Newly elected District Administrators from across the globe share what they learned at last weekend’s D.A. training in South Williamsport
Little League® District Administrators (D.A.s) are some of the most trusted, highest level volunteers in the organization. Those new to the job got a chance to meet their peers, learn all aspects of Little League operations, and experience the Little League International Complex in South Williamsport, Pa., at the annual first-year District Administrator Training Seminar held Oct. 7 and 8.
With international representatives from countries such as the Netherlands and Guatemala, as well as several U.S. states, the new D.A.s spent two intensive days interacting with Little League International staff and veteran D.A.s as they prepare to lead the programs in their home communities.
“The intent of the new D.A. Training is to expose these volunteers to all that Little League has to offer to its districts,” said Nick Caringi, Little League International’s Senior Director of Operations and Education, and the event’s curriculum organizer. “The most effective way for D.A.s to service their leagues is by knowing what is available to them, and how to best utilize the resources at hand. Growing the understanding of what Little League can do for a community is how a dedicated D.A. can positively impact participation, and the Little League experience at the local level.”
As part of the training, these distinguished volunteers rotated through a series of classroom-style lessons and small-group sessions where they were introduced and educated on various components of the Little League program. Some of the sessions included The Role of the D.A., Little League Urban Initiative, League Development, ASAP, Insurance, Background Checks, District Finance, Data Center, Training Initiatives, Little League Softball, Charter Committee, Marketing, and Communications.
Here is what some of the D.A.s took away from the event:
“Having the experienced D.A.s here is very helpful to get their input because they’ve been there. As a new D.A., being able to hear information on how to react to certain situations, especially come tournament time, from the people that help in making the rules and interpretations is great.”
– Josh Bryant, California District 61
“I was able to take some information from the Softball and Challenger sessions to take back and help grow the program. It’s been nice to get everyone together, we’ve already gotten a nice comradery together and we’ve already talked about staying in contact and helping each other.”
– Frank Trenkle, New Jersey District 18
“For me, the Roles of the D.A. session was the most helpful since it talked about the procedures and goals. Also learning about League Development.”
– Juan Melgard, Guatemala
”All of the resources and tools that are out there, from Little League University to the implementation of the new Data Center. I want to be able to help get more community involvement and assist the leagues with their marketing and fundraising.”
– William Crandall, Michigan District 6