Parent Participation

Many responsibilities exist beyond the normal team level commitments that make the Washington Little League function smoothly. Parents are what make the program a quality experience for all our children. The Washington Little League can only be as good as we, the parents, make it. Following are some important volunteer areas that are required during the season.

• Volunteer Coaching
• Game Scorekeeping
• Special Events Coordination
• Fundraising

Parent Support

Parent support during both games and practices is critically important to the success of the league. Be supportive of the team by ensuring your child attends each practice on-time. Be a positive role model during games, whether you are a manager, an assistant coach, or simply a spectator. Finally, please keep the following in mind:

• Always be positive and enthusiastic.
• Show your child positive reinforcement.
• Observe practices and games to learn proper techniques to practice with your child.
• Encourage your child toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game.
• Teach your child to always play by the rules.
• Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory.
• Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
• Let the managers and coaches do the coaching.
• Let an umpire be the umpire.

The umpire is often a minor and has assumed a difficult, but necessary, role. Recognize that the umpire is the closest to the play and that each umpire will “call them as they see them”. Any umpire’s decision which involves judgment is final. Please treat all our umpires with the highest level of respect.

The Role of the Parent

Parents play a very important role in helping to shape a positive experience for players, coaches, umpires, and other parents! To help you understand the key role parents play in the Washington Little League, the following excerpt was taken from the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of National Little League Baseball.

The parents of millions of Little Leaguers, combined with their youngsters, league officials, umpires, managers, coaches, auxiliary members and countless volunteer agencies including sponsors, represent an imposing cross section of this nation.
Parents should accept the fact that they must shoulder responsibility and take initiative to make the local program successful. Little League is not a club in which membership implies baby-sitting benefits and entertainment privileges for your children.
Practically speaking, Little League is an adult, volunteer work project constructed, supervised and assisted by parents who desire to make its benefits extend to their children.

Each parent should join in the total effort. There is a place and a job to do for all. The burden of operating the League should not fall on a few. The parent who shirks this responsibility cannot, in turn, expect others to assume the burden.

Parent Concerns

If you have concerns about anything regarding your team or the league, first talk to your manager. If your concern is not resolved, email us at [email protected].