Frequently ask questions of new coaches:
Q. How much time does it take?
A. Games are 75-120 minutes depending on the age group (and you were planning to be there to watch anyway – right?), practices are typically 60-90 minutes again depending on the age group, and administrative tasks (practice plans, game line-ups, parent meetings, etc.) takes 1-2 hours per week. Plus you need to be at the games 30 minutes before start, so about 5-9 hours per week.
Q. I don’t know anything about Softball, how can I Manage a team?
A. SVGSL provides both basic coaching and skills training for all coaches. Our training covers how to teach the basics of throwing, hitting, fielding and pitching as well as how to run a fun practice for the girls. The best time to start is at the younger age group (6U/8U) because at this age, we were all new at it – if you don’t start now, it may be harder later. We also have experienced Managers on the board that would be more than willing to help you out with any of your practices and games (just ask). In addition, we will be running pitching clinics throughout the season to help build your pitching staff.
Q. What would my responsibilities be?
A. The Team Manager is responsible for overall leadership of the team. Setting up and running practices (with the help of other parent coaches of course), game line-up and keeping things running smoothly during the game, administrative duties like; getting a team admin to help out with team pictures, getting parents to help prep the field, etc.
Q. But I travel with my job, I couldn’t make it to all the games or practices – that’s a problem right?
A. Not necessarily, you can always working something out with the other coaches on the team, or we could have two Managers that work together (just let us know if you are willing to work with a Co-Manager). If worse came to worse, one of the board members would help out if needed.
Interested in Managing or Coaching a team? Have more questions? Just send us an email – it couldn’t get any easier!
“Fifty years from now it won’t matter who struck out, who dropped a fly ball, who hit the home run, or how many wins and losses your team had. But, the world will be a better place if you make a difference in a child’s life.” Al Price and Al Herback (Al & Al)
