FIRST-YEAR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS RECEIVE TRAINING AT LITTLE LEAGUE® HEADQUARTERS

Little League District Administrators (D.A.s) are 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. 9 and 10.

Traveling from different points throughout the globe, including Greece, Hungary, and Switzerland, along with several U.S. states, D.A.s spent two intensive days interacting with Little League International staff, 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.”

These distinguished volunteers also became students of the new Little League University, with several Little League International staff members presented a series of classroom-style lessons. Rotating between several small-group sessions, the D.A.s, most of whom were newly-elected or appointed within the past year, were introduced and educated on various components of the Little League program. The event is the first to be powered by Little League University, Little League’s new training platform, which will formally launch with a new website, LittleLeagueU.org, later this fall.

“To be a good District Administrator you need to support the leagues, and be a liaison between them, the region, and Williamsport,” said Kitty Golden, California District 20 Administrator, who volunteered as an Assistant District Administrator for 11 years prior to her election. “You think of Little League as this really huge thing – and it is this really huge thing population-wise – but to meet someone, and really get the sense that there is a support system, and there are people here for you, is very reassuring.”

Whether they are new to the Little League family, or have been serving their local leagues in a different capacity, all of the new D.A.s left Williamsport excited to get to work with their leagues to create the best Little League experience for all the children in their communities around the world.

“Peru has not had Little League before, so from the day I was appointed in August by Latin America Region Director Carlos Pagan, I’ve tried to build connections with what baseball there is in my country, and bring it into Little League,” said Pete Krupczyk, Peru District 1 Administrator. “I am helping to give the children in Peru an opportunity to see and enjoy what kids in the United States sometimes take for granted. I came to this training to get a better feel for how things are to be run the Little League way. After this weekend, I feel confident that I can get the access, information and answers I’ll need to help them understand how Little League works.”

During the event, the presentations focused on the role and responsibilities of the D.A. Included were discussions on current and future training initiatives, league finance, insurance and risk management, league development, marketing, communications, Little League Softball®, the Little League Challenger Division® and the Little League Urban Initiative. The contingent also had the opportunity to hear from Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO; and Patrick Wilson, Senior Vice President of Operations and Program Development.