2005
EVERGREEN
LITTLE LEAGUE
MANAGER
HANDBOOK
2005
EVERGREEN
LITTLE LEAGUE
MANAGER
HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
5.7 LEAGUE INFORMATION OFFICER
6.1.6 Failure to Provide Pitching Affidavit
6.1.7 Failure to Report Loss of Player
6.2.1 General Ground Rule Abuse
6.2.3 Applicable League Regulations
6.2.4 Article 3, Section 4. Suspension or Termination.
7 GENERAL LEAGUE INFORMATION & RULES
7.3.8 Softball Majors (ages 11-12) & Juniors (ages 13-14)
7.7.3 Rainouts & Cancelled Games
7.8.10 Continuous Batting Order
7.9.2 Mandatory Play Requirement
8.6 JUNIOR, SENIOR, & BIG DIVISION RULES
Welcome to Evergreen Little League.
This handbook has been prepared to assist you in performing an important role. Please take some time and read this handbook thoroughly.
This league, founded in 1962, has a long history of service to the children in the community. As a Manager or Coach your role has a large impact on the future of many children. We’ve seen many of our players come back as parents in roles of leadership.
The purpose of Evergreen Little League Baseball is to have a sports program that will teach boys and girls the game of baseball, fair play and sportsmanship, how to be competitive, how to cooperate with others and how to win or lose with dignity. The program should also provide an atmosphere conducive to wholesome community participation for family, friends and other members of the community. For these things to come about, an atmosphere of cooperation, patience, good will and sportsmanship must exist. All spectators, Managers and players will be expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is above reproach.
When snack shacks are available, please help keep the area clean and deposit any trash in the trash receptacles, as the area will only stay as clean as you keep it. It is often good practice to have the children and parents pickup the trash around the field after each game. Leave the field cleaner than you found it.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at practices and games. The use of tobacco in any form is also prohibited on the playing fields, benches or dugouts during all games and practices.
Banners, pennants, etc. can add to the spirit of the team. Each team that displays camaraderie and positive feelings among the parents will have a successful season. The players share those same positive feelings, almost without fail. Youngsters really enjoy having the support of parents and friends. Positive encouragement is ever so important as it leads to good team spirit and high player morale.
Evergreen Little League encourages positive adult participation. Providing a fun experience and the cooperation of the parents is essential. Parents are encouraged to help out at practices and games. Adults should behave in a way that sets a good example to the players. Good sportsmanship can only be learned with the help of proper behavior. Both sides should appreciate good play. Please do not become upset with calls made by the umpires. Remember that most persons associated with Evergreen Little League are all volunteers. Accept and respect the job the umpires are doing. Youngsters place a great deal of pressure on themselves, as do their peer groups. There is no need to add any additional pressure. Encouragement and constructive criticism bring out the best in these youngsters.
Volunteer Eligibility:
As a condition of service to the league, all Managers, coaches, Board of Directors members and any other person, volunteers or hired workers, who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with players or teams, must annually complete and submit an official “Little League Volunteer Application: to the local league President. Annual background screenings must be completed prior to the applicant assuming his/her duties for the current season. Refusal to annually submit a fully completed Little League Volunteer Application” will result in the immediate dismissal of the individual from the local league. (See Official Regulations and Playing Rules 1 (b) and 1 (c) 8 and 9).
Dear Manager,
I still remember the first time I was coerced into managing a youth sports team. I say “coerced” because my son was assigned a team without a Manager, and if someone didn’t volunteer… my son and several others, wouldn’t play. Whatever “encouragement” it took was well worth it. I had so much fun, I haven’t stopped managing youth sports (Soccer, Basketball, Football, Baseball) since then.
For those of you who volunteered to manage a team of their own free will, you know what I am talking about. For those of you who were “coerced”, welcome to the club. We are very glad to have all of you, and we already know that you will be at the front of the line to volunteer next year.
As the team manager, you are looked upon as the team leader, organizer, and teacher. Your actions are observed by players in both dugouts and the parents in the stands. Your attitude will set the tone for players and parents to follow. Remaining calm in all situations will go along way. After game comments should be positive and constructive.
Goals for 2005:
Ø Become certified as a “Double Goal Coach” through Stanford University’s Positive Coaching Alliance.
Ø Treat every child on your team the way you would want your child to be treated by a manager.
Ø Ensure that every player on your team becomes proficient at hitting, catching, and throwing
Ø Make the game fun for all
On behalf of the Board, players, parents, and friends of ELL we thank you for volunteering your time and efforts to bring the sport of Baseball, and the life lessons of teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship to our community. ELL is a 100% volunteer run operation. We would not be here without your help and support
Sincerely,
Scott Karstetter
President, Evergreen Little League
Medical Release forms must be on hand at every game or practice in the event of an emergency. Medical personnel will not be able to treat or transport an injured child without a medical release if a parent is not available. Therefore, a copy of each player's medical release form must be on file with ELL, and another copy kept with the Manager/coach during all practices, games, and team meetings.
Basic knowledge of first aid and CPR training is highly recommended for all Managers and coaches. A First Aid Kit is available in the on-field equipment boxes during games and practices held at the little league fields. If an emergency kit is not available in the equipment box or an emergency kit is depleted or low of supplies, please notify the Safety Officer as soon as possible.
Accidents will happen, in the event of an emergency, follow these steps:
a. Where the emergency situation is located.
b. Know the phone number you are calling from.
c. Note the time that the accident occurred and what happened.
d. How many people need help?
e. What is being done for the injured person(s)?
Note: For insurance purposes, contact the League Safety Officer. The Safety Officer must be contacted when an injury has occurred. Please have as much information as possible about the accident available when you call.
Evergreen Little League provides accident insurance for all participants in the league including players, coaches, spectators and league officials. Each parent is required to have their own insurance for their child. If a child is injured, his/her family insurance is required to pay for each injury. Evergreen Little League insurance will pay any cost (after a deductible is met) exceeding that, which is not paid by the personal insurance.
Any baseball player, league official or volunteer incurring a baseball related injury at the Evergreen
Little League game fields or practice fields should promptly report the accident to the Safety Officer or a
League Official within 24 hours from the time the incident occurred. At that point the appropriate paper work can be initiated.
“Playing It Safe”, means following a few safety rules and using common sense to maximize fun for players, coaches and spectators. For the complete Safety Code for Little League, see your Rules and Regulations Handbook.
√ Ask your parents at the beginning of the season if any of them are certified or have basic first aid training. Appoint this person as your Team Safety Officer.
√ Perform a field inspection for sharp and dangerous objects or hazardous conditions before every game.
√ First Aid kits are located in the equipment boxes and kept fully equipped. If supplies become low please notify the Safety Officer ASAP!! (Safety Officer number in section 11)
√ Bring ice to every practice and game. Be prepared for injuries.
√ Have the players properly warm-up and stretch before every game and/or practice.
√ Warming up a pitcher during play or practice, is to be done by a catcher or substitute player in full catching gear (mask, chest protector, shin guards) behind the plate. If an equipped catcher (in full catching gear) is not available, the pitcher may throw/catch to the third baseman to stay warm.
√ Players may not handle a bat until it is their turn to bat. No practice swings are allowed until the player is at the plate.
√ Batters must wear Little League approved helmets. Face guard style helmets are provided in all equipment boxes. If one is not available please alert the Equipment Manager as soon as possible.
√ To avoid players from dehydrating please make sure you have adequate amounts of water available.
√ Report all injuries immediately to the League Safety Officer with detailed information. The League Official contact numbers are posted in the back of this guide. An Incident Report Form is also included in this handbook. (Appendix A).
√ NO food (this includes seeds, nuts, candy, etc.) is allowed on the field during the games and/or practices. Managers are responsible for making sure the dugouts and fields are cleaned after each game (no exceptions).
√ DO NOT LEAVE ANY CHILD UNATTENDED AFTER GAMES OR PRACTICES.
Evergreen Little League is a community program managed and operated 100% by volunteers. Sponsors, fundraisers, snack shack sales and sign-up fees financially fund us. Volunteer Managers and coaches manage our teams. Parent volunteers operate our snack shacks and assist with team correspondence and organization. Volunteers umpire our games. The Board of Directors goal is to make Evergreen Little League the best it can be. No one connected with the league receives any financial compensation. Evergreen Little League is ALL VOLUNTEER!
The following information should be shared with all parents.
The President must ensure all league personnel are properly briefed on all phases of rules, regulations, and policies of Little League Baseball.
The President investigates complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the Local League and reports thereon to the Board as circumstances warrant. The President is the contact between the local organization, the District (District 59) and Little League Headquarters.
Little League Regulations prohibit the President of the League from managing, coaching or umpiring. The President presides on the Protest Committee, which consists of the Player Agents and the Umpire-in-Chief. The President presides at monthly Board meetings, and attends monthly District meetings.
Additional responsibilities are – appoints Extended Board members (Board approval), serves on the protest committee, and appoints all Managers with Board approval. Prepares and submits an annual budget to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the proper execution thereof.
Designates in writing, with other officers if necessary, the power to take and execute for/and in the name of the Local League such as contracts and leases as may have received prior approval of the Board.
The President holds a vote on the Executive Board.
The Vice-President is responsible for the daily activities of the League and presides in the absence of the President and attends monthly Board meetings. The Vice President represents the coaches and Managers and as such is responsible for coordinating a Manager/coach training program that can be implemented League wide.
The Vice President works with the Player Agent to ensure Little League Rules and Regulations are enforced. The Vice President’s position is an escalation point for all rules, safety, scheduling, and player/coach/fan/behavioral issues.
Additional responsibilities are – To plan and oversee Picture Day, conduct score keeping clinics, plans, designs, and orders league pins and trophies. Will visit each League field during the pre-season and game season.
The Vice-President holds a vote on the Executive Board.
The Secretary maintains a register of members, volunteers, and directors, records the minutes of meetings, and is responsible for sending out notices on meetings, events, and activities.
The Secretary, on behalf of the Board of Directors and Committees, distributes all communication related items to the schools and news agencies. The Secretary also assists the Player Agent in conducting registration, and maintaining the official database of the League's activities and its membership.
The Secretary holds a vote on the Executive Board.
The Treasurer assumes the responsibility for all league finances, which includes signing checks co-signed by another director or officer, dispensing League funds as approved by the Board of Directors, reporting on the status of League funds, keeping local League books and financial records, and preparing the operating and annual budgets.
The Treasurer attends monthly Board meetings and is responsible for providing budget reports and bank statements. Additional responsibilities - prepare all annual documents and reports (i.e. income tax forms, financial accounting) and submit them to the appropriate agencies, the Board and District Administrator at the close of each year.
The Treasurer holds a vote on the Executive Board.
The Player Agent is in charge of setting up and conducting annual tryouts, in charge of player selection, and assists the President in checking both birth records and eligibility of players. The Player Agent is also responsible for registration, conducting the Player Distribution Draft, prepares the game and practice schedules, and observes Managers and coaches in the handling of our children.
Little League regulations prohibit a Player Agent from managing, coaching or umpiring in their respective division. The Player Agent supervises and coordinates the transfer of players to or from the Minor Leagues and maintains the list of players eligible for elevation to the Major Leagues throughout the season according to the provisions of the regulations of Little League Baseball.
The Player Agent attends monthly Board meetings and reports directly to the President of the League, but subject to the control of the League's Board of Directors. The Player Agent holds a vote on the Executive Board.
The Safety Officer is responsible for preparing and submitting the Safety Plan to the District and Little League Headquarters (Williamsport, PA). The Safety Officer also prepares and inspects all fields and safety kits (in each equipment box) before the season start (bi-weekly during the season).
The Safety Officer prepares and performs a safety clinic for all volunteers before the season starts. The Safety Officer performs a follow-up after a reported accident, prepares and submits accident forms (to Williamsport, PA) and reports the incident to the President. The Safety Officer attends monthly Board meetings and the District Safety meetings.
The Safety Officer holds
a vote on the Executive Board.
The Information Officer (IO) is responsible for managing the league's official website and home page. The IO ensures League news and scores are updated regularly. The IO collects posts and disseminates League information; serves as primary point of contact for myteam.com and submits player roster information to Little League Headquarters (Williamsport, PA).
The Parent Auxiliary presides over Auxiliary meetings, oversees and guides the Board approved annual fundraiser and sponsorship activities (i.e. Opening Day), and establishes team parent phone trees for each division. The Parent Auxiliary Chair may appoint an Auxiliary Secretary.
The Parent Auxiliary Chair holds a vote on the Executive Board.
The Equipment Manager (EM) is responsible for the inventory, storage, care and purchase of all equipment and uniforms to be uses by Evergreen Little League and to ensure that the equipment being used is properly sanctioned for Little League use.
The EM collects all equipment at the end of the season from the Managers. The EM distributes equipment and uniforms to Team Managers and All-Star Managers.
The EM handles all equipment repairs, orders replacement uniforms and equipment when necessary. All equipment and uniform purchases are to be approved by the Board before purchasing.
The Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) is responsible for scheduling, recruiting training, and the assurance of umpires at all games to be played. The UIC conducts, prior to the season start, umpiring clinics covering the rules and regulations of Little League and Jr./Sr. umpires.
The UIC sits on all protest and rules interpretations sessions. The UIC attends most Rules Clinics and may attend Regional Umpire classes in San Bernadino with the league paying for the class. The UIC coordinates on the field training with League’s Tournament Umpire Crew Chief for the development of tournament umpires.
The Field Coordinator (FC) coordinates contact between Evergreen School District and the City of San Jose regarding league needs and usage permits. The FC coordinates field activities with Division Representatives. Field activities includes – spray/remove weeds, edge infield, fertilize, groom mound, spread red fines, water when necessary, and mows infields weekly.
Other duties include the appearance and placement of the portable potties on site, the appearance of snack shacks, the stocking of equipment boxes (i.e. chalk, garbage bags), and to make sure the necessary equipment is available (i.e. hoses, rakes, shovels, mowers).
The Sponsorship Coordinator (SC) is responsible to raise income for the benefit of the entire league. The SC is responsible for contacting Managers and/or Team Parents to explain the Sponsorship Program. The SC contacts past sponsors requesting continued support. The SC orders and distributes commemorative plaques to each team for their sponsor by the last scheduled game.
The Tournament Director is responsible for coordinating and setting up the season opener and the post-season tournament play. Activities include scheduling events, volunteers, and dignitaries and setting up concessions and fields.
Managers and Coaches must possess leadership ability and the know-how to work with youngsters. Training youngsters in the rudiments of teamwork, good sportsmanship and discipline are the goals of the program.
Responsibilities include - manage the team; know the ELL Handbook and Little League rule book, general rules and special rules; acquire assistant coaches, team umpires, Official Scorekeepers, Team Parents for communication and other team functions.
Managers are to explain to all players and parents the Code of Conduct. Managers are responsible for the conduct of their coaches, players, parents, and fans. If an incident occurs the umpire will ask you to control the situation. Failing to do so will result in the umpire taking whatever action necessary to control the situation.
Maintain the team equipment and return the equipment at the end of the season in a timely manner (within two weeks from the end of the regular season). Failure to comply will result in a $50 fine charged to the Manager.
Managers and Coaches are required to attend training clinics:
Ø A minimum of two rules clinics or one all-day umpire clinic on or before the third week from the start of the season.
Ø Safety Clinic
Ø Positive Coaching Alliance training clinic
Ø
Al and Al baseball skills training
clinic
Failure to meet the mandatory requirement will result in continued game
suspensions until the requirement is met.
By all means get volunteers to help you!
Little League is more than just a place you can drop your kids off for a couple of hours while you do your own thing. As stated in the Little League handbook:
The parents of millions of Little Leagues combined with their youngsters, league officials, umpires, coaches, auxiliary members and countless volunteer agencies, including sponsors; represent an important cross section of this nation.
Parents should accept the fact that they must shoulder responsibility and take initiative to make the local program successful. Little League is not a club in which membership implies baby-sitting benefits and entertainment privileges.
Practically speaking, Little League is a volunteer work project constructed, supervised and assisted by parents to make its benefits extend to their children.
Each parent should join in the total effort. There is a place and job to do for all. The burden of operating the league should not fall on a few. The parent who shirks this responsibility cannot, in turn, expect others to assume the burden.
As a parent of a player in Evergreen Little League, your responsibilities include, at a minimum.
No parent, Manager or coach can hold a player back from going up to the next level of play. This rule applies before tryouts, drafts and during the season. At no time can a parent, Manager, coach or Board Member hold down his or her son or daughter from playing in any division that he or she is drafted to. It is the privilege of all Managers to choose whatever player they think is best suited for that Division.
A Team Parent is the link between Managers, coaches and team members. Get to know their faces and names and keep an accurate list of their phone numbers. Keep team members and/or their parents informed about all activities and upcoming events.
A Team Parent’s responsibilities include:
Ø preparing snack schedules for after-game snacks & drinks
Ø select parents to work on opening day and picture day
Ø coordinate the parents for snack shack coverage
Ø distribute league information
Ø collect money for team sponsored events
Ø provide team roster to all players on the team
Ø make a team banner to bring to each game, this adds to team spirit
Ø attend Parent Auxiliary Meetings
Ø make sure no one is left behind after practices or games
Managers in the Farm, Minor, Major, Junior, and Senior Divisions will have the following umpiring responsibilities:
Ø It is suggested that you recruit either your coaches or parents to help you with your umpiring duties. Remember you are not required to umpire the game but your are required to make sure that the games, which you have been assigned, have sufficient umpiring. Failure of a Manager to supply a minimum two (2) umpires will result in penalties described in Section 6.2.1.
Ø It is mandatory that you, your coaches, and /or your parents attend at least two (2) of the rule clinics within the first three (3) weeks of the season start.
Ø You are required to read the Little League Official Regulations and Playing Rules book. If there is anything that you do not understand, either bring it up at the Rule’s Clinic or talk to the Umpire in Chief.
Ø You should be sure and confident of your call and, if necessary, be able to find it in the rulebook.
Ø You are required to report all ejections to the President within 24 hours of the incident.
Ø If you cannot make an assigned umpiring duty and cannot get a replacement, it is your responsibility to call the Division Representative as soon as you can.
Ø NO alcohol or drugs are to be used before your umpiring assignment. Violation of this rule will result in immediate suspension from the league for the remainder of the season and loss of your team.
Ø NO Fighting or profanity will be allowed. Violation of this rule will result in a review of the incident by the Umpire in Chief and the Board of Directors.
Ø You are required to be impartial. If it is determined that your values are prejudicial in nature, your actions will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.
Ø Call the police when violent or destructive behavior occurs and report to an Executive Board Member.
Ø Immediately report to an Executive Board Member any physical or verbal abuse of a player by a Manager, Coach, or Parent.
This document highlights certain rules and regulations concerning member conduct and discipline. The below disciplinary steps are not the exclusive means for dealing with offenders; nor does this document include all League or Little League Baseball, Inc. rules and regulations for which offenders may be disciplined. The rules and regulations concerning member conduct are found in several sources; the Little League Rule Book; the Evergreen Little League Handbook; and the Evergreen Little League Constitution and Bylaws.
This section is a guide for the disciplining of Evergreen Little League members for violations of certain rules and regulations. The objective is to maintain objectivity in disciplining members. However, since the below offenses may be of varying degree, first or second offenses of a serious nature may be dealt with under Article 3, Section 4 of the League's Constitution and Bylaws.
Note: Members include players, parents, Managers or any other volunteers, or league official.
Physical abuse by any league member toward any other member or spectator will not be tolerated. The offender's penalty shall be immediate removal from the area under Evergreen Little League jurisdiction including both playing fields and practice fields. A subsequent hearing for discipline will be held pursuant to Article 3, Section 4.
Members shall not use profanity directed to or overheard by other members or spectators. Such misconduct, when confirmed by the Board of Directors, will result in the following penalties for the offender:
First Offense: Written warning by the League.
Second Offense: One week suspension from all League activities.
Third Offense: Subsequent hearing for discipline under Article 3, Section 4.
Umpire abuse as defined by (1) repeated or uncontrolled questioning of an umpire's ruling, or (2) repeated heckling of the umpire during play. The umpire shall remove the offender from the game and report the incident to the Board of Directors for action. Such misconduct will result in the following penalties for the offender:
First Offense: Any Manager, coach or player ejected from a game shall leave the field and take no further part in that game. He/she may not sit in the stands or in any area adjacent to the field or stands and may not be recalled. Any Manager, coach or player ejected from a game is s