1. Don Victoria Softball League

2. April 4, 2011 Coaches Meeting for T-Ball Coaches

3. Agenda Introductions League Structure & Overview Play & Learn Format Role of Convenor – How to deal with problems Review of League rules – Insurance/Umpires Equipment management Wrap-up

4. DVSL Coaches’ Meeting Welcome and Introductions

5. Don Victoria Softball League Overview of League & Structure Shannon Brooks

6. 2011 Don Victoria Softball League Executive President - Shannon Brooks UIC – Brian Cook Treasurer- Karen Fraser Equip.& Fac.- Tony Devine Web-master- Linden Hilson Secretary- Juanita Devine Sponsor coordinator - Michele Garret Coach & Convenor coordinator – Dan Leliever Trophy Coordinator- Liz Fusco T-Ball convenor- Jennifer Woodward Mite convenor - Jeff Steele Girls convenor- Ruby Ward Boys convenor- TBC Gen. Assistance members: – Victoria Cook - Linda Griffiths

7. Don Victoria Softball League What’s New in 2011 Continuing to implement Let’s Play curriculum at T- Ball On-Line Registration Registration ↑ – 6 T- Ball teams – 4 Co-ed Mite teams – 5 Youth Boys Teams – 4 Youth Girls Teams – 7 Adult Teams

8. Don Victoria Softball League Important dates for 2011 April 18 - Season begins May 9-10 - Picture Day June 25 - Championship Day

9. Don Victoria Softball League Team Selection Balancing – Age range – Size and skill Promoting Safety - Everyone feels included

10. Don Victoria Softball League Coaches package Coaches Duties Rules for the League - Refer to website Team List & Contact Info Team Schedule Parent Letter Exec Info & Contact Info Equipment Maintenance Info Score Sheets ( above T-Ball )

11. T-Ball – Play & Learn What is play to learn? Designed and endorsed by Softball Canada Focus on Fun, Action & Positive atmosphere Non stressful way to learn the basics of softball More info can be found at WWW.softball.ca

12. Don Victoria Softball League Coaches Duties

13. Don Victoria Softball League Role of Convenor

14. Don Victoria Softball League Role of Convenor Represents coaches/players at Exec. Comm. Mtgs. and communicates league info back to coaches Oversees conduct of team players, coaches and parents Assists Coaches in player/parent disciplinary matters Collects and maintains info re teams results for Division

15. Don Victoria Softball League To Play or not to Play!!

16. Don Victoria Softball League Cancelations due to weather or park conditions – Who decides & when Home team coach & UIC – Who Needs to know Other coach Players UIC Convenor

17. Don Victoria Softball League To Play or not to play! Can be rescheduled if both teams agree Coaches can decide amongst themselves – please let convener & UIC know what you decide For T-ball – Cold weather may also be a consideration.

18. Don Victoria Softball League Review of League Rules Brian Cook

19. Don Victoria Softball League League Equipment Tony Devine

20. Don Victoria Softball League Team Equipment Team bags available for pick up today Do not remove team tag # Use League issued/approved equipment Content list provided for reference Carry an old blanket or sleeping bag for cool nights

21. Don Victoria Softball League Different sizes of helmets and bats provided 1 set Shin Guards and a Chest protector provided Adjust straps on shin guards (no knots) Contact Equipment manager re size concerns

22. Don Victoria Softball League Integrated back-catchers helmets & masks Straps on batters helmets Safe bases ( above T-Ball level)

23. Don Victoria Softball League Preparing the field : Home team prepares park for game Allow 15 minutes for preparation Carry a rake and shovel if possible Hammer & Tape measure provided Distance from pitcher’s mound to home plate measured from back of home plate Use foul posts as a guide when available

24. Don Victoria Softball League Use hammers to secure base spikes Protect base straps when hammering in base spikes Check dug-out and field for equipment before leaving park Dry wet equipment. Trade damaged equipment for a replacement

25. Don Victoria Softball League Clean equipment bag at end of season Return equipment on Championship day

26. Don Victoria Softball League Getting started

27. Tips for Practices What has worked for you?

28. Don Victoria Softball League Celebrate success no matter how big or small.

29. Questions?

30. Spring Ball is unpredictable Be Prepared!

31. Softball is a family activity!

32. Encourage family involvement

33. Don Victoria Softball League Final Thoughts Consider providing a parent letter Consider having a treat list for games. Have a parent organize. Have a plan for communicating cancellations Look for ways to recognize achievements Have fun, you’ll get back more than you give Share your experiences & stories with friends and family

34. Resources for coaches DVSL Coaches package Other League Coaches Sample parent letter on DVSL Website Local Library for books on coaching softball Softball Ontario Resources available for loan from Executive Websites: – www.y-coach.com www.y-coach.com – www.game-ex.com/drills www.game-ex.com/drills – www.specialolympics.org/softball.apex www.specialolympics.org/softball.apex – www.oasa.ca/links www.oasa.ca/links

35. Lets Play Ball!!!! Have a great season !