1. April 16, 2015

2. 1)Overview of P.L.A.Y. 2)Positive Coaching Alliance- PCA 3)Recap 4)New for 2015 5)Grade Level Overview 6)Playing Time 7)Equipment 8)P.L.A.Y. Code of Conduct 9)Questions

3. Prior Lake Athletics for Youth, services the Prior Lake Savage School District, providing competitive and fun athletic opportunities for kids. Our priority is safety, skill development, and the teaching of life lessons through sports. Our program promotes the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and integrity. We believe learning both success and failure through competition will benefit our future generations. Program Mission

5. All coaches must complete the following requirements:  2015 Spring/Summer Coaches Application  Background Check  Concussion Certification Head Coaches need to attend at Positive Coaching Alliance Workshop.  April 19 th or April 21 st at PLSH from 6:30-8:00.

6.  P.L.A.Y. aspires to be an outstanding educational athletic organization that provides a high quality experience to every athlete.  A high quality experience is one in which every athlete: ˜Is coached using the principles of Positive Coaching ˜Has Fun playing the game ˜Feels like an important part of the team regardless of performance ˜Learns “life lessons” that have value beyond the playing field ˜Learns the skills, tactics and strategies of the game and improves as a player Positive Coaching Alliance

7. I Make Positive Actions Count Today  Support your player, let it go and enjoy the sport  It should ALWAYS be fun…softball is a game not a job!  Next PAC Workshop: April 19, 2015 6:30-8:00 pm PLHS Lecture Hall Eric Rodine on “The Purpose of Coaching” I.M.P.A.C.T.

8.  Promote EFFORT: ˜Be prepared and give your best!  Enforce LEARNING: ˜Teach something new each day!  Manage MISTAKES: ˜They will happen know how to move on! E.L.M.

9.  Always Always Always Showing Respect for: ˜Rules ˜Opponents ˜Officials ˜Teammates ˜Self R.O.O.T.S.

10. “COACHES PLEDGE” I will promise to conduct myself in accordance to the following Code of Conduct at all times understanding that there will be consequences if abused. I will treat each athlete, other coaches, parents, and officials with respect and dignity. I will do my best to be prepared for all practices and games and teach the fundamental skills so all athletes have an opportunity to improve by active participation. I will become thoroughly familiar with the rules of my sport. I will uphold the authority of officials who are assigned to the contests in which I coach and I will assist them in every way to conduct a fair and impartial contest. I will communicate to my athletes and their parents the rights and responsibilities of individuals on our team. I will cooperate with the Directors and Administrators of our organization in the enforcement of rules and regulations, and I will report any irregularities that violate sound competitive practices. I will protect the health and safety of my athletes by insisting that all of the activities under my responsibilities are conducted for their psychological and physiological welfare, rather than for the vicarious interests of adults. I will not use profanity. I will not indulge in the use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs while attending P.L.A.Y. events. I will complete an online background check through P.L.A.Y. I will attain an updated Concussion Awareness Certificate I will complete an updated Coaches Application I will refrain from talking negatively about P.L.A.Y. sports and/or its participants/leaders and bring any concerns and comments to the attention of the P.L.A.Y. softball Board “BASIC RESPONSIBILITY” “I and my team, will represent Prior Lake Athletics with my personal best efforts, never bringing embarrassments or an unfavorable view to my team, coaches, family, P.L.A.Y., or community.” “PENALTY” Abuse brings restrictions. A penalty may vary from a minimum of one event suspension from coaching the athletic team to permanent restriction for that season and the following sport season. P.L.A.Y. SPORTSMANSHIP CODE: I will do my best to remember that youth sports are to be fun and to enjoy competition, and that winning and losing is part of everyone’s experience, respecting both the opponents and my team’s efforts.

11.  Signed During Registration  Players Will Make Mistakes  Coaches Will Make Mistakes  Officials Will Make Mistakes  You are Responsible for YOUR entire team  If Issues or Concerns Arise During the Season ˜Talk to the Head Coach ˜Talk to the Age Level Coordinator ˜Talk to the Director of In-House Softball

12.  Two nights per week ˜Mon/Wed  Two time slots per night ˜6:00 and 7:15  Fields ˜Ponds 8, Carriage Hills, Raspberry Ridge  Season Ends July 2 nd PreK/Kindergarten

13.  P LAYING F IELD  Placement of T  The T should be place directly over home plate.  Pitching Distance  The pitching distance is 25 feet if a coach is pitching.  Base Distance  The baseline is 40 feet and is measured from the apex of home plate  G AME T IME  The schedule will reflect an hour of field time, the first 15 minutes should be used to warm up and/or have a pregame practice. The official game time is approximately 45 minutes.  S CORING  The score is not kept. The focus in on introducing players to the game and building skills. The Basics of Softball in a Fun Atmosphere

14.  H ITTING  Each batter will hit off of a T.  Safely setting the T  The batter will position herself in the batter’s box ask the batter if she is ready, and remove his/her hand from the ball, move a safe distance away give a signal to the batter that they may play ball.  Number of “Pitches”  Each batter is allowed seven swings.  Bats  Bats marked T-ball or T-bat as well as softball bats are legal.  Softball  9 inch soft softball  Lineup  All players present bat every inning regardless of how many outs obtained by the defensive team.  There should be a new line up each inning, keeping a fair rotation throughout the season.  All players waiting to bat must sit on the team’s bench with their batting helmets on.  B ASE R UNNING  The base runners must touch bases in legal order (i.e. first, second third and home plate).  One base runner should be taught not pass a base runner in front of them.  Base Runners will stay on base regardless of being out.  Runners move one base at a timer per batter.  Overthrows are not recognized do not advance your runners  No Stealing or leading off  The last batter of the lineup hits a “home run” to clear the bases. The Basics of Softball in a Fun Atmosphere

15.  D EFENSE  Defensive Positions  All players in attendance are used on defense regardless of how many players are present.  Player Rotation  Positions should be rotated every inning.  No player will be allowed to play more than two innings in a row in the infield or the outfield.  Players should not play the same position more than one inning in any one game.  For safety reasons a player catcher is not utilized at this level.  The player pitcher must be positions at least 35 feet from home plate.  We do not call a infield fly rule  Field Coaches  There is no limit to the number of defensive coaches permitted on the field with the players.  Coaches are permitted anywhere on the field and are encouraged to provide as much instruction as possible to the players.  Coaches should always make a reasonable effort to avoid contacting any player and/or batted or thrown ball that would otherwise be considered “in-play” except in the obvious interests of their own protection, or protecting a player from harm.  Defensive and Offensive Switch  The defensive and offensive teams switch when all players of one team have taken a turn to bat. The Basics of Softball in a Fun Atmosphere

16.  Two Nights per Week ˜Mon/Wed  Two Time Slots per Night ˜6:00 and 7:15  Fields ˜Jeffers Pond South, Willows, Woodridge  Season Ends July 2 nd Learning to Understand the Game, Work on Basic Hitting, and Fielding, Throwing

17.  P LAYING F IELD  Pitching Distance  The pitching distance is 30 feet and is measured from the apex of home plate to the front foot of the coach pitcher.  Base Distance  The baseline is 45 feet and is measured from the apex of home plate  G AME T IME  The schedule will reflect 65 minutes of field time, the first 15 minutes should be used to warm up and/or have a pregame practice. The official game time is approximately 50 minutes.  S CORING  The score is not kept. The focus in on introducing players to the game and building skills. Learning to Understand the Game, Work on Basic Hitting, and Fielding, Throwing

18.  H ITTING  Pitching  A coach from each team will pitch to the batters on their own team.  Pitched ball is dead when it hits the ground or if the coach pitcher is hit with a batted ball, it is a dead ball and the batter returns to the batter’s box.  Number of Pitches  Each batter is allowed seven pitches.  Bats  Bats marked as softball bats are legal.  Softball  10 inch soft softball  Lineup  All players present bat every inning regardless of how many outs obtained by the defensive team.  There should be a new line up each inning, keeping a fair rotation throughout the season.  All players waiting to bat must sit on the team’s bench with their batting helmets on.  Bunting is not permitted.  B ASE R UNNING  The base runners must touch bases in legal order (i.e. first, second third and home plate).  One base runner may not pass a base runner in front of them; doing so will result in an out.  Base Runners may be called out; however three outs are not enforced. The player that is out returns to the bench and the rest of the lineup continues to bat.  Runners move one base at a timer per batter, if there is a hit into the outfield grass runners may advance two bases.  Overthrows are not recognized and base runners to not advance.  No stealing or leading off  The last batter of the lineup hits a “home run” to clear the bases. Learning to Understand the Game, Work on Basic Hitting, and Fielding, Throwing

19.  D EFENSE  Defensive Positions  A 10 player defense is used  Player Rotation  Positions should be rotated every inning.  No player will be allowed to play more than two innings in a row in the infield or the outfield.  Players should not play the same position more than one innings in any one game, unless a bench player must enter the game due to injury of another player that was in the same position she was in earlier.  Catchers must wear full catcher’s equipment  The player pitcher must be positions off-to-the side and behind the pitching coach.  The infield fly rule is not enforced.  Field Coaches  A maximum of two defensive coaches are permitted on the field.  Coaches are permitted anywhere on the field and are encouraged to provide direction to the players but should not assist in the play.  Defensive and Offensive Switch  The defensive and offensive teams switch when all players of one team have taken a turn to hit. Learning to Understand the Game, Work on Basic Hitting, and Fielding, Throwing

20.  Two Nights per Week and Some Saturdays ˜Tues/Thurs/Sat  Two Time Slots per Night ˜6:00 and 7:15 9:00 and 10:15 (Sat am)  Fields ˜Jeffers Pond North, Jeffers Pond South  Possibility of mid season tournament with South Metro League  Season Ends July 25 th with Year End Tournament ˜New this year we will be joining with baseball for a bigger more fun event. Skill Improvement, Understanding Situations, Introduction to Player Pitching, & Tournament Play

21.  P LAYING F IELD  Pitching Distance  The pitching distance is 35 feet and is measured from the apex of home plate to the front bar of the pitching machine.  Base Distance  The baseline is 55 feet and is measured from the apex of home plate  The Runner’s base is be used at first base.  On Deck Circle  The on deck circle is a five foot circle placed adjacent to the end of the team’s bench closest to home plate.  G AME T IME  The schedule will reflect 75 minutes of field time, the first 15 minutes should be used to warm up and/or have a pregame practice. The official game time is 60 minutes.  S CORING  While the focus is still skill development and having a positive experience if the coaches wish to the score can be kept. Score books can be provided to each team. Win/loss records and standings will not be kept by the league. Skill Improvement, Understanding Situations, Introduction to Player Pitching, & Tournament Play

22.  H ITTING  Pitching  A coach from each team will operate the pitching machine and pitch to the batters on their own team.  Pitched ball is dead when it hits the ground or if the coach pitcher or pitching machine is hit with a batted ball, it is a dead ball and the batter is returns to the batter’s box.  Each batter is allowed seven pitches or three strikes, whichever comes first. The seventh pitch unless hit fair or foul will be an out, there are NO walks. In order for the batter to run the ball should be hit fair.  Pitching Machine  Spring speed should be at 7, all other settings at 3.  All pitching machines MUST be operated by a coach. For their own safety, players are NOT allowed to operate the pitching machines at any time, for any reason.  Bats  Bats marked as softball bats are legal.  Softball  11 inch hard softball  Lineup  There should be a new line up each game, keeping a fair rotation throughout the season.  The on-deck batter should stand in the on- deck circle  Bunting is only permitted if the batter has a face mask attached to their batting helmet.  B ASE R UNNING  The base runners must touch bases in legal order  One base runner may not pass a base runner in front of them; doing so will result in an out.  A base runner must stop advancing once the ball has been thrown to or brought to the pitcher or another infield player or if the umpire or a coach calls time. There is no restriction on the number of bases a base runner may advance on a hit.  Overthrows  Base runners may advance only one base on an overthrow regardless of how far the ball travels past the intended target.  Advancing on an overthrow is a live ball play and the base runner assumes the risk of advancing, it is not an automatic advancement like the ball going out of play.  No stealing or leading off is ever allowed. Base runners may not leave their base until the pitched ball crossed the plate or is hit. Skill Improvement, Understanding Situations, Introduction to Player Pitching, & Tournament Play

23.  D EFENSE  Defensive Positions  A 10 player defense is used. Any additional players must be rotated on the bench fairly. No player will sit on the bench more than one inning in a game unless all players have sat one inning.  Player Rotation  Players should be rotated every inning.  No player will be allowed to play more than two innings in a row in the infield or the outfield.  Players may not play the same position more than two innings in any one game and never consecutive, unless a bench player must enter the game due to injury of another player that was in the same position she was in earlier.  Catchers must wear full catcher’s equipment  The player pitcher must be positions off-to-the side of the pitching coach.  The infield fly rule is not enforced.  Field Coaches  Coaches are not permitted on the defensive field and should direct players from their team bench. Coaches are permitted only in the outfield and are encouraged to provide direction to the players but should not assist in the play and should not stand in the infield.  Defensive and Offensive Switch  The defensive and offensive teams switch when the defensive team obtains 3 outs or when all the offensive team obtains five runs or the team has batted through their lineup once. Skill Improvement, Understanding Situations, Introduction to Player Pitching, & Tournament Play

24. Represent Prior Lake in a Friendly Competitive Game, Continue to Improve in Skill Development and Situational Knowledge  Two Nights per Week and Some Saturdays ˜Tues/Thurs/Sat  Two Time Slots per Night ˜6:00 and 7:15 9:00 and 10:15 (Sat am)  Fields ˜Practices will be at the Prior Lake High School North Fields ˜Games are played in Prior Lake, Savage, and Burnsville  Two Tournaments ˜Mid Season Tournament will be in Prior Lake June 20-21 ˜End of Year Tournament will be in Burnsville July 25-26

25. RuleIntermediatesSeniors Grades5-78-12 Game Length7 innings Legal Game5 Innngs5 Innings Base Distance65 Feet Pitching Distance46 Feet50 Feet Infield Fly RuleNo 15 run after 5 th Yes Pitch Count3-2 Who PitchesPlayer Who OfficiatesUmpire Max Run per Inning 10 Game Time90 Single 75 Double 90 Double 75 Single Represent Prior Lake in a Friendly Competitive Game, Continue to Improve in Skill Development and Situational Knowledge

26.  Coach’s Clinic Put on by PLHS Varsity Coaches  April 21 6:15 Varsity Field  GREAT opportunity to learn drills and techniques that are used by Varsity team.  5-12 TH first day of practice April 20  Prek-4 th first day of practice May 11  Pictures-will be posted, still being finalized  Mid season tournament June 20-21 in PL  End of season tournament July 25-26  Burnsville 5th-12 th  PL 3rd/4th

27.  All games at the In-House level are for player development.  Players should have the opportunity to play EVERY position and coaches are required to rotate their players ever 1-3 innings depending on the age level.  Players must be rotated EVENLY on the bench no player should sit a second time before all the players sit once.  If playing time is reduced for attendance attitude or discipline issues (3 rd grade and above) we expect coaches to communicate this with the players and parents.

28.  Required Equipment ˜Shoes, cleats are not required but can be worn, no metal cleats ˜Glove ˜Helmet, must be NOCSAE approved ˜Pants, shorts or athletic pants should be worn Player Provided Equipment

29.  Bats  Balls  Bases  Tees  Pitching Machines  Catcher’s Gear  First Aid Kit  Uniform Jersey and Socks P.L.A.Y. Provided Equipment