Volunteer Info and Policy

Volunteering with Little League

Stratford Little League is an all-volunteer organization. We have had tremendous success in past years with the involvement of our parents throughout the season.  We cannot do it without you! As part of demonstrating that ongoing successful team and family atmosphere, we ask our parents to get involved with the League each year to make this the best experience for the kids. With that in mind we are encouraging all families to complete at least 5 hours of volunteering.

Volunteer Time Commitments

Below is an overview of volunteer opportunities and estimated time requirements for each position.  For more detailed descriptions, please see further below.

Volunteer Opportunities and Descriptions

There are various volunteering opportunities. Please note some positions fulfill more than the required 10 hours.

Each position has an indicated maximum number of volunteers per team for that role.  If a specific team position is split, only one designated person will receive their volunteer credit for that opportunity.

Note: not every volunteer position is needed at all levels of play.

HEAD COACH/ MANAGER – 1 per team
This position is the team lead in charge of team players, assistant coaches, and all communications between the League and parents regarding schedules, changes, rainouts and SLL events. Head coaches instruct players in proper baseball skills, produce player lineups and provide overall player support and encouragement. Head coaches also help secure team parent, team scorekeeper and field maintenance persons (when applicable).

Head Coaches/ Managers are subject to board approval and are not guaranteed a coaching position from year to year.  This position also requires attendance at Manager meetings and possible instructional sessions/coaching clinics.

ASSISTANT COACH – maximum 2 per team
This position assists the Head coach with anything involving team practices, player organization, skill building, game operations, equipment handling, team jersey distribution and general player and team support.  This position also needs to assist the field maintenance person(s) with field setup and break down before and after games.

Assistant Coaches are also subject to board approval and are not guaranteed a coaching position from year to year.  

TEAM PARENT - maximum 3 per team (Teeball, A, and AA only)
This position assists the Head Coach and Asst. coaches with parent and team communications and general team support. 

Team parent role also includes: 
-Obtaining and distributing the team roster to parents
-Sending out team communications to parents (re: special events, game or practice changes, parties, etc.)
-Organizing a snack schedule (if agreed by team)
-Planning the team’s end of season party/picnic 
-Assisting the coaches with keeping players engaged and safe 
-Organizing and tracking volunteers among the team to help with the above tasks

FIELD MAINTENANCE 
This position will be responsible for maintaining the fields before and after games.  It is beneficial to solicit additional help from team parents as well. 

Duties may include:
-Attend mandatory pre-season Field Maintenance training
-Relay and act as trainer to parents that sign up to help out
-Assist at Field Improvement Days
-Manage and perform pre-game and post-game field maintenance duties (home team)

SCOREKEEPER – maximum 2 per team (AA, AAA & Majors only)
This position is required to attend and keep score at each game according to the team schedule.  It is also helpful to solicit additional help from team parents for backup.  However, only the designated team scorekeepers for that team will receive credit for this commitment.
-The Home team must provide the Scorekeeper to keep Official Score Book for that game
-Arrive to field 15 minutes before game time begins
-Bring 2-3 pencils with erasers to each game
-Keep score – track the pitch count, hits, walks and errors
-Have the plate umpire sign the Official Score Book
-Return Official Score Book to the score booth after the game

SNACK STAND OPERATOR: 2 hour shifts
The Snack Stand is located at the Field House at Short Beach. This position works preferably as a team with 2 volunteers per each shift. 
-There should always be at least 1 adult volunteer at the Snack Stand
-Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the Field House
-Duties to include: Selling food and drinks at the counter, and cleanup

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEERS: 2 – 3 hour shifts
There are a number of special events throughout our Little League season.  This position will act in any number of ways to ensure those events run smoothly.  Working with the Membership and Fundraising Directors, you will be scheduled to work at a particular event, and will be directed on requirements and time needed for that event.  Some of the necessary areas required would be set up, check-in table, clean up and/or could involve a Snack Stand shift on a special event day.

SLL Special Events include:
Opening Day
Picture Day
End of Season Picnic
Others: Clinics, Field Improvement Day, Tournaments, Playoffs, etc.

 Volunteer Registration and Volunteer Application

Thank you for joining our parent volunteer’s organization.  We would not be successful without your commitment to the League! 

Note: Manager, Coach and Team Parent Positions require a background check.  An application must be filled out in the Volunteer section and e-signature applied, you will be contact for more information.

Volunteer FAQs

Q:   I signed up to volunteer, but my top three choices have already been filled. Does my family still need to fulfill the five (5) hour requirement?
A:  Volunteer slots are assigned on a first come, first served basis.   The earlier you register as a volunteer the greater the chance that you will be assigned an opportunity of your choice.  However, there are many ways you can make a difference in providing a fun and enriching experience for our children. Therefore, if your top choices are not available, please select from the remaining SLL volunteer opportunities to fulfill your seasonal volunteer requirements.

Q:  What if I have volunteered to work a snack stand shift and it rains?
A:  When it rains, the grass fields may be closed. If fields are closed the snack shack will not open.  In this case you will have an opportunity to reschedule your hours with our Membership Director. 

Q:  All of our games are held at a field where there are no concessions.  So why do we have to work the Snack Stand?
A:  SLL is a 100% volunteer organization and represents a community of over 300 families.  Our goal is to provide a fun and enriching experience in a safe environment for all of our players.