March 1, 2008

Dear W-Ball Coaches:

Thank you for volunteering to be a "W-Ball" coach this year. Here is some additional information you will need.

We typically have 6 teams of 6-8 players each with two coaches per team. A preliminary team roster will be sent shortly and a final roster will be distributed on Opening Day.

On Opening Day, coaches should check in at 1:40 p.m. at the Kindergarten Fields. We will have a ten-minute meeting before we start. Then, you will be given the equipment bag, jerseys and hats for your team.

Coaches should keep the equipment bag all season and return it to us on the last day of the season. If you miss a game, make sure someone else brings the equipment bag to the game. If you need any equipment, let us know.

We start each 60-minute session with 25 minutes of "instruction" and skill practice. Coaches will get their team together to review a skill for the day (e.g., throwing, catching or batting) and then break into groups to practice the skill.

After this short practice session, the kids will have a chance to play a "game" with another team. We will give you a "game" schedule on opening day for the season, which will enable you to play different teams each week. If you have too few players to field a team (4 players is usually the limit), then you should combine with another team for the game.

Coaches should create a batting order (going by number on the back of the shirt is the best), helping the players decide where to play in the field, and "coaching" where practical. Parents should keep their own child in the field if necessary, help their child if hurt, and ensure the good sportsmanship of their child.

We will bring water for each of the games. If you and your team desire a post-game snack, please have someone organize your team's snack assignments for the remaining games. If you do organize a snack assignment, the parents need to bring snacks only for the kids on their child's team.

If you have any questions feel free to give me a call or email. See you on Saturday, April 19th!

Deb Barnds