Coaches Resources

COACHING PHILOSPHY AND REQUIREMENTS

South Van Little League simply would not operate without the help of our wonderful and dedicated volunteer coaches.

Although knowledge of the game is important, it is definitely not the only attribute essential for coaching. Coaches must be leaders. They are in a position of trust and need to have the understanding, patience and capacity to work with children. Coaches must realize that they are helping to shape the physical, mental and emotional development of young people. Coaches must be sensitive to the mental and physical limitations of children and recognize that the game is a vehicle for training and enjoyment, not an end in itself.

HEAD COACH EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Individuals interested in being a head coach on a team in the spring season are asked to submit an expression of interest that demonstrates how the applicant meets the Head Coach Selection Criteria outlined below. Parents/guardians who would like to be the head coach of their player’s team should send a Head Coach Expression of Interest to the Division Coordinator for the division corresponding to their player’s age (e.g., a parent/guardian of a Minors-aged player should send an expression of interest to the Minors Division Coordinator). Applicants who are not the parent or guardian of a player should send a Head Coach Expression of Interest to the Division Coordinator for the division/tier they would like to be a head coach in.

The email addresses for the SVLL Division Coordinators are as follows:

T-Ball - tball@svll.ca

Rookies - rookies@svll.ca

Minors - minors@svll.ca

Majors - majors@svll.ca

The deadline for submitting a Head Coach Expression of Interest for the 2025 Spring Season is 11:00 PM on January 19, 2025.

HEAD COACH SELECTION PROCESS

A head coach selection process will take place if the number of coaches expressing interest is greater than the number of teams being formed in that division.

The Head Coach Selection Committee consists of the following:

• President
• Vice President
• Head Coach
• Player Agent
• Division Coordinator of the division/tier for which head coaches are being selected

The committee will replace committee members with alternates as necessary to address any potential conflicts of interest.

The Head Coach Selection Committee adheres to the following principles for the selection of head coaches:

• There is no seniority or tenure in serving as a head coach.
• All spring season appointments expire at the end of that season.
• Detailed reasoning for not being selected as a head coach is not required to be given to an applicant. There is no appeal process for reconsideration.

The criteria listed below are used by the Head Coach Selection Committee to determine the head coaches for the upcoming spring season.

HEAD COACH SELECTION CRITERIA

1.  Positive Role Model
   • Reflects an understanding of the age group they supervise.
   • Exhibits a positive attitude and promotes good sportsmanship among players.
   • Demonstrates respect for players, officials, and opponents. Instills in their players a respect for the authority of adult leaders in the league.
   • Has the capacity to provide constructive feedback and encouragement.
   • Is instrumental in shaping acceptable behavior patterns whether the team wins or loses.
2.  Teaching and Leadership Ability
   • Exercises their leadership role appropriately but leaves the ball game in the hands of the players.
   • Strives to impart as much baseball knowledge as possible to each player.
   • Focuses on the holistic development of players, emphasizing growth, teamwork, and enjoyment of the game.
   • Has the ability to motivate and inspire players to do their best.
3.  Coaching and Playing Experience
   • Has skill in teaching baseball fundamentals and fostering skill development.
   • Has been a successful head coach or assistant coach in previous baseball seasons.
   • If no previous baseball coaching experience, has experience coaching other youth sports.
   • Has played baseball and is proficient in the key baseball skills (throwing, catching, fielding, hitting, baserunning).
4. Other
   • Can attend nearly all scheduled practices and games throughout the season and has the ability to communicate any conflicts in advance and find appropriate coverage if necessary.
   • Can attend and assist with player assessments in preparation for the player draft/team selection process.
   • Preference may be given to applicants that are the parent/guardian of a player that is in the same division/tier as the coaching position.
   • Preference will be given to applicants that are not a head coach in a different division.