Coach Resources

Before your first practice — compliance

Every coach and regular volunteer must complete the following before working with players. Links and current requirements come from your commissioner:

• Background check — request the link from your commissioner
• Abuse-prevention training (e.g., SafeSport) — certificate goes to your commissioner
• Concussion awareness training — required for all on-field staff

Field & facility logistics

Practices run at Hereford Middle School. Field assignments, cage time, and equipment access are coordinated through your division commissioner at the start of each season. Every team rakes and lines its field before leaving — it's the standard.

Communication templates

Copy, personalize, send. Consistent communication across ten teams is what makes the org feel professional.

Season welcome (email)

Hi [Team] families — I'm [Name], your [age] head coach this season. Practices are [days/times] at Hereford Middle School starting [date]. Our schedule lives in GameChanger — accept the invite you'll receive this week, and turn on notifications. What players need at practice: glove, bat, helmet, cleats, water. I'll always confirm or cancel by [time] on practice days. Looking forward to a great season — horns up. [Name, phone]

Rainout (text/GroupMe)

[Team]: Tonight's practice ([date]) is CANCELED due to field conditions. Next practice: [date/time]. Site status: herefordbaseball.com

Tournament weekend (email)

[Team] families — tournament logistics for [event]: Location: [venue + address]. Game 1: [day/time]; full bracket in GameChanger. Arrive 45 min early in full uniform ([color] jerseys Game 1). Bring: water jug, sunscreen, chairs; team cooler is covered. Hotel block (if traveling): [details]. Questions: [phone].

Practice planning

Keep every player moving: stations over lines, reps over lectures. A reliable 90-minute template — dynamic warmup and throwing progression (15), split-group stations of defense/hitting (50), situational team play (20), baserunning finisher and huddle (5). End on something fun; the kids who beg to come back are your best offseason recruiting.

The Hereford standard

Players run everything out, thank the umpires, and rake the field before leaving. Coaches model it: we argue with no umpire, we develop every roster spot, and we never let a kid leave practice without a rep that made them better. Wear the bull like every family in the Zone is watching — because they are.