First of all, thank you very much for volunteering to coach in our program. Without Moms and Dads like you, there would be no program. We realize that you have made a substantial time commitment, but we think you will be amply rewarded by the special experience you will have from working with your own kids and their friends.

Clinics
Coaches Clinic Information... click here
Coaching Certification Clinics... click here
Pro Swing Coaches Clinic Handout... Click click here
        Note: This is a 33 page PDF Document and connection may take  some time to download.

Rules
Coaches click here for NCBSA Baseball, Softball, T Ball Rules
Click here for Player Evaluation form

Safety
Click here for New Castle Baseball and Softball Safety Rules
Click here for Top Ten Safety Rules

NCBSA Philosophy
Baseball and Softball Safety Guidelines
Coach Background Check - Release Form
SafeKids Disclosure Form
Coaches Links
Start of Practices
Field Maintenance
Coach Evaluation Form
Player Evaluation Form

NCBSA Philosophy

    The philosophy of the NCBSA towards our spring program is to provide a participatory program in which children with all levels of ability can learn and play baseball and softball safely, with as much fun as possible. Our emphasis is on the teaching and development of fundamentals skills, and not on competition. We expect all players to be accorded equal playing time and to be given the opportunity to try playing different positions in the field, regardless of ability, and we expect our coaches and, in turn, our parents to help provide a safe, joyful and nurturing playing environment for our kids. We expect you to refer parents and players alike to the Code of Conduct they signed during their registration process as a guidepost for this effort. Early in the season, we will be distributing to them (through you) a copy of the National Standards for Youth Sports to help reinforce these issues.

Coaches Links:

• http://www.frozenropes.com/

National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) Clinics 2004:

This is a very important training program for all of our coaches -- head and assistant.  We consider this program essential.   It is the NCBSA’s policy that all coaches in our program are expected to become certified under this program.  There are two levels of NYSCA certification. If you qualified under Level 1 last year, you should return for Level 2 this year. We will again offer several opportunities this Spring for everyone to become certified by NYSCA.  The schedule is as follows:

All NYSCA clinics will be held on the second floor at the Bell school beginning at 7:30 PM on:

TBD

Start of Practices

    We have been given permission to begin practices on town and school fields on 4/12/04 weather permitting. Schedules will be published on the web site and distributed soon.  Our teams are absolutely prohibited from using those fields - no matter what the weather or apparent field condition -- before that date, unless instructed otherwise by the NCBSA. Everyone’s cooperation in adhering to this date and policy is expected. Nevertheless, you may elect to start some form of team practice in backyards or on paved parking lots around town prior to that date, which is fine with us. Just stay off the fields prior to official start date.

Mid-Season Celebration (formerly known as Opening Day Celebration)

    Our Annual Opening Day celebration has become a Mid-Season Celebration Day this year.  It will take place in May. This is always a very special event around town, and we encourage you all to mark this date when announced on your calendar and plan to attend. We will have a full parade through town complete with special Color Guard and fire engines, music provided by school bands, a picnic, carnival rides, and contests.   It should be a memorable occasion for everyone who participates in our program. We would very much appreciate it if you could do your very best to assure the largest turnout possible from the players on your team and their families.

Field Maintenance

    We do the very best we can to coordinate with the New Castle Recreation Department and the School District personnel in maintaining our fields. If you notice any problems or have any ideas for possible improvements in the condition or maintenance of any field, please let your Division Coordinator know right away. However, all of our coaches are expressly prohibited from performing any kind of maintenance on any field at any time for any reason. Please leave your brooms and rakes home. They may not be used at any time.
    Also, it is very important that we clean up after ourselves when we use the fields. Please make sure that you team picks up all garbage from the field and bench areas before departing after a game or practice. If there is a problem with refuse containers, please also immediately bring that to the attention of your Division Coordinator.

Coach Evaluation Criteria:

The NCBSA has established the following principles for selecting and evaluating managers and coaches:

A. Managers and coaches must be more than just individuals who organize and teach skills. Being generous with their time and knowing the game are essential, but they must also be a source of inspiration for the players.

B. Managers and coaches must be leaders. They must recognize that they hold positions of trust and responsibility in a program that deals with sensitive and formative aspects of the personal growth and development of young people. Coaches must also be open and understanding, and must have the patience needed to work effectively with youngsters.

C. Managers and coaches should command respect, always strive to set a good example, and above all, remember that they are helping to shape the physical, mental, and emotional development of young people.

D. Player safety is a primary responsibility of the manager and coach. All necessary precautions must be taken to ensure that the field is safe, that protective gear is in good condition and is properly used, and that players, especially pitchers are not subject to physical harm through overuse.

E. Managers and coaches will be held accountable for the conduct of players and their parents. Interference or abusive behavior by parents is inappropriate and may result in forfeit of the game. Any such problems should be brought to the attention of the division coordinator immediately.

F. Only the manager may address the umpire. In the managers absence, another coach may represent the team.

G. Under no circumstances will use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages or drugs be permitted during practices or games.

H. All managers and coaches are required to attend clinics and become certified by the NYSCA ( National Youth Sports Coaches Association).

I. Any concerns, problems or issues should be immediately brought to the attention of the appropriate division coordinator. For the 2005 season the division coordinators are as follows: