Handbook
Jr. Dawgs Baseball and Softball Handbook
I. Introduction.
The Jr. Dawgs Baseball and Softball Association, Inc. is comprised of baseball and softball teams of several ages, and our coaches and volunteers strive to teach the game to our players in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. Our Board is committed to the mission of teaching youth baseball and softball as a means of helping children in Central Illinois.
II. Organizational Structure.
We are an Illinois nonprofit organization and federally recognized by the IRS as a public charity. We are governed by a Board of Directors and led by our President, who is tasked with handling the administrative functions of the Association. Our Board members and President are unpaid volunteers who are committed to the mission of teaching the game to Central Illinois youth. Our coaches are accepted by the Board of Directors upon successful completion of requisite background checks and interviews.
III. Age Divisions
Baseball: 8u, 9u, 10u, 11u, 12u
Softball: 8u, 10u, 12u
IV. Roles and Responsibilities
President
The President of the Association is tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the Association.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets the guidelines for the program and supports coaches in administrative functions and in other areas of team management, including setting team budgets, scheduling umpires, coordinating concession stand schedules, setting practice schedules, coordinating game schedules, preparing fields before and after games and practices, ordering team apparel, ordering team equipment, recognizing sponsors, fundraising, and other duties as required.
Coaches
Coaches prioritize individual and team development through practices and games. Coaches manage the day-to-day functions of their teams, including setting lineups, planning practices, organizing games and tournaments, among other responsibilities. Playing time and position placement are at the sole discretion of the coaches and no one else.
Players
Players are expected to bring a positive attitude to games and practices. They are expected to listen to their coaches during games and practices and display a willingness to learn the game during games and practices. Players are expected to attend all games and practices and must do their best to communicate when they are unable to attend. Building communication skills in our youth is a goal of our Association!
Parents/Guardians
Parents and guardians are expected to support up the chain, starting with their players and teammates. All parents and guardians should recognize that the coaches are to prioritize the players over anyone else. Parents are expected to display proper decorum during games and any applicable open practices. If parents or guardians fail to display proper decorum, they and their player may be removed from the Association with no refund. Under no circumstances will parents or guardians display unsportsmanlike behavior to any players, coaches, officials, or other fans.
Other Family
Family members are expected to act with proper decorum. If family fails to display proper decorum, they and their player may be removed from the Association. Under no circumstances will family members display unsportsmanlike behavior to any players, coaches, officials, or other fans.
Fans
Fans are expected to act with proper decorum. If family fails to display proper decorum, they and their player may be removed from the Association. Under no circumstances will family members display unsportsmanlike behavior to any players, coaches, officials, or other fans.
V. Code of Conduct.
All Board Members, Coaches, Players, Family, and Fans are expected to handle themselves in a way that reflects positively on the Association. Everyone should respect all game officials, coaches, fans, and players. They should refrain from negative verbal or physical interactions. They should represent our program with integrity on and off the field.
VI. Player Expectations.
Players are expected to attend all games and practices unless communicated in advance. Arrive on time and prepared in the proper attire. Give 100% effort in all drills, games, and team events. Accept coaching with a positive attitude. Practice positive teambuilding!
VII. Parent/Guardian Expectations.
Support the players and all volunteer coaches at all times! Do not address any baseball or softball related concerns with a coach until 24 hours have passed since the incident or event that leads to the sport-related concern. Address any player safety issues with coaches immediately. Volunteer when possible to promote stewardship within the program and community, including signing up to work concessions when possible. Avoid any confrontational or disruptive behavior during games or practices. Do not attempt to “coach” your player or any other player during a game or practice. Do not argue with umpires. Do not argue with opposing fans. Be a model for good behavior!
VIII. Coach Expectations.
Complete required training, including Association-required background checks. Promote a learning-first environment. Make every effort to learn various coaching styles to assist players who learn in different ways. Enforce Association policies and procedures respectfully. Report injuries to players promptly to parents/guardians.
IX. Conflict Resolution Procedure.
Step 1. No contact with coaches until 24-hours after a game or practice. (Exception- player injury or emergent player safety concern)
Step 2. Coach Conference. Schedule a time to meet in person with a coach. The player, parent/guardian and coach must both be present for the meeting. Coaches will not hold meetings with non-parents or non-guardians.
Step 3. If unresolved, parent or guardian shall inform the coach that they would like to bring the matter to the attention of the Board.
Step 4. Board Review. The Board will meet with player, parent/guardian, and coach to discuss the issue.
(Note. Coaches may choose to not discuss playing time. These conferences shall not be about other players.)
X. Health and Safety.
Coaches are encouraged to become CPR and First Aid Certified. AED’s and first aid kits are located in the St. Teresa Softball and St. Teresa Baseball Field press boxes.
XI. Disciplinary Guidelines.
Coaches are in charge of their teams. Board Members may assist when needed. Disciplinary matters will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The Board of Directors reserves the right to remove a player or parent/guardian from the program for any disciplinary reason without refund.
XII. Contact Information.