Quality of baseball coaching is one of the most critical components of a successful club baseball program. Head coaches must be able to work with youth players and have an appropriate level of knowledge and expertise for the age and ability level of the team they are coaching. Demonstrated past experience in coaching and playing will be strongly considered. The Board will assign one head coach to each team. The head coach will select assistant coaches based upon the Board’s approval. Like the players, coaches selected in the previous year, do not automatically qualify to coach the current year. Coaches must re-apply and will be evaluated every year along with any new potential candidates.

1. Always do your best to positively represent Whitefish Bay and Jr. Dukes Baseball.
2. Establish and maintain an appropriate and open line of communication with players and their parents, starting with a mandatory parent meeting at the beginning of each season.
3. Improve the overall skill and talent of every player on the team, providing every player meaningful opportunities to compete in all games and to contribute to the team’s success.
4. Protect and support every player’s physical, emotional and mental well-being.
5. Promote and set the example of sportsmanlike conduct for your team.
6. Instill a positive mentality within your team that focuses on playing the game with the following mindset: (1) 100% effort; (2) team first mentality; (3) self-discipline; (4) accountability; (5) confidence; (6) resilience; and (7) respect for all participants.
7. Select appropriate tournaments commiserate with your team’s age and ability level that do no require significant out-of-pocket expense or travel for your families.
8. Conduct regular practices that are designed to teach baseball fundamentals consistent with the Jr. Dukes Baseball Playbook, while trying to ensure the players are having fun.
9. Promote and maintain a positive baseball experience and environment for all players.
10. Work to improve your coaching skills by studying the game, reading, watching, or attending clinics or evaluating other resources.
11. Never verbally or physically abuse any player, umpire or official. Understand that judgment calls (ball/strike, safe/out) are not debatable or appealable under any circumstances. Teach your team to learn how to accept discretionary calls that go against them, and work to overcome them. Use the appropriate methods of appeal during the game if you have a rule interpretation issue.
12. Be responsible for, monitor and take appropriate action whenever necessary to assure the proper conduct and behavior of your team, coaches, parents and fans. Be particularly alert for verbal or physical abuse of other players, parents, umpires or officials.
13. Do not use profanity in front of players.

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