Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball
Constitution and Bylaws
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball
Table of Contents ARTICLE NUMBER
ARTICLE
PAGE NUMBER
I
3
II
DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTION OF THE ASSOCIATION GOVERNANCE
III
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD
7
IV
RULES COMMITTEES
12
V
AMENDMENTS
12
VI
ARBITRATION
13
VII
DISMISSAL FROM THE ASSOCIATION
13
VIII
RECORDS, HISTORY, DOCUMENTATION & CONFIDENTIALITY
14
IX
MEMBERSHIP & REGISTRATION FEES
14
X
HARDSHIP CASES
15
XI
MANAGER/COACH SELECTIONS
15
XII
SPORTSMANSHIP
15
XIII
LEAGUE AFFILIATIONS
16
XIV
CODE OF CONDUCT
17
XV
ALL-STARS
18
4
APPENDIX NUMBER
APPENDIX
I
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
20
II
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
21
III
CODE OF CONDUCT
23
IV
BORDER MAP
24
V
COACHES APPLICATION
25
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PAGE NUMBER
Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Association CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS
Purpose and Goals The purpose of the Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Association (TAYBS) is to provide an opportunity for youngsters to learn the fundamentals of baseball and to facilitate their enjoyable participation in this activity. Objectives include the development of positive social values and character traits, good citizenship, physical and mental wellbeing and a knowledge, appreciation and interest in baseball. The primary goal of this program is that all boys and girls who sign up and tryout will be given the opportunity to participate in every game. ARTICLE I DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTION OF THE ASSOCIATION SECTION I The Association will be composed of eight divisions known as follows: Senior Babe Ruth Junior Babe Ruth Major League Minor League Rookie League T-Ball League
Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages
15-18 13-15 10-12 9-10 6-9 4-6
Softball Senior Softball
Ages 8-12 Ages 13-18
NOTE: All ages as of April 30th year of play Movement of individual players within the divisions shall be allowed as follows:
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Individuals in the Rookie, Minor, and Major leagues shall be allowed to compete in an age grouping one year higher or lower than their age. This participation is allowed only with the consent of the Board of Directors, League Directors involved and the individual’s parent/guardian. ARTICLE II GOVERNANCE SECTION I BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Association shall be governed by a Board of Directors (known as the Board). The Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Equipment Manger, Fundraising/Sponsorship Manager, Registrar, Player Agent, Information Director, Safety Director, & Umpire-in-Chief. The Association shall meet annually, prior to the end of October, for the purpose of the election of the Board. The annual meeting shall require a 14 day notice in a publication of general circulation or on the TAYBS league web site. For the purpose of the election of the Board, the Association shall be defined as current board members, managers and rostered coaches, each to have one vote per office. Voting shall be simple up/down with the Vice President and Secretary charged with counting the ballots. The Board shall be changed at the conclusion of the ballot count. All Board Positions carry a term of two years. The Board shall be responsible for the operation of the Association. Board meetings shall be held as determined by the President. A quorum of the Board shall consist of 5 members.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Board decisions shall be decided by a majority vote of Board members present at called meetings. The Board may appoint any individual to a vacated or unfilled position. SECTION II BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITIES The Board shall have the authority to control the collection and expenditures of money, adopt rules and regulations for its own conduct, and for conducting the affairs of the League not in conflict with the Constitution. No officer, group of officers, or any member shall have the authority to make any purchase on behalf of the League without the approval of the Board of Directors. The Board must select and approve all coaches of teams representing the League. The Board must approve the use of League equipment and uniforms for all League participation. The Board shall annually establish the league membership and registration fees for each playing level. This decision will be based on current costs of required league insurance, uniforms, umpire fees, field usage and maintenance costs and necessary capital improvements
SECTION III BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS Unless designated otherwise by the League President, all TAYBS Board of Directors Meetings will be held at the Townsend Public Library and Meeting Hall, Conference Room B Regular Board Meetings Regular meetings shall be held pursuant to the time and place specified by the League President. During the spring and fall seasons, monthly meetings are held to maintain a vested interest in League operations and events.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Special Board Meetings A special meeting of the Board may be called by the President or by two members of the Executive Board for any purpose. Action without Board Meeting The Board may act without a meeting if the Executive Board members can be contacted and either verbally or via email, is in agreement on proposed item. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Any possible conflict of interest on the part of any member of the Board, shall be disclosed, in writing, to the Board and made a matter of record through an annual procedure and also when the interest involves a specific issue before the Board.
SECTION IV GOVERNING BODY The Governing Body shall consist of Board members and League Directors. The Governing Body shall be responsible for: Any and all changes to the Constitution and Bylaws Overseeing the conduct of the Board Removal of a member of the Governing Body or a rostered coach from further participation in Association activities for the present year Selection of managers for the division and All Star teams: selection process to be decided by Governing Body members
The Governing Body members term shall be: · The Board: · League Directors:
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annual election resignation or replacement as director
Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball The Governing Body shall select managers by March 30 of the current year. Unfilled positions after March 30 shall be filled by the Board All actions by the Governing Body shall require a 2/3 majority of those present. A quorum for the Governing Body shall be 5. Notice of all Governing Body meetings shall require a seven day notice in a publication of general circulation or on the TAYBS league web site. The Governing Body may suspend any Association member without notice pending a hearing to be held within seven days.
ARTICLE III POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD/GOVERNING BODY SECTION I
President Chair all meetings of the Board, Governing Body and the Association Direct and guide the Association Carry out the will of the Governing Body Represent and speak on behalf of the Association Carry out other such duties as requested by the Board Supervise/assist the division commissioners in the performance of their duties Be responsible for annual renewal of Charter
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Vice President Assist the President in the performance of his/her duties Act for the President in his/her absence Carry out other such duties as requested by the Board
Treasurer Receive all monies Keep an exact count of all receipts and expenditures of money and all money on hand Maintain an accurate and current Treasurer’s report Pay all bills in a timely manner Undertake any such other duties as requested by the Board
Secretary Handle all correspondence for the Association Maintain a current list of Board members, managers, coaches and umpires Publish all meetings as required Keep a record (minutes) of all Board, Governing Body and Association meetings. Undertake any such other duties as requested by the Board
Equipment Manager Prepare specs for uniforms, bats, balls, and other equipment for league, playoff and tournament play and make recommendations to the Board. All equipment must conform to the Cal Ripken guidelines Handle the disbursement of equipment
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Handle the return of equipment Maintain accurate records of all equipment Forward all invoices to Treasurer for payment Submit a log to the Board for all equipment replacement purchases Undertake any other such duties as requested by the Board
Fund Raising/Sponsorship Manager Responsible of all association fund raising activities as directed by the Board Activities may include, but not be limited to, sponsorship, fundraising calendars, team photos, fundraising events Forward all invoices and monies to Treasurer Undertake any such other duties as requested by the Board
Safety Director Responsible for helping maintain a safe playing environment for all players. Organizes annual safety day for coaches/managers. Provides and maintains team safety kits throughout the season. Enforce league rules regarding safety equipment and safe playing behavior. Undertake any other such duties as requested by the Board
Registrar Manages on-line and paper registrations. Manually enter all on-line players in to on-line system. Facilitates and promotes registration process. Page | 9
Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Undertake any other such duties as requested by the Board
Player Agent Direct and organize player assessment days. Oversees proper placement of players into leagues and onto teams. Brings disputes over player placement to the attention of the Board for resolution. Handles parental concerns regarding player placement.
Umpire in Chief Chair rules committee Bring all recommendations for rule changes to the Board for vote Provide interpretation of rules as requested Schedule all umpires for league, playoff and tournament play Keep an accurate account of all games worked by umpires and forward to Treasurer for payment Undertake any such other duties as requested by the Board
League Directors Cooperate with the Board of Directors to see that the objectives of the division are fulfilled and implement the provisions and best intentions of the constitution and bylaws of TAYBS Ensure that all players, Managers and Coaches exhibit GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP on and off the playing field, and participate in accordance with League rules Elect officers at the annual meeting Recommend mangers/coaches for each team to The Board Ensure safe, fair play inside their respective league Page | 10
Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Information Director Manages league website. Formulate and send league emails and other communications via the web site as directed by the Board. Maintains up to date league news,, events, notices on the league web site. Assists Registrar in opening/closing registration.
Team Manager/Coach Attend all managers meetings Conduct sufficient practice sessions to afford their players a reasonable opportunity to benefit from the baseball program and to attend games and practices Ensure that all players participate in accordance with League rules Return all team equipment, at the end of each season, to the Equipment Manager on the day designated for that purpose. Include an inventory of all equipment noting any that needs to be repaired or replaced. Properly maintain the field prior to each game and practice. Home team is responsible for raking and liming the field before EVERY game. At a minimum, the home plate and pitcher’s mound must be raked before every practice. Keep accurate records of fund raising projects, to be transferred to the Fund Raising Chairperson at the completion of the project. Participate in yearly Spring work days to prepare the field for play. Participate in tournaments hosted by the League.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball ARTICLE IV RULES COMMITTEE SECTION I Consists of the Umpire in Chief, League Directors, President and Vice President TAYBS adheres to the rules that govern Cal Ripken Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, and those dictated by as an active member of the Macintosh League. Purpose to resolve any questions relating to rules or other on field (game) activity that cannot be resolved by the Commission of the division involved Any games protest shall be decided by Cal Ripken guidelines and rules. Meeting to be held as soon as possible after a request from the Division Commissioner but must be within five days. Decision of Rules Committee is final. A quorum shall consist of three members. A decision is by majority vote. ARTICLE V AMENDMENTS SECTION I This constitution may only be amended at a duly called Governing Body meeting, with a minimum of seven days notification in a publication of general circulation. A two-thirds majority vote of the membership present is required to amend this Constitution. A quorum is 5 members.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball ARTICLE VI ARBITRATION SECTION I Arbitration functions will be handled by the Board of Directors members as follows: The President, the Director of the League involved and the Rules Chairperson of the league involved. No member of the Arbitration Board shall sit in judgment if their team or any member of their team is involved. The remaining members plus a member of the Association appointed by the President shall sit in judgment. The Arbitration Board shall settle all disputes concerned with protests and supervision of players, umpires, managers and/or any other members of a team. Any dispute involving a Macintosh League team is also subject the ruling of the Macintosh League Board. ARTICLE VII DISMISSAL FROM THE ASSOCIATION SECTION I Any member of the Governing Body may be removed by a two thirds vote of the body membership present upon notification. A meeting will be scheduled on a date agreeable to both parties, not to exceed five days from the date of notification. At said meeting, the individual will be presented the opportunity to show just cause why he/she should not be removed from his/her position.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball ARTICLE VIII RECORDS, HISTORY, DOCUMENTATION & CONFIDENTIALITY SECTION I The League shall accurately maintain books, records, history and associated documentation pertaining to all League activities. This includes but is not limited to: minutes from Board Meetings, registration documentation, accounting financial statements and any other documentation deemed as binding, contractual or serving an official purpose. All League documents and documents containing confidential information provided by members are kept in confidential and not released to any other organization that is not a League Affiliate. Such documents may be used for the purpose of geographic and age verification for within Cal Ripken Baseball. ARTICLE IX MEMBERSHIP & REGISTRATION FEES SECTION I Membership and registration fees shall be assessed for any youth who participates in TAYBS. The registration fee will cover the League’s financial expense of uniforms, equipment, insurance and league membership to Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth Baseball organizations. The League may assess a different registration fee for each playing level depending on its specific requirements while keeping the cost affordable to the general community. All membership and registration fees are payable at the time of registration unless designated otherwise by the Board.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball ARTICLE X SECTION I HARDSHIP CASES In keeping with the League’s mission statement and purpose, the league desires that no child be prevented from participation in a baseball program based solely on the inability to pay membership or player registration fees due to financial hardship. Upon request of the parent or legal guardian of an eligible youth, the Executive Board will review on a personal and confidential basis, a waiver of membership and/or registration fees based on the hardship. On an annual basis, the Board of Directors can establish a limit as to the number of hardship cases. ARTICLE XI SECTION I MANAGER/COACH SELECTIONS To be considered for selection to manager/coach a TAYBS team, the coaching candidate is required to complete in full, a coaching application, and submit to TAYBS during the designated registration times. Coaching applications will be reviewed and the Board of Directors of TAYBS will select the appropriate number of head coaches for each playing level in addition to designating assistant coaches to each head coach. CORI checks are required of all coaches and volunteers. ARTICLE XII SECTION I SPORTSMANSHIP The philosophy of TAYBS places emphasis on clean play and sportsmanlike conduct. Sportsmanship is the heart of these attributes. The definition of “sportsmanship” includes fairness, courteous resolutions, and graceful acceptance of results. It is the League President’s responsibility to assure that the coaches are familiar with this standard and act accordingly. The League President must assure that his/hers own actions reflect these attributes in order to pass them along to the children. The League President and coaches must assure that players display sportsmanship during instructional, intramural, and especially while representing Page | 15
Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball the community. The League President shall make every effort to assure that the coaches are fully versed in safety standards. All play, practice, or games shall be done in a safe manner. Unsafe play, either on the field or on the sidelines, will not be tolerated. All unsafe practices shall immediately be brought to the coaches and League President’s attention. Any TAYBS Board Member or coach has the authority to put an immediate stop to unsafe activities and if individuals refuse to corporate they may be asked to leave the area. Any unsafe activity should be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors.
Article XIII SECTION I LEAGUE AFFILIATIONS TAYBS shall be affiliated with Cal Ripken Baseball for ages 4–12 and Babe Ruth Baseball for ages 13–18 and thereby become subject to the powers and jurisdiction of these organizations. The Minors and Majors Divisions will be affiliated with the Macintosh League and is subject to the powers and jurisdiction of its board. This includes coaches, players, parents and spectators abiding by each organization’s own Constitution, By Laws and League Rules and subject to those penalties for violations contained in said documents. Documentation for all affiliated leagues will be available for review at player registrations. It is the responsibility of coaches, players, parents and spectators to educate themselves on each organization’s rules and responsibilities. TAYBS will support and enforce any disciplinary actions set forth by any affiliated organization based on the decision of the designated Director for each organization. Additionally, TAYBS will abide by and enforce all applicable playing rules set forth by an affiliated organization with regards to player eligibility, game play, equipment (including the use of approved bats, metal spikes, heart protectors), length of game, mercy rules and pitching limitations.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Article XIV SECTION I CODE OF CONDUCT Parents The Parent and Spectator shall support the players, coaches, umpires and league officials. Parents and Spectators shall not "coach" or "officiate". Parents and Spectators agree as follows:
Parents and Spectators will be positive role models. Parents and Spectators will display and instill in all players, the principals of good sportsmanship and team play. Parents and Spectators will conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players. Parents and Spectators will do their best to provide the players a positive experience. Parents will make certain that their children show respect for all other players, coaches, officials and spectators. Parents and Spectators will not ridicule or demean players, coaches or umpires. Parents will inform the coach of any disability or ailment that may affect the safety of their child. Parents and Spectators will treat all players, coaches and umpires fairly and with respect. Parents and Spectators will comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by the Townsend Little League. Parents and Spectators will not question an umpire’s call. Parents and Spectators will respect the opponent and avoid any confrontation with opposing players, spectators, or coaches. Parents and Spectators will be drug and alcohol free while at any Townsend Little League athletic event.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Players Players shall…
Display good sportsmanship and team play at all times. Follow the direction of the Coaching Staff. Respect all, coaches, players, league officials, umpires and spectators. Make every attempt to be on time and ready to play for all games and practices.
Players shall not…
Use abusive or profane language. Taunt or humiliate any other player. Question an umpire’s call. Abuse, mistreat or mishandle any Townsend Little League equipment or property (e.g., throwing batting helmets)
Failure to Comply Parents or Spectators who fail to comply with the code of conduct will be asked to leave the ball park. The game will resume, only after they leave. Anyone threatening or using abusive language towards a Coach, Manager, Player or Volunteer will be suspended from the ball park for the remainder of the season.
Article XV SECTION I ALL-STARS The 1st place manager will have the option to be the All-Star Manager. If he/she declines, the board will appoint a manager. Any other All-Star teams within league will have the manager appointed by the board.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball The manager will choose the coaches from the managers and coaches within his/her league. The League President will conduct the selection process and oversee the voting process by the league coaches. The coaches of the league will select the first 10 players of the team. The All-Star Manager can then select 2-5 players to complete the team. Coaches cannot vote for a player that played on his/her team during regular league play. A charge of up to $100.00 per player will be charged for each All-Star team. This will be used to defray the costs of All-Stars. The money may come from the players or from a company donation. The All-Star Manager is responsible for collection and must submit said money to the Treasurer prior to the start of the AllStar tournament. Any player that moves up and plays in an older league may be selected for the AllStar team that is in his/her age bracket. If the player is chosen for the All-Star team in the older league, then the player must decide which team he/she wants to play for. The player cannot play for both teams.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball APPENDIX I BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rod Latham
President
597-0000
[email protected] Gary Donia
Vice President
597-2320
[email protected] Al Borneman
Treasurer
597-5193
[email protected] 597-0000
[email protected] [email protected] Eric Johnson
Player Agent
Jess Donia
Secretary
597-2320
VACANT
Registrar
597-0000
Beth Latham
Information Director
597-0000
VACANT
Umpire in Chief
597-0000
Jessica Fellows
Safety Director
597-0000
[email protected] VACANT
Equipment Manager
VACANT
Fundraising Manager
Jason Vettese
Babe Ruth Director
597-0000
[email protected] Al Borneman
Major League Director
597-6885
Rod Latham
Minor League Director
597-0000
[email protected] Gary Donia
Rookie League Director
597-2320
[email protected] Wyatt Holt
T-Ball Director
597-0000
[email protected] Dawn Gearin
Softball Director
597-6885
[email protected] Page | 20
[email protected] [email protected] Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball APPENDIX II CALENDAR OF EVENTS
10/05/11
Annual Elections
12/17/11
Uniforms and Equipment Ordered
01/03/12
Post Registration announcements
01/07/12
1ST Spring Registration
01/07/12
Request Hawthorne Brook Gym time for try-outs (school /TAP)
01/14/12
2ND Spring Registration
02/04/12
Distribute Sponsorship request forms
02/11/12
Managers Meeting
02/20/12
Submit field use forms (include insurance binder)
02/21/12
1st Try-Outs
02/23/12
2nd Try-Outs
03/01/12
Sponsorship deadline (shirts)
03/10/12
Player Draft selection process
04/07/12
Sponsorship deadline (sign)
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball APPENDIX II CALENDAR OF EVENTS
04/21/12
Field clean-up Day(s)
04/28/12
Opening Day
04/30/12
Start of Regular Season
04/30/12
Fundraising Calendar for Month of June; sales begin.
06/01/12
Special Teams standing evaluation date. (By winning percentage) 1st Tie Breaker ~ Head to Head record; 2nd Tie Breaker ~ No. of losses
06/30/12
End of Regular Season
08/01/12
Fall Ball Registration
09/06/12
Fall Ball
09/08/12
Annual Election notifications
9/30/12
Fall Clinics Begin
10/01/12
BOD Elections
10/13/12
End of year field preparation (batting cage)
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball
APPENDIX III CODE OF CONDUCT Parents The Parent and Spectator shall support the players, coaches, umpires and league officials. Parents and Spectators shall not "coach" or "officiate". Parents and Spectators agree as follows:
Parents and Spectators will be positive role models.
Parents and Spectators will not question an umpire’s call.
Parents and Spectators will be drug and alcohol free while at any Townsend Little League athletic event.
Parents and Spectators will display and instill in all players, the principals of good sportsmanship and team play. Parents and Spectators will conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players. Parents and Spectators will do their best to provide the players a positive experience. Parents will make certain that their children show respect for all other players, coaches, officials and spectators. Parents and Spectators will not ridicule or demean players, coaches or umpires. Parents will inform the coach of any disability or ailment that may affect the safety of their child. Parents and Spectators will treat all players, coaches and umpires fairly and with respect. Parents and Spectators will comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by the Townsend Little League. Parents and Spectators will respect the opponent and avoid any confrontation with opposing players, spectators, or coaches.
Players Players shall…
Display good sportsmanship and team play at all times. Follow the direction of the Coaching Staff. Respect all, coaches, players, league officials, umpires and spectators. Make every attempt to be on time and ready to play for all games and practices.
Players shall not…
Use abusive or profane language. Taunt or humiliate any other player. Question an umpire’s call. Abuse, mistreat or mishandle any Townsend Little League equipment or property (e.g., throwing batting helmets)
Failure to Comply Parents or Spectators who fail to comply with the code of conduct will be asked to leave the ball park. The game will resume, only after they leave. Anyone threatening or using abusive language towards a Coach, Manager, Player or Volunteer will be suspended from the ball park for the remainder of the season.
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball I understand the Code of Conduct and accept this as a condition of registration. I understand the repercussions for failing to comply and accept this on behalf of my player, family, and self. Signature: ________________________________Date: _________________________
APPENDIX IV BORDER MAP
January 1, 2012 Townsend Youth Baseball Page | 24
Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball Rod Latham President
APPENDIX V Coaches Application Name: ______________________________________________
Date of Birth: ______________________
Current Address: ____________________________________
# of years at current address: _______
If less than 5 years, please list previous address: _______________________________________________ Home Phone: ______________________________________
Cell Phone: ________________________
E-mail address:_____________________________________ Please check the age and division you are interested in coaching this season:
Tee Ball Rookie
Minor
Junior Softball
Senior Softball
Please check position you are interested in:
Major
Babe Ruth
Manager
Were you a head coach in 2011?
Assistant Coach Yes:
No:
If, yes please list division and team name: _____________________________________________________ Were you listed as an assistant coach on the roster last year?
Yes:
No:
If, yes please list division and team name: _____________________________________________________ Have you had previous coaching experience?
Yes:
No:
If, yes please explain: ________________________________________________________________________ Have you been convicted of a felony within the past 10 years?
Yes:
No:
If, yes please explain: ________________________________________________________________________ By signing this application you are acknowledging support for TAYBS. I will enforce all rules and regulations of TAYBS and follow the League Code of Conduct. I will also support all fundraisers,
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Townsend/Ashby Youth Baseball & Softball I also understand that there will be a criminal background check performed (CORI). To expedite this process we ask that you provide your birth date on this application. The background check will be performed in an effort to protect the safety of the players participating in TAYBS. All information obtained will be kept confidential. Applicant Signature: _________________________________
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Date: ______________________