How to Become a Softball Coach

So you want to be a softball coach.  Coaching can be an extremely rewarding experience.  As a softball coach, you have the opportunity, not only to develop players' skills, but to teach leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship. Whether you wish to start out as an assistant coach or jump right in and take the lead here are a few pointers to help get you started.

Finding a League or Team

Almost every softball association or group look for coaches each year. Finding an opportunity in your community is easy. Softball Ontario’s web site lists many local softball associations. Your local City/Municipal Recreation and Parks office may also know the contacts for the groups offering softball programs near you.

An internet search will also result in a list of groups or teams. Try searching using your City/Municipality name and the word “softball”. Since most established associations/groups have web sites, you’ll be surprised at the number of results.

Training

Desire and genuine interest are the first needs of a coach. Previous playing experience can help but obtaining coach training will help you learn how to effectively share your experience and knowledge with your players. Softball Ontario provides numerous training clinics each targeted to the stream of players you will be coaching. Beginning with the introductory Learn to Coach clinic all the way up to the advanced Competitive clinics.  Each winter and spring these clinics are hosted by local associations and are listed on the Softball Ontario’s web site. As a volunteer coach the clinics are often offered without cost or are subsidized for the coach through the local association or through a Quest for Gold grant.

Softball Ontario also promotes a mentoring program. They can help hook you up with a coaching mentor to help guide you through your first year experiences.

Police Check

If you plan to coach minor aged players you will need to obtain a Police Record Check. Contact your local police department for details and procedures for you community. In some areas there is a charge for the check, however, the local softball association may cover the cost.

References

Softball Ontario:  http://www.softballontario.ca/

Softball Canada:  http://www.softball.ca/