Montville Little League Coaches Guide
Overview
Welcome to Montville Little League coaching! We appreciate your time and dedication to developing better baseball and softball players — and better people. This guide outlines expectations, best practices, and helpful tools for both new and returning coaches.
Coaching Expectations
- Prioritize Player Safety: The safety of our players is paramount. Communicate any concerns with our Safety Officer or league officials.
- Foster a Positive Environment: Encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect. Model positive behavior — your attitude sets the tone.
- Teach Fundamentals and Skills: Focus on batting, fielding, pitching, and base running. Plan practices that promote steady skill progression.
- Communicate Effectively: Keep open lines with players, parents, and league staff. Be clear about expectations and use the GameChanger app for updates.
- Promote Equal Participation: Especially at early levels, give all players opportunities to learn and contribute. Be fair, but uphold standards consistently.
- Follow Little League Rules: Adhere to division rules, including pitch counts and player rotations.
- Inspire a Love for the Game: Celebrate effort and improvement. Help players enjoy learning and competing.
Game Day Expectations
- Field Preparation: For Minors and above, the home team preps the field and the away team helps with cleanup. Coaches at lower divisions may choose to chalk fields as desired.
- Umpiring: Majors and above have scheduled umpires. For Minors the goal is to have umpires scheduled, but priority will go to Majors and above. Coaches at the Coach Pitch level will share umpiring duties as needed.
- Behavior: Coaches and parents are expected to model good sportsmanship. Cheer loudly and positively, but avoid criticism of others. One warning will be issued before removal from the facility if necessary.
Helpful Resources
Little League Rules:
Additional Help: