Let us start by once again saying thank you! You all are the reason we are  able to provide such great opportunities to our kids, and we appreciate all of the time you put in each and every season.

Our mission is to nurture young athletes by providing them with opportunities to develop fundamental baseball skills and a lifelong love for the game through a positive, inclusive, and enjoyable baseball experience that emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and skill development.

Coaching Responsibilities:

1. Positive Coaching – Always encourage and support players. Avoid negative language and criticism. Focus on growth, effort, and enjoyment.
2. Safety First – Ensure all activities and drills are age-appropriate and conducted safely. Monitor equipment regularly and maintain a safe playing environment.
3. Fair Play – Provide all players with fair and equal opportunities for participation, development, and playtime.
4. Role Model – Demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, and professionalism in interactions with players, families, other coaches, umpires, and spectators.
5. Integrity – Teach the game of baseball and follow all rules/regulations set forth by Diamond Youth, Dixie Boys, and OSBO. 
6. Age-Appropriate Training – Tailor coaching methods to the developmental stage and abilities of your team, recognizing the significant differences in age groups.

Code of Conduct:

• Coaches must treat players, families, officials, and fellow coaches with dignity and respect.
• Profanity, aggressive behavior, bullying, or intimidation is strictly prohibited.
• Coaches should actively diffuse conflicts and maintain a positive environment.
• Substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, is prohibited during league activities.

Disciplinary Guidelines: 

If a coach is found in violation of our code of conduct, they will receive one of the following:

• First Notification – A formal verbal and written warning from OSBO leadership outlining the issue and expectations moving forward,
• Second Notification – A mandatory meeting with OSBO leadership to discuss corrective actions and continued expectations,
• Third Notification – Removal from coaching duties and league activities for the remainder of the season. Reinstatement for future seasons is subject to OSBO leadership approval.

Expectations During Games

·      Work with our umpires when mistakes happen. We have some great folks out there with experience, and we have some green folks out there eager to learn. Please be a positive experience for the umpires and your players; use those opportunities to teach your players about composure and grace.

·      Please review the rules from DYB and our supplemental local rules. 

o   Pitching Divisions – please be mindful of pitch counts; these should be recorded every game and available for review upon request.

§  If you have a Hounds player on your rec. team, please keep an open line of communication with their Hounds coach about pitching limitations.

o   Keep a copy of the local rules with you during every game; this will help you manage the appeal process and hopefully avoid some frustration(s) when an incorrect call is made.

·      Game balls are provided by the umpires (except in Weeball).

o   We will encourage umpires to present a game ball to each team at the end with the expectation that you provide that ball to a standout player of that game.

·      Batting cages should be used in an efficient manner prior to games starting. Please do not squat in a single cage for the entire time before a game.

·      Please remind parents to not park on the road leading to the gravel lot.

·      Home teams are responsible for maintaining books. There will be an issue with the score at some point this season for someone, so we encourage all teams to keep books and check with the opposing team periodically to avoid issues near the end of a game.