• Always applaud when a player (any player) does something right - regardless which team they’re on.
• Don’t ask him to keep his uniform clean. This will prevent sliding, which he dearly loves.
• Teach him to spray his room every morning unless you like the smell of leather, liniment and sweat.
• As long as he faces the diamond, an 8 year old is an excellent outfielder.
• If he misbehaves at home, threaten to tell his manager; during the season parents come second.
• A home run - accomplished by a bunt and/or errors is a home run no matter what the scorekeeper says.
• An 8 year old who attempts to catch a ball with one hand is doing very well. If he goes after it with two hands, he’s major league material and if he actually catches it - all stars here he comes.
• 15 consecutive walks in the inning by the same pitcher are not grounds for pulling him out. He may have a no-hitter going.
• If the final score is no more than 20 runs apart, the game is considered a “close” one.
• When the team manager is red in the face and pulling out his hair, it is not the time to ask him, “What’s the score?”
• All umpires are equally blind for both sides so sit back and enjoy.
• The shorter the boy the longer the bat he’ll pick. This is his way of evening up the sides.
• Sliding is a technique devised by men, which allows little boys to rip their pants legally.
• When figuring out an 8 year old’s batting average you count each time he lifts the bat from his shoulder and swings. A real hit counts as a triple.
• When an 8 year old infielder catches a ball and then throws it to the wrong base, don’t yell. You can only yell if he stops to count the stitches on the ball.
• Little League parents are never known as Mr. and Mrs., instead they are “Joey’s folks - you know the kid who struck out 10 times in a row.
• Scorekeepers should limit each team to 3 errors per inning. Any more shall be constructed as an act of God.
• Any parent disagreeing with a manager should either volunteer to help coach or else hold his breath for the balance of the season.
• When the opposing team “chatters” at your son when he’s up to bat, don’t worry. They are not intimidating him. Their manager is merely having roll call.
• When a little leaguer decides a certain sweatshirt is his “lucky” shirt, cherish it, nurture it, mend it, and pray it lasts until he’s 13.
• Above all - remember these children are just that - CHILDREN. They can gain a great deal from their experiences as a member of a TEAM and if they happen to learn a little bit about the game, why that’s what it’s all about.

Hints on Raising a Little Leaguer!

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
• Remember, children are involved in organized sports for THEIR enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage your child to always play by the rules.
• Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of the game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and members of the opposing team. Do not publicly question the official's Judgment and never their honesty.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.
• Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.
• Parents and spectators are there for instructing and encouraging all players, regardless of which team.
• Remember the game is intended to be fun for the children and words of encouragement and compliments are the only words that will be tolerated.

Parents Code

• Demonstrating leadership and excellence in sportsmanship.
• Maintaining integrity of the Little League Pledge.
• Supporting, acknowledging and abiding by the Umpire's decisions.
• Teaching game skills and strategy to the players.
• Developing team roster and game line-ups.
• Scheduling practices.
• Reporting game results to the coordinator.
• Reporting all problems, concerns or issues to coordinator.
• Maintaining communications with players and parents.
• Returning equipment promptly at the end of the season.

Responsibilities of Coach & Manager

• Actively encouraging your child at practices and games.
• Supporting team, coach, manager and Calgary Little Leagu.
• Demonstrating leadership and excellence in sportsmanship.
• Ensuring your child is prompt.
• Supporting, acknowledging and abiding by the Umpire's decision.
• Returning the uniform in clean, re-usable condition promptly at the end of the season.

Responsibilities of the Family

• Playing with positive and sportsman-like attitude.
• Respecting the authority of manager, coach and umpires.
• Respecting team members, spectators.
• Respecting your uniform and equipment.
• Always being prompt and courteous.
• Maintaining school work during the season; education comes first.

Responsibilities of the Player