Orientation

What does it mean to be a Little League Coach?

Little League 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.

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

The Little League coach 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.

The heart of Little League is what happens between the adult coach and player. It is the coach 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 must be a continuing effort.

Children of Little League age are strongly influenced by adults whose ideals and aspirations are similar to their own. The coach and player share a common interest in the game, a desire to excel, and determination to win. Children often idolize their coaches, not because the adult is the most successful coach or mentor, but because the coach is a source of inspiration.

Little League Diamond Leader Training Program

Focused on ensuring children have a positive, well-rounded experience on and off the field, the Little League® Diamond Leader Training Program is a FREE educational resource that provides coaches with an understanding of the impact that mental, social, and emotional well-being has in youth sports through detailed information, interactive scenarios, and a variety of additional resources.

Through this course, which navigates Little League volunteers through real-life scenarios that are being faced in local leagues all around the world each year, coaches will have a better understanding of the impact they have on their players, both on and off the field.

USA Baseball Coaches Certification Program

The USA Baseball Coaches Certification Program is a certification pathway for any and all individuals who are currently coaching baseball or aspire to coach at any level of the game. The program aims to create a higher standard of coaching education and enhance the ability of coaches to better serve their athletes, their team and the communities.

The USA Baseball Coaches Certification Program is driven by the need for baseball coaches to continue to develop and increase their own involvement in coaching development throughout their coaching careers. The program aspires to create a culture of continuing education, professional development and active mentorship among the coaching community. It is a call to action for coaches to learn and grow by interacting with one another, allowing veteran coaches to pass their knowledge and guidance down to fellow coaches with less experience. By encouraging coaches to build relationships with one another and give back to the game, the program aims to unify the coaching community in order to make the sport stronger at all levels.

Selection of Team Managers

Volunteers in the league do not have tenure regardless of their years of service. In order to serve, a Team Manager ("head coach") must be appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Directors annually. Prior service does not guarantee re-appointment. Appointments shall be based on an evaluation by the Coaches Committee and the President with the following as guidelines.

Demonstrated commitment to the mission of Little League

Attendance at regular and special coaches meetings

Support of and participation in the league’s activities

Conduct with their team both on and off the field

Cooperation with League representatives

Fundraising (team pictures, etc.)

Maintenance and upkeep of facilities

Active participation on league committees

Cooperation with umpires

Expectations of Lake Norman Little League Coaches

The league supports coaches throughout the year with clinics and mentoring from Division Commissioners and experienced coaches. These clinics and mentoring are intended to reinforce the goals and expectations of the league.

Communicate Clearly with Parents

Expectations of players, parents and coaches

Practice and games schedules

Proper equipment needed (glove, cup, bat, safety equipment, etc.)

Reinforce Fundamentals

Throwing, catching, fielding, hitting and base running

Position play – infield, outfield, backing up and cutoffs

Proper pitching mechanics

Competitive play and SPORTSMANSHIP

Coaches Code of Conduct

The Lake Norman Little League Board of Directors has mandated the Coaches Code of Conduct and Volunteer Code of Conduct. All volunteers must read these documents, acknowledge an understanding of these policies, and agree to comply before volunteering in the league.

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Lake Norman Little League