Overview

Welcome to Montville Little League coaching! We are so appreciative that you are giving your valuable time to help develop better baseball/softball players and humans. This guide will lay out our expectations as well as give tips, best practices, and provide tools whether you're a new or returning coach.

Coaching Expectations

Prioritize Player Safety
The safety of our players is paramount. Ensure every effort is made with that in mind. Communicate concerns with our league, specifically our Safety Officer.
Foster a Positive Environment
Encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect. Encourage players to support one another on and off the field. There will be plenty of opportunity for players focus on winning as they get older. Our behavior as coaches sets the baseline.
Teach Fundamentals and Skills
Develop players’ skills in batting, fielding, pitching, and base running. Try to have a plan for each practice that encourages progression throughout the season.
Communicate Effectively
Maintain open communication with players, parents, and league officials. Clearly outline expectations for attendance, behavior, and sportsmanship. Provide regular updates on schedules and team news. The use of the GameChanger app will be vital. Show up on time and ready to lead. Address disagreements with parents, players, or officials respectfully. Seek help from league officials if needed.
Promote Equal Participation
Particularly at the early stages of little league, give all players an opportunity to play and improve. Avoid favoritism and treat each player fairly. At the same time, hold the standard that you communicated at the beginning of the season.
Follow Little League Rules
Follow all league guidelines, including age-appropriate rules. If applicable, ensure compliance with pitch counts and player rotation rules.
Inspire a Love for the Game
Celebrate both small and big accomplishments. Encourage players to continue improving and enjoying softball/baseball.

Game Day Expectations

Field Preparation
For Minors and above, the Home Team is responsible for preparation of the field. This includes lining the base paths and batters' boxes, giving the field a quick groom, and etc. The Away Team is responsible to the post game field grooming. However, it is typical for both teams to work together. For Tee Ball and Rookies, it is up to the discretion of the coaches if they desire a chalked field.
Umpiring
Majors and above are the only divisions that will have umpires scheduled by the league. If coaches at the Minors level can coordinate, a third-party umpire can increase the fun of the game. However for Minors and below, the expectation is for coaches to umpire the games. Coaches should discuss before the game how the wish to split up the umpiring duties.
Behavior
Our players are learning not only skills, but how to behave on the field. We expect our coaches and parents to behave as well. Cheering is encouraged. Loud and positive outbursts are great. However, please refrain from criticizing other parents, players, coaches, and umpires. Our policy is one warning before removal from the facility. Coaches will be held to an even higher standard.

Helpful Resources

Little League Rules:

Little League App for Apple iOS
Little League App for Android
Little League Rules by Appendices
Pitch Count Rules
Child Protection Program

Additional Help:

MLL's GameChanger Basics for Coaches
MLL's GameChanger Game Day Preparation
Little League Coaches Page
2024 Significant Rule Changes
Tee Ball Coaches Guide
Rookies Coach Pitch Guide

Coaching Timeline

Here is an approximate timeline for the Spring Season

1. Volunteer to Coach.
2. Contact from MLL regarding Background Check.
3. MLL informs of final status of coaching (i.e. Team Mananger, Assistant Coach, etc.)
4. If coaching Tee Ball or Rookies, MLL will send out rosters with contact information. Coaches should start communicating with parents.
5. If coaching Minors or Above, MLL reach out regarding evalution dates/times/locations.
6. Coaches will gather for player distribution meetings.
7. Final rosters will be sent out to parents. At this point, coaches can reach out to their parents.
8. Practices should commence. Game schedules will be sent out when available.