How to Become a Little League Coach

Coaching a Little League team offers parents an opportunity to interact with their children on a new level. According to LittleLeague.org, coaching your child's Little League team "allows your life and your child's life to intersect on common ground, with shared interests and goals." If you enjoy working with children and have a good understanding of baseball, consider applying for a volunteer coaching position with your child's Little League team. Although the position occasionally might be frustrating, the opportunity to teach and coach young children often proves to be a rewarding experience.

Instructions

    • 1

      Study and understand the rules, techniques and strategies associated with the game of baseball. As a coach, you will need to understand the game thoroughly. Review handbooks, rulebooks and various other books and videos to grasp the details of the game. You also should have a good understanding of the rules, codes and regulations for your local Little League association. If possible, obtain copies of their association documents, such as the handbook and code of conduct.

    • 2

      Complete a Volunteer Application through the National Little League Association at LittleLeague.org. In addition to general contact, background and employer information, the form also asks about your community affiliations, previous volunteer participation and specific skills or training. Your signature on the form serves as permission for the Little League organization to conduct a background check on you. Return the completed form, along with a valid government-issued form of photo identification, to your local Little League association.

    • 3

      Complete any other forms or applications required by your local Little League association. Some associations require completion of a second application form, while others simply require signed consent for a background check. Most associations do perform a background check. According to LittleLeague.org, individuals can be denied the right to coach "for reasons, past or present, that may be detrimental to the positive development of young people, other volunteers, and/or Little League International."

    • 4

      Participate in a coaching clinic or coaching seminar. These clinics not only teach the fundamental qualities of a good coach, but also delve into the details of the game. For example, a baseball coaching clinic would include information on catching, pitching, different batting styles and sliding techniques. Contact your local Little League association for information on available clinics.

    • 5

      Wait patiently until you are contacted by your local Little League organization. While some coaches might be accepted right away, it can take some time before others are accepted into the position. Some local organizations are desperate for coaches, while other local organizations consistently have more than enough applicants. If the organization has no significant reason to turn you away, you eventually will receive a coaching position. Once you have been accepted as a Little League coach, continue to be patient. Coaching is not easy, especially when you are working with younger children. The job requires hard work, persistence, sincerity, passion and patience.