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Coach,

Thank you for taking the time to invest in the lives of these youngsters by teaching them the game of baseball and softball. The contents of this handbook do not contain everything you may need to know, but do contain information that the City of Norman believes will provide you with a good foundation.

If you need additional information, feel free to contact me at bj.brewer@normanok.gov or 405-366-5476.

B.J. Brewer—League Director / Sports Coordinator, City of Norman

201 West Gray, Bldg. C PO Box 370, Norman, OK 73069 405-366-5476 www.youthsportsofnorman.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Norman Parks and Rec Family Night with the OKC Dodgers 2

Team Name Policy 3

Words of Wisdom 4

Coach Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy 5

Players Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy 6

Healthy Coach and Parent Relationship 7

Communicating with Parents 8

Umpire Etiquette 9

Baseball and Softball Terminology 10

Field Diagrams and Position Labels 11

Concussion Management 12

Guidelines for Games During Lightning or Thunder Disturbances 13

Uniform and Team Picture Information 14

Cleat Information 15

Bat Information and Diagram 16

Glove Information 17

Catcher’s Gear 18

Griffin Community Park 19

Reaves Park 20

Notes 21

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The Norman Parks & Recreation Department is constantly striving to meet the needs of our citizens and thus improve our programs and our community. To that end, we are implementing the following policy for all of our Youth Sports Programs. Teams participating in any Norman Parks & Recreation Sports League will not choose team names that are considered to be offensive to any segment of our population. The City of Norman Sports Coordinator has the final say on what is considered offensive. This policy goes into effect immediately. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the above policy when naming your teams. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at 405-366-5476 or bj.brewer@normanok.gov

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REMINDERS FROM YOUR CHILD: I’m a child

It’s just a game

My coach is a volunteer

The umpires are humans

No college scholarships or professional

contracts will be offered today

Your child’s success or lack of success

in sports does not indicate what kind of

parent you are. But having an athlete

that is coachable, respectful, a great

teammate, mentally tough, resilient and

tries their best IS a direct reflection of

your parenting.

“Based on psychological research, the three healthiest statements moms and dads can make as [kids] perform are:

Before the Competition: Have fun. Play hard. I love you.

After the competition: Did you have fun? I’m proud of you. I love you.”

Source: www.fulleryouthinstitute.org

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PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT As a volunteer coach in a City of Norman Youth Sports Program you are expected to set a positive example in words and actions. Any volunteer coach who is involved in a verbal or physical altercation, or an occurrence of

unsportsmanlike conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.

COACH EXPECTATIONS I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win. I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for

the same age group. I will do my best to provide a safe playing environment for my players. I will promise to review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players. I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players. I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players. I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from

their use at all youth sports events. I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach and I will teach these rules to my players. I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for all of the skill that I teach. I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for children and not adults.

BASEBALL COACH AND UMPIRE INTERACTION By rule, only the head coach or designated head coach is allowed to approach an umpire, appeal a call, or file a protest during a game. All coaches are allowed to leave the dugout to attend a player who is ill or injured.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT includes but is not limited to: 1. Arguing with umpires or other league game officials after being instructed to return to his/her position; 2. Assistant coach leaving their position to argue with an umpire or other game official; 3. Leaving the dugout without authorization during a live ball; 4. Use of bullhorns or amplifiers for coaching purposes during the game; 5. Taunting; 6. Wearing anything that endorses drugs or sexually incentive clothing or headwear;

A. League officials have the final authority regarding this matter.

PENALTY: 1

st Offense: Warning.

2nd

Offense: Ejection from the field of play and dugout. Continued displays of unsportsmanlike conduct by the coach will result in additional discipline as determined by the Sports Coordinator.

7. Words or actions meant to incite or attempt to incite spectator or player demonstrations; 8. Words or actions meant to intimidate; 9. Call “Time” or use words or phrases in an attempt to cause a pitcher to balk while the ball is live and in play; 10.Engaging in inappropriate behavior or language; 11.Abusive, harmful, or unwarranted disruptions to the game; 12.Throwing bats, helmets, gloves, or other equipment in anger; 13.Making intentional contact with an umpire; 14.Words or actions meant to provoke a player, coach, umpire, league official, or spectator to harm another. 15.Being intoxicated on alcohol or any illegal substance while coaching.

PENALTY: Regular Season: Ejection and the offender is required to leave Griffin Community Park or Reaves Park. Continued

displays of unsportsmanlike conduct by the coach will result in a two game suspension. Post Season: Ejection and the offender is required to leave Griffin Community Park or Reaves Park. Continued

displays of unsportsmanlike conduct by the coach will result in a suspension from Griffin Community Park and Reaves Park for the remainder of the post season.

Any concerted activity that is in poor taste as determined by the Sports Coordinator will result in forfeiture and possible suspension from further participation. Coaches, parents/spectators, league officials, umpires, or players who threaten, physically harm, or abuse any player, umpire, league official, or spectator at any time for any reason will be subject to immediate dismissal from Griffin Community Park or Reaves Park and effective immediately, suspended from all City of Norman Youth Sports Program sanctioned events for the remainder of the season.

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I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.

I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.

I will expect to receive a fair amount of playing time.

I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.

I will treat my coaches, other players, officials, and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.

I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun!

I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it’s important to me.

I will do my very best in school.

I will remember that sports is an opportunity to learn and have fun! I understand that any unsportsmanlike conduct, showing disrespect to umpires, game officials, coaches, spectators, or other players can result in the following disciplinary actions:

Verbal warning Ejection from the current game Suspension for future games Being expelled from the league

Team Name Date

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When it comes to coaching youth sports, communication and organization are two of the most important components. Keeping lines of communication open between you and your parents AND having a plan for each practice, game, and team event will aid in helping your season run smoothly. With this in mind we are providing some helpful tips to assist you as you begin a new sports season. Contact Your Parents ASAP

Once you have received your team roster, contact your parents as soon as possible.

Parents have been eager to hear from their child’s coach.

Host a Coach-Parent Team Meeting This can actually be done towards the end of your first practice while players are

finishing up with your assistant coach. Introduce yourself and share about your excitement for the season. Make sure you have everyone’s correct contact information. Have everyone fill out and sign an “Authorization to Seek Medical Treatment”

Form. Communicate expectations clearly:

Practice days, times, and location. Stress the importance of parents letting you know when their child will not be

at practices or games. What equipment is provided and what parents will need to provide along

with other equipment recommendations. Stress the importance of having at least one parent at the games. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated by you (the coach), the

umpires, and the field supervisor (refer to the “Parent and Spectator Expectations” section in the Guidelines and Rules book).

Recruit a team parent (or two) to coordinate the snack schedule, water for practices and games, and team events.

Encourage parents to practice with their child at home.

Uniforms All the NYBS Program requires is for each player to have a shirt with a number on

the back. Cost effectiveness is important. You may be able to find a sponsor to offset much

of the cost. Rainout

In case of a rainout, we will send out an email and text to all participants. In addition to the email and text, people can call the rainout hotline at

405-366-5323 or go to www.youthsportsofnorman.com after 4 PM on game day.

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Thoughts to remember when interacting with parents:

Always listen to their ideas and feelings. Remember, they are interested and concerned because it is their children that are involved. Encourage parental involvement.

Express appreciation for their interest and concern. This will make them more open and at ease with you.

No coach can please everyone! Don’t try.

Know what your objectives are and do what you believe to be of value to the team, not the parents.

Make certain all parents know your ground rules. Have rules, regulations, your philosophy, practice dates and times, etc. printed so you can pass out to all parents. Have a parent meeting before the season begins to discuss your operating procedures if necessary.

Resist unfair pressure. You are the coach and it’s your responsibility to make the final decisions.

Most important, be fair. If you treat all players equally you will gain respect.

Be consistent! If you change a rule or philosophy during the season, you may be in for trouble. If you do change something make sure the parents are informed as soon as possible.

Handle any confrontation one-on-one and not in a crowd situation. Don’t be defensive. Don’t argue with a parent. Listen to their viewpoint and thank them for it.

Don’t discuss individual players with other parents. The grapevine will hang you every time.

Ask parents not to criticize their children during a practice or game. Don’t let your players be humiliated, even by their own parents. Explain that you must be under complete control of your team when they are on your ”turf”.

Don’t blame the players for their parents’ actions, if negative. Try to maintain a fair attitude.

Parents must accept the fact that coaches and assistants are volunteers and should not be subjected to criticism during ball games.

Parents should also be aware that umpires are not perfect and will make mistakes and should not be subjected to criticism during or after ball games.

Please remind parents that “it’s just a game” and it should be treated as such. Make it fun!

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If you want to discuss a call with the umpire, ask for “Time”, and approach the umpire to discuss the

call. Ask for his interpretation of the call and calmly present your case as well. Ask the umpire to confer with his partner if a rule clarification, interpretation, or a call may have been missed (not on a judgment call). Let them confer and accept the resulting decision. Nothing you do from there will advance your case.

Remember that you DON'T want to argue with an umpire. You DO want him to consider your point

of view. Control your anger. Don't show up the umpire or grandstand. You're there to make your point, not put on a performance for the crowd. Most umpires are willing to discuss a call - none should listen to you yell at them.

Know the difference between a judgment call and a rule interpretation and which ones you should

be discussing with the umpire. Never argue balls/strikes, fair/foul balls or any other calls that are strictly judgment calls such as force plays, or whether a tag was made in time.

Go to the right umpire to discuss a call. Not just to the oldest one or the plate umpire. Go to the one

who made the call. No other umpire should overrule another.

Don’t make it personal. Talk about the call, not the individual who made it. "I think that call is wrong"

is your opinion. "You got the call wrong" is personal.

Know the rules to a reasonable level – both the rulebook and any special league rules. NEVER

bring the rulebook onto the field to discuss a call. That’s a quick trip home. Keep it with you on the bench for reference or on your nightstand for those nights you are tossing and turning over a call that didn’t go your way.

Set a positive role model for your players. Don't complain about the umpire in front of your players. Educate them on what a judgment call is and encourage them to learn and understand the rules. Coaches and umpires are both authority figures and every time they discuss calls on the field it is an opportunity to teach the kids how to disagree with mutual respect in any situation.

Don’t allow your players to walk away from the game blaming the umps.

When it's over, it's over. Discussions end, and not everybody will be happy. Be sportsmanlike and

shake hands with the umpires after the game, even if a questionable call may have cost you the game. This is not a coaching tactic or a ritual of the game. It’s simply an extension of how a decent human being should act.

Source: http://fscs.rampinteractive.com

www.thinkbluela.com

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As players continue to develop, one of the things that will help them improve is becoming familiar with common baseball “slang.” Below is a sample of phrases that players and coaches typically communicate to each other during the course of a game. Though these terms are not “set in stone”, the concept of developing common terminology will help in their continued development and understanding of the game. Offensive and Defensive Terms

Before the ball is hit… One down = one out Two down = two outs Play’s at <base #> = When the ball is hit, throw it to

Defensive Terms

When a ground ball or line drive is hit to the infield or outfield… Go one = throw to first base Go two = throw to second base Go three = throw to third base Go four = throw to home

When a pop fly is hit…

Ball, ball, ball / Mine, mine, mine = get away, I am attempting to catch the ball Tag, tag, tag = runner on base is tagging up No runner, no runner = base runner is not tagging up or attempting to advance

When the ball is being relayed to the infield…

Leave it = relay player lets the ball go to the intended base Cut one = relay player catches the ball and throws to first Cut two = relay player catches the ball and throws to second Cut three = relay player catches the ball and throws to third

Offensive Terms

Baserunners… Get down = slide You’re up = no need to slide Turn and look = when rounding any base, look to read the defensive play and listen

for the coach Get there = hustle

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T-BALL, MACHINE PITCH, AND COACH PITCH Defensive Positions

1 = Pitcher (P)

2 = Catcher (C)

3 = First Baseman (1B)

4 = Second Baseman (2B)

5 = Third Baseman (3B)

6 = Shortstop (SS)

7 = Left Fielder (LF)

8 = Left Center Fielder (LC)

9 = Right Center Fielder (RC)

10 = Right Fielder (RF)

First Base Coach’s Box

Third Base Coach’s Box

Batter’s Box Batter’s Box

On Deck Circle On Deck Circle

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KID PITCH Defensive Positions

1 = Pitcher (P)

2 = Catcher (C)

3 = First Baseman (1B)

4 = Second Baseman (2B)

5 = Third Baseman (3B)

6 = Shortstop (SS)

7 = Left Fielder (LF)

8 = Center Fielder (CF)

9 = Right Fielder (RF)

First Base Coach’s Box

Third Base Coach’s Box

Batter’s Box Batter’s Box

On Deck Circle On Deck Circle

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THE FOLLOWING WAS COPIED DIRECTLY FROM THE “2018 NFHS BASEBALL RULES BOOK” SECTION ON “SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF

CONCUSSION IN SPORTS”: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function. An athlete does not have to have suffered a direct blow to the head or lose consciousness (be “knocked out”) to have suffered a concussion.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussion Include:

Suggested Concussion Management

1. No athlete should return to play (RTP) or practice on the same day of a concussion.

2. Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be evaluated by an appropriate health-care professional that day.

3. Any athlete with a concussion should be medically cleared by an appropriate health-care professional prior to resuming participation in any practice or competition.

4. After medical clearance, RTP should follow a step-wise protocol with provisions for delayed RTP based upon return of any signs or symptoms at rest, while doing school work or with physical activity.

For further details please see the “NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports” at www.nfhs.org.

WHEN IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT!

Appears dazed or stunned

Is confused about assignment or position

Forgets an instruction

Is unsure of game, score or opponent

Moves clumsily

Answers questions slowly

Loses consciousness (even briefly)

Shows mood, behavior or personality changes

Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall

Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Headaches or “pressure” in head

Nausea or vomiting

Balance or problems or dizziness

Double or blurry vision

Sensitivity to light

Sensitivity to noise

Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy

Concentration or memory problems

Confusion

Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down”

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THE FOLLOWING EXERPT WAS COPIED FROM THE “2018 NFHS BASEBALL RULES BOOK” IN REFERENCE

TO LIGHTNING AND THUNDER: a. When thunder is heard or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the

leading edge of the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Suspend play for 30 minutes and take shelter immediately.

b. Thirty-minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play.

c. Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count will reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.

Griffin Community Park and Reaves are equipped with a lightning detection system. The first siren indicates lighting is close enough to strike and all games will be halted. Patrons may not seek shelter inside dugouts or underneath trees. The lightning detection system will let out a distinct second siren to indicate the all clear and games may resume as long as fields are playable. The Sports Coordinator, Field Supervisors, Umpire Coordinators, and Umpires have the final authority to determine whether or not it will be safe to resume games.

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Jerry Bruns 405-364-0080

playitagainsportsnormanok@yahoo.com

Lance Knight or Gwen Gough 405-366-7099

lance.knight@transcriptpress.com gwen.gough@transcriptpress.com

Steve Willingham 405-310-6721

legendarythreadz@yahoo.com

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BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL CLEAT BUYING GUIDE http://www.baseballmonkey.com/baseball-softball-cleat-buyers-guide

Molded Cleats Molded cleats can be made of varying materials, depending on the price point. The lower priced molded cleats are designed for younger players that quickly outgrow their cleats and do not need to have them for a long time. They also tend to have shorter cleats to be more forgiving for in-experienced players. The higher priced molded cleats are made of a stiffer rubberized plastic material that varies for different manufacturers, that are designed to give the most traction to a player before going to a metal cleat. These harder plastic materials are much lighter than the rubber cleats and metal cleats. All molded cleats are designed to be the most comfortable cleated shoe, because they tend to have the highest number of cleats, spread out on the pressure points of the foot.

Metal Cleats (Note: Metal cleats are only allowed in the 13/14U Age Division) Metal cleats provide the most traction of any other cleat. The cleats are the thinnest in comparison and thus penetrate the ground the easiest. Metal cleats are great for both dirt and grass, but not the best for turf. Metal cleats are only used by players in high competition leagues that allow them. This includes high school and college baseball and softball. Some pony and travel ball leagues allow players to wear metal cleats though. Check with your league first to make sure it is okay to wear them. The reason not everyone can wear metal cleats are because they pose a danger to players involved in sliding plays.

Turf Cleats Turf cleats are the training shoe that players wear when practicing or when they need more comfort and less performance. Every player should be wearing when they aren’t practicing on a field. The reasons for this are because turf shoes provide are much more comfortable and do not ruin turf training facilities. Additionally, turf trainers offer more traction than basketball shoes or sneakers. Turf shoes are also great options for slow pitch softball players since they offer the ability to grip dirt and grass but offer more comfort than a cleated shoe to help last a long day of tournament play.

Interchangeable Cleats Interchangeable cleats are the mix of metal and molded cleats. They offer an option to have one pair of cleats instead of two for players that play in different leagues. The cleats are attached with screws and can be easily

changed with a provided tool. The only down side to interchangeable cleats is since there is extra hardware, interchangeable cleats tend to be heavier cleats.

Cleat Sizing Sizing a cleat is very similar to sizing a sneaker. The only difference is that you want a pair of cleats to fit tighter than relaxed sneakers. This is to avoid the foot from sliding around in the cleat, which can cause blisters. For children, it is important to avoid over compensating for growing room. It is best to fit them for a correct size and then go up half a size, leaving no more than a fingers worth of room behind the ankle. A good tip for sizing metal cleats, is to look at woman’s metal cleats if you cannot find a men’s cleat in a small enough size. They usually fit the same, minus the sizing difference.

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Knob

Handle

Grip

Taper Barrel

“WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUTH BASEBALL BATS” http://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/baseball/about-youth-baseball-bats

LEGALITY All youth baseball leagues will have rules and regulations regarding bat materials, lengths and weights. Consult the guidelines of your league to make sure your new bat will be allowed in the game.

LENGTH Just like they’ll outgrow their uniforms, young players are going to outgrow their bats. Make sure to monitor their growth and upgrade to a larger bat when necessary. There are three ways to measure whether a bat is the right length: Just like they’ll outgrow their uniforms, young players are going to outgrow their bats. Make sure to monitor their growth and upgrade to a larger bat when necessary. There are three ways to measure whether a bat is the right length:

1. Have them place the bottom of the bat in the center of their chest, pointing it to the side, parallel to their outstretched arm. If they can comfortably reach the top of the bat with the palm of their hand, the bat is the right length.

2. Position the bottom of the bat in the center of their chest, facing outward. If their arm can reach out and grab the barrel of the bat, then it is the right length.

3. Stand the bat up against the side of their leg. If the end of the bat reaches the center of their palm when they reach down, it’s the right length.

WEIGHT Take a look at the “drop weight” – a measurement determined by subtracting the weight of the bat from its length. For example, a bat that’s 30 inches long and weighs 20 ounces will have a drop weight of -10. The larger the drop weight, the lighter the bat. Youth bats will typically fall between -8 and -13.

Larger, stronger players tend to favor a lower drop weight, which results in greater power. Smaller players will benefit from a higher drop weight, which benefits bat speed.

Bats must be stamped with the new USSSA 1.15 BPF Mark or BBCOR.50 Certified Mark, or made of wood.

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GLOVE BUYING GUIDE www.baseballmonkey.com/baseball-softball-glove-buying-guide

When buying a glove, there are a few basic terms that have to be defined first:

Type of throw - Refers to which hand a player uses to throw the ball (not which hand the glove is on), depending on if the player is a righty or a lefty.

RHT - Right hand thrower. Means the player throws with his or her right hand and wears the glove on the left.

LHT - Left hand thrower. Means the player throws with his or her left hand and wears the glove on the right.

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Chest Protector Shin Guards

Catcher’s Helmet

“PARENT’S BUYING GUIDE TO BUYING CATCHER’S GEAR”

www.momsteam.com/baseball-parents-buying-guide-catchers-gear

Catcher's masks and helmets typically come in three sizes: youth, intermediate, or adult, and are adjustable with a moveable back plate, so as long as you find a helmet in their age range, the helmet should fit snugly when adjusted.

Chest protectors range from 11" to 18", and to find your child's size, simply use a tape measure, and measure the length from the bottom of their throat to the naval.

Shin guards tend to range from 11" to 17", and you can use the same tape measure to measure from the middle of the knee to the top of the foot to find their size.

For a new catcher and new baseball parents, these full sets are great options! They come with everything your child needs to play safely, and take a lot of the guess work out of finding three separate pieces. They also cost less than purchasing each piece individually.

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