Requirement

Each coach that coaches for Cross Plains Babe Ruth must be certified by the National Babe Ruth Organization. The certification must be complete prior to the start of the year. This is an online course found at www.baberuth.org. This course is between 2 and 4 hours long. The cost of the course is $20.00. Upon completion of the course you will receive a printed certificate. Print two (2) copies; one (1) for your and one (1) to be turned in to Cross Plain Baseball and you will be reimbursed the $20.00.

You may not coach in the State Tournament without the certificate. All coaches are subject to a background check before coaching. Coaches are encouraged to watch coaching video tapes or go to coaching clinics. We have a library of coaching videos which can be checked out (see Jim Nonn). All clinics must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to going to clinic.

Coach’s Code of Conduct

The coach’s Code of Conduct provides guidance for coach behavior and the expectations of the Cross Plains Baseball program. All Coaches who are certified and actively coaching in the program are expected to be familiar and comply with the Code of Conduct guidelines.

I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of any personal desire to win.
I will remember to treat each player as an individual, remembering the large spread of emotional and physical development for the age group.
I will support a drug, alcohol and tobacco-free sports environment and agree to assist by refraining from their use at all youth sports games.
I will do my very best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.
I promise to review and practice the necessary first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players.
I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.
I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players and officials.
I will insure that I am knowledgeable in the rules of the sport that I coach and that I will teach these rules to my players.
I will remember that I am a youth coach and that the game is for the children and not for adults.

A breech in expected coach’s conduct will be reviewed by the Cross Plains Baseball Board and may be subject to disciplinary action. Corrective actions include but are not limited to a verbal warning, a written warning, or seasonal dismissal from the program.

If the Board determines that dismissal is necessary, the coach will no longer be allowed to participate in practices and cannot be present on the sideline during games. The program will also expect the coach to refrain from communicating with players and families through resources, including email lists.

Coaches who have been dismissed for the balance of a season can be eligible to coach the following season, pending Cross Plains Baseball Board review, discussion and approval. This process requires the offending coach to submit, in writing, a formal request for reinstatement.

Philosophy

In order to have a successful coaching staff, it is critically important that everyone understand the philosophy of the Cross Plains Baseball program and then coach with that philosophy in games and in practices. It is our job as coaches to teach and train each and every player regardless of talent the fundamentals of baseball as well as team work. While winning is truly an important part, it must be done in a way that involves all the players provided that players are acting within the guidelines of the Player and Parent Code of Conduct. It is also extremely important that the coaches understand the importance of motivating the players, and making sure that all players respect their teammates, and their opponents. It is also very important that coaches understand and respect the differences between the head coach and assistant coach.

During the games it is the coach’s responsibility to motivate the players to give it their best effort, and correct mistakes being made by talking to the players in a positive way, showing them what they can do to improve and help the team.

It is unacceptable for a coach to belittle a player, make a player cry, or use language that is inappropriate. If a player is not giving the effort required it is handled by talking with the player, and making sure the player understands the importance of teamwork and giving their best effort and possible sitting on the bench.

Finally the assistant coach is on the bench to give positive feedback to the players and help them to improve or understand mistakes so they can be better when they enter the game the next time. They are also on the bench to be an advisor to the head coach on playing time and help motivate players for their efforts. It is also their responsibility to help make sure players are handling their offense and defense responsibilities.

The head coach is responsible for many things during a game which includes talking to officials, moving players around, lineups, and substitutions and making sure everyone is working hard and respecting the game and the opponent. It is important that the team is performing as a team and not as individuals.

Cross Plains Baseball encourages the participation of parent. While we can only have three (3) coaches on the bench during games, we encourage parents to help with practice when possible. This allows us to work on a variety of things during a practice.

At the Cal Ripken Levels Minor and Major we allow a parent to be a head coach with two (2) additional coaches during games.

At the Babe Ruth Level we again encourage parents participation as assistant coaches; but the head coach (unless we are unable to find one) will be a non-parent coach.

Typically we start practices around April 1^st with the exception of the 15, 16-18 year olds playing high school baseball as they are busy with their high school season. Normally we practice 2-4 times per week prior to games and 1-2 times per week once games start.

In addition each team is allowed to play up to three (3) tournaments per year plus the State Tournament. If a team wants to play additional tournaments during the season, this should not be at the expense of the players or parents if at all possible; should look for a sponsor or talk to the Board of Directors which will be treated on an individual case basis. This is also true if you want new jerseys for state tournament.

If you would like to be a Coach, please fill out the form below.