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Thank you for being a coach in our 5 Towns Orthodox Little League. Many of you have been
doing this for years; some for only one season. In either case, we have compiled a list of
hints, tips, and assorted material for your benefit. Please read carefully as some of the
information can affect your games. After the hints, there are a group of Rules for Coaches.
Violating these can result in disciplinary actions against the team.
1) A team is more than just a group of players. A good coach helps develop a cohesive group of
kids that eventually can become great friends. It’s not just about the game. They should get
together, maybe go to pizza as a group, and understand the importance of being a team.
2) You should try to have a few practices during the season. We’ll help you find a field! Practice
double plays, grounders, pop ups, proper positions and more. Hitting is a bit trickier, but one
parent will have a large enough yard. Other coaches can help you with this. Just ask.
3) It’s very smart to keep in touch with parents. However, when sending e-mails or texts to
parents, don’t CC or group them. You should always BCC. One irate parent can stir up the pot.
4) It’s always a good idea to have a mini-practice 15 minutes before every game. Regardless, you
should stress to the team that if they come even 1 minute late, they are moved to the end of the
batting order. Obviously, the coach should be early to every game. If a coach shows up late, it’s
unprofessional and can have serious consequences ranging from losing home field to forfeiting
the game.
5) You are the only one running the team. It’s super important that the parents realize and respect
the fact that you’re the coach. They can ask you after a game for a different position or batting
number; not during the game. If a parent violates any of the game rules (E.G. talking to the ump,
touching a player, second guessing every play, etc.), you need to respectfully request they leave
the game. Remember, if they don’t listen, you are allowed to remove their child from the game.
Ultimately, it’s the coach that will suffer if parents don’t follow directions.
6) You are the coach. This means that you and only you are the one who can communicate with
the umpire. You need to make this clear to all parents. As per our rules, parents that talk to the
umpire risk ejection. If you will not be at a game, please appoint an interim coach.
7) You should limit the interaction with the umpire as well. If the umpire calls a questionable
strike, there’s no need to comment. That’s part of the game. I assure you that these umps are not
being paid enough to really care which teams win.
8) You should NEVER insult a player, even as a joke. You can call them off to talk to them privately
– even during a game. Our rules permit players to come on and off the fields during play. If a
player botches a grounder, call him off and explain privately what he did wrong, give him a pat on
the back, tell him he’s awesome, and send him back on.
9) Our rules require that the pitcher’s mound be 30 feet when the coaches pitch. This is not
because we want to make things difficult. Rather it helps the players hit when they have a
consistent distance. During your practices, let the person pitching for your team pitch so they
develop a familiarity. Measure out the 30 feet with a tape measure. It makes a huge difference.
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10) Assign positions based on talent. There’s no need to rotate the first baseman every game. If
you’re winning or losing by a lot, you can switch things around. If a player wants a better position,
they should earn it. The statement “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how much fun you have”
is not entirely true. Otherwise there wouldn’t be playoffs and trophies.
11) You need to make sure that your players don’t develop an attitude. Insulting other teams,
taunting them in school, and bragging about their games are all included in this.
12) You should take the games seriously. It’s OK to show a little emotion during the game. Key
word being little. If you’re too lackadaisical, the players won’t care either.
13) You should always carry proper equipment even if you’re the away ream. 4 bases, (and extra
1st base is smart also), pitching rubber, measuring tape, catchers gear, batting helmets and a game
ball or two.
14) Good Middos are super important. Kids should be upbeat and greet everyone – even opposing
players with a smile.
15) Your team should always be dressed in their uniforms. A good idea is to being an extra
uniform in case a kid forgets one.
16) When the game ends, every player should line up behind the coach and say good game to the
other team. If a player refuses to get on line, he should not play the next game.
17) Please make sure to bring a garbage bag and clean anything left behind from either team.
18) You will be choosing at least one Middos Tovos recipient from your team. Let the boys know
that it will be really nice.
19) Before every game, we will E-mail a 15 second Dvar Halacha to every coach. During the games,
the commissioners will randomly spot check to see of kids on a team know it. If they do, your
whole team will get Season Express gift cards!
20) After the game is over, the winning coach must report his score. Simply visit 5TLL.com and go
to the “Enter scores page”. This must be done before 12:00 on Monday afternoon, or it will be
considered a loss for both teams. Password was told at the meeting. If you need it, email us.
The below are Rules not suggestions. Violating any of these can result in a forfeit for your team.
1) A Coach may not yell at the umpire or the other Coach.
2) A Coach may not interfere with the ability of the umpire to do his job. This
includes screaming at him, taunting him, or anything else of the sort.
3) A Coach may not change the rules of the game even if both coaches agree.
4) Every Coach must understand that parents of his team are considered an
extension of the team. If a parent violates any of the above rules or engages in a
conversation with the umpire, the Coach is responsible and must remove the
parent or risk a forfeit.