| October 24, 2005
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS
FOR A SUCCESSFUL LEAGUE PROGRAM
Fall is a great time of year for the local
leagues to plan for the coming season. The
success of your league can be attributed
to how well the league conducts their business
during the fall. Proper communication and
application of the rules, regulations and
policies of Babe Ruth League, Inc. are the
key to a successful season.
This is a perfect time of year to review
your league’s Constitution and By-Laws.
The constitution usually covers the fundamental
rules while the by-laws usually explain
how these fundamental rules are to be administered.
As an example, the constitution would specify
the offices to be filled while the by-laws
would detail how the offices would be administered.
Sometimes all articles are combined into
the constitution.
The local league should apply for incorporation
and tax exemption. This is especially important
to the officers of a local league since,
in most instances, it would relieve them
of personal liability for damages as a result
of injuries, etc. Babe Ruth League, Inc.
strongly recommends each league discuss
the advantages of incorporation with its
local league counsel.
Listed below is a recap of the duties of
league officers and appointed league officials.
- LEAGUE PRESIDENT
- Shall preside at all league meetings
and assume full responsibility for the
operation of the local league.
- Appoint all Committees and supervise
the activity of the local league.
- See that his/her league adheres to
the rules, regulations and policies
of Babe Ruth League, Inc. (Player’s
age, Resides in the geographical boundaries
of the league, etc.)
- Be sure the charter application or
continuation form is submitted to Babe
Ruth Headquarters.
- Be responsible for local league protests
and disputes.
- Review finances with Treasurer and
be one of the “two signatures” required
to sign checks.
- VICE PRESIDENT
Presides in the absence of the President
and carries out such duties and assignments
as may be delegated by the President.
- SECRETARY
Records the minutes of meetings. The secretary
is also responsible for sending out notice
of regular and special meetings, maintaining
an official record of the league’s activities,
notifying all officers of election and
the names of newly elected members of
the Board and performing such other duties
as this office may require.
- TREASURER
Signs checks (should be one of the “two
signatures” required), dispenses league
funds as approved by league officers,
reports on the status of league funds,
keeps financial records, prepares budget
and assumes the responsibility for all
local league finances.
- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board membership shall include the
four league officers – President, Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer and elected
members. The Board may adopt such rules
and regulations for the conduct of its
meetings and the management of the league
as it may deem proper that are not in
conflict with Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations.
- INSURANCE COORDINATOR
Responsible for obtaining proper accident
and liability insurance coverage for the
protection of the league players and volunteers.
Completes insurance applications, maintain
records of injuries and incidents, and
is also responsible for filing claims
with the insurance companies.
- PLAYER AGENT
Appointed by League President. Conducts
annual league registration and try-outs,
presides at player selection meetings,
supervises and coordinates the transfer
of players, keeps up-to-date records of
team rosters, checks players’ eligibility.
- UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF
The Umpire-In-Chief is appointed by the
League President to coordinate and supervise
the league’s umpires.
- Assign umpires to all league games.
- Conduct clinics on rules and field
positions.
- Be responsible for notifying umpires
of cancellations.
- Recruit new umpires.
- Responsible for proper dress and conduct
of all umpires.
- Be sure all umpires know proper local
league protests procedures. It is recommended
this individual be a member of the BRB
or BRS National Umpires Association
and be knowledgeable of the rules and
have the ability to apply them on the
field.
- EQUIPMENT MANAGER
- Procure and distribute equipment,
uniforms, etc.
- See an adequate supply of baseballs
or softballs is available for upcoming
season.
- Make arrangements for the tournament
team to have the proper equipment.
- CONCESSIONS CHAIRPERSON
- Secure necessary supplies for concession
stand.
- Maintain records of purchases.
- Make the necessary arrangements for
income to be turned over to Treasurer.
- CHIEF SCOREKEEPER
- Secure enough trained scorekeepers
for all local league games.
- Responsible for all scorebooks needed
to verify Player Eligibility Rule 11.03,
Paragraph d.
- FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR
- Evaluate league needs and prepare
a budget.
- Select a product or program that will
be easy to sell to raise funds needed.
- Appoint a date to distribute the product.
- Set a date when the money and/or returns
are due.
- GROUNDSKEEPER CHAIRPERSON
- Secure necessary personnel required
for maintaining field.
- Refer to the Babe Ruth Facility Guide
Book located on the Babe Ruth website.
- Keep field properly groomed.
- SELECTION OF TEAM MANAGERS
As the role of the manager is vital in
determining the success of a league, we
strongly recommend a “Manager Selection
Committee” be appointed. This committee
should make a determined effort to recruit
the best adults with the proper baseball
knowledge and other important qualities
including a history of supportive care
and safe treatment of youth.
- COMPUTER/WEBSITE CONTACT
Should be interested in computers and
have at least elementary PC proficiency
but does not necessarily need to be skilled
in website design or technical computer
issues. Responsible for updating league’s
informational resources, online rosters
and registration and act as the primary
contact in conjunction with the official
online provider.
Effective teams have good
communication and relationships with each
other. Each value and respects the other.
This has been our formula for success in
Babe Ruth League, Inc. With your continued
assistance and teamwork, it will continue
to flourish for many years to come.
|
Steven Tellefsen
President/CEO
Babe Ruth League, Inc. |
|