How to Get Certified as a Coach for Cal Ripken League Youth Baseball

Cal Ripken Youth League Baseball is a popular alternative to Little League, and one with a very strong organization behind it--not to mention the best sports role model any child (or adult) could ask for, Iron Man Cal himself. Cal Ripken Baseball has been in existence under that name since 2000, but got its start as the Bambino division (ages 5 to 12) of the Babe Ruth League back in 1982. Throughout that time the league has abided by the rules of its parent organization, but the new rules of that organization now require that, starting in 2008, all Cal Ripken baseball coaches must have certification to coach in the Babe Ruth League.

Things You'll Need

  • Credit card
  • Adobe reader or other software capable of opening PDF files
  • Printer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase the course entitled "Coaching Youth Baseball: The Ripken Way for Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball Coaches" through the Ripken Baseball website. The course, which costs around $20, is delivered entirely online, so you may begin as soon as your payment is processed.

    • 2

      Go through the whole course, which will consist of audio clips, short quizzes and a course manuals. They will help to reinforce the material covered on the test.

    • 3

      Print out the course manual--it is a somewhat lengthy PDF document, so you will need to spend several hours reading it, and then additional time studying it as needed to retain the information. The manual will contain all of the Ripken baseball rules and regulations, as well as game objectives and definitions of any terms you'll need to know. You will also learn about the specific roles played by each position on your team, and how best to teach players to assume those roles.

    • 4

      Take the test that is provided online at the end of the course. If you pass the test with a score of 80% or better, you will be eligible to coach in the Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken leagues for the rest of your coaching career.

    • 5

      Don't worry if you don't pass the test your first time. You can always take it again, after you have reviewed the course materials. Try to make note of any areas in which you had difficulty, so you'll know just what you need to study the second time around. As the test is administered online, it is essentially "open book", so if you make notes as you study, you'll be able to refer to them if needed.

    • 6

      Print out the certificate of completion and wallet card from the website. You will need to input your email address and password in order to do so, and will not be able to print these items unless you have actually completed the course and passed the test. If you choose, you can also have your course transcripts e-mailed to you.

    • 7

      Contact your local Cal Ripken baseball league and let them know you are now certified to coach. You'll need to show your wallet card as proof of certification, but after that you'll be good to go.