Dear Prospective Coach or Assistant Coach:

We, at SHBGFS, strongly believe that participation in athletics plays a valuable role in the development of children. Aspects of teamwork, dedication, discipline, physical fitness, self-esteem, and fair play all contribute to the overall growth and maturation of young people. SHBGFS takes its role in this process seriously and strives to offer quality programs which will aid in this development. Our programs also focus on the FUNdamentals of the game.

We are looking for a few good volunteer coaches. So, if you feel like you fit the mold of our programs, please complete the Coaches Application - Spring 2025 below. The deadline to submit your application is 8 pm PST on Monday, 1/6/25.

All applications will be reviewed and voted on by the Board of Directors on Wednesday, 1/8/25. If an individual is not re-appointed or selected as a Coach or Assistant Coach for the upcoming season, the League President and/or Board of Directors does not need to give a reason to that person. After the appointment process is concluded, all Coaches and Assistant Coaches must complete the following in order to be cleared for coaching:

1. Attend Player Evaluations on Saturday, 1/11/25 as well as the Make-up Evaluations on Saturday, 1/18/25.
2. Attend the Player Draft on Tuesday, 1/21/25.
3. Review the SHBGFS Coaches Handbook (below) as well as the SHBGFS By-Laws.
4. Read, and sign/date the SHBGFS Code of Conduct Agreement (below).
5. Complete a Background Check and SafeSport Certification (Our Safety Officer will contact Coaches to start this process.)
6. Attend the mandatory SHBGFS Coaches' Meeting in January, 2025.
7. Complete a league-sponsored coaching clinic and a USA Softball coaching clinic.

If you have any questions in regards to the application process, please contact our Player Agent, Scott Klatskin, at shbplayeragent@shbgfs.org.

All coaches and assistant coaches shall work with their experienced and inexperienced players to encourage them to build their individual and team playing skills. It is the goal of SHBGFS to encourage all players to improve their skills, enjoy the game and want to continue to play.

SHB Coaches Clinic:  The SHB coaches' clinic is mandatory for all coaches whether or not they’ve coached in the past. We also offer a USA Softball-sponsored coaches' clinic for all coaches and assistant coaches.

USA Softball Coaches' Clinics:  If you do not have a certificate of training that was completed within the last 2 years from a USA Softball-sponsored clinic, you will not be allowed to be a head coach. You must complete one of the USA Softball-sponsored clinics to be a head coach or hold a valid and current certificate. Contact your Commissioner for more info and sign-ups on USA Softball clinics.

ACE Level I & II available:  Includes ASA’s ACE Manual, lunch, “Hands-on” Instruction, coaches gift, insurance and ACE level I or ACE level II certification.

Cost: free for all SHB coaches. You must email your commissioner to reserve a spot. Indicate Level I or II programs. All coaches must be ASA/ACE certified -minimum- every three years. (Note: You must have certified Level I last year to certify Level II this year – remember that certification is good for only 1 year)

League Rules: It is advisable for all new and previous coaches and their assistants to be familiar with the General USA Softball rules, the SHBGFS standing rules, rule deviations and by-laws as these may be revised from year to year.

Equipment: Each coach will be given a bag of equipment for use during the season. At the end of the season, the bag must be returned to the Equipment Coordinator or the coach may be charged to replace the bag and its contents. Coaches will also be given game balls. If during the season, something breaks or you need additional equipment, contact the Equipment Coordinator.

Bats: The League typically does not supply bats, however there may be a few used bats that are available, inquire with the Equipment Coordinator. In all age divisions higher than 6u, an approved “softball” bat is required. An approved bat must have an “ASA” label of approval on the bat. Wood or aluminum “baseball” bats are not allowed. Umpires will remove these bats from the games. Aluminum “baseball” bats are okay for 6u only.

Batting Helmets:   The League does NOT supply batting helmets, players will need to purchase a NOCSAE approved batting helmet. ASA rules require that ALL helmets MUST have a NOCSAE approved facemask on them. As pitchers throw harder and faster, it is more and more important to protect the face of the player. ASA rules require chin straps for all helmets. What is NOCSAE? It is a safety approval stamp that is required for equipment. Ask your vendor before purchasing.

Uniforms:  The League supplied uniform includes shirt, pants and socks. The team and coach will determine the team’s color.  Cleats are required. Soccer cleats are okay, but softball cleats cannot be used for soccer. The softball cleats have an extra cleat on the front of the shoe which is illegal for soccer.

Field Set-up Guides:   These guides have been created to assist the Coaching Staff or the Field Set-Up parents in preparing your game fields.

Scorekeepers:  Scorekeeping is an important function in SHBGFS.  It is required that all home teams keep score in the Official SHBGFS GameChanger Account.  This means that every team MUST have an official scorekeeper.

Practice Schedule & Batting Cages:   Practice fields & practice schedule and batting cage schedule will be assigned at the beginning of the season by the league. The UIC will send out team schedule and details.