Coaching

BHGS Coaching requirements

Every coach is required to pass the ASA Background Check and ACE Coaching Certification through USA Softball before the season begins.
This process can take up to a week to complete and costs $25.
Please email your certifications or other items to Player Agent, Marie Daniel - playeragent@bhgs.net
Certifications expire every year on December 31st, and you must recertify for next year.
Failure to complete your ACE Coaching Certification will bar you from the playing field.
Don't forget to also register with BHGS which is also required and needed to fill the coaching positions.

CDC Concussion Training and Safe Sport is required for all coaches.
Concussion training is required by the USA Softball and must be completed every 2 years.
ACE Coaching Certification is a mandatory insurance requirement for the league. After completing the background check above you will then need to continue ACE Coaching Certification.

As a coach you should:
Be a role model

for your team and are responsible for advocating good sportsmanship. Branham Hills expects coaches to teach our players to not only learn softball but also learn to be a good person. Fair play and positive reinforcements should be part of your coaching style.

Work with Assistant Coaches and Managers

Assistant Coaches can help with anything needed for practices/games and also fill in as head coach if you are not available. Also listen to your Assistant Coach for input on practices and game strategies.
Managers will be the main source of communication for league and team updates. (See the Manager tab for more information)

Attend coaching clinics

Coaching skill building clinics will be scheduled throughout the season. Some will be required and paid by BHGS.

Conduct practices

With the help of assistant coaches and parents.
Set up practice field. Home team (listed first) will start with the infield and need to bring out bases and pitching rubber (8U & 10U). Halfway through switch to practicing in the outfield. Away team (listed second) will put away equipment.
Break out girls into small groups and have them work in different stations (example hitting, catching, etc)

Have games run smoothly

Arrive with ample time for warm up. Warm up are allowed in the middle of field if a game is still being played.
Home Team must prep field. See field prep. The Away team will clean up if they are the last team to play.
Set up team lineup. Plan your line-up before the game. 10U and older will require a lineup to give to the scorekeeper and umpire.
Be a fair coach and let girls rotate positions. If you have girls sitting out, rotate them in so all girls play an equal amount of time.
Make sure all girls are picked up before you leave a game or practice.

Get ACE certificated

All Coaches and Managers are required to be ACE certified prior to the first practice. This is a mandatory insurance requirement for the league.

Help your team at the Hit-A-Thon

Each team staff member is asked to help line the girls up, ensure every girl hits, and measure the distance their players hit. The division reps will also be at the field to help as needed.