New coach? Start here

Head coach and assistant coach jobs

Agree on these jobs before the first practice, so players hear one plan from both of you. An assistant who knows the plan can run practice if the head coach is late.

Recruit a few parent helpers

• Team parent: sends reminders, organizes snacks, and collects volunteers.
• Dugout parent: keeps the batting order moving and helmets on.
• Scorekeeper: keeps the book or the scoring app.
• Field helpers: help with rakes, bases, and chalk before games.

What your league will probably ask for

• A background check. Almost every youth league requires one for coaches and often for regular volunteers.
• Abuse-prevention or safety training. Many leagues require an online course before you can coach.
• Concussion training. Some states require it by law. The CDC's free HEADS UP online training for youth coaches takes about half an hour.
• The league rules for your age group. Rec leagues change base distances, pitching rules, run limits, and playing time rules. Read them before the first game.

First aid and CPR training aren't always required, but they're worth taking.

The first parent meeting

Hold it at the first practice. Fifteen minutes is enough. Cover:

• Who you are and why you're coaching.
• Your goals: safe, fun, and every player gets better.
• How you'll communicate: one group chat or app, and how far ahead you'll post changes.
• Playing time: how you rotate positions and batting order, and that everyone plays.
• What players need: glove, cleats, helmet, water. Point them to the first-season checklist.
• Volunteer jobs you need filled.
• How to raise concerns: privately, not during games. Many coaches ask parents to wait until the next day to talk about a game.
• Sportsmanship in the stands: cheer for everyone, and let coaches coach.

Safety plans to have ready

Lightning

If you hear thunder or see lightning, clear the field right away. Dugouts and open shelters aren't safe, so send everyone to cars or a building. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out, and restart the clock if you hear thunder again. Follow your league's policy if it's stricter. The National Weather Service has more lightning safety guidance for sports.

Head injuries

If a player might have a concussion, take her out of play and keep her out for the rest of the day. Tell her parents, and she shouldn't return until a health care provider says it's OK. When in doubt, sit her out.

Heat

Give water breaks often on hot days, use shade, and shorten practice when it's very hot. Call 911 if a player becomes confused, faints, or has hot skin and seems very sick.

Emergencies

• Know the field address to give 911.
• Know where the nearest AED is, if the park has one.
• Keep emergency contacts and medical notes for every player in your bag.