Munster Little League 2019 Manager Meeting March 13, 2019
Meeting Agenda A Manager s Perspective Mr. Joe Keefner Keynote Speaker Mr. Rich Arndt, District Administrator IN Dist. 1 League Business Questions and Answers Break/Dinner Positive Coaching Alliance Mr. Joe Scally
Mr. Joe Keefner A Manager s Perspective
Mr. Rich Arndt IN District 1 Administrator
Little League Mission Statement
MLL Mission Statement
MLL Mottos REMINDER This is a kids game, played by kids, played for kids it s about the kids! Don t ever let the adults get in the way of that!!!
Community Park Fields
2019 MLL Board Josh Brkovic John Castellano James Collier Toni Eslick Scott Giba Phillip Greiner James McAlpine Michelle McGee Brad Patricks Rick O Connell Russ Rommelfanger Michael Schassburger Michael Sowards Peymon Torabi John Wodynski Ben Zamojski
MLL Chain of Command Michael Schassburger - President Scott Giba Vice President Michael Sowards Player Agent Scott Giba James McAlpine Phil Greiner John Castellano Rick O Connell Major Commissioner Minor Commissioner C-League Commissioner Prep Commissioner Tee-Ball Commissioner Major Managers Minor Managers C-League Managers Prep Managers Tee-Ball Managers Coaching Coordinators Josh Brkovic, Scott Giba, Russ Rommelfanger
Contact Information Major Division Commissioner / Coaching Coordinator Scott Giba coachgiba@gmail.com Minor Division Commissioner James McAlpine jamesmcal@yahoo.com C-League Division Commissioner Phil Greiner phillipgreiner2@gmail.com Prep Division Commissioner John Castellano castellanoj31@yahoo.com Tee-Ball Division Commissioner Rich O Connell itsmyduty@yahoo.com Coaching Coordinator Josh Brkovic jbrkovic35@yahoo.com Coaching Coordinator Russ Rommelfanger rlgumby29@yahoo.com
Communications Dissemination of Information SI Play Email and text from the MLL Board SI Play App Schedules, rosters, manager/team communication MLL Website www.munsterlittleleague.org Facebook www.facebook.com/munsterll/ Twitter www.twitter.com/munsterll Each manager will also continue to receive a weekly email of important information for the upcoming week.
Important League Documents All documents are available on the MLL Website: MLL Local Rules MLL Safety Plan MLL Constitution MLL All-Star Procedures MLL/Munster Parks Department Lightning Prediction System Little League Forms
Review of Local/National Rules General Play Rules Dugout Quick Guide To Basic Rules Manager Expectations Conduct Weather Substitute Player Rule Pace-of-Play Pitching Rules Protests
National Rules Updates Vice President Scott Giba
Local Rules Manager Expectations Section I.7 Monitor conduct of staff, players and fans. Complete all game reports within 24 hours. Ensure dugouts and spectator areas are cleaned up following games. Conduct a safety check of the field prior to gameplay. Remain inside the dugout at all times unless coaching a base or during stoppage of play. Ensure only approved volunteers are inside the dugouts and on the field of play. Provide the MLL the names of official coaches prior to the April MLL Meeting. Complete player evaluations by June 15 th. Attend mandatory MLL functions (e.g., manager meeting, field days)
Local Rules General Play Rules The Little League Pledge shall be recited prior to every MLL Game. The home team manager is responsible for this requirement. All teams shall utilize a continuous batting order for all players in attendance. The minimum play requirement is six consecutive outs played and one at-bat (required for the Major, Minor and C-League Divisions). A managers should become familiar with the respective divisional Local Rules specific to his/her division.
Local Rules Conduct Section I.7.e and I.22 Managers are held to the highest standard of conduct, ethics and decorum, and are ultimately responsible for their own actions as well as the actions of adults and children on their respective team, and spectators in attendance. Attempt to resolve conflicts prior to seeking assistance from the MLL. Report detrimental conduct within 24 hours to the respective divisional commissioner. Social media platforms are not the proper forums to address issues!!!
Local Rules Weather Section I.6 Please assume games will be played. Teams should show up unless notified by the MLL that games are cancelled! We will try and provide as much notice as possible. No game/practice should commence when the actual or forecasted air temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional factors and other Munster youth sports program decisions will be considered when making a determination about MLL gameplay. The lightning detection system will be enforced, but if you can see lightning and the alarm has not sounded, it is already too close and you should follow the system protocols. Any Board member, not affiliated with a game, may cancel prior to gameplay. After gameplay has started, the umpire, divisional commissioner or non-affiliated board member may suspend a game due to weather. This will be done via email and text. Games will be re-scheduled to the next available date.
Local Rules Substitute Player Rule Section I.13 Only applicable to non-tournament games. If a team has 9 or more rostered players to start, a substitute may not be used. May use a player from the same division or the division immediately below. Notification must be made to the respective divisional commissioner and the Player Agent as soon as practicable, but no later than within one hour of the actual game start time. The Player Agent shall maintain a spreadsheet of all substitutes used; managers shall have viewing rights. Substitutes may not practice with the team, must bat last, may not pitch/catch and should be used in the outfields only.
Local Rules Pace of Play Section I.17 As soon as the half-inning ends, the defensive manager must have a catcher immediately available to warm up the pitcher; no adult warm-ups permitted. The length of each break in between innings will be a maximum of two minutes, 30 seconds or eight total warm-up pitches; whichever occurs first. The leadoff hitter must be immediately available to bat. Game umpires will provide one warning per half inning for pace-of-play violations. Review Section I.17.d for penalties. Intentional walks are permitted (Major/Minor only), however, are only announced. No pitches are made, however, the four pitches will be added to the players pitch count.
Local Rules Pitching Rules (National Rules - Reg. VI) Major Division 85 pitch game max Minor Division 75 pitch game max C-League Division 50 pitch game max If a pitcher reaches a day of rest threshold (below), the pitcher may continue to pitch to the current batter until the at-bat is completed. The pitch count will then revert back to the threshold. 66 or more pitches 4 calendar days of rest 51 65 pitches 3 calendar days of rest 36 50 pitches 2 calendar days of rest required 21-35 pitches 1 calendar day of rest required 1-20 pitches No calendar days or rest required
Local Rules Protests National Rule 4.19 and Section I.15 Protests shall only be used for violations/interpretations or a playing rule, use of an ineligible pitcher or use of an ineligible player. The protest must take place before any succeeding play begins by notifying the umpire. You must clearly tell the umpire and opposing manager that the game is being played under protest. The affected manager must notify the respective divisional commissioner within 24 hours following gameplay. The protest will be considered by the Protest Committee (President, Player Agent, Respective Divisional Commissioner).
Pitch Counts Data Correct way to input data (within 24 hours) Major, Minor, C-League Wrong way **Google Sheets will be used every manager needs to provide a gmail account**
Game Attendance New For 2019 Major, Minor and C-League
Evaluation Data Correct way Prior to end of season Major, Minor, C-League, Prep Wrong way **Google Sheets will be used every manager needs to provide a gmail account**
Dugout/Field Expectations Only approved volunteers are allowed inside dugouts and on the field of play, meaning that the volunteer needs to be registered in SI Play and assigned to a team, has completed a background check and provided a photo ID. For Major, Minor & C-League 1 manager, 2 coaches and 1 scorekeeper For Prep and Tee-Ball No limit provided everyone is approved by the MLL Board **Managers, official coaches and scorekeeper (4 total) will be provided an official MLL volunteer shirt, which must be worn at all games**
Dugout/Field Expectations Ensure only MLL approved volunteers are inside dugouts and on the field of play. Conduct a safety check of the field prior to allowing warm-ups. Line players up before the game to recite the Little League Pledge. Be a positive role model to the players. Treat the opposing team, umpires and fan bases with respect. Monitor conduct of volunteers, players and fans; address any issues right away. Provide ample playing time for all players. Following the game, line players/volunteers up and exchange high fives with the opposing team. Clean up dugout and spectator areas following your game. Input any game data required within 24 hours of the conclusion of the game.
Dugout Reminder
Safety Safety Plan (on MLL website) Dugout Safety Information
Lightning Prediction System IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER: Do not remain in the dugout! Everyone should be directed back to their cars! Updates will be sent out via email/text and a 30 minute clock will commence. Do not enter the field of play until the all-clear has sounded (3 consecutive alarms)! This is NOT discretionary and it doesn t matter what other programs are doing!!!
Volunteer Background Checks - Mandatory EVERY VOLUNTEER WHO IS IN THE DUGOUT OR FIELD OF PLAY: Required to have a background check completed (via JD Palatine) Required to submit a photo ID Must be registered in SI Play as a volunteer (and assigned to a team) ***THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS MANDATORY NATIONAL RULE***
Medical Issues Each equipment bag contains a mini first aid kit. Ice packs are available in the field closets and press boxes. Injuries should be reported to the divisional commissioner ASAP! Medical Release Form and LL claim forms can be found on the MLL website. The MLL Safety plan contains general information regarding first aid, heat stoke, concussions. If there is any doubt; call 911! The Medical Release Form must be kept by the manager at all times!
Manager Safety Responsibilities Safety considerations I.14 Prior to the practice/game:
Batting Cage Area Rules
Other Signage Around Community Park
Equipment Equipment Coordinators- John Castellano & Scott Giba Local Rule, Section I.7.k - Mangers will ensure that league equipment is returned to the Equipment Coordinator following the final game of the season. An audit of the equipment bag will take place. Mangers may be required to compensate the league for missing or damaged equipment.
Umpires Umpire-in-Chief Scott Giba Local Rule, Section I.12 If an umpire fails to show, the mangers should designate a volunteer to umpire the game from behind the pitchers mound. The volunteer should have a volunteer app on file for the current year.
All- Stars All-Star Commissioner Michael Sowards All-Star Balloting May 28th, 29th, 30st and June 1 st Results: June 1 st Manager nominations due by 11:59pm CST on May 28 th Divisional managers will vote to determine respective all-star managers Green Book process for 12, 11 and 10 year old players; manager selection for 9 and 8 year old players
Practice Schedules Indoor practices at WWMS Major, Minor and C-League Outdoor practices Schedules TBD by Scheduling Coordinator The following parks are reserved for MLL practices: o Bluebird Park 2 fields (M-F) o Cobblestones Park 1 field (M-F) o Frank Hammond South Field (closer to Fran Lin) 1 field (M-F) o Twin Creek Park 1 field (T/Th) If a park you use is not listed above, it may be reserved by another Munster youth organization. You will need to cease the use of the park if advised it is reserved. Per Munster Parks Department weekends are first come/first serve for any park, even if it is a park that is reserved for the MLL during the week!
Typical Game Schedules Major Division Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays A-Field & D-Field; weeknights at 5:30pm and 7:30pm Minor Division Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays B-Field and D-Field; weeknights at 5:30pm and 7:30pm C-League Division Weeknights and Saturdays C-Field; weeknights at 6:15pm Prep & Tee-Ball Divisions Saturdays; weeknights after school ends B-Field, C-Field and D-Field Note - Saturday games will take place in the morning and early afternoon. Fridays will be reserved for make-up games, if necessary.
Game Clocks / Scoreboards Game clocks will be set by a member of the Grounds Crew and used in all divisions as follows: o Major Division No inning may start after 105 minutes (clock reads 0:00). o Minor Division and C-League Division Prior to Memorial Day, no inning may start after the 90 minute mark has elapsed (15 minutes left on the clock) and there is hard game stop at 105 minutes (clock reads 0:00). After Memorial Day, no inning may start after 105 minutes (clock reads 0:00). o Prep Division No inning may start after the 75 minute mark has elapsed (15 minutes left on the clock) and there is a hard game stop at 90 minutes (clock reads 0:00). o Tee-Ball Division No inning may start after the 50 minute mark has elapsed (10 minutes left on the clock) and there is a hard game stop at 60 minutes (clock reads 0:00). Major and Minor games will use scoreboards all season. C-League will use scoreboards for all games after Memorial Day. A scoreboard operator will be provided by the MLL, however, games should proceed if an operator is not available!
Important Dates April 6 Field Set-up Day Mandatory April 15 Opening Day for Major, Minor and C-League April 20 Opening ceremonies and 2018 all-star recognition May 4 th Opening Day for Prep and Tee-Ball May 11 th No games; Mother s Day weekend May 17 th Photo Day WWMS; schedule TBD May 25 th 27 th No games; Memorial Day weekend May 28 th June 1 st All-star voting (12 s, 11 s, 10 s) June 25 th End of season for Major, Minor and C-League (In-house tournaments 6/15 thru 6/25) July 13 th End of season for Prep and Tee-Ball September 18 th MLL Annual Meeting (manager participation is highly encouraged) October 12 th Field Shut-down Day Mandatory
The Future of MLL 2020 and Beyond
Seven Important Takeaways From The Meeting # 1. Have fun and don t take this too seriously this is a kids game, played by kids, played for kids it s about the kids! # 2. Be a good role model to the kids. # 3. We may not always agree, but we need to respect each other, especially when operating in the view of the kids. # 4. Rules need to be followed and you need to know the rules. # 5. Any adult inside of the dugout or field of play MUST have a background check on file and be approved by the MLL. # 6. Utilize your division commissioner and coaching coordinators if you need assistance. # 7. Managers MUST conduct safety checks of game/practice fields.
Questions
Perspective
Mike, we are trying we are trying Coach George Kirby Green What happened: Shooting/homicide in Ford Heights prior to a Spring practice a few years back. Action: Members of the community, not affiliated with the team, formed a shield with their cars to protect the players and allow them to feel safe. Quote by Coach Kirby to his players: Stay focused on practice, look ahead and not worry about what is happening back there. Staying at practice and playing baseball will continue to give you something positive to focus on so you don t end up like the young men that just shot each other.