Becoming A Coach

For our Spring & Fall seasons, the WYBSL will recruit almost 600 Head and Assistant coaches. We know that many people will respond by volunteering for these important positions this year.

These coaches spend many hours during the year with our young people – and more hours learning. WYBSL asks that our volunteers prepare for their work and provides opportunities for coaches to learn more about working with young people and teaching skills.

NEW COACHES’ MEETING

We understand that being a first-year coach in the WYBSL can be overwhelming and the league conducts “WYBSL University” for new coaches and especially head coaches in our Tee-Ball and 8U (Coach-Pitch) leagues.

Recognizing many such volunteers may not have experience or want to improve their skills, this program will help coaches in areas such as:

• League rules

• Pre-season preparation

• Planning & conducting practices

• Coaching games

• Communicating with parents

Scheduling information will be shared once the season gets underway. We hope you’ll volunteer as a coach in these important entry level leagues!

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS
The League conducts background checks on all head coaches, Trustees, Commissioners and General Managers – and all persons wishing to serve in any of those capacities must authorize the league to do so. All checks are conducted with strict confidentiality by a national screening company.

CONCUSSION TRAINING

All official head and assistant coaches must complete the free, online concussion training as required by Ohio Law. Take the free NFHS course here and be sure to email your course completion certificate to the WYBSL HR Director (hr@wybsl.org).

COACHING SKILLS CLINIC
Players benefit the most from coaches who have an understanding of the skills necessary to play the game. This is a hands-on clinic that will help a coach teach the basic skills to their players, with an emphasis on practice organization and drills. Scheduling will be shared once the season gets underway.

WYBSL NEW COACHES MANUAL
Written by veteran league coaches and staff, the WYBSL  New Coach’s Manual is a valuable resource for new as well as returning coaches.  Topics include communicating with parents, organizing practices and coaching games!

WYBSL RULES CLINICS
Conducted by our Umpire Director and Program Staff, league-specific regulations and rule interpretations are covered in detail. Thorough understanding of game rules leads to better team preparation for game play.

LEAGUE MEETINGS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Each league holds meetings during the year to review progress, evaluate opportunities to improve the program and provide timely communication of critical activities. Coaches can also benefit from our player clinics, conducted by Westerville’s high school baseball and softball coaching staffs.  The technical expertise offered can also be applied in team practices.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO APPLY FOR A COACHING POSITION?
Coaches can volunteer via the same online registration process that players use.

Please contact the Softball Director or Baseball Director if you have further questions or would like to learn more about being a coach in the WYBSL.

Miscellaneous forms and information sheets for coaches:

• WYBSL Constitution & Bylaws
• Medical Authorization Form (completed by parent, kept in coaches manual)
• Ohio Return to Play Law
• Concussion Information for Parents & Athletes
• Return to Play Clearance (from Concussion)
• Lindsay’s Law (Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Youth Athletes)
• Player Rotation Worksheet (for Tee-Ball and 8U)
• 2024 Non-Approved Softball Bats