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.