Welcome to SEPLL! The SEPLL Board of Directors appreciates your support and involvement and thanks you for your dedication. We hope this manual will guide you as a coach and that you will experience the many rewards of coaching.

Little League's Mission

Little League Baseball and Softball is a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist children in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork, and physical well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage, and loyalty, Little League is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes.

SEPLL operates under a charter granted annually by Little League. SEPLL operates autonomously in that it has the freedom to elect its own officers, finance its program, and carry on various other related functions, but it must adhere scrupulously to all rules and regulations established by Little League.

Code of Conduct

SEPLL requires managers and coaches to consistently present a professional image during all league activities. Managers and coaches must display enthusiasm, respect, honesty, and fair play. Managers and coaches must follow all league game rules, encourage appropriate behavior by players and fans, maintain a safe game environment, and consider the physical and emotional well-being of players above all else. 

 Background Checks

Volunteers fill all positions in SEPLL. No one receives any pay. Managers, coaches, scorekeepers, team parents, and all other volunteers who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with, players or teams must register as a volunteer by completing and submitting a Little League Volunteer Application and undergo a national criminal background check. It's common for additional volunteers to come forward after the season starts. If they volunteer regularly and have repetitive access to or contact with players, please tell them to register as a volunteer at www.sepll.org.

Selection and Appointment of Managers and Coaches

As SEPLL's chief administrator, the President selects and appoints all managers and coaches. As such, no person may become a manager or coach without the approval of the President. All appointments are subject to final approval by SEPLL’s Board of Directors.

All managers and coaches are selected annually. No manager or coach has any tenure whatsoever, regardless of the years of service.

Manager (Head Coach)

Every team is led by a manger, known as the head coach in most other sports. The manager's responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the conduct of themselves, their coaches, and their players during league and team activities.
•  Responsible for picking up, accounting for, and returning team equipment to the Equipment Manager.
•  Responsible for picking up, accounting for, and returning uniforms that remain league property to the Uniform Coordinator.
•  Responsible for scheduling and conducting team practices.
•  Responsible for obtaining practice schedules and game schedules from the League Representative for their division.
•  Responsible for coordinating with the sponsorship coordinator for the delivery of hats, roster books, and plaques as appropriate to their sponsor.
•  Attends at least one coaching training annually.
•  Maintains completed paper or electronic copies of all players’ medical releases at all practices and games.
•  At the Minor Division and above, keep an accurate written or electronic scorebook during each game. At a minimum, score books must record all players present, the number of at bats for each player, the number of defensive innings played by each player, the number of defensive innings played by each catcher, and the number of pitches thrown by each pitcher. Score books remain SEPLL's property. SEPLL may inspect them at any time to ensure players meet mandatory play requirements and pitchers do not exceed maximum pitch counts.
•  Maintains a pitch count record for all pitchers in the written or electronic scorebook.
•  Affirm receipt of concussion awareness certification pursuant to Jenna’s Law, 2013 SB 721, as administered by the league Safety Officer.

Assistant Coach

Little League permits mangers to select two coaches to assist them, subject to the approval of SEPLL's president and board. The responsibilities of coaches include:

•  Performs coaching duties as directed by the Manager.
•  In the Manger's temporary absence, fulfills the Manager’s duties.
•  If a Manager resigns or is removed, replaces the Manager with approval of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall select another Manager for the team if a Coach is not willing or available to assume the Manager’s duties.
•  Affirms receipt of concussion awareness certification pursuant to Jenna’s Law, 2013 SB 721, as administered by the league Safety Officer.

Note that Little League League rules limit the number of assistant coaches to two per team. In practice, SEPLL permits teams to have as many assistant coaches as a manager desires to help with practices and any other activities. During games, however, only the manager and two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout. 

Scorekeepers

Teams must keep and maintain an official scorebook in the Minor Division and above. Responsibilities include:

•  At the Minor Division and above, assist the team manager keep an accurate written or electronic scorebook during each game.
•  At the Minor Division and above, assist the team manager keep an accurate written or electronic scorebook during each game.At a minimum, score books must record all players present, the number of at bats for each player, the number of defensive innings played by each player, the number of defensive innings played by each catcher, and the number of pitches thrown by every pitcher.
•  Score books remain SEPLL's property. SEPLL may inspect them at any time to ensure players meet mandatory play requirements and pitchers do not exceed maximum pitch counts.

SEPLL provides every team with a traditional scorebook. We also encourage teams to use electronic apps such as GameChanger.

Team Parents and Other Volunteers

SEPLL encourages to seek the help of team parents and other volunteers. Responsibilities may include the following:

•  Supports team manager as needed.
•  Assists with activities such as distributing team uniforms; team pictures; coordinating water/snacks before, during or after practices and games; team participation in league events; team parties; and team awards.

Philosophy & Objectives

Little League is a program of service to youth. It is geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity and training under good leadership in an atmosphere of wholesome community participation. The movement is dedicated to helping children become good and decent citizens. It inspires them with a goal and enriches their lives towards the day when they must take their places in the world. It establishes the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.

Every Little League program has a Player Agent. The Player Agent's objective is to protect the interests of every player and to make sure the teams in every division are as equal in strength as possible. The ideal season, from the Player Agent's perspective, is when every team wins and loses the same number of games. To accomplish this ideal, Little League has approved specific player selection systems. If the teams are equal in strength, everyone will have a better and more enjoyable season. It will give everyone the opportunity to learn to be gracious winners and losers. More competitive games will also encourage players to give it their all every time they play. 

Tee Ball, Rookie, and Farm Divisions

In these divisions, SEPLL groups children by schools and neighborhoods. We do our best to honor requests to play with specific friends or coaches, but cannot make any guarantees.

Minor, Major, Intermediate (50/70) and Junior Divisions

In these divisions, SEPLL initially runs player assessments where league representatives evaluate each player using a standard grading system. Player assessments are not intended to be exhaustive. Instead they provide a general picture of player abilities so that competitively-balanced teams can be created. Every player makes a team. We do not cut anyone. 

Shortly after assessments are complete, the Player Agent and division managers will conduct a blind, serpentine draft. Every player will be ranked in order from the highest to lowest overall assessment score. The draft will then takes place in serpentine order. For instance, if there are 4 teams, the order will be: Team 1, Team 2, Team 3, Team 4, Team 4, Team 3, Team 2, Team 1, Team 1, Team 2, etc.

After all the teams are filled, the team managers will be assigned the team on which their son or daughter appears. If two managers have players on the same team, the Player Agent will direct a trade of the lower ranked player in exchange for the player with the closest assessment ranking. Similarly, if the draft results in siblings on different teams, the Player Agent will direct trades to put siblings together in exchange for the player with the closest assessment ranking. Finally, a team manager may choose one assistant coach before the draft. The Player Agent will direct trades involving the children of assistant coaches in exchange for the player with the closest assessment ranking.

Please understand that SEPLL does not accept requests for particular teams, managers or teammates in these divisions. We believe that creating competitively-balanced ways to the best way to create a positive experience for everyone involved.

Player safety is paramount. All managers and coaches must review the following:

SEPLL's Safety Awareness Plan

First Aid Guidelines for Coaches

Information on Concussions

All teams must observe the following rules:

• At least one adult coach must remain in the dugout with the players at all times.
• On-deck circles are not allowed in the Major Division and below.
• Players must not touch a bat until it is their turn to bat. 
• Players must wear a helmet any time they are involved in any activity (practice or game) involving a bat.
• Players must remain in the dugout except when they are playing defense or batting.
• Bat boys/girls are not allowed.
• Brothers, sisters and others not on the team must stay off the field and out of the dugout.
• Adults may not warm up pitchers at any time. This includes before the game in the "bull pen" or between innings. 

Safety Kits

SEPLL provides safety kits with basic supplies to all teams. SEPLL also keeps a supply of instant ice packs in equipment sheds. Please contact SEPLL's Safety Officer if the supplies in your safety kit run low.

Injuries

Report injuries to players, coaches or other volunteers to SEPLL's Safety Officer within 48 hours of the incident. Forms are located in team safety kits. In no form is available, send an email.

What injuries to report? Any incident that causes any player, manager, coach, umpire, or volunteer to receive medical treatment and/or first aid.

SEPLL plays according to Little League's Official Rulebook and District 2 Local Rules.

Little League provides free updated official rulebooks to every team annually. You may also purchase the official Little League Rulebook App. It contains the official regulations, playing rules and operating policies for all divisions of baseball and softball. The app includes automatic updates for future seasons after a one-time download fee of $1.99.

Please also review local rules specific to your division under the Umpires tab.

Uniforms

In the the Tee Ball, Rookie, and Farm Divisions, SEPLL provides every player with a team hat and tee shirt, which they may keep after the season ends. Players are encouraged to wear comfortable pants and shoes. Players may wear rubber cleats, but they are not necessary. Metal spikes are not allowed. Managers will likely receive extra shirts and hats. SEPLL recommends that you keep them to give to players that lose their shirts or hats. Any shirts or hats remaining at the end of the season are yours to keep or give away.

In the Minor Division and above, SEPLL provides every player with a team hat and jersey, which they may keep after the season ends. Players usually wear baseball pants, although they are not required. Players usually wear rubber cleats, but they are not required. Metal spikes are allowed only in the Intermediate (50/70) Baseball Division. They are not allowed at every field in the district, however, so players with metal spikes will need a second pair of shoes. 

In the Major Division and below, Little League does not allow managers and coaches to wear conventional baseball uniforms. In the Intermediate (50/70) Division and above, managers and coaches may wear conventional baseball uniforms. At all divisions, managers and coaches may not wear metal spikes. 

Equipment

SEPLL provides each team with bats, tees, balls, and helmets. Players supply their own gloves. Players may also use their own bats and helmets.

Baseball Bats:

In the Major Division and below, baseball bats must be no more than 33 inches in length and no more than 2 5/8" in diameter. In the Intermediate (50/70) Division, baseball bats must be no more than 34 inches in length and no more than 2 5/8" in diameter. 

In addition, in the Major Division and below, all non-wood baseball bats used in practices and games must comply with the USA Baseball Bat Standard, which Little League and numerous other youth baseball organizations adopted beginning January 1, 2018.  In the Intermediate (50/70) Division, all non-wood bats used in practices and games must be USA Baseball bats or BBCOR bats. 

Wood bats are allowed if they are within allowable length and diameter limits. 

Batting Helmets:

Batting helmets MUST be NOCSAE-approved (noted on helmet).

Helmets must NOT include any words, letters, logos, stickers, paint etc., unless applied or approved by the manufacturer.

Highly polished, chrome colored batting helmets are not allowed.

Face makes and face shields are allowed but not required.

In all cases, whether in a game or a practice, the following players must wear a batting helmet that covers both ears:

* Batters: any player holding a bat at any time
* Base Runners: any player acting as a base runner at any time
* Base Coaches: any player acting as a base coach at any time
* Adult Base Coaches and defensive players: helmet is optional

Game Balls:

The Easton Incrediball (or a similar soft-style ball) is used in the Tee Ball and Rookie Divisions. One new ball per game is usually sufficient.

A Little League approved standard baseball is used in the Farm Division and above. Teams should generally use two new game balls per game. In addition to the new balls, it is often helpful to use one or two used balls in good shape.

Game balls are stored in the equipment sheds at the fields. When supplies are running low, let SEPLL's Equipment Manager know so new balls can be ordered before running out. 

After games add the used game balls to your supply of practice balls.

Please do not regularly give away game balls, unless you plan to replace them. You may make an exception for home run balls, which may be given to the player as a memento. 

Equipment that is Broken, Missing, or Doesn't Fit

Please contact SEPLL's Equipment Manager or other board member if you have any questions or concerns regarding equipment. SEPLL will replace equipment that is broken, missing, or doesn't fit. 

Practices

Teams may begin practicing in about mid-March. A team's manager (head coach) determines when and where to practice. SEPLL will publish a practice schedule for managers to reserve practice space.

In the Tee Ball, Rookie and Farm Divisions, SEPLL recommends that teams practice twice per week until the season starts in early April. After the season starts, we recommend that teams practice one time per week. 

In the Minor Division and above, SEPLL recommends that teams practice two to three times per week until the season starts in early April. After the season starts, SEPLL recommends that teams continue to practice at least once or twice per week.

Training Resources

Little League offers a variety of resources for managers, including Little League University and the Coach's Box newsletter.

The Little League Tee Ball Program is a 10-week plan and resources that features structured learning. Over the course of the season, coaches and parents will engage in a series of lessons using up to 40 activities that include skills, drills, and plenty of physical activity. SEPLL encourages its Tee Ball managers and coaches to use the Tee Ball Program. 

The Little League Coach Pitch Program is a 12-week plan and resources that features structured learning. Over the course of the season, coaches and parents will engage in a series of lessons using up to 40 activities that include skills, drills, and plenty of physical activity. SEPLL encourages its managers and coaches to use the program. SEPLL encourages its Rookie and Farm managers and coaches to use the Coach Pitch program.