Looking to make an impact with the youth in our community? Do you have skills - life, leadership, patience and/or sports - you can share with the children of Dowagiac? We are looking for POSITIVE role models to serve as team managers and coaches from T-Ball through Junior Division Baseball & Softball.When registration opens for the Spring season, fill out this form, and return it to the league, along with a copy of your state issued ID.Questions? Email us at [email protected] What does it mean to be a Little League Coach?
It's important to remember that coaches have a direct impact over the kids they work with during a sensitive and formative time in a child's life. It is necessary that a coach be a good leader. They should be able to command respect, but also exhibit the patience and understanding needed to work with children. It is important for a coach to realize that they are helping to shape the mental, physical, and emotional development of young people.
Should the Coach know the Game?
Yes. It's important that the coach know the game, know the rules, and understand how to teach it. But coaches are more than just teachers of the game...you are role models for life... children tend to idolize their coaches, not because they're the most successful coach or manager, but because their managers and coaches are sources of inspiration.Who is responsible for the Manager's or Coach's Conduct?
First and foremost, it is the managers or coaches themselves. Each of us must take responsibility for our actions.
What about the Board of Director's Responsibilities? The president selects and appoints the managers and coaches. As such, no person becomes a manager or coach without the approval of the president. All appointments are subject to final approval by the local league’s board of directors.
Only the local DYBSA board of directors has the authority to remove or suspend a manager or coach. If a parent or anyone else is dissatisfied with a manager or coach, they must present the issue to the DYBSA president and board of directors. Because the local league president and board of directors are closest to the situation, it would be a disservice if Little League Headquarters became involved in disputes or personality conflicts between managers/coaches and parents.
However, any person who believes that a manager or coach (or any other Little League personnel) is, or has been, violently or sexually abusive to children should report the situation immediately to Little League Baseball International Headquarters as well as to the local police. It is Little League policy that no person who has a history of sexual abuse toward children be given any volunteer responsibilities in Little League. Read more about the Little League Child Protection Program.