Thank you for considering a volunteer opportunity with South Durham Little League (SDLL). SDLL is a 100% volunteer-led organization, and all league functions - from team parents to the league President - rely on support from our community. While not everyone can commit multiple hours per week like coaches or board members, many can contribute some time to make this a great environment for our children to grow. 

Above all, SDLL and Little League International are committed to providing a safe environment for our children. To ensure this, there are two important steps that must be completed before volunteering:

Step 1. Complete Your Volunteer Application and Background Check Request

*Note that you will be asked to upload a digital file of your Drivers License/Photo ID* 

• All volunteers must undergo an annual background check to comply with Little League Regulation I(c) 8 and 9. This is required before assuming any duties for the current season. 

• The background check must include:

  • A nationwide criminal search

  • A national sex offender registry search

  • A review of the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Centralized Disciplinary Database

  • A check against the Little League International Ineligible/Suspended List

• Baseball - How to Complete a Volunteer Application and Request a Background Check:

  • Early Enrollment Period

    • New to SDLL - No previous SportsConnect registration

    • Returning Volunteer - Previous SportsConnect registration 

  • Sign Up When Registering

    • All parents will be asked if they are interested in volunteering when registering their child. Completing the requested information will trigger a background check within 24 hours. Volunteers not registering a child should follow the workflow guides linked above.

• Softball - There is no early enrollment window for softball volunteers. All parents will be asked if they are interested in volunteering when registering their child. Completing the requested information will trigger a background check within 24 hours. Volunteers not registering a child should follow the workflow guides linked above.

Step 2. Complete Your Abuse Awareness Training

• Abuse Awareness Training is required to ensure the safety and well-being of our children. This training is compliant with the US Center for SafeSport and must be completed annually.

• Training Details:

  • The training takes approximately 30-45 minutes so have enough time to complete the entire training at once

  • The training is provided by the league at no cost to the volunteer

  • Complete the training on a personal computer, as cell phones can be unreliable

  • The videos can be viewed at 2x speed if desired

• How to complete the Abuse Awareness Training:

  • New Volunteers

  • Returning Volunteers

Board of Directors (24 Volunteers) - The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall management of the South Durham Little League from operations, safety, player development, scheduling, and fundraising. All Board of Directors are under the direction of the President of the league.

Head Coach (1 per team) - A head coach is the main point of contact for each baseball and softball team. The head coach is the primary contact between the league and the players/families. The head coach is responsible for between 10-13 players, team equipment, and field maintenance. The head coach is not required to have previous baseball and softball background knowledge but we would request the head coach serve as an assistant coach one year before becoming head coach. The head coach will be voted on by the Board of Directors for each season. The head coach is responsible for two practices and one game each week which becomes two games and one practice towards the end of the season. Head coaches are under the direction of the Vice President of Baseball, Vice President of Softball, and the Coaching Coordinator.

Assistant Coach (2-3 per team) - An assistant coach is under the direction of the head coach and assumes the role of head coach in the absence of the head coach. The assistant coach will likely take on the role of a base coach during a game. Assistant Coaches are under the direction of their head coach, Vice President of Baseball, Vice President of Softball, and the Coaching Coordinator.   

Team Parent (1 per team) - A team parent is someone who is responsible for the communications among the team with regards to the schedule of snacks (only if requested by the head coach), dugout assistance (as needed), SlugFest, team photos, and end of season tournament(s). Team Parents will remain under the direction of the league Secretary throughout the season.  

Field Coordinator (6-12 per season) - Each field that is maintained by the South Durham Little League requires at least 1 Field Coordinator. Some fields require more and therefore allow for more than one Field Coordinator. Field Coordinators are required to mow the field as needed, keep regular supply in the maintenance sheds, keep record of any equipment needs. Field Coordinators are under the direction of the league Facilities Coordinator.

Field Day Volunteers (multiple opportunities) - Prior to the start of the spring and fall seasons, it is customary to have days set aside to clean up the ballfields and surrounding areas. SDLL maintains a great working relationship with the Durham Public Schools and parks in exchange for regular maintenance of the fields. Information about these days will be publicized well in advance.

SlugFest Volunteers (Spring Season Only; multiple opportunities) - During the weekend (Friday and Saturday) of SlugFest (our league's one and only player-led fundraiser), Slugfest Volunteers are under the direction of the SlugFest Coordinator. SlugFest Volunteers can work on a SlugFest Committee (requires more responsibility) or they can sign up for volunteer shifts the weekend of the event.

GameChanger Team Manager (1 per team) - GameChanger is the application that is most commonly used for recording games in a play by play mode. Using this app helps the league and families to track scores and data about the game. In the event that the GameChanger manager is absent from a game, he or she can ask another parent to fill in.

Umpire Academy Alumnus & Alumna (multiple opportunities per season) - The SDLL Umpire Academy is an opportunity for our Player Alums to be trained to officiate a baseball or softball game. The Umpire Academy begins training prior to the scheduled season and works in shifts (games) throughout the season officiating younger divisions of baseball and softball. These volunteers are under the direction of the Umpire Coordinator. 

Adult Umpires (multiple opportunities per season) - This is a new opportunity! Adults (18+) will help us continue to grow and improve our umpiring network and league experience. Volunteers interested in this role will complete the LLI Umpire Training Course, attend a pre and post season meeting, and commit to covering a minimum of three games over the course of the season. 

**All Volunteers for the South Durham Little League are subject to a background check and multiple safety trainings before they are allowed to engage with our participants**