Manager or Coach: What's the Difference?

Little League relies on volunteer Managers and Coaches every season. Before volunteering for one of these positions, it's important to know the difference between each role. Here is the quick synopsis pulled from the Managers and Coaches Information Meeting Presentation.

Managers

  • Approved by the Board, selected for team assignment by the Division Director
  • Single point of accountability and contact with KNLL for the team
  • Leader and Administrator of the team
  • Responsible for safety, attendance, parent communications, rescheduling games, and player development and decorum

Coaches

  • Approved by the Board, selected for team assignment by a Manager
  • Supports the Manager with any team or coaching task at the direction of the Manager

Both positions are needed for the optimal operation of the League. KNLL looks to the Manager to run the team within the Little League Official Rules and the KNLL Local Rules and be accountable when issues arise.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your program's VP or Division Director.

Manager and Coach Responsibilities

The following information is from KNLL's 2022 Local Rules.

Manager and Coach Responsibilities

Managers and coaches are important volunteer positions. Players and their families trust managers and coaches to develop the players in a positive and productive environment. The following is a list of responsibilities each manager and coach shall follow.

  1. Attend any and all managers and coaches meetings scheduled by KNLL and the District.
  2. Learn, teach, and follow all LLOR, District Rules, and KNLL Local Rules.
  3. Learn, teach, and follow the KNLL Safety Plan (ASAP).
  4. Communicate all practice and game times, schedule changes, rainouts, and any other relevant information to all team players and their families.
  5. Ensure all parent(s) or guardian(s) of players sign the Medical Release and Code of Conduct forms and save these in the team binder. Carry the binder to every game and practice.
  6. Ensure their equipment bag contains one (1) First Aid kit and at least two (2) ice packs for every game and practice. If additional supplies are needed, contact the Equipment Manager (equipment@kirklandNational.com).
  7. Report all injuries to the Safety Officer. For more information, see Safety Program.
  8. Follow the rules for mandatory play as prescribed by LLOR and KNLL Local Rules.
  9. Ensure all players are legal and properly equipped for practices and games.
  10. Ensure all equipment is legal.
  11. Notify the appropriate Player Agent if a player misses two (2) consecutive games within 24 hours of the second game.
  12. Ensure all volunteers have submitted the Volunteer Application and been approved by KNLL. This includes umpires, scorekeepers, field maintenance, etc.
  13. For those Divisions that use umpires, identify and submit at least two (2) umpires to the umpire pool. Provide at least one (1) umpire for every game.
  14. For those Divisions that keep a scorebook, identify and submit at least one (1) scorekeeper for training. Provide at least one (1) scorekeeper for every game.
  15. Ensure only coaches of record are in the dugout or on the field as base coach during a game. If a manager or coach of record is absent from a game, a substitute will be allowed provided the substitute is an approved volunteer.
  16. Ensure there is an approved adult volunteer in the dugout at all times during games.
  17. Ensure all spectators remain at least ten (10) feet from the dugout.
  18. Sign for equipment bags, treat these as their own, and return these in clean and orderly condition. If, during the season, any equipment fails, immediately contact the Equipment Manager for review and replacement. KNLL reserves the right to bill a manager for missing or damaged equipment or any equipment not returned on time.
  19. Enforce the rules under Code of Conduct.

Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may result in removal as manager or coach or affect eligibility for manager or coach in future seasons.

Manager, Coach and Safety Training

This video is required viewing for all Managers and Coaches.
The safety training begins approximately 20 minutes into the video.