T-ball help!!

[sadiebug]

We are new to the whole Little League/T-ball thing and my DH and I have somehow ended up as Coaches.

Our league is under re-organization, so we really haven't had a whole lot of help and we don't know what to expect. We don't have any idea what the rules should be, what we should be bringing to the games (snacks?), do they do an end of the season banquet or party, etc.

Can you guys please help? What experiences have you had as either a parent or coach? What has worked for you to make it a fun and learning experience for the kids? We've got little ones - aged 4 to 7 - so the focus is definitely not on winning, but on learning the game and having fun. Any help or advice you can give would be most appreciated!!

TIA!!

Sadiebug

 

[sasywtch]

20 years of Little League, softball, fastpitch and now kids are grown. Here in Little League, the t ball kids each had to play the same amount of innings. The one thing to warn you is that it isn't the kids to watch out for, it's the parents. There is always that one that either little Johnnie is better than everyone else and why isn't he playing shortstop, or the one that berates their little one out on the field yelling at them to bend down, why didn't you get that ball....

You can have a meeting with the parents and see what they'd like to do treat wise. Our league gave out snowcones at the end of each game, the softball girls, the parents took turns bringing a treat. I don't think treats are necessary but cool water with paper cups are. We'd load up the car with all the gear and the water cooler with paper cups. I always had a clean milk container half full in the freezer to plop in the middle and then filled the cooler with water. Even though parents were suppose to bring water for their kids, it didn't always happen and I hated seeing some kids go without.

For end of the year, we use to have a pizza party for the kids (parents bought their own) and bought small trophies for each kid. Something maybe you can discuss at the parent meeting (everyone chip in $5 or whatever). One coach bought medals. I always told my parents that if there was a money problem to please call me as I had been there. Most important thing, have fun and laugh alot. So much fun to watch the little outfielders forget to go run after the ball.

 

[dawson5]

20 years of Little League, softball, fastpitch and now kids are grown. Here in Little League, the t ball kids each had to play the same amount of innings. The one thing to warn you is that it isn't the kids to watch out for, it's the parents. There is always that one that either little Johnnie is better than everyone else and why isn't he playing shortstop, or the one that berates their little one out on the field yelling at them to bend down, why didn't you get that ball....

You can have a meeting with the parents and see what they'd like to do treat wise. Our league gave out snowcones at the end of each game, the softball girls, the parents took turns bringing a treat. I don't think treats are necessary but cool water with paper cups are. We'd load up the car with all the gear and the water cooler with paper cups. I always had a clean milk container half full in the freezer to plop in the middle and then filled the cooler with water. Even though parents were suppose to bring water for their kids, it didn't always happen and I hated seeing some kids go without.

For end of the year, we use to have a pizza party for the kids (parents bought their own) and bought small trophies for each kid. Something maybe you can discuss at the parent meeting (everyone chip in $5 or whatever). One coach bought medals. I always told my parents that if there was a money problem to please call me as I had been there. Most important thing, have fun and laugh alot. So much fun to watch the little outfielders forget to go run after the ball.

Yep. I was talking with a mom last season and she told me about a mother who showed up at the park to watch our coach pitch team. Her child wasn't on either team, but she had "heard rumors" that our coach was going to be the all-star coach next year... *sigh*

I've done the team mom a few times now. All I can say is organization is your friend. One thing we've learned about snacks/treats, it's easier to just give them their date. This way you have everything covered, if there is a problem, they can call each other and swap dates.

You said your park is in the middle of reorganization. I would find out what the rules are. Some follow a set standard (Cal Ripken, Little League, etc.) and will amend them. Someone has to tell you something. Do you get an equipment bag? Are they going to supply the balls--this was changed at our park a few years ago.

Have you contacted your parents yet? Possibly one of them has an older child that played previous and might be willing to help you out. Find as many helpers as you can. When they are this little, their attention spans are shorter. If you can get a few people to help you break them up into smaller groups, you can keep them all busy and focused.


webball.com has some ideas for first timers. Help with drills and organization.

Good luck and have fun.