General Information For Managers

To TBO Managers and Coaches:

First of all, we want to thank you for volunteering your time.  All of us on the Board recognize that you are a very important part of our organization.  You are the ones who work with the players and have the most interactions with both the players and parents.  To most people, you are TBO.

With that said, there are some guidelines that the Board would like to establish for all divisions.  These guidelines can be categorized under (1) safety, (2) instruction and sportsmanship and (3) administrative issues.

Safety

All of you need to be certified by the Rutgers safety program (or something similar to that course).  If you are not certified yet, you can log on to Rutgers website Rutgers Safety Course and see when and where the course will be given in our area so that you can make arrangements to attend.  It would be appropriate to spend at least a few minutes with your players going over safety issues and stressing the need to follow instructions at practices and games.

Proper equipment is a must.  All players are required to wear non-metal cleats.  No one will be able to play without cleats.  All boys should wear a protective cup at practices and games.  You will be provided with one cup as part of your League issued equipment for the catcher.

TBO regulations require that you obtain a signed medical consent and release form from the parents of each player.  These forms should be with you at every game and practice.    In case of accidents, please inform the league president as soon as possible.

Instruction and Sportsmanship

Please remember that TBO is a “Rec. League.”  As such, our primary objective is to provide an opportunity for everyone to play ball.  As a manager or coach, we would like you to teach sportsmanship, baseball/softball skills, and teamwork.  You should also try to help the children develop more self-confidence and a positive self-image.  While we all want to win and, in fact, it is important to win at least enough games to keep everyone interested, winning should not be your primary objective.  With this in mind, I would ask you to consider the following:

Equalize playing time, at least during the regular season.  No player should get only the minimum innings every game.

Do not hide players in the outfield all season.  If possible, give everyone an opportunity to play more desired positions.  I recognize that it takes special skills to pitch or catch and some players will not be qualified for those positions. However, you should try to give players practice time and to be encouraging and supportive of the players’ efforts.

You should not simply tell batters to “go up there and take a walk.”  Taking pitches is an appropriate strategy at times, but it should not be a full time strategy. Encourage players to hit the ball.  Remember, teaching  all players to hit during the season may eventually help you in the playoffs.

No one should be placed last in the batting order every game.  Moving players around in the order takes the stigma out of batting last and builds a sense of team spirit.

We are trying to provide you with quality umpiring.  However, it would be a good idea to keep in mind that, in some of the divisions, our umpires are 13-20 years old with varying degrees of experience.  They make mistakes, but so do the players, managers, coaches and Board members.  These are Rec. league games, keep things in perspective.

Arguing with umpires is prohibited-no matter what the reason.  This applies to managers, coaches and parents.  The example that you set for your team and the opposing team is extremely important.  As outlined in your rules, umpires have the right to expel parents, managers and coaches.

To recap, try to balance teaching, winning and just plain old having fun. 

Administrative Matters

Many of you have managed or coached in the past are familiar with the procedures for using the lock boxes, scheduling practices (see Manager’s Responsibilities sheet), recording wins, etc.  If you have any questions please contact your Division Manager.

We will use our website (www.teaneckbaseball.org) to record the team standings and will use email, our website, as well as a message on the phone line (201-837-9613) to inform you if games are canceled due to inclement weather.

Equipment bags with a slip of paper with your name and division in the equipment bag must be returned after your last game in June.  A rating sheet for all your players will be sent to you.  We will need this filled out as we use this information to help us form the teams for the following year.

Once again, thank you for volunteering your time and good luck.