• Is WPLL For You
• League Sponsorship
• Mission Statement
• Field Development
• Levels of Play
• On-Line Registration
• Return Policy
• Field Maps
• Upcoming Events
• Team Rosters
• Forms & Handouts
• Team Standings
• Team Schedules & Scores
• Coaches Corner
• Report Scores
• Rain Policy
• Rules & By-Laws
• League Mgmt. Site
• Board Minutes

WPLL Championships

2010
Junior League District 13 Champions
Majors Baseball District 13 Champions
Majors Softball District 13 Champions
9-10 Baseball District 13 Champions
9-10 Softball District 13 Champions

2009
Junior League District 13 Champions
9-10 Softball District 13 Champions

2008
Junior League District 13 Champions
Majors Softball District 13 Champions

2007
Junior League District 13 Champions
Majors Baseball District 13 Champions

2005
Junior League District 13 Champions

Handeling a Trouble Parent

1. Don't discuss the issue at the game

The first thing the coach should avoid is discussing the problem with the parent on the field, especially if he/she is visibly upset.

2. Schedule a separate time/venue to have the discussion

Rather than discuss the problem then and there, the coach should agree to meet or telephone the parent at a mutually convenient time to discuss the complaint. By doing this, you avoid giving the parent an audience, allow the him/her to 'cool off', and give yourself time to prepare an appropriate response to the complaint.

3. Be an active listener

When you eventually talk to the parent, one of the most important things you can do is be an active listener.  Doing things like taking notes, maintaining eye contact and nodding to acknowledge you have heard what the parent is saying are crucial.

4. Don't interrupt

Even if parents raise their voices or their stories have are not fact-based, the coach should avoid interrupting. By interrupting a parent, you risk inflaming the situation.

5. Don't get defensive

The coach should avoid defending or justifying their action. Such behavior at this point will only make the situation worse.

6. Show empathy

Respond to their concerns with statements like "I'm sorry that you feel your child has been treated unfairly". This will help the parent to understand
his/her problem is being taken seriously. They are likely to be calmer and more willing to find a solution.

7. Clarify the problem

This can be achieved by asking probing questions. This helps both parties to focus on the problem (not personalities), stick to the facts, and avoid being caught up in extraneous issues.

8. Offer a range of solutions

A lot of times, parents just want their feelings to be heard and understood. If they want more, try to offer a range of solutions. This demonstrates a
willingness to work together to solve the problem. It's important to avoid making promises that you can't keep. Explain to them what you can and cannot do.

9. Get closure

Ideally, you will given the parent a number of options and agreed on a mutual course of action. At this point it's appropriate to end the meeting. It should conclude with three things:
* Leave the parent with a closing action statement (e.g.. 'I'll get on to that now').
* Thank the parent for their interest (no matter how unpleasant the meeting).
* If follow-up is required, tell them when you will contact them ('I'll ring you tomorrow').

This will leave the parent feeling as though their complaint has been heard, and
the parent-coach relationship will be strengthened.

10. Leave the door open

There will be cases, however after this whole process where you will not be able to give the parent the response they are looking for. It is important in these circumstances that the coach leave the door open for the parent, e.g.. 'If there is ever anything else, please come to me'.  By doing this the parent will at least feel that his/her complaint has been taken seriously, and the coach-parent relationship, however strained, will remain intact. Not doing this could allow the problem to fester... and the parent could damage your reputation through word-of-mouth.

Next Board Meeting
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 @ 6:30 CHS

He Is Just a Little Boy
He stands at the plate with his heart pounding fast.
The bases are loaded, the die has been cast.
Mom and Dad cannot help him, he stand all alone.
A hit at this moment would send the team home.
The ball meets the plate, he swings and he misses.
There's a groan from the crowd, with some boos and hisses.
A thoughtless voice cries, "Strike out the bum"
Tears fill his eyes, the game's no longer fun.
So open your heart and give him a break,
For it's moments like this, a man you can make.
Please keep this in mind, when you hear someone forget,
he is just a little boy, and not a man yet.