THE ROLE OF THE COACH

Norwalk Little League wants all players to enjoy their experience with Little League, develop a long lasting love for the game of baseball and to learn positive character lessons that will help them in every aspect of their life.  Coaches are expected to embody the following principles:

• Coaches for mastery rather than victory, which he sees as a by-product of the pursuit of excellence.  He focuses on effort rather than outcome, learning rather than comparison to others.
   
• Works to remain positive even through losing streaks. He recognizes that it is often when things go wrong that a coach can have the most positive impact and teach the most important life lessons. Regardless of the adversity involved, he refuses to demean himself or his players by resorting to fear, intimidation or shame. He always treats athletes with respect regardless of how well they perform.
   
• Is a positive motivator and refuses to motivate through fear, intimidation or shame.  He establishes order and discipline in a positive manner.
   
• Recognizes that mistakes are an important and inevitable part of learning and encourages an environment in which players are willing to risk making a mistake.
   
• Sets standards of continuous learning and improvement for himself and his players. He encourages and inspires his players, whatever their level of mastery, to strive to get better.  He is committed to becoming the best coach he can be and continually seeks to improve his own effectiveness.
   
• "Honors the Game."  He feels an obligation to the sport he coaches.  He loves his sport and shares his love and enjoyment with his players.  He feels privileged to be able to take part in his sport.
   
• Respects his opponents, recognizing that a worthy opponent will push him and his team to do their best.
   
• Understands the important role that umpires play and strives to show them respect even when he disagrees with their decisions.
   
• Values the rich tradition of his sport and works to honor the spirit as well as the letter of its rules.
   
• Demonstrates personal integrity and would rather lose than win by dishonoring the game.  Dishonoring the game is worse than defeat.

ROLE OF THE PARENT

Parent support during both games and practices is critically important to the success of the league.  Be supportive of the team by ensuring your child attends each practice on-time.  Be a positive role model during games, whether you are a manager, an assistant coach, or simply a spectator.  Finally, please keep the following in mind:

• Always be positive and enthusiastic.
• Show your child positive reinforcement.
• Observe practices and games to learn proper techniques to practice with your child.
• Encourage your child toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game.
• Teach your child to always play by the rules.
• Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory.
• Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
• Let the managers and coaches do the coaching.
• Let an umpire be the umpire.
• Recognize that the umpire is the closest to the play and that each umpire will "call them as they see them". The umpire is often an individual who has assumed a difficult, but necessary, role.

Parent Concerns
If you have concerns about anything regarding your team or the league, first talk to your manager.  If your concern is not resolved, then contact the League Player Agent listed on the Board of Directors page.
 

ROLE OF THE SPECTATOR

• Players and spectators are allowed ONLY TO ENCOURAGE players through cheering.
   
• Chants or comments that are derisive, distracting or derogatory to ANY player are prohibited. Umpires have the authority to halt play and, when necessary, eject players, managers, coaches or spectators who are derisive, distracting or derogatory and / or engage in other unsportsmanlike conduct to anyone involved in the game.
   
• Parents, Managers, and Coaches are expected to set an example of good sportsmanship at all times by positively encouraging players and not vocally questioning or criticizing umpire calls or manager decisions.
   
• Pick up your trash and your children’s trash after each game or practice. Our playing and practice fields are ours to maintain and keep clean. Please be responsible and help any time that you can.
   
• Smoking, alcoholic beverages, and drugs are prohibited by Little League Rules & Regulations.