THE ROLE OF THE COACH

Stamford Little League wants all players to enjoy their experience with Little League, develop a long lasting love for the game of baseball and to learn positive character lessons that will help them in every aspect of their life.  Coaches are expected to embody the following principles:

• Coaches for mastery rather than victory, which he sees as a by-product of the pursuit of excellence.  He focuses on effort rather than outcome, learning rather than comparison to others.
   
• Works to remain positive even through losing streaks. He recognizes that it is often when things go wrong that a coach can have the most positive impact and teach the most important life lessons. Regardless of the adversity involved, he refuses to demean himself or his players by resorting to fear, intimidation or shame. He always treats athletes with respect regardless of how well they perform.
   
• Is a positive motivator and refuses to motivate through fear, intimidation or shame.  He establishes order and discipline in a positive manner.
   
• Recognizes that mistakes are an important and inevitable part of learning and encourages an environment in which players are willing to risk making a mistake.
   
• Sets standards of continuous learning and improvement for himself and his players. He encourages and inspires his players, whatever their level of mastery, to strive to get better.  He is committed to becoming the best coach he can be and continually seeks to improve his own effectiveness.
   
• "Honors the Game."  He feels an obligation to the sport he coaches.  He loves his sport and shares his love and enjoyment with his players.  He feels privileged to be able to take part in his sport.
   
• Respects his opponents, recognizing that a worthy opponent will push him and his team to do their best.
   
• Understands the important role that umpires play and strives to show them respect even when he disagrees with their decisions.
   
• Values the rich tradition of his sport and works to honor the spirit as well as the letter of its rules.
   
• Demonstrates personal integrity and would rather lose than win by dishonoring the game.  Dishonoring the game is worse than defeat.