
in the shirt, wearing the hat and belt as intended, and showing up for games in a clean uniform.
This code of conduct is approved by the
Board of Directors of West Vancouver Little League
December 5, 2008
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
LEAGUE ADMINISTRATION
2011 Season
ROLE
President
Vice President
Past President
Treasurer
Secretary
Registrar
Umpire-In-Chief
NAME
Aileen
McManamon
League Email
@westvanll.ca
president@
vp@
Personal Email
[email protected]
om
Trace Acres
treasurer@
[email protected]
Simon Paisley
Derek Smith
Registrar@
Umpires@
Field Scheduler
Equipment
Uniforms
Training &
Development
Player Agent
Safety Officer
Communications
Director
Division Coordinator Jrs&Up
Division CoordinatorMajors NL
Division CoordinatorMajors AL
Division CoordinatorMinors
Division CoordinatorFarm
Division CoordinatorTball
Opening Day
Gordon Penrose
Eric Adams
Leesa Reid
fields@
equip@
Unis@
Steve Bell-Irving
Peter Kvarnstrom
Jim Almas
training@
[email protected]
[email protected]
gordonpenrose@hotma
il.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
steve.bell.irving@gmail.
com
Ruth Voss
info@
Peter Kvarnstrom
Aileen
McManamon
jrs_srs_bigs@
Mark Roberts
majors@
Mark Roberts
minors@
Michelle Frezell
Cindy Metz
Seattle Trip
Field Management
Don Maycher
Andy Zullo
Umpire Scheduler
Sarj Dhaliwal
Revised March 2011
Cell
Home Phone
604 644 1984
604 922 0600
604-788-3753
604-980-5620
604-250-1544
604-926-5141
604 313 1065
604 306 6640
604 323 6819
604 270 7728
604 922 0600
604 921 9991
604 722 1523
safety@
[email protected]
pkvarnstrom@glacierve
ntures.ca
778 822 1591
604 925 1591
604 788 6252
604 922 7747
majors@
mroberts@spectragrou
p.com
604 317 1879
Farm@
[email protected]
om
604 897 9391
tball@
[email protected]
dmaycher@heritageoffi
ce.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
m
604 913 3417
604 971 4950
604 789 7200
604 925 2585
604-992-7569
604-922-5064
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
TEAM ORGANIZATION
Suggested Team Meeting Agenda
1. Have each coach, the players and parents introduce themselves
2. Distribute information package to parents. This information package should contain:
a. Coach’s name(s) and phone number(s)
b. Players’ names, phone numbers, parents names, etc
c. Practice and game schedule
d. Coach’s philosophy
e. Coach’s expectations of players and parents
f. Miscellaneous information including Coach’s Code, Parent’s Code, Player’s
Code and Spectator’s Code
3. Explain practice format and expectations (attendance, behaviour, attitude, etc) and
discuss with parents and players
4. Explain game policy (playing time, positions, etc) and discuss with parents and
players
5. Discuss various non-coaching duties which need to be shared among parents.
6. If you do not have a co-coach or assistant coach, enlist the help of at least two other
adults for this job
7. If team does not already have a Team Manager, do not end this meeting until
someone has taken on this vital responsibility
8. Open the floor to discussion of ideas, concerns, etc
Providing Schedule & Roster Info
The league has a few templates for providing roster & schedule information in a neat, concise
format for your team that which are downloadable from the web site under “Team Manager
Resources”
The “Fridge Guide” is handy for Farm and TBall, while the “Pocket Schedule” is often handy for
Minors & Up as it contains duty rosters for field prep, scorekeeping and pitch counting.
Team Photos
Team Photos are taken during West Van Opening Day. Envelopes will be provided via the
Team Manager for distribution in advance to expedite ordering. Photos are delivered to the
Team Manager for individual distribution.
Trophies
At the younger age levels (TBall & Farm), the Team Manager arranges for either medallions or
small participation awards for each player. We typically use Tidey’s in North Vancouver for our
needs – ADDRESS
For Minors & Majors, a playoff series is held to determine the league champion. The winning
and second place players each receive a medallion. The trophy is typically passed from player
to player during the calendar year, with each player being able to display the trophy in the home
for a few weeks.
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
Team Manager Duties
1. Along with the coach, organize a team meeting (parents and players) prior to the
start of the season (see suggested team meeting agenda in this manual)
2. Organize parents to help the team in the following areas:
a. Preparing the field (rake and line) before home games;
b. Scorekeeping & pitch counting at all games;
c. Provide extra bench help when needed, as well as extra practice help;
d. Act as conduit to distribute information out quickly to players and parents and
to enlist extra help when and where needed;
e. Organize a team party (end of season)
3. Organize parents to help WVLL in the following areas if requested:
a. Assistance for special events
b. Concession/fundraising;
c. Work parties for field maintenance
4. Liaise between parents and coaches (communication)
5. Distribute WVLL correspondence/newsletters and other information to parents
6. Encourage good sportsmanship among parents and players
7. Encourage parents to participate in WVLL
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
FIELD LOCATIONS and BOOKINGS
4
6
7
5
3
2
1
1. Cedardale* Keith Road just east of Taylor Way
Home Field for TBall
Practice Field – Priority for Majors NL & AL
Available M-F 5 pm – 6:45 pm
2. Pauline Johnson* between 21st and 22nd @ Inglewood
Home Field for Farm
Practice Field – Priority for Farm
Available M – F 5 pm – 6:45 pm
3. Ridgeview between 12th & 13th @ Kings
Home Field for Minors
Practice Field - Priority for Minors
Available M- F 5 pm – 8 pm, S & S 9 am – 5 pm
4. Ed Anderson/Glenmore Park 70 Morven Drive (Collingwood School)
Home Field for Majors NL and AL
Practice Field – Priority for Majors, Limited Availability
Available M-F 5 – 8 pm, S & S 9 am – 7 pm
Cypress Park Fields
5. Rick Genest@Cypress Park School
6. Eagle Harbour School
7 Cypress Falls – Woodglen Drive off Caulfeild exit
All fields are booked for the league centrally through the Field Scheduler. Once game schedules are set,
practice times may be booked for the season though Field Scheduler.
Fields marked with an asterisk are booked for Adult Slo-Pitch softball so must be cleared by 6:45 pm.
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
FIELD PREP & RESPONSIBILITIES
For all games the HOME team is responsible for preparing the field for the game. The
VISITING team is responsible for restoring the field back to its condition after the game. The
field is also to be left in primed condition after practices.
TBall & Farm: the HOME team is to use their bases, tee and balls. Prep involves setting out &
securing the bases with the provided base anchors. The VISITING team is to assist the home
team with retrieving all of their equipment post-game.
Minors and Up: HOME team is responsible for field prep, and if hosting a VISITOR from
another league (Cypress Park or other D5 league) the HOME team also restores the field
post play and secures all equipment (rakes, batter’s box
template).
Pre-Game (HOME Team)
1. Rake the batter’s boxes and the pitcher’s mound. Drag the
infield with the dragging screen in concentric circles (for
Ridgeview use rakes). The goal is to have a smooth playing
surface without bumps or other unevenness.
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
2. Install the bases. There is a buried metal sleeve at each
base position plugged with an orange rubber stopper. Remove
stopper and insert base ‘plate’. Affix base to magnetic plate. 1st base is typically nonmagnetic. (For Ridegview, there are no sleeves. A hole is dug into the field and the base
“stems” are instead buried.)
QuickTi me™ and a
T IFF (LZW ) decompressor
are needed to see t his pict ure.
QuickTime™ and a
TIF F (LZ W) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
QuickTi me™ and a
TIFF ( LZW) decompressor
are needed to see thi s pi ctur e.
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZ W) decompressor
are needed to see t his picture.
3. Line the batter’s boxes and the foul lines. Use the box template and outline frame with a
stick or key. Remove template and use lining machine to trace batter’s boxes and foul lines.
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompress or
are needed to s ee this pic ture.
Revised March 2011
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
Note: During particularly dry periods, you might want to use the sprinkler at Ed Anderson
field, after the raking / dragging is completed, to minimize dust during the game. 3-4
rotations of the sprinkler should suffice. The sprinkler controls are located next to the dirt
pile at the Visitors dugout (first base side).
Post-Game (VISITING Team)
1. Remove the bases & replace rubber stoppers (no stoppers for Ridgeview)
2. Drag the field
3. Repair the pitcher’s mound so that there are no holes. Use the tamper to pound the dirt
into place. Use water (if available) as needed during dry conditions.
4. Have the players clear the dugouts completely of wrappers, bottles and cans or other
debris.
5. Return dragging screens, rakes and lining machine to the shed / equipment box.
6. Lock the shed, washrooms, dugouts and equipment boxes (and porta-potty at
Ridgeview).
Note: It is very important that the Batter’s Box and Pitching mound be prepped so that there are
no uneven spots. This becomes more critical as the season progresses. Use extra dirt from the
dirt pile if needed.
Please advise our Equipment Manager immediately if chalk for lining machines is low,
equipment is missing or damaged, locks are missing or any other field/field equipment issues
arise. Since coaches are at fields daily, we rely on the coaching staff to alert us to issues – our
Fields Manager does not ‘patrol’ the fields and boxes once they have been initially stocked and
prepared for the season.
For major issues, fence or backstop damage, bleachers, etc, please also notify the Equipment
Manager immediately. Safety is our top priority for players, coaches and fans.
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
KEY POLICIES
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
WHOM TO CALL FOR WHAT
Please contact your Division Coordinator first with all questions or concerns. If urgent,
please consult the appropriate person above and cc your division coordinator on the
email.
Division Coordinators
TBall
Cindy Metz
Farm
Michelle Frezell
Minors / Majors
Jrs, Srs & Bigs
Mark Roberts
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Peter Kvarnstrom
[email protected]
Whom to Call With Questions / Needs About:
Uniforms / Logowear
Equipment
Field Scheduling
Umpire Scheduling
Umpiring Concerns/Rules
Rosters/Eligibility
Player Assignments
Training
Playoffs/Post-Season
Coach/Parent Conflicts
Fees/Refunds/Invoices
Website/Information
Revised March 2011
Leesa Reid
Eric Adams
Gordon Penrose
Sarj Dhaliwal
Derek Smith
Simon Paisley
Division Coordinator
Steve Bell-Irving
Peter Kvarnstrom
Aileen McManamon
Trace Acres
Ruth Voss
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
See Above
[email protected]
[email protected]
president (at) westvanll.ca
[email protected]
[email protected]
604 921 9991
604 922 0600
604 270 7728
604 922 5064
604 250 1544
604 722 1523
604 788 6252
604 922 0600
604 980 5620
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
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West Vancouver Little League Coaching Manual
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