Coaches Safety Meeting — Feb 25, 2026

Strongly encouraged for all baseball and softball coaches — head and assistant, new and returning, every division — planning to participate in the 2026 season.

• When: Wed, Feb 25, 2026 at 6:30 PM Google Calendar Outlook.com Microsoft 365 Teams Yahoo Apple Calendar Download .ics
• Where: St. Benedict Catholic School ( Map )

Equipment Pickup (various dates)

• AAA, Majors, Juniors (Baseball & Softball) — Fri Feb 27, 2026, 5:00–7:00 PM Google Calendar Outlook.com Microsoft 365 Teams Yahoo Apple Calendar Download .ics
• Single A & AA (Baseball & Softball) — Fri Mar 6, 2026, 5:00–7:00 PM Google Calendar Outlook.com Microsoft 365 Teams Yahoo Apple Calendar Download .ics
• T-Ball & Kindy Coach Pitch — Sat Mar 21, 2026, 10:00–11:00 AM Google Calendar Outlook.com Microsoft 365 Teams Yahoo Apple Calendar Download .ics
• Where: 2312 N 58th St, Seattle, WA 98103
• Inventory bag; report missing/damaged items.
• [email protected]
• (626) 806-3031 — Call or Text Ernesto

If you pass this, you’ve gone too far; Everything must go!!!

Click the image to enlarge

Details

• Time: Self-paced
• Cost: Free
• Frequency: One-time — certificate does not expire
• Deadline: Before your first tournament game
• Proof: Certificate issued upon completion
• Required for: Tournament managers and coaches (required); all coaches (strongly encouraged)

How to Complete

1. Access the Platform
   • Go to Little League University – Diamond Leader Training Program
   • Create an account (first-time) or log in (returning)
2. Enroll
   • Search for “Diamond Leader Training Program” if not immediately visible
   • If asked, search for North Central Little League
   • Open the course and click Enroll / Register

How to Complete (cont.)

3. Complete Modules
   • Work through the real-life scenario modules at your own pace
   • Review the supporting resources in each section
4. Receive Your Certificate
   • A certificate is issued upon completion — save or print for your records
   • Certificate is valid for tournament coaching eligibility

Tips & Reminders

• One-time only: Unlike Abuse Awareness, you do not need to retake this course each year
• Revisit anytime: LLI strongly encourages returning to review content and resources throughout your coaching career
• Tournament requirement: Required for tournament coaching eligibility — complete before your first tournament game
• Technical issues: Use the LLU Help / Support link, or try a fresh browser tab or incognito mode

Get Started

Complete this free, self-paced course from Little League International to strengthen your coaching skills and satisfy tournament eligibility requirements.

Why You Should Use It

We couldn’t blame you for feeling app fatigue — we’ve heard the complaints. But the bottom line is, every Space you’re in starts with the president, registrar, scheduler, equipment, and uniforms.

If you want a direct line to those folks — along with your fellow coaches — we hope you’re excited.

It’s been a really big success with the divisions that have used it, and we look forward to everyone discovering how much it improves communication.

Getting Set Up

• Accept the Google Chat invite sent to your NCLL-registered email after team formation.
• Download the Google Chat app (iOS/Android) or use chat.google.com on desktop. It’s also available directly in Gmail — just enable Chat in your Gmail Settings.
• Turn on notifications for your division Space so you don't miss game-day updates.
• If you didn't receive an invite, email [email protected] .

Key Spaces

• Division Space (e.g. BB Majors, SB AAA) — schedule changes, rainouts, field swaps, and umpire coordination.
• All-Coaches Space — league-wide announcements, policy updates, and cross-division logistics.
• Board/Admin Space — for managers and board contacts; escalation path for permits, safety, or conduct issues.

Your division VP or scheduler will pin key info (schedules, contacts, field maps) at the top of each Space.

Ground Rules

• Keep posts on-topic: game logistics, field status, schedule changes, and volunteer needs.
• Use threads to reply so the main feed stays scannable on game days.
• Tag the right people (@name) when action is needed; avoid @all unless it's truly urgent.
• No player evaluations, complaints about calls, or personal disputes in shared Spaces.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Muted Space? Tap the Space name → Notifications → set to "All" or "Mentions & replies."
• Trouble getting in? Initial acceptance into a Space can be “sticky” — just persevere. The treasure awaits you on the other side!
• Want to use a different email? That’s totally fine — we just need to know what it is. Your division coordinator can help get that to the registrar.

Panel 1 placeholder — add a PDF/Google Doc link for standard batting order cards.

Panel 2 placeholder — add defensive rotation templates (by inning/position).

Panel 3 placeholder — add substitution guidelines or pitch-count trackers.

Panel 4 placeholder — add printable dugout copies or clipboard-friendly versions.

NCLL Permitted Fields

• Lower Woodland #1-#7 — primary game and practice complex.
• Robert Eagle Staff MS — turf; used for assessments and outdoor clinics.
• Wallingford Playfield — overflow practice and younger divisions.
• Meridian Park — T-Ball and A division games/practices.

Field assignments are published each season on Sports Connect. Check your team schedule for your assigned diamond.

Permit Rules

• Use only your assigned field during your permitted time slot.
• Arrive early to set up; vacate promptly so the next group can start on time.
• No metal spikes on turf fields; follow posted surface rules at each site.
• If a field is closed (weather, maintenance), do not play on it regardless of your permit.

Requesting Additional Field Time

• Extra practice slots or make-up games go through your division scheduler.
• Include team name, division, preferred dates/times, and any constraints.
• Requests are filled based on availability; games take priority over practices.

Seattle Parks & Contacts

• Seattle Parks field status: check for closures before heading out, especially after rain.
• NCLL Field Coordinator: contact via [email protected] .
• Report damage: notify the league immediately if you find unsafe conditions (holes, broken fencing, debris).

Pitch Count Rules & Rest

• Age 7–8: 50 pitches/day max. 1–20 = 0 rest days; 21–35 = 1 day; 36–50 = 2 days.
• Age 9–10: 75 pitches/day max. 1–20 = 0 rest days; 21–35 = 1 day; 36–50 = 2 days; 51–65 = 3 days; 66–75 = 4 days.
• Age 11–12: 85 pitches/day max. 1–20 = 0 rest days; 21–35 = 1 day; 36–50 = 2 days; 51–65 = 3 days; 66–85 = 4 days.
• Age 13–14: 95 pitches/day max. Same rest thresholds through 65; 66–95 = 4 days.

A pitcher who reaches the daily max mid-batter may finish that batter. Rest days are calendar days—count the day after pitching as day one.

Warm-Up & Arm Care

• Pre-game: 5–10 min light jog + band work, then long toss progressing from 40 ft to 90 ft before bullpen.
• Bullpen: 15–25 warm-up pitches; start fastball, finish with whatever off-speed the pitcher carries.
• Cool-down: Light toss, band stretches, ice only if arm is sore—not as a routine habit.
• Between starts: Flat-ground throwing the day after; no mound work until the required rest is met.

Age-Appropriate Development

• Ages 7–9: Fastball only. Focus on balance, arm slot consistency, and throwing strikes.
• Ages 10–11: Add a changeup. Teach grip and feel; no arm-speed changes—the grip does the work.
• Ages 12+: Curveball may be introduced with proper mechanics (spin the ball, don't snap the wrist).
• All ages: Never allow sliders, cutters, or other adult off-speed pitches before high school.

Mechanics over velocity. If a pitcher can't throw strikes with a fastball, adding more pitches won't help.

Game-Day Management

• Track every pitch with GameChanger or a manual clicker—don't estimate.
• Have a second pitcher warming up once your starter nears 75% of the daily limit.
• Pull a pitcher at the first sign of mechanical breakdown (dropping elbow, rushing, reduced velocity) regardless of count.
• Communicate pitch counts to the opposing coach and umpire when requested—this is required by rule.

Batting & Substitution

• Continuous batting order: All players bat in Minors (AA) and below. Majors may use a nine-player lineup or continuous—check your division rules.
• Mandatory play: Every rostered player present must play at least six consecutive defensive outs and bat at least once per game.
• Free defensive substitution: Fielding positions can change freely between innings; the batting order stays fixed.
• Re-entry (Majors): A starter removed from the lineup may re-enter once, in the same batting-order slot.

Run Limits & Mercy

• Five-run rule: A half-inning ends after five runs in Minors (AA). The last inning is unlimited unless local rules cap it.
• Majors: No per-inning run cap unless NCLL posts a local rule for the season.
• Ten-run mercy (Majors): If the home team leads by 10+ after 4 innings (3½ if home), the game is called.
• Fifteen-run mercy (Minors): Same structure; check your division packet for the exact threshold.

Time Limits & Innings

• Regulation game: 6 innings (Majors) / 6 innings (Minors). A game is official after 4 innings (3½ if home team leads).
• Time limit: No new inning may start after the posted drop-dead time for your field permit (typically 1 hr 45 min for Minors, 2 hrs for Majors).
• Tied at time: If tied when time expires, the result follows your division’s local rule (extra inning or tie stands).
• Suspended games: A game stopped before becoming official is resumed from the point of interruption at the next available slot.

NCLL Local Rules & Resources

• NCLL publishes division-specific local rules each season that supplement the Little League green book—check your division packet.
• Coaches are responsible for knowing both LL rules and NCLL local rules; umpires enforce both.
• Protests must follow the Little League process: notify the umpire before the next pitch, then file in writing within 24 hours.

What Is District 8?

• District 8 is a geographic group of Little League–chartered programs in the greater Seattle area.
• The District Administrator (DA) oversees rule compliance, charter requirements, and tournament brackets.
• District 8 can issue supplemental regulations that all member leagues—including NCLL—must follow.
• Interleague games between District 8 leagues follow the hosting league’s local rules unless the district specifies otherwise.

Key District 8 Supplements

• Pitch count reporting: Home team is the official book; pitch logs must be exchanged between coaches after every game.
• Game length: District 8 may set drop-dead time limits for regular-season interleague games that override individual league rules.
• Player eligibility: Rosters are frozen by a district-set date; only players on the official Sports Connect roster may participate.
• Safety mandates: All coaches must have current Little League volunteer applications, background checks, and abuse-awareness training on file.

All-Stars & Tournament Trail

• District 8 runs the first round of the Little League tournament (District Tournament) each summer.
• Winners advance to Sectionals, then State, Regionals, and ultimately the Little League World Series.
• All-Star rosters must comply with district selection rules and submission deadlines.
• Tournament pitch-count rules are stricter—familiarize yourself with the tournament-specific rest chart before summer play begins.

District 8 Contacts & Resources

• District 8 communications come through the NCLL board; coaches rarely need to contact the DA directly.
• Rule questions or protests that go beyond NCLL’s local authority are escalated to the DA by the NCLL president.
• Check the Little League District 8 page for tournament brackets, schedules, and supplemental rule documents.

Family Communication

• Send a welcome message within 48 hours of team formation—introduce yourself, share contact info, and set expectations.
• Use GameChanger / Team Central for schedule updates; follow up with email or text for anything time-sensitive.
• Post practice and game changes at least 2 hours in advance when possible; families plan around your schedule.
• Share a brief post-game recap or highlight—even one sentence keeps families connected and kids motivated.

Practice Planning

• Write a simple plan before every practice: warm-up, two or three focused stations, and a fun finish (scrimmage, baserunning race, etc.).
• Keep stations short (8–12 min) and rotate—young players learn more from many brief reps than long waits in line.
• Assign assistant coaches or parent helpers to stations so every group has instruction while you float and coach up.
• End on time. Respecting the schedule builds trust with families and keeps kids eager to come back.

Game-Day Organization

• Arrive 20–30 minutes early to set up the dugout, check the field, and greet umpires.
• Post the batting order and defensive lineup where players can see it—reduces confusion and questions.
• Designate a team parent for snack coordination, scorekeeping backup, and dugout help so you can focus on coaching.
• Track pitch counts in real time (GameChanger or clicker) and share the log with the opposing coach after the game.

Keeping It Positive

• Every player should hear their name in a positive way at least once per practice and once per game.
• Correct privately, praise publicly. Pull a kid aside for a quick adjustment; celebrate effort in front of the team.
• Rotate positions regularly—especially in younger divisions. Development beats winning at this level.
• Model sportsmanship: shake hands, respect umpires, and your players will follow.