In agreeing to be involved in our Ball Program, whether as a player, coach, supervisor, parent or even spectator, all participants agree to not only exhibit good sportsmanship but to also do what they can to promote it. Participants are required to abide by the Optimist Club’s Policies* and league rules, respect the decisions of the umpires and league officials and sign a contract(s) agreeing to such.
Coaching is fun because it is rewarding to be a coach. It is both fulfilling and extremely gratifying to watch a child develop his or her athletic potential. That development seems to take place very quickly at the ages of the Stanley Park players. Because a coach leaves a part of him or her with each child whom he coaches, he has a very heavy responsibility to ensure that only positive seeds are sown in the players. If a coach need remember anything through the course of the season, it is to be reasonable and let common sense prevail.
Coaching is an onerous responsibility and should be seen as such. The league cannot function without appropriate coaching and children cannot benefit from inappropriate coaching. Coaches must at all time remember that they are role models for each of the players and for the older and younger brothers and sisters of those players. The influence of the coach should not be underestimated and his/her conduct is being watched by far more young impressionable children than merely the players on the team. Coaches must serve with enthusiasm in order to fan the flame of sportsman-like competition and excitement within the players while acting within the boundaries of true sportsmanship.
Each coach is directed to assure himself/herself that he/she has the appropriate and proper insurance coverage in place. In order to obtain insurance coverage, all injuries, no matter how seemingly small at the time, must be reported to the convener of the league who will put the municipal insurer on notice. Even if you believe that you are not responsible for the accident, you must still notify the convenor in order to avoid potential future problems for yourself. This also is a duty which the executive hands over to each coach in the league. Reporting forms are part of the coaching material (refer to Website.) If you feel that it is necessary, you must put your own insurance company on notice of your own possible personal liability in the accident.
One of the most usual sources of liability is the failure of coaches to ensure that the participants are utilizing the equipment properly. If you notice that any of your team's equipment is becoming frayed, worn or dangerous, please alert a supervisor who will arrange to for it to be replaced. Those allowing unregistered and/or over-aged children to participate are placing themselves at unnecessary risk as our insurance does not extend to such players or any acts they may commit, or be exposed to, intentional or otherwise.
Intentional acts will not be covered by any policy of insurance and the only way to insure you against liability for intentional acts is to remember that discretion is the better part of valor. Use common sense, promote safe conduct, keep tempers under control and we should all enjoy another incident-free season.
The executive of the Stanley Park Community Association is thankful for the fine work done by all the volunteer coaches, coaching assistants and all those who step up to help as needed.
The Stanley Park T-Ball Association was formed in 1978 to provide young boys and girls with the opportunity to participate in and learn about the game of baseball. That is still the objective of this program.
The emphasis is on fun, fair play and participation of all players.
The Stanley Park Ball Program is run entirely by volunteers (executive, coaches, convenors, etc.) who generously devote their time. All are expected to act as role models by adhering to Government Regulations, City Bylaws and our own policies which include “No Smoking - No Tobacco” at our games, practices and events. New volunteers are always welcome regardless of how much or little time anyone is able to give.
Disputes are discussed between coaches and/or umpires in a friendly and professional manner. Unresolved matters should be directed to the convenor for resolution.
These games are played at a recreational level with minimum written rules.
We enforce rules which ensure that all players have equal playing time and the opportunity to play at all the various fielding positions.
All players, coaches, assistants, umpires, officials, parents, guardians, and spectators are expected to abide by the city ordinances, league rules, and behave in accordance with our guidelines, codes of conduct and philosophy. All players and coaching staff are required to sign a contract agreeing to such before being allowed to participate.
Team Sportsmanship Managers help administer the program and intervene as necessary to promote good sportsmanship. Managers (pre-designated and in-uniform) are permitted on the field at any time to monitor behaviour.
