Jr. Dukes Baseball Operating Manual
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Manual
The
Whitefish Bay Jr. Dukes Baseball Club (herein known as Jr. Dukes Baseball) will
promote the sport of baseball in the Village of Whitefish Bay by providing
opportunities to play baseball in tournament form for all players’ grades 3
through 8. To be eligible to play for
the Whitefish Bay Jr. Dukes Baseball Club, you must either live in Whitefish
Bay or attend school in Whitefish Bay.
For players in third through sixth grade, you must also participate in
Whitefish Bay Little League. As of July
2012, if you are currently a member of a Jr. Dukes team, you will be
grandfathered in to the selection process, provided your involvement is
continuous. These opportunities are
designed to help develop the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of
our players by participation in the sport of baseball. The primary focus being
that each player has the possibility to improve his/her skill development and
knowledge while enjoying the competitive spirit of the game.
About the Club
·
Establishing
and fostering an environment where they can learn, succeed and develop as a
team.
·
Holding
high expectations for the players in the manners of good sportsmanship, poise
and commitment to the team.
·
High
expectations of the Jr. Dukes Baseball coaches, the parents and their
commitment to developing our teams and program.
The Jr. Dukes Baseball Program
The
Jr. Dukes Baseball program provides kids an opportunity to participate in a
baseball program that has a higher level of skill and competition. This program
would not be successful without the help of Whitefish Bay Little League and its
facilities. Jr. Dukes Baseball will work
alongside Whitefish Bay Little League and is designed to limit conflict with
Little League games or practices, while enhancing the playing experience of
those who seek a higher level of competition. The program’s efforts focus on
the development of players for a successful high school program. Based on this
objective, the Board of Directors supports and works directly with the
3rd to 6th grade teams will participate
in four tournaments during the season. The
7th and 8th grade teams will play in six tournaments
during the season. Due to their age and
in preparation of their participation in high school baseball, the 7th
and 8th grade teams may participate in more tournaments with the
prior approval of the president of Jr. Dukes Baseball. The maximum number of tournaments the 7th
and 8th grade teams would be allowed to play is eight. If they chose to participate in additional
tournaments, those teams will be responsible for the scheduling and any
tournament fees associated with those additional tournaments. The club will pay up to $425 per each of the
eight tournaments.
In addition to tournament participation, the 7th
and 8th grade teams will also participate in the Wisconsin State
Youth Baseball League which consists of primarily community-based teams. Each team will play approximately 18 league
games.
In an effort to enhance the skill development of the 7th
and 8th grade players, a paid professional will assist the coaches
during practices.
Players playing for other select or club baseball teams are
prohibited from playing for the WFB Jr Dukes Baseball Club due to potential
conflicts and commitment to respective programs.
There
is more emphasis on winning in a more competitive atmosphere with the Jr. Dukes
Baseball program. Equal participation during games will not be a part of this
program. Effort is made to provide “meaningful” playing time for each player in
each tournament, although this is not guaranteed. All players will contribute
to the team’s performance (via practice or games) and will be treated with
respect. Since Jr. Dukes Baseball is over-and-above little league play,
separate fees apply to those who play, including uniform fees, tournament fees,
insurance, facility rental and equipment.
Team Selection
Team
tryouts will occur each year in August (or as denoted by the Jr. Dukes Baseball
Board of Directors). Players need to tryout each year. Previous year play does not automatically
qualify you for the current year’s team.
A
standardized number rating system is used to select teams. Players are rated by
a team of evaluators (typically coaches, Jr. Dukes Baseball Board members and
potentially other volunteers). Rating results, combined with coach’s feedback
and previous season’s player evaluation form will determine team selection. Not
every player that tries out for a team will be selected to participate. It is
the goal of Jr. Dukes Baseball to maximize participation of area youth by
fielding as many quality teams as reasonably possible without compromising the
competitiveness within any group. This is accomplished by the Jr. Dukes
Baseball Board:
·
Forming
one baseball team comprised of the top players within that age/grade level;
·
Assessing
the relative talent of the remaining interested players in that group for the
purpose of determining if a second team is a viable option;
·
Seeking
volunteers and making solicitations, if a second team is an option, for a
coaching staff of the second team;
·
Assisting
the managers, where necessary, with the final roster selections of the teams
while keeping in mind the overall goals of the Jr. Dukes Baseball.
For
all Jr. Duke Baseball Club teams, rosters will be determined with the
philosophy of having an “A” and if necessary a “B” team.
Jr.
Dukes Baseball will field teams with a minimum of 11 players and the Board
reserves the right to increase or include taxi (practice) squad players at each
grade for the baseball division.
The
Board reserves the right to adjust or amend rosters as needed at any time due
to unforeseen circumstances. Situations of players moving up or down a grade
level of play will be evaluated and determined by the discretion of the Jr.
Dukes Baseball Board.
Expectations of Players
·
Read
the “Nine Rules of Baseball” on the website
·
All
players are expected to attend all practices and games. If you are going to be
late or miss a practice, let your coach know with as much advanced notice as
possible.
·
Be
on time! This means at the diamond and ready to start at the designated time
for practice and for games.
·
Provide
coaches with your full attention and respect.
·
Treat
others with dignity and respect on and off the field.
·
A
player must always respect the umpires “call”. It will be the coach’s roll to
talk with the umpire on questionable calls. A Jr. Dukes Baseball player may
never make a derogatory comment to an umpire, opposing team player or their
coaches/fans.
·
Baseball
is a challenging sport and long season with many highs and lows. We expect each
player to work at maintaining poise and embrace the team with a positive
attitude. If a player/parent question or become confused about your role on the
team, let your coach know and he/she will talk to you on an individual basis.
·
Have
fun, and show good sportsmanship! Support your fellow teammates and other Jr.
Dukes Baseball teams. Remember, we all play on the same team, represent
yourself, your team and village with pride.
Expectations of Parents
·
Support
all the players (not just your own child) and coaches.
·
Respect
the umpires and their calls.
·
Represent
Jr. Dukes Baseball and
·
Pay
the annual participation fee for each child participating in the Jr. Dukes
Baseball program. If a parent has financial difficulty paying the annual
participation fee, the parent is directed to confidentially contact one of the Jr.
Dukes Baseball Board members. The Board can set up the fees to be paid in
installments if needed.
·
Parents
will bring to the coach’s attention any medical condition or issues that may
impact the player’s ability during the season.
Coaches
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.
Expectations of Coaches
·
Provide
Leadership
·
Improve
the overall skills and talent of each player on the team
·
Instill
a mentality within the players that focuses on playing the game with the
following mindset:
1.
100%
effort every time they step on the field
2.
Team
first
3.
Self
discipline
4.
Responsibility
5.
Self
confidence
6.
Respect
for teammates, coaches, parents, opponents, umpires
7.
Toughness
8.
That
doing your best is a huge success and really fun
·
Provide
a positive learning experience, not necessarily a winning experience
·
Be
a positive and mature role model for the players
·
Give
·
Exhibit
diligence, enthusiasm, honesty, and a love for the game
·
·
Maintain
open and timely communication with players, parents, and the Jr. Dukes Baseball
Board
·
Take
care of the equipment provided for your team
·
Conduct
a parent meeting at the beginning of the season
·
Run
challenging, well-organized practice sessions
·
Attend
mandatory coaches’ meetings/clinics
Grievance Procedure
The
purpose of this procedure is to resolve disputes between players and coaches
and/or parents and coaches. It is a systematic procedure to try to come to an
equitable resolution of problems. The following steps, in order, shall be followed:
1.
A
player and/or parent shall contact their coach verbally and in writing with the
complaint... Be as specific and objective as possible about the issue(s).
2.
The
coach has 3 days to respond to the parent/player with his or her written
answer. A copy of the complaint and response shall be forwarded to the Jr.
Dukes Baseball Board.
3.
If
the player/parent is not satisfied with the coach’s response, they have 3 days
to submit a written grievance to the Jr. Dukes Baseball Board for review.
4.
The
Jr. Dukes Baseball Board shall then select (3) non-conflicting board members
who will make up the Grievance Committee.
5.
The
Grievance Committee shall review the grievance within 5 days and:
§
Have
the coach and parent/player come before the 3 person Grievance Committee for a
hearing. The Committee will listen to each party’s case and make a decision
within 3 days of the hearing. The decision will be communicated to both parties
verbally and in writing.
§
Make
a final and binding written decision on the grievance. Everyone should try and
resolve their problem at step 1. Good verbal communication between all parties
should resolve most issues at step 1. Trying to jump steps will only delay
resolution. The Coach must always be the first contact in any problem except if
there is physical abuse of a player. If physical abuse is at issue, the Board
of Directors should be notified immediately.
The Board
The
Board of Directors is responsible for voting on and establishing the direction,
policy, structure and management of Jr. Dukes Baseball. Board members are
expected to attend all meetings. We all understand that there are exceptions to
this requirement. The Board may establish special committees as needed and
Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern proceedings of Jr. Dukes Baseball Board
meetings except where conflicts of the bylaws within the Jr. Dukes Baseball
exist. Per the
President: The President is
in charge of the Club and will make final decisions with the best interest of
the Jr. Dukes Baseball and with the children’s’ best interest in mind. The
President shall schedule and run Jr. Dukes Baseball Board meetings. The President will also be expected to
participate in Whitefish Bay Little League board meetings as a non-voting
advisor.
Vice President: Replace President when necessary.
Director of Baseball Operations/Player Development: Organize and conduct player
evaluations. Responsible for working
with the board and head coach in choosing the team rosters. May organize skills trainings. Maintains and coordinates all the
indoor/outdoor practice schedules. The Director shall recommend player
development programs to the Board/coaches and assists coaches in the formatting
of practice drills etc. so as to be commensurate with current
Secretary: Take minutes at meetings. Report minutes before each
scheduled meeting. Help President with club administration and maintain records
including player information. Communicate information to coaches. Compile team
rosters and maintain database. Maintain
and update website. Help organize
sign-up process. Maintain email database.
Treasurer: Manage the club’s fiscal responsibilities.
The treasurer shall reconcile the club collections and disbursements. Create
monthly statement listing all receivables and disbursements and distribute at
the Board Meetings. The treasurer will be in constant communication with the
club president and vice president concerning club spending. Vice President and
treasure combined are the only individuals authorized to spend or commit club
funds. Club funds on matters outside tournament entry fees, must be voted on by
all authorized voting Jr. Dukes Baseball Board members. Coaches and or club
members are not authorized to vote but are encouraged to submit ideas to
improve the Club.
Board Advisors: Will assist the board in establishing policy and making decisions in the
best interest of Jr. Dukes Baseball. May
also provide assistance with such tasks as player evaluations, tournament
scheduling, coaching selection, skills trainings, and other duties. May include representatives of Whitefish Bay
Little League,
Board Responsibilities:
·
Establish
policy and bylaws for the Jr. Dukes Baseball program
·
Manage
all financial aspects of the program
·
Establish
expectations for the coaches and hold the coaches responsible for meeting these
expectations. Provide training opportunities for coaches
·
Secure
tournament play for each of the teams
·
Provide
equipment and uniforms required for practice and games
·
Organize
and conduct player evaluations (tryouts)
·
Conduct
regular Board meetings
·
Support
the players, coaches, parents, Whitefish Bay Little League and
·
The
Board may establish special committees as needed