As players progress into higher leagues, the level of competitiveness increases. Throughout all the levels of WMLL, participation is insured by local rules which require minimum playing times. In the Atlantic and Pacific baseball leagues, and in the Minor, Major and Junior softball leagues, there are stated philosophies which guide the actions of coaches.
Girls’ Softball – Minor, Major & Junior Leagues Philosophy
There are four very important goals for the WMLL Girls’ Softball Program:
- To have volunteer coaches pass along their knowledge of the game of softball to the players,
- To have equal participation for all players so they can have an opportunity to practice the softball skills they are learning,
- To foster total enjoyment of the game. This goal is not easily obtained for all players. What is needed is constant encouragement by coaches and parents alike in times of failure. No one will catch every ball, hit every pitch or make every play. As human beings, the fire of competition burns in each of us. As parents, coaches and spectators, we must control our own competitive nature in order to build the proper atmosphere in which these young players can enjoy what we consider the greatest game in the world, and
- To provide an opportunity for young girls to experience the camaraderie of being on a team, to meet players from other schools and other neighborhoods and to build new friendships.
Implementation
Coaches will be encouraged to give players the opportunity to learn several different defensive positions and to rotate into these positions throughout the season. Positions in the batting order should be rotated regularly to give players an opportunity to bat at different spots in the lineup. A coaches meeting will be held before the season to review their goals and guidelines. Coaches will be expected to have a minimum number of practices before the season opens.