Coaching Little League® Is a Learned Skill

All Little League® managers and coaches are volunteers, who by definition, are considered amateurs. Yet, whether coaching for the first time, or a veteran of many seasons there is always room to improve.

A local league can take the initiative to provide its players and parents with a quality on-field experience by appointing or electing a Coaching Coordinator to the Board of Directors. The person who is nominated for this role does not have to be a coach for the current season, but it is highly-recommended that past experience at the Major Division, or above, be considered before the Board votes.

The Coaching Coordinator is responsible for organizing preseason training seminars and offseason meetings with division vice presidents and coordinators to review common Little League playing rules and regulations. This position also provides oversight for all coaches in collaboration with the division VPs.

During the regular season, the Coaching Coordinator is responsible for seeing that each of the managers and coaches have an outlet to review rules, discuss coaching techniques, answer questions and share concerns.

At the end of the season, and prior to the start of the tournament season, it is prudent for the Coaching Coordinator to have a meeting with all of the tournament team coaches to review tournament-specific rules and common game rules.

The role of the Coaching Coordinator on a local league’s Board of Directors can take on many forms and duties. To effectively execute these responsibilities takes some planning and organization. The majority of the work is done in the offseason and preseason, but having a consistent presence at games and practices affords continuity and consistency among those coaching and watching their children be coached.

Do not take for granted that coaches and managers who are approved to work with Little Leaguers® have a full and clear understanding of what they are expected to do. Rather than relying on childhood experiences, and what has been cobbled together from watching television and training videos, or attending games, give this unique group of volunteers the type of attention and insight it can use to make the season-long experience positive, fun and memorable for all involved.