Jr. Warriors Coaches Expectations and Ethical Procedures

The Junior Warrior coaches will model sound character through their loyalty, effort, professionalism, integrity, and their respect for the entire Junior Warrior program including staff and players.  Be positive, be inclusive, be a student of the sport, and understand your role in the whole scheme of things.  Preach to your players: (1) know what to do, (2) continually strive to improve your skills, (3) play hard, and (4) have fun being part of the Junior Warriors.  Developing a desire within each athlete to compete and win is important; having a win at all cost attitude is not a fundamental part of Junior Warriors.  Understand that 99.99% of participants will not go on to play professional sports so the lessons you teach, whether in practice or games, will influence youth’s lives for a long time.  You will promote: positive behavior and attitude, a belief in the total program, confidence, including all players in participation during practice and games, team unity, a vision of what is possible, and the value of education.

JWDS is designed as a competitive baseball organization for developing future Washington High School varsity baseball players. It is our standing that we strive to develop interested players in a fundamentally sound competitive environment. It is the duty of the coaches to teach and develop the fundamental skills to all players in the hopes of creating athletes that will be able to compete at all levels.

Coach Classifications:

• Head Coach
• Asst. Coach
• Volunteer Assistants
• There is no maximum number of assistants on staff.

Teams:

JWDS will field competitive teams no matter the age or skill levels from A to Major classifications. (Competitive meaning non-recreational)

Competitive Defined: Teams organized to compete in baseball, playing the maximum number of games allowed, participating in structured organized practices coached by experienced volunteers.

Teams at the (A) level are still held to the following requirements. JWDS IS NOT A RECREATIONAL BASEBALL ORGANIZATION.

Players on teams in higher classification may not be transferred to a team of lower classification once league play starts.

Players on lower classification teams may “Fill In” on a roster of a team in higher classification on a temporary basis.

Players on lower classification teams may be added to the USSSA roster of a team in a higher class before roster freeze date.

Lower classification also includes lower age group.

Coaches have full discretion as to which players may “Fill In” for their teams for games or added roster spots, however this must be done with the consent of the team from which the player is coming from (e.g. both head coaches involved must concur with the decision).

Coaches may add players to their roster at any time before or during the season as long as such actions in full compliance with USSSA rules and guidelines.

Players from other organizations may be added to a roster, abiding by USSSA roster restrictions.

• Coaches are required to finish the season with their team, unless conflicts that arise.

• Any Head coach that leaves their team prior to the end of the season must petition JWDS for reinstatement as Head Coach for the following year. Assistants and volunteers are exempt from having to petition JWDS for reinstatement.

• Coaches may petition JWDS to coach different age or class levels, however such petitions may only be submitted after the current season.

• Coaches are not required to have a child on the team. Experienced volunteers are able to coach a team upon JWDS approval.

• Coaches must have experience either having played through high school, or college or 1 year coaching experience at any level. Experienced coaching is key to a competitive structure and JWDS coaches are expected to know hitting, pitching, catching, fielding, and base running fundamentals and be proficient in game management (pitching changes, substitutions, defensive alignment, etc.).

• Volunteers do not have to meet the before mentioned experience guidelines.

• Head Coach has discretion as to how many and who may volunteer on their team, as well as chosing their Asst. coaching staff.

• 1 Head coach per team

• A Head coach may not, head more than 1 team, except as approved by the Board of Directors.

• Assistants and volunteers may assist on as many teams they wish as long as they are meeting the responsibilities of their primary team.

Practice:

Coaches at all skill and age levels are required to perform planned and skill related practices to the best of their abilities.  Coaches in need of assistance with such preparations are strongly encouraged to seek the mentoring of fellow JWDS coaches or check with any JWDS Board member to get such help.  Coaches are also required to attend the majority of sponsored coaches clinics set by the Washington Baseball staff.

Practices officially start at the beginning of winter sessions. Coaches must encourage 100% participation unless player has been excused by the coach.

Practices should be planned and organized in order to create comprehensive development.

In the absence of the head coach, a practice plan is to be provided to the assistants or volunteers.

Practices are not to be cancelled due to head coaches inability to attend or player numbers.

If practices are cancelled due to weather or conflict, they should be immediately rescheduled. As practice is the most important tool in player development we must be diligent in providing the maximum practice opportunities.

• Coaches may not defer from scheduled winter practice sessions.
• Coaches may begin practicing with their team as soon as new team has been fielded.
• Teams should strive to practice a minimum of 3 hours per week once season starts (field availability and weather permitting)
• All practices must be attended by no less than 2 coaches or volunteers.
• Coaches from other teams may fill in to assist in a practice with consent of the head coach.
• There is no maximum practice limit.
• Practice plans are required of all coaches for every practice session.

Scheduling:

• Coaches must attempt to schedule all teams in their league.

• Teams will play a minimum of 18 games, weather and numbers permitting.

• Coaches may schedule games against teams in lower classifications.

• 80% of all scheduled games must be in classification.

• Coaches will schedule a minimum of 2 games against teams in a higher classification.

• A minimum of 1 tournament must be scheduled.

• Games cancelled due to rain or conflicts must be rescheduled to the best of the coach’s ability.

• Teams may schedule extra games not on master schedule.

• Games may not be cancelled due to head coach conflict only rescheduled.

Games:

• Coaches may restrict playing time to players inability to attend practices
• Playing time is at the sole discretion of the head coach and staff.
• Coaches have full discretion to institute game-time punishment for inappropriate behavior (see the JWDS by-laws).
• Coaches will not use foul language in dugouts, or direct it towards umpires, coaches , fans, or players.(see JWDS code of conduct)
• Coaches may use discretion during tournaments as for as lineup and roster.
• Teams are required to have volunteer assistant available to pay umpires and collect tournament or practice fees. (Team treasure/asst. to JWDS Treasurer)
• Teams may have a floating or rotating roster for games up to age 10u.
• A minimum of 2 coaches or volunteers are required for all games.
• Fill in players are allowed as long as they are not above age limit. Fill in players must be on a JWDS roster at classification or lower.

Conduct:

JWDS coaches represent JWDS, our players, our parents and the greater Washington High School community. JWDS holds a high standard for all coaches, players, parents and volunteers. Misconduct will not be tolerated, as we strive for excellence in sportsmanship and ethical standards.

JWDS will closely monitor coach , player, and parent conduct. All complaints from the community, parents, umpires or the league will be filled with the JWDS Baseball Coordinator. In the event a complaint is filled the JWDS Baseball Coordinator will inform the parties cited in the complaint. Any comments or discrepancies will also be filled along with the complaint. (See JWDS code of conduct for disciplinary actions).Any claims filled will be made available for view by the individual cited. Coaches are responsible for making players, parents, and volunteers aware of the code of conduct.

Scholarships:

Player scholarships may be awarded to players. Parents may petition the age group coach for application. The age group coach shall submit application for player scholarship for board approval.

Age Group coach must supply the Board of Directors evidence of financial hardship ( Loss of income,Domestic Hardship,etc.) Proof of Parent financial hardship is not necessary. If claims of financial hardship prove to be false, the JWDS Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke scholarship.

Criteria:

1)Financial Hardship

- Loss of job etc..

2)Domestic Hardship

- Flood, divorce,Death of guardian etc..

Players may apply for partial or full Scholarship.

The JWDS Board of Directors must approve all scholarships. The number of scholarships awarded is determined by approval of applications and moneys available in the Scholarship fund.

Scholarship rules:

Player Scholarships may not be used as a recruiting tool.A violation of this rule will result in the revocation of the scholarship.

Players must petition age group coach, not the executive board.

Players must reaplly every year.

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