Community Softball - Competitive Spirit
COACHES MEETING
April 13, 2016
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Call meeting to order
Introduction
Coaches Conduct/Ethics/Hints
Abuse & Harassment
Parent and Player Code of Conduct
Weather Policy – Check Calgary Minor Softball Website
Special Rules
SBR Warm-up
Throwing
Batting
Position Tracker
Be Positive At All Times
Questions?
Adjournment
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Introduction
Hello and thank you for coming. I know there is a lot going on at this time of year and a lot of meetings.
First, thank you for volunteering your time. We could not put on this program without you and the girls greatly
appreciate it.
My name is Darren Gross. I am the Player/Coach Coordinator.
Other attendees...
3. Coach’s Conduct/Ethics/Hints
Our motto is Community Softball Competitive Spirit.
This means our goal is to have fun and be inclusive and respectful of all participants. It is okay to want to do
your best and have success but it does not come at all costs. The Div 1 teams are slightly more towards the
competitive end but we still honour the same values. This is where the fair play and universal substitution rules
come in. The game is for everyone.
We expect the highest standard of conduct for everyone representing SBR. Coaches enjoy the highest visibility
position on a team and must act in a way that we would want our children to follow.
How you conduct yourself will be reflected in how your players conduct themselves.
You must treat everyone involved in the game with respect. Including players, umpires, other coaches and
parents.
You are ultimately responsible for the conduct of your team and your fans. There is zero tolerance for abuse of
umpires and you must ensure this does not happen. You are responsible to step in to stop this conduct.
You are required to follow the Fair Play rules as per the CMSA rulebook.
Coach's Ethics
I will teach the athletes that doing one's best is as important as winning so that my team
will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game.
I will teach sportsmanship.
I will teach and abide by the rules of the game.
I will accept the judgments of the officials of the game, umpires have the final say.
I will conduct myself according to the policies, procedures and bylaws outlined by CMSA.
I will not harass players, in attempts to encourage or dissuade participation on the team I
coach.
I will ensure all athletes get equal instruction, support and playing time.
I will teach my team to have fun.
I will have at least one practice a week.
I will be familiar with and operate under CMSA/Softball Canada rules.
I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise
and set a good example.
I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
I will follow the ABC rule or the Universal Rotation Rule and play my players fairly.
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
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I will remember that all the players are playing for their enjoyment, not for mine.
I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire or
external pressure to win.
I will do my best to provide a safe playing environment for all players.
I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that the amateur athletes are not
professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.
I will respect the official’s decisions and communicate with them in an appropriate manner and I
will encourage my players to do the same.
I will encourage all players to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to
hostility or violence.
I will teach my players good sportsmanship.
I will never ridicule or yell at the players, coaches or officials for making a mistake.
I will applaud good players’ performances on both teams.
I will never question the official’s judgment or honesty in public.
I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
I will not consume alcohol or smoke on, or near the vicinity of the players’ benches.
I will not use bad language, nor will I harass athletes, coaches, officials or other spectators.
I will be knowledgeable of the league rules and regulations and teach these rules to the players on
my team.
I will encourage my players to respect the rights of other players, coaches, fans & officials.
I will be responsible for my own behavior and also the behavior of my team members, their
parents & fans.
I will have respect for all the facilities and equipment used in the sport.
Responsibilities to Players - Fair Play
CMSA rule 10.2
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All coaches shall exercise and promote the principles of Fair Play
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Fair Play shall be defined as all coaches taking reasonable measures to ensure all players enjoy the
game
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All players, regardless of skill, must receive proportionally equal playing time on the field during
the course of the season
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All coaches will ensure that all players receive equal access to instruction, support and playing
time
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Mite, Squirt, and Pee Wee age players shall play no more than 50% of defensive playing time as
an outfielder
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Coaches for Bantam and Midget category players shall follow the same principle, unless a player
requests to play as an outfielder as their primary defensive position
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This shall apply to all games played under CMSA jurisdiction, which shall include seeding round,
regular season and city play-off games
Universal Substitution
CMSA rule 11.3
Universal Substitution is the rotation of players into the field such that all players participate in every
game.
11.3.1 Defensive rotation is defined such that no player shall sit more than one inning, until all players
have had an inning on the bench.
11.3.2 Players are designated with the order in which they will have their bench inning on the line-up
card/ score sheet.
11.3.3 Batting order – all players present are listed on the score sheet and bat in the order listed. Players
arriving late are added to the end of the batting order, and will have their designated bench order inning
assigned or arranged as necessary.
11.3.4 Player Coding Adjustment – Bench inning designation may be changed to allow for substitution in
the event of an injury, ejection, discipline, pitcher substitution. In the event of player ejection or removal,
the player is removed from the batting order and may not re-enter.
Note: One of the above two substitution rules applies; each team can choose their own substitution rule to
play by. The choice is on a game by game basis.
4. Player and Parent Code of Conduct
Player Code Of Conduct
Players in the South Bow River District are expected to conduct themselves appropriately.
A player in this program will:
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Provide a level of dedication, including time and effort.
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Follow the rules for behavior and discipline outline and expected by your coaches. This includes not
using offensive language on or off the field.
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Conduct themselves with superior sportsmanship. Be respectful to your coaches and teammates, as well
as other teams and officials.
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Have a positive attitude on and off the diamond. Try your best, help others be their best, make your year
and your teams year be the best it can be.
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Do your best to listen and learn from the coaches and teammates.
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Understand we are here to have fun and if the fun stops the player will alert parents or coaches if it stops
being fun.
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Will respect the equipment
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Encourage teammates
I (we) have read, understand and agree to conduct myself in accordance with the above:
Player Name:
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Player Signature:
_____________________________
Date:
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Parents Code Of Conduct
As the parent of a girl on a South Bow River Softball team, your support and commitment to your
daughter's team and SBR is critical in making her and her team's year the best it can be.
A parent in this program is expected to:
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Encourage and support their daughter's efforts and commitment to their team and SBR.
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Never ridicule officials, our players and coaches, other team players or coaches. Teach your
daughter by example.
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Work with the team to create a disciplined, well run organization that fosters sportsmanship.
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Support the coaches in their decisions and approach to the team. Keep it positive.
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Have a positive attitude on and off the diamond and most importantly, help your daughter to have fun.
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Discuss any issues with coaches in a respectful and positive manner at the appropriate time and if
necessary follow the complaint process of South Bow River.
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Contact one of the coaches at least 24 hours ahead of time if their daughter can't come to a game or
practice.
South Bow River Softball appreciates your support of the team and the program.
I (we) have read, understand and agree to conduct myself in accordance with the above:
Name:
_____________________________ Signature:
Date:
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Name:
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Date:
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5. Abuse, Harassment and Bullying
ABUSE & HARRASMENT POLICY
CALGARY MINOR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION
The Calgary Minor Softball Association (CMSA) Executive, Board of Governors and Committee
Executive are dedicated to providing a fun, safe and abuse free sporting experience to all minor
aged players in our city wide league. They also extend this commitment to all coaches, team
representatives, league chairmen, program co-ordinators, umpires, umpire assignors and office
staff. Unacceptable Behavior towards any CMSA member who is trying to fulfill their duties or
any player on or off the playing field will not be tolerated.
Definition:
Unacceptable Behavior
“An individual is considered to be displaying unacceptable behavior if they are verbally or physically
harassing and/or abusing any coach, player, certified or volunteer umpire, league volunteer, office staff
or spectator”
It is the responsibility of any community representative, parent, coach, player or official to report
any incident of abuse or harassment to the CMSA Disciplinary Committee. This is to be the start
and implementation of the Appeals, Discipline and Suspension Policy. It is not the responsibility of
any parent, coach, player or official to take matters into their own hands. Once the incident has
been reported to the CMSA office (Appeals, Discipline and Suspension Committee) within 24
hours the policy process will then begin.
Bullying (including cyber-bullying)
Bullying can be generally defined as a conscious, willful, deliberate and repeated use of aggression,
intimidation and/or cruelty with the result of hurting another person verbally, physically or emotionally
or by cyber. Bullying carries the ramification of causing pain and stress to the victim marked by an
imbalance of power. Bullying is never justified and is not excusable as “kids being kids,” “just teasing”
or any other rationalization.
Members should be reassured that South Bow River Softball and Calgary Minor Softball takes bullying
very seriously, and will support victims and their families when bullying is reported. SBR has an
obligation to ensure a safe and respectful sport environment by not allowing, condoning, or ignoring
behavior that constitutes, or could be perceived as bullying. SBR will establish open and honest
communication between all parties involved, including parents, players, managers and volunteers.
Bullying will not be excused, permitted or tolerated.
Bullying Report/Response Procedures
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All bullying incidents should be reported immediately, in writing to the board of South Bow River
Softball.
Complaints need to be specific, without hesitation to give names.
The more information the board is supplied with the better it can be dealt with.
Parents of both victim and perpetrator may be informed and summoned for a meeting about the problem.
In severe instances, local police may be contacted.
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The bullying behavior or threats will be investigated quickly and fully, with both victim and perpetrator
informed that the behavior will/must stop
6. WEATHER POLICY
Calgary Minor Softball Association
CMSA will cancel games. Check their website. It is usually updated by 4:00 pm on
game days.
If you arrive you can discuss with the other coach if you feel it is safe to play.
If there is a carded umpire, they will get the final call on whether the game will be
played.
“If you can see it, flee it; If you can hear it, clear it”
The Weather Network Channel or website (www.theweathernetwork.com) will be used
as the guide for Calgary Minor Softball.
Games may be called by Calgary Minor Softball when the weather is below +4 degrees
Celsius including the wind-chill.
The 30/30 rule (rule 1 and 2) says to shut down when lightning is 10 km’s away. Use a
“flash to bang” (lightning to thunder) count of five seconds equals 1.2 km’s. Keep an eye
on the sky. Note when skies darken or gusty winds develop. Have a place of shelter in
mind, and a plan to get there.
Rule 1: When you can count less than 30 seconds between the lightning strike and the
thunder, the storm is less than 10 km away. There is an 80% chance the next strike will
happen within that 10 km. It is time to take cover. But, often, it’s hard to remember to
count off seconds, or how many, and keep tally of the score too, and pay attention to the
game, and watch the sky, and so on. Too confusing! So, here's the trick. Sound can carry
great distances when the atmosphere is stable and quiet, like early mornings. But sound
doesn't travel nearly as far during a stormy afternoon. Essentially, if you can hear the
thunder, you're in the strike zone. Take cover!
Rule 2: Wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before resuming your activity.
Naturally, watch for broken tree limbs, fallen power lines or flooding that may have been
caused by the storm.
Move to a safe location:
A large permanent building or metal vehicle is best.
Unsafe places are near metal or water; under trees; on hills, near electrical/electronic
equipment.
Lightning likes power lines, metal, electrical conductors, high places, prominent or tall
objects. It looks for the easiest or shortest path to the ground. Safe places are homes and
buildings. Close windows and doors then stay away from them. Lightning can go through
both. It can strike through walls too, so stay away from outside walls if you can. Most
cars and trucks are safe too. The metal body shields the interior (the tires have no affect).
If you're caught in the open, try a valley or ravine. Get low. If you're in a wooded area,
hide near a small tree or shrub.
If no shelter is available, crouch down, feet close together with head tucked down. Don't
lie flat. If you're in a group, spread out, so that individuals are several meters apart. Don't
be the tallest object around. Stay away from the tallest objects too. Don't carry softball
bats, or an umbrella. Don't wear metal cleats. Don't go under a tree or by a metal fence.
Don't take cover in a stand-alone shed. More Canadians are killed or injured by lightning
than by any other summertime weather event, and most of those affected are involved in
a sporting event of some kind. Remember that even a small-for-his-age-nine-year-old is
very tall when he is standing alone in centre field. Remember that lightning victims can
be revived with CPR even when there is no pulse. These people have received an
electrical shock, but do not carry an electrical charge. They can be handled safely. Of
course, victims often suffer from burns and shock and should receive medical attention
immediately.
7. Special Rules
PITCHING MASKS
A new rule for CMSA is that ALL pitchers playing in a CMSA league must wear an
approved pitcher facemask.
SBR has supplied a mask for all Squirt and Mites teams. Older teams are expected to
supply their own but most pitchers wear them already.
SLIDING
Calgary Minor Softball DOES NOT have a rule stating that a player must slide at home
or any other base nor does Softball Alberta or Softball Canada (this is not new). Players
have the option of running through or sliding at any base including home plate. A player
is NOT automatically out if they do not slide at home or any other base and shall not be
call out unless a tag has taken place. If the judgement of the umpire that there is an
intentional collision, the runner can be called out for interference, regardless if there was
a tag or not.
All teams playing under Calgary Minor Softball are to follow the rules set out by Calgary
Minor Softball.
Mite Rules
The Mite rules are available on the CMSA website under U10 rules: U10-Mites Rules or
in the CMSA rulebook here: U10 - Mites Rules per CMSA Rulebook
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No Walks
No stealing in first round (May have stealing in second round)
Home run line 25 feet behind each base. Any ball that touches the ground past the
line is a home run.
Softie balls to be used for all play
No bunt when coach pitch
Can play with 5 players
No fielders, 6 players on the field
No stealing home (To be confirmed)
8. Umpires
Umpires are not supplied below the Bantam U16 level.
Parents are expected to volunteer as umpires.
A mask, brush and count indictor are provided in your equipment bag.
It is recommended to have a short orientation session for parents to allow them to become
more familiar with umpiring.
One strategy would be to have a rotation for umpiring amongst your parents and they are
responsible to find an umpire that night.
Siblings older than 14 years old, grandparents, aunts or uncles or family friends are all
welcome to umpire.
If a parent umpires 3 or more games they will have met their Volunteer Bond hours. SBR
will rely on the coach to confirm.
9. SBR Warm-up Policy
We have had a dynamic warm-up developed by Miki Kuwahara.
Why?
1. To ensure all players are prepared to play
2. To ensure all teams in SBR are doing a consistent warm-up
3. To allow coaches to be able to focus on other things while the players lead the
warm-up
4. To allow the players the opportunity to lead.
The document is here:
Stretch, Throw and Hit
10. Throwing
We have provided tips to help with throwing instruction.
Fundamental skill that is generally poorly taught.
11. Hitting Fundamentals
STANCE – LOAD – TOE TOUCH
STANCE
1. Hands at ear, bat at shoulder
a. Knuckles in “knocker knuckle” position
b. Assists in getting to hitting plane
c. Longer time in contact zone
2. Athletic stance
a. Feet wider than shoulder width
b. Knees inside toes
LOAD
3. Load
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Preparation to swing
Power goes BACK into back leg not UP in the air.
Front leg should not be straight
Front toe touch, most of the weight on the back leg
Body weight and head move forward towards toe touch – Forward and not
UP
f. Attack the ball
TOE TOUCH
4. Toe Touch
a. Hitting position
b. Get here as ball leaves pitchers hand
c. Head is still
STARTING THE SWING
5. Starting the Swing
a. Hips trigger swing
b. Hands back, Shoulders closed
c. Contact in front of plate for up the middle shot
12. Position Tracker
I have used this excel spreadsheet to set lineups and to track what positions players have
played and how often.
13. BE POSITIVE AT ALL TIMES
Be conscious of the tone of the language we use.
14. Questions?
15. Adjournment