1. Don Victoria Softball League

2. April 2, 2012 Coaches Meeting for T-Ball Coaches

3. Agenda Introductions League Structure & Overview Coaches Responsibilities & Duties Play & Learn Format Role of Convenor – How to deal with problems Review of League rules Equipment management Wrap-up

4. DVSL Coaches Meeting Welcome and Introductions

5. Don Victoria Softball League Overview of League & Structure

6. 2012 Don Victoria Softball League Executive Co-Chairs: – Dan Leliever – Juanita Devine UIC – Brian Cook Treasurer- Karen Fraser Registrar- Warren Jones Equip.& Fac.- Vacant Web-master- Mike Fusco Secretary- Juanita Devine Sponsor coordinator - Vicki Cook Coach & Convenor Coordinator – Dan Leliever Photo & Trophy Coordinator- Liz Fusco Uniform Coordinator- Elaine Macklin Schedule Coordinator- Staci Andrews Forms/Info Coordinator- Jennifer Woodward T-Ball convenor- Liz Fusco Mite convenor: Fadia Cocco Girls convenors: – Elaine Macklin – Ruby Ward Boys convenors: – Rhonda Cook – Linda Griffiths

7. Don Victoria Softball League Whats in 2012 Continuing to implement Lets Play curriculum at T-Ball Based on feedback- no umpires at T-Ball Division Two Umpires when feasible at youth levels Increase in permit fees Fewer girls at T-Ball & Mite levels Registration – 7 T- Ball teams – 3 Co-ed Mite teams – 4 Youth Girls Teams – 3 Youth Boys Teams – 7 Adult Teams

8. Don Victoria Softball League Important dates for 2012 April 18 - Season begins May 8-9 - Picture Day June 23/24 - Championship Day

9. Don Victoria Softball League Team Selection- T-Ball Balancing – Age – Gender Promoting Safety - Everyone feels included

10. T-Ball players- 2012 season 200520062007Totals Team 12 B (boys)4B, 1G (girl)5 B, 1G13 Team 22 B4B4 B, 2G12 Team 34 B3B,3B, 2G12 Team 42 B4B, 1G5 B, 1G13 Team 52 B, 2G3B6 B13 Team 63B4B4 B, 2G13 Team 73B, 1G2B, 1G5 B12 Totals 21 ( 19B, 3G ) 27 ( 26 B,3 G)40 (32B 8G)88( 74B,14G)

11. Don Victoria Softball League Coaches package Coaches Duties Rules for the League Team List & Contact Info Team Schedule Parent Letter Exec Info & Contact Info Equipment Maintenance Info Score Sheets ( above T-Ball )

12. Don Victoria Softball League Coaches Responsibilities & Duties

13. DVSL: Coaches Responsibilities & Duties Adhere to the Leagues Code of Conduct -Respect Umpires Players/Children Parks/facilities Coaches - Encourage Educate Motivate Support development Show appreciation - Praise Offer praise Turn defeat into victory Applaud good plays on both teams Have Fun

14. DVSL: Coaches Responsibilities & Duties Reinforce League Mandate To teach recreational softball skills, good sportsmanship, honesty, teamwork & commitment to players Follow League Rules

15. DVSL: Coaches Responsibilities & Duties Demonstrate & promote good sportsmanship Be a positive role model Be prepared for practices & games Be knowledgeable of coaches duties at games: park set-up, getting started on time See coaches Duties Be knowledgeable of the Play to Learn format (handbook provided)

16. DVSL: Coaches Responsibilities & Duties Contact convenor with any issues/concerns Contact UIC re clarification of rules F/U re unsigned waivers as necessary, see call list ( Players can NOT play until indemnity waiver is signed! ) Refer parents to Convenor if unable to resolve their issue/concern Reschedule & play all cancelled games

17. T-Ball – Play & Learn What is Play to Learn? Designed and endorsed by Softball Canada Focus on Fun, Action & Positive atmosphere Non stressful way to learn the basics of softball Resource handbooks provided More info can be found at WWW.softball.ca

18. T-Ball – Play to Learn First ½ of evening skill development exercises/drills 2 teams work together on skill development exercises/drills Engage parents' assistance 2 nd ½ of evening- applies developing skills in a game setting to promote understanding & confidence

19. T-Ball – Play & Learn Coaching T-Ball players -Sarah El Raheb

20. Don Victoria Softball League Role of Convenor

21. Don Victoria Softball League Role of Convenor Represents coaches/players at Exec. Comm. Mtgs. and communicates league info back to coaches Oversees conduct of team players, coaches and parents Assists Coaches in player/parent disciplinary matters Collects and maintains info re teams results for Division ( above T-Ball)

22. Don Victoria Softball League Review of League Rules Brian Cook

23. Don Victoria Softball League League Equipment Juanita Devine

24. Don Victoria Softball League Team Equipment Team bags available for pick up today Do not remove team tag # Use League issued/approved equipment Content list provided for reference Carry an old blanket or sleeping bag for cool nights

25. Don Victoria Softball League Different sizes of helmets and bats provided ( no need to un-do chin-straps Discourage players from throwing helmets on ground 1 set Shin Guards and a Chest protector provided Adjust straps on shin guards (no knots) Contact Equipment manager re size concerns

26. Don Victoria Softball League Integrated back-catchers helmets & masks Straps on batters helmets Safe bases ( above T-Ball level) Have Players Label their Gloves!!!

27. Don Victoria Softball League Keep track of your equipment

28. Don Victoria Softball League Equipment lost during 2012 season - Youth Division Equipment# Est. Replacement cost Chest protector1$40.00 Bats (Various sizes, 24, 26, 27,29, 20, 32 ) 8$300.00 Wiffle balls6$9.00 Pitchers mounds & spikes3$10.00

29. Don Victoria Softball League Preparing the field

30. Don Victoria Softball League Home team prepares park for game Allow 15 minutes for preparation ( more if it has rained) Carry a rake & shovel if possible A bucket & old shammys come in handy Hammer & Tape measure provided Distance from pitchers mound to home plate measured from back of home plate Use foul posts as a guide when available

31. Don Victoria Softball League Use hammers to secure base spikes Protect base straps when hammering in base spikes Use care in removing bases.. The new ones will not last as long as the vintage bases Check dug-out and field for equipment before leaving park Remind players/parents to collect their garbage Dry wet equipment. Trade damaged equipment for a replacement

32. Don Victoria Softball League Clean equipment bag at end of season!!! Check for players personal belongings and return to owner Return equipment on Championship day

33. Don Victoria Softball League To Play or not to Play!!

34. Don Victoria Softball League To Play or not to play! Games can be rescheduled if both teams agree Coaches can decide amongst themselves – please let Convenor know what you decide For T-ball – Cold weather may also be a consideration.

35. Don Victoria Softball League Cancelations due to weather or park conditions – Who decides & when Home team coach in consultation with away team – Who Needs to know Other coach Players Convenor

36. Don Victoria Softball League Getting started

37. Tips for Practices What has worked for you?

38. Don Victoria Softball League Celebrate success no matter how big or small.

39. Questions?

40. Spring Ball is unpredictable Be Prepared!

41. Softball is a family activity!

42. Encourage family involvement

43. Don Victoria Softball League Final Thoughts Consider providing a parent letter Consider having a treat list for games. Have a parent organize. Have a plan for communicating cancellations Consider the age & development stage of players Look for ways to recognize achievements Have fun, youll get back more than you give Share your experiences & stories with friends and family

44. Don Victoria Softball League Final thoughts Plan to repeat Parent survey this season Your availability for mid-season coaches meeting? Consider joining the Executive Committee Promote parental involvement, eg coaching, convenor, Executive Committee

45. Don Victoria Softball League Executive Committee Positions PositionsRole & estimated time commitment ( In addition to attending the majority of meetings) SecretaryRecord & circulate meeting notes of Executive Committee – approx 10-12 (2 hour) meetings/ season Asst Equipment managerApprox 15 hours at end/beginning of season to prepare team equipment bags for distribution Asst Sponsor CoordinatorApprox 15 Hours at beginning of season to identify & confirm sponsors Coach CoordinatorApprox 10 hours to recruit coaches and distribute key information to coaches Convenor CoordinatorApprox 5 hours to recruit convenors and distribute key information to Division Convenors General MemberAssist as necessary to support League functioning

46. Resources for coaches DVSL Coaches package Other League Coaches Sample parent letter on DVSL Website Local Library for books on coaching softball Softball Ontario Resources available for loan from Executive Websites: – www.y-coach.com www.y-coach.com – www.game-ex.com/drills www.game-ex.com/drills – www.specialolympics.org/softball.apex www.specialolympics.org/softball.apex – www.oasa.ca/links www.oasa.ca/links

47. Lets Play Ball!!!! Have a great season !