COACH MANUAL BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

COACH MANUAL BASEBALL & SOFTBALL The goal of the Ann Arbor Public School's Community Education & Recreation Youth T- Ball Program is to provide a fun, enjoyable, healthy, leisure experience for program participants. Participants should be learning new skills and improving them throughout the season with the support of their coaches and parents. The outcome of the games should not be stressed. The main objective of the program is to provide each participant with an equal opportunity to learn the game and have fun. STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Elyse Bairley Youth Sports Supervisor Willie Pickvet Youth Sports Assistant Steve Guerriero Team Sport Assistant Seth Dodson Manager Katie McCoy Team Sports Facilities/Secretary Rick Mull Supervisor for Officials Glenn Jones Equipment Supervisor 994-2300 Ext. 53104 bairley@a2schools.org 994-2300 Ext. 53228 pickvetw@a2schools.org 994-2300 Ext. 53233 guerrieros@a2schools.org 994-2300 Ext. 53225 dodsons@a2schools.org 994-2300 Ext. 53230 mccoyk@aaps.k12.mi.us 994-2300 Ext. 53209 mullr@aaps.k12.mi.us 994-2300 Ext. 54218 jonesg@aaps.k12.mi.us Weather Cancellation/Update Line 994-2300 Ext. 53115 www.aareced.com (5/18) 1

SEVERE WEATHER / GAME CANCELLATIONS RAINOUTS & GAME CANCELLATIONS Rainouts will be rescheduled on make-up dates determined by Rec & Ed in accordance with these league rules. A. Games cancelled before 5:00 pm (Monday Friday) 1. The decision to cancel games due to inclement weather or poor field conditions will be made between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm 2. A message will be left on the Weather Update Line at 994-2300 ext. 53115 between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. 3. Check our website: www.aareced.com 4. All teams must report to their game sites unless they have been notified through one of the above methods that games are cancelled. B. Games cancelled after 5:00 pm (Monday Friday) 1. If games are not cancelled before 5:00 pm, the decision to play or not to play will be made by the home plate umpire. The decision should be based on safety as well as potential damage to the field. 2. Under certain circumstances the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department may determine that the fields are unplayable and decide to cancel the games. 3. If your game time is after 7:00 pm and weather conditions are still questionable, continue to check the Weather Update Line for game cancellations. C. Games cancelled on Saturdays 1. For information regarding game cancellations on Saturdays, check the website, or telephone the Weather Update Line at 994-2300 ext. 53115. D. Weather Warnings (Monday Friday) 1. Weather Warnings Extending Beyond 6:00 pm All games for the remainder of the evening are cancelled. 2. Weather Warnings Lifted Before 6:00 pm Teams and umpires must report to their fields as scheduled. 3. Weather Warning Sounded On The City Siren System During A Game The plate umpire must cease play immediately. That game and any subsequent games that evening are cancelled. E. Lightning/Thunder When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, games must be immediately suspended. Officials, players, and spectators should seek appropriate shelter during the delay. Officials must not resume play until thunder has not been heard and lightning has not been seen in the local sky for 30 minutes. If the game is suspended, the game clock will not stop. Once determined safe, the game will be resumed with whatever time remains. The occurrence of thunder and lightning is not subject to interpretation or discussion. Thunder is thunder, and lightning is lightning. The presence of thunder is lightning!!!! F. Thor Guard Protection System Buhr Park and Veterans Memorial Park (Vets Park) are equipped with the Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System in an effort to alert umpires, ball players, spectators and coaches of the likelihood of a lightning strike. Once the Thor Guard System determines that a lightning strike is imminent an alarm or horn blast will sound for 15 seconds. In some cases the horn blast may be accompanied by a flashing strobe light. Ball players, coaches, spectators, umpires, and other staff should seek shelter immediately. When the system determines that the threat of lightning has passed, three short blasts will be emitted from the horn clusters. Coaches should share information on how to react to these lightning prediction systems with team players and spectators and parent of players affiliated with teams. RESCHEDULING GAMES Games will be rescheduled by Rec & Ed. Games will be rescheduled only in cases of inclement weather or a conflict with an Ann Arbor Public Schools function. 2

COACHES INFORMATION AND IMPORTANT DATES 1. TEAM SHIRTS: The team shirts are to be distributed to the players that appear on your roster prior to the team's first scheduled game. There are usually the exact sizes in the package of shirts so please match the sizes in which they were ordered by the players. It is sometimes possible to exchange sizes if there are problems; have the parents contact the Rec & Ed Office. *Please mark Wednesday, June 13 th between 4:00 pm 6:00 pm to pick up your team t-shirts and hats. We will have a drive thru service at the Rec & Ed office. 2. EQUIPMENT: You will be receiving your team s equipment to be used for this season. In your two duffel bags you will have three bats, five batting helmets, one first aid kit, one catchers helmet and mask, one chest protector, one pair of shin guards, 4-7 game balls (leather cover) and 12-18 practice balls (synthetic leather), and one catchers mitt; (excluding coaches pitch). Please remember that all this equipment must be returned at designated equipment returns, or to our office in a timely fashion after the season has concluded. Also, equipment will only be able to be picked up at the dates below. A. Please mark the following dates for equipment pick-up: 1. Monday June 4th 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm 2. Tuesday June 5th 4:00-6:00 pm 3. Monday June 11th 4:00-6:00 pm 4. Tuesday June 12th 4:00-6:00pm B. If you would like a batting T for practice, it may be picked up on the same day and times as the equipment pick up. C. PLEASE DO NOT DRAG YOUR EQUIPMENT BAGS - IT S HARD ON THE MATERIAL AND MAY CAUSE DAMAGE. 3. TEAM ROSTER: Please contact your assistant coaches and players by no later than Friday, May 25, 2018. Coaches and/or parents are not permitted to add, delete or switch players from the official roster. All roster changes must go through the Rec & Ed office. 4. PRACTICES: Each coach is encouraged to schedule practice sessions twice a week in the spring and once a week during the summer after the season begins. The scheduling of the practice sessions, and the activities during the practices are left up to the judgment of the coach. The members of the team are expected to participate in the practice sessions in order to receive the benefits of instruction at the practices. Please completely fill out the enclosed request form and leave it after the meeting. It is important that you make a selection for all eight choices on each section of your form. This will speed your permit processing. The head coach will be e-mailed a permit from the e-mail address registrations@aaps.k12.mi.us no later than Thursday, June 4, 2018. Please call after June 5th if you have not received your assignment. Practice time assignment is conducted randomly, first priority given to coaches who attend the coaches meeting. Please contact Katie McCoy at (734) 994-2300 ext. 53230. You may also contact her by e-mail at Mccoyk@aaps.k12.mi.us. Please note these important reminders about practice: A. No practices are to be held without proper adult supervision. Coaches are to arrive fifteen minutes prior to scheduled practice time and are to remain until parents pick up all players. B. Coaches are responsible for COMPLETE CANCELLATION of all practices when adult supervision cannot be pre sent. Coaches are also responsible for cancellation of practices when notified by the Rec & Ed Office that the field is not available. Coaches must either contact all players before the scheduled practice session (preferred) or show up at the practice location to inform all players of the cancellation. 3

COACHES INFORMATION AND IMPORTANT DATES C. Practice sessions are to include only team members. D. No practices are to be held for all leagues when a Weather Warning (either tornado or severe thunderstorm) is issued for Washtenaw County at any time during your scheduled practice. Coaches are responsible for canceling practices in this situation. E. No makeup practices will be scheduled. F. Coaches should not transport students at any time. Please report any problems with practice facilities to Katie McCoy at 9942300 ext. 53230. LEAGUE GAMES: The league games in the Youth Baseball/Softball Program are held Monday through Friday evenings, and Saturdays. Copies of the game schedule will be emailed to each coach in early June. Please Note: The season will begin of June 18, 2018 5. INCIDENT REPORT FORMS: These are to be carried with you to practices and games and to be completed in the event an accident (player injury) or incident (car break- in) occurs. Please then scan the form to Elyse when it s complete. 6. EQUIPMENT RETURN: The dates and times for the return of the equipment issued to you will be announced near the end of the season. We ask your cooperation in promptly returning all of the items of equipment. 7. REFUND/CREDIT POLICY: A. Please let us know as soon as possible if your child does not plan to participate in thte youth baseball/softball program so we can allow someone else to register for the activity. You are entitled to a full credit on your Rec & Ed account if you request a credit in writing 24 hours before your child s first scheduled game. B. Under certain circumstances a full refund of a participant fee will be paid to the registrant. These include certain scheduling conflicts and approved documented medical matters. All refunds must be approved by the Coordinator of Team Sports or his/her designee. C. Requests for refunds must be made in writing and submitted to: Rec & Ed Refund Request, 1515 South Seventh Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, or by e-mail to refunds@aaps.k12.mi.us. QUESTIONS: Should you have any questions do not hesitate to call Elyse Bairley at 994-2300 ext. 53104 or send an e-mail to bairley@a2schools.org. You may also contact Willie Pickvet at 994-2300 ext. 53228 or by e-mail at pickvetw@a2schools.org. Have a good season and most importantly have fun!! 4

PRECAUTIONS WITH AN ACCIDENT PUBLIC HEALTH FACT SHEET UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS Good Health within reach.. What precautions should I take for self protection? If you must assist an injured person where blood/body fluids are involved, you should practice precautions. You should place a barrier between you and the other person s potentially infectious body fluids (Universal Precautions). Why are these precautions important? There are two major diseases that can be transferred from blood/body fluids: Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. It is impossible to know if an individual may have one of these diseases so it is advisable to treat everyone the same, as though their blood/ body fluids could transmit disease. How is blood/body fluids passed from one person to another person? These are the ways that blood body fluids may be passed: through open areas on the skin by splashing in the eye or nose through the mouth How should I handle an incident with blood/body fluids? 1. WEAR DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES when handling blood/body fluids directly (cuts, bites, nosebleeds or contaminated surface/equipment). Latex gloves are usually available at drug stores. However, you can use plastic sandwich/ storage bags, plastic car trash bags or plastic bread bags in case you do not have access to gloves. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be provided by your employer while you are at work. 2. Use a large pad of clean cloth or other absorbent material (tissues, napkins, paper towels, clothing, newspapers) to minimize the possibility of the blood/body fluids soaking through to you skin. Encourage the other person to help take care of him/herself if possible. Even young children can hold tissues under their nosebleed, while you put on your gloves. Or, they can apply an absorbent pad to an injury while you put on your gloves. 3. Cover the area with a bandage, if possible, once the bleeding has stopped. This will minimize further exposure to other individuals. 4. If a surface is contaminated with blood/body fluids (floor, table tops, sink, etc.) KEEP YOUR GLOVES ON and mop up the fluid with disposable absorbent material (tissues, napkins, paper towels), then wash the area with soap and water. Next use an approved disinfectant which should be bactericidal. You can make your own solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water; this solution is only effective 5. for 24 hours so it must be made up fresh every day. Dispose of cleaning materials and gloves in a sealed plastic bag. 6. WASH YOUR HANDS, as soon as possible, with soap and water. Use lots of scrubbing motions to remove any disease germs from your skin. Remember the idea is to put a barrier or protective layer between you and the blood/body fluids. Reassure the individual that you are trying to protect both of you from each other s germs. You will not only be a care giver, but also an excellent role model by following the above steps. For more information: call Nurse Line 484-7200 Washtenaw County Department of Human Services Public Health Division WHENEVER IN DOUBT, CALL 911 5

PROGRAM RULES FOR ALL LEAGUES BASEBALL & SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES: The league games are governed by a set of league rules, designed specifically for the program. For the most part, the rules follow the accepted rules of the game, but some modifications have been introduced to encourage full participation of all the players. 1. ALL ELIGIBLE PLAYERS: All players must be registered with Community Education & Recreation. Unregistered players will not be permitted to play. Coaches are not permitted to add and/or switch players to their rosters without the permission of the Rec & Ed Youth Baseball/Softball staff. The Rec & Ed Youth Baseball/ Softball Staff will assign all players. Any coach playing an unregistered player and/or found switching players will face suspension and/ or probation in accordance with the Team Sport's Policy on Probation, Suspension, and Hearing Procedures. 2. BAT AROUND: Each team's batting line-up must include all players present. Effect: All players present must bat whether or not they are in the fielding line-up. During the course of the game, no changes may be made in the batting line-up. Exception: Players who arrive after the start of the game are added to the last position in the batting line-up. Batters may only be removed from the batting line-up in cases of an injury, illness or early departure with a parent or guardian. Effect: The missing player s turn at bat will be skipped and no out will be called. 3. OFFICIATING: Umpires are assigned for each game and they have the general responsibility for the game. It is the umpire's responsibility to see that the games begin on time, to keep track of the time during the game, and to see that play proceeds within the prescribed rules. Coaches, parents and players are expected to refrain from dissenting from the officials calls during the game. We do our best at providing the best umpires possible to officiate our games. Should you have a concern that we should know about or a compliment that you would like to share please follow the procedures found in the Policy & Procedure for Referee Concerns found in your manual. 4. TEAM SPORTSMANSHIP: Coaches must emphasize good sportsmanship and behavior before, during and after the game. Parents, coaches and umpires are to contact the Rec and Ed office if players and/ or coaches are not properly demonstrating sportsmanship. Coaches not emphasizing sportsmanship and players not demonstrating sportsmanship may be suspended and/or placed on probation in accordance with the Team Sports Division's Policy on Probation, Suspension and Hearing. 5. SCOREBOOKS: This is for you to keep score during your league games. Remember on your league schedule when you are designated as the home team, you must keep official score. You will receive this when you pick up your equipment. 6. GAME REPORT FORMS: May be completed online and will be sent to you. This form is to ensure the umpire was present at your game. This also gives you an opportunity to provide any feedback about the umpire. 7. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PLAYING TIME: There are specific playing time requirements for all leagues. Coaches are to read the league rules for their specific league requirements. Parents are to contact the Rec & Ed Office if coaches are not abiding by the playing time rule. Coaches not abiding by the rule may be suspended and/ or placed on probation in accordance with the Team Sports Division's Policy on Probation, Suspension and Hearing. 8. PARENTS PACKETS: Coaches are provided materials to be distributed to the parents of the members of their team. These include copies of the parent information sheet, and the medical information cards. Coaches are encouraged to distribute these materials along with copies of the team roster, game schedule, and a schedule of practices to the parents at the earliest opportunity available. 6

PROGRAM RULES FOR ALL LEAGUES BASEBALL & SOFTBALL 9. MEDICAL INFORMATION CARDS: A medical information card is provided for each member of the team. These are designed to provide each coach with all necessary information in case of injury to a player. Parents must fill out the card and return it back to the head coach before the first game. 10. BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: A player, coach or umpire who is bleeding or who has blood on his/her uniform shall be prohibited from participating further in the game until appropriate treatment can be administered. If medical care or treatment is administered in a reasonable length of time, the individual will not have to leave the game. The length of time that is considered reasonable is left to the umpires' judgment. Uniform rule violations will not be enforced if a uniform change is required. The umpire shall: 1. Stop the game and allow treatment if the injured player would affect the continuation of the game. 2. Immediately call a coach or other authorized person to the injured player. 11. MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS: The minimum number of players that can be used is eight. It is recommended that all other options (borrowing players and waiting the allowable 15 minutes) be used before a forfeit is declared. See Forfeit Time and Borrowing Players. 12. BORROWING PLAYERS: A team lacking the minimum number of players to begin the game may borrow players from the opposing team, as long as the coach of the opposing team agrees. If the team borrowing players acquires the minimum number of players after the start of the game, all borrowed players must be returned and added to the end of their team s batting line-up. Also, players arriving late must be added to the end of their team s lineup. Games involving borrowed players are official, and the borrowed player does bat against his/her own team. Effect: For it to be an official game there has to be more players currently at the game, then borrowed players. For example, the team has 3 players and had to borrow 5 players from the opposing team then the result of a game is a forfeit for the team that is lacking players. 13. FORFEIT TIME: There is an automatic 15 minute grace period before a forfeit is declared. However, for the purpose of the time limit, the game clock starts at scheduled game-time. Example: If game-time of a fifth grade baseball game is 6:30 pm and 10 minutes of the 15 minute grace period go by before the game starts, the time limit would still expire at 8:30 pm (the end of the two hour time limit), not 8:40 pm. 14. HOME TEAM DESIGNATION: The first team listed on the schedule is the home team. The home team s bench is on the third base side. The away team s bench is on the first base side. 15. PRE-GAME INFIELD: The visiting team has a five minute infield warm-up 15 minutes before scheduled game-time, and the home team has a five minute infield warm-up 10 minutes before game-time. Five minutes before gametime, the home plate umpire and coaches should go over ground rules. Note: Teams arriving late will forfeit their infield warm-up. INFIELD PRACTICE should never be taken while the grounds crew is working on the field. 16. POSITIONS: Rec & Ed instructs coaches to encourage kids to play different positions in its coach pitch leagues and its Fourth Grade Baseball League. In this way, our youth players are able to get an opportunity to learn different positions and find out which ones they prefer. It also prevents certain players from being excluded from playing more desirable positions. However, coaches may choose to refrain from letting kids play certain positions if they feel that playing a specific position may jeopardize a player s safety. Starting with Rec & Ed's Fifth Grade Baseball and Softball Leagues, coaches may choose to limit the rotation of positions among his/her players. At the same time, Rec & Ed discourages coaches from limiting players to play one position exclusively especially if that position is an undesirable position such as right field. We encourage parents to discuss their children's position assignments with the head coach of their children's team if they have questions or concerns. Problems that can not be resolved amicably should be referred to Elyse M. Bairley, the Supervisor of Youth Sports. 7

PROGRAM RULES FOR ALL LEAGUES BASEBALL & SOFTBALL 17. BASE COACHES: Base coaches may be players or adult coaches. Players who act as a base coach must wear one of the batting helmets provided by Rec & Ed. 18. JEWELRY: Most exposed jewelry is illegal. Rings, watches, braclets (friendship included), earrings, chains, or neck laces are illegal with the following exceptions: 1. Starter earrings or studs may be worn on newly pierced ears if they are covered with tape or a bandage to the satisfaction of the official. 2. A religious medal may be worn if it is taped to the body and work under the uniform. 3. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces may be worn if they are taped to the body so the medical alert information still remains visible and accessible if needed. 4. Body piercings not visible to the official are not of concern. If the piercing becomes visible, the official must order the player to remove it. 19. UNIFORMS/SHOES: All players must wear their team shirts during league games. Penalty: Players not attired in their team shirt will not be allowed to participate. Each participant is expected to furnish his or her own glove. Metal spiked shoes are not allowed. Penalty: Players wearing metal spikes will not be allowed to participate. 20. PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATES: A set of Youth T-Ball/Baseball/Softball Participation Certificates is enclosed. Please fill out and distribute to your players at the end of the season. 21. SUSPENSIONS: Probations, suspensions and hearings will be conducted as specified in the Team Sport s Policy on Probation, Suspension, and Hearing Procedures. 22. TOBACCO PRODUCTS: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, etc. are not to be used by coaches, players, or game officials during any official team function (games and practices). Violators of this policy will be reported to the Recreation Specialist for Youth Sports. 23. TEAM STANDINGS: The won-lost records of teams are kept in the sixth, seventh and eighth grade leagues only the main objective is to provide each participant with an opportunity to learn the game and to enjoy participating in it. Consequently, the outcome of the game between teams is not stressed. For grades 6 and up, standings will be calculated using the following scoring method: 1. Three points for each win 2. One point for each tie game 3. Zero points for each loss. An average runs allowed per game formula will be used to determine division champions, and runner-ups when necessary. FORMULA Total runs allowed / Total games played Note: Any games not made up by August 3, 2018 will not be made up and not factored into the average points per game. 24. TROPHIES: Individual trophies will be awarded to division winners in grades 6-8. 8