Welcome Coaches!
Welcome to the April 2015 edition of The Coach's Clipboard! Softball Ontario will provide you with up to date articles that are relevant and useful for all coaches.  If you have any questions feel free to contact Steph Sutton at ssutton@softballontario.ca; otherwise enjoy this newsletter edition. |
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MAKING HEADWAY IN SPORT!
Concussions can occur while participating in any sport or recreational activity. Since the circumstances under which a concussion can be sustained are so varied, it’s important for all coaches, parents, and athletes to be aware of the signs, symptoms, and what to do if a concussion occurs. Check out the new “Making Headway in Sport†eLearning series on the Coaching Association of Canada’s web site (www.coach.ca) to help you gain the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of your athletes! Test your concussion IQ, find out what happens during a concussion, get concussion smart via our e-Learning module, or simply browse through real concussion stories.
FREE for a limited time! So check it out today!
Note: This concussion e-Learning series will apply towards the professional development credits required for maintenance of a coach’s NCCP certification.
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Team Building Suggestions For The Coach
By: George Ryder, Team Ontario Male Head Coach and OASA President
Develop a Team Philosophy
- Make it age appropriateÂ
- Use relevant phrases with trigger words
Some examples:
- “ A good at bat is when you hit the ball hard somewhere†– Mike Candrea, USA Women’s Olympic Team                                                              Â
-  â€œNobody walks out of hereâ€Â
-  â€œWe will never be out-worked on the fieldâ€Â
-  â€œAny problem is a good problem; it can result in a learning experience with a good outcomeâ€Â
-  â€œWin with class, lose with dignityâ€Â
- “This team always runs between the linesâ€Â
Additional Ideas
1. Make the Team Part of Your Community
- Create a team website
- Establish a media contact for on-going team coverage – game schedule/results, fundraising events
- Encourage team members to volunteer:
- Tim Horton’s Camp Day
- Special Olympics
- host a Minor Ball Day
- skill development clinics
- Adopt a younger “buddy†team
- Create a team banner that includes local business supporters to hang at home games
- If hosting a tournament, invite another team from the same community to help and return the favour
- Coaching staff acknowledge team supporters
- Have local youth be the bat person for the team
- Host a family night at the ball park with draws/prizes, free admission, double header game
- Allow players’ families to feel part of the team
- Create a flyer to distribute at games with team updates
- Send thank you letters or Christmas cards to all team supporters
- Go out of your way to say “thank youâ€Â
- Demonstrate and encourage team members to be good ambassadors for the game
2. Invite Guests
Invite former players and coaches to team practices/games. Solicit their opinion in their area of expertise as they watch your players and ask them to provide constructive feedback.
3. Team Ethics and Structure
- Exhibit team pride by taking care of yourself and showing respect for the uniform
- Lead by example
- Ask players to provide input into the yearly team plan; listen and act on their ideas
- Provide positive reinforcement; find ways to soften a hard message
- Develop realistic goals based on your team’s abilities
- Develop values, integrity, sincerity, honesty, courage, discipline, commitment and a good work ethic (taken from Softball New Zealand Coaching Tips)
- Coach consistently. Being consistent develops trust and these are team cornerstones. Broken trust is very difficult to fully regain.
- Believe in your athletes and make each of them feel as important as the next one.
- Developing a player is more important than what the player brings to the team eg. a new position may further develop overall skillsÂ
- Don’t worry about events out of your control
4. Getting Players More Involved
- Encourage feedback and take action
- Add their ideas to practice drills
- Promote competitions and recognize achievements
- Organize practices that are a valuable use of time but still fun
- Create drills that promote solid play; quality, not quantity – tired athletes develop bad habits
- Make use of technology; video player performance to provide instant feedback
- Build a yearbook with newspaper items, team results, pictures etc.
5. Team Building Off The Field
The purpose to activities as a team off-field is to encourage team interdependence and challenge players to do different mental/physical tasks together. This kind of interaction can improve the team’s overall performance back on the field. Some examples:
- Attend a function as a group eg. Jr. A hockey game, Blue Jay game
- Organize a fishing trip, golf tournament, skill day competitions within team
- Volunteer as a team to assist with a community event or charity fundraiser
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Why Scout the Opposition?Â
By: Dick Anthony, Softball Ontario Coaches Committee Member, Softball Canada Hall of Fame Inductee
Keeping statistical information on the opposition is as old as the game of Baseball. With that endorsement it makes sound sense for Softball teams to assemble useful defensive information about both their opposition and their own team. Those stats provide basically a message, showing what is effective what is not about the hitting, fielding, pitching, and baserunning of your opposition. Â
If you are a competitive and ambitious team you require the “edge†that an in depth scouting method provides. The easiest method to collect the data is use of a Scan Sheet, (also named Scatter, or Spray Chart). Simply, it is a letter size sheet of paper (or card stock), one for each player, displaying the playing field, areas for noting their place in batting order, a strike zone to record strengths and weaknesses in covering the strikezone areas, quality and types (7) of the contacts, bat power, field locations of all contacts, locations of bunt attempts, and batter’s boxes to note stances. Footspeed and baserunning is also noted.  For each significant data entry the name (initial letter) of the pitcher involved is noted. As experience in recording the data grows, the sheet size can be reduced to half size (4 ¼ “ x 5 ½â€Â).  The sheet is updated for each game, and if available, data from a previous season can be shown.Â
Using the same data recording system on your own team provides a highly useful measurement tool to assist planning of your practices. Thus it is a powerful analysis tool to improve hitting, fielding, throwing, and baserunning performances.Â
It is wise to remember the opposition may be gathering information on your performance as well. By keeping records of your own team you are awakened to consider developing strategies to address your own deficiencies. For example, teaching your “dead pull†hitter to occasionally “go the other way†because the opposition load up their defense on her â€œpull sideâ€Â. Â
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The Recording Tool
The “Scan Sheet†method has one letter size sheet for each player. The sheet displays a softball field, and spaces for recording the above described data. The information entered can be enhanced by using a 4 coloured pen. Each colour representing a quality or type of contact.  Eg: grounder, air ball, line-drives, or notes.
The advantage of this method is providing coaches just a quick glance of the sheet to gather the visual info to quickly position his defensive alignments. If the coach is remote from the sheets, a simple shout of “Where did she/he go?†can be answered for example by  â€œShe/he doubled on a low inside pitch to the glove side of LF with a linedrive and twice fouled straight back over the backstop â€Â.Â
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Between innings the catcher, shortstop, 2nd base and center fielder can scan the sheets of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd hitters to bat to further assist in the defensive strategies.  Preferably assign a bench coach or two players “partnered up†can record the data. A knowledgeable parent seated by the dugout is also an option. All players should at the least be able to interpret the data.
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An additional bonus of having team members recording the charts is it keeps them in the game, with the rewards of increasing their knowledge and sense of empowerment. To hear a player asking another who is returning to the bench “what did she/he get you with?†will be music to your ears. The Scan Chart method provides a powerful tool in reducing the opposition’s offense, and increasing your own offense and defense. It's more powerful than a score-book and you will find definitely better than the coaches’ memory of events.  |
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PD Points and Maintenance of CertificationÂ
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By: Matt Allen, Softball Ontario Coaches Committee Member
Softball Ontario, along with Softball Canada and the Coaching Association of Canada recognize the value of having certified NCCP coaches that are engaged in Professional Development programs which reinforce the values of lifelong learning and sharing within the coaching community.
All coaches who have been certified in any Softball Canada’s NCCP will be required to obtain Professional Development (PD) points to maintain your NCCP certification. This is a part of a multi-sport initiative required by all 67 sports within the Coaching Association of Canada. More information for those previously NCCP certified (in the old NCCP system), will be notified as to how they are to proceed.  This does not impact any softball coach who has “In Training†or “Trained†status.Â
Why do I need to maintain my certification?Â
The NCCP is asking all coaches to continue learning to help develop the best athletic performance from our athletes as well as the integrity of the NCCP. This can be done through coaching professional development  and actively coaching.Â
When does this take effect?
Softball Coaches are able to accumulate points effective as of January 1, 2014 and onwards.
What qualifies for points towards Maintenance of Certification?
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Activity Category |
Points |
Limitations |
| Sport-specific |
Active coaching |
1 point/year for every season coached
1 point/year for learning facilitator or evaluator activity |
To a maximum number of points equal to the number of years of the certification renewal period: 5 years |
| NCCP activity |
5 points/module |
No maximum or minimum |
| Non-NCCP activity* |
3 points for approx.3 hours activity |
No maximum or minimum |
| Coach self-directed activity* |
3 points for the valid certification period |
Maximum of 3 points for certification renewal period |
| Re-evaluation in context |
100% of the points required for PD credit in the context |
No other PD is required if coach chooses re-evaluation |
| Multi-sport |
NCCP activity |
5 points/module |
No maximum or minimum |
| Non-NCCP activity |
1 point/hour of activity up to 3 points maximum |
To a maximum of 50% of required PD credit for the context in a certification renewal period |
How can I accumulate PD points?
PD points can be earned through a variety of activities that certified coaches already participate in. These include; national and provincial sport organization conferences and workshops, coaching committees, eLearning modules, NCCP workshops, coach mentorship programs, and active coaching and/or instructing.
There are many ways to accumulate points. Events that are organized by Softball Canada, Softball Ontario, Coaching Association of Canada or Provincial/ Territorial Coaching Representatives will all advertise the number of PD points associated with the event. It is very important to first contact Softball Ontario before attending an event to ensure the event you are attending does count for PD points.
Please ensure that you contact Softball Ontario before attending an event as retroactive events will not be accepted as per the Coaching Association of Canada’s policy. For example, if you attend an event that has not been pre-approved by the necessary parties and report it for points.
Please contact Softball Ontario (Steph Sutton via email ssutton@softballontario.ca) or Softball Canada (Lise Jubinville via email ljubinville@softball.ca) for more details on softball specific opportunities that count towards PD points.
 What events can I self-report?Â
Actively coaching or instructing is one of the points softball coaches can self-report each year on your own behalf and reported directly through the Coaching Association of Canada. Simply login to www.coach.ca  and on the left hand side of your transcript you will see a “self-report†section, click and follow the prompts.
How long to I have to accumulate my points?
You will have five (5) years to get the required number of points for Softball.
What are the minimum requirements for me to retain my NCCP Certification?
| Context |
Minimum Professional Development credits required for a period of five years |
| Community Sport Initiation |
NA |
| Competition Introduction |
20 points |
| Competition Development |
30 points |
How can I check how many PD points I have?
Your PD points will appear on your transcript as long as your profile information (name, NCCP#, etc.) has been recorded correctly with the organizer of the event and your profile is up-to-date on coach.ca. You can check your profile and points by logging into coach.ca and using your NCCP# to check your transcript. Remember that PD points will only appear on your transcript after the data has been entered in the Locker by Softball Ontario or Softball Canada. When you are on your NCCP transcript, on the left hand side there is a section called ‘Maintenance.’ Click there and follow the prompts. It will show which events you have attended as well as your certification deadline, number of points attained, and number of points required.
What if I am certified in other sports and/or multiple contexts in softball?
The PD points you earn will apply to all sports’ requirements. The coach needs to accumulate the highest number of required PD points. You only need to earn the higher number of required PD points. For example, if you have “Certified†status in both Instruction contexts, you will need to acquire 20 points to maintain your Certification in both contexts.
What happens to my NCCP Certification if I do not complete the required PD in the time allowed?
Your transcript would show that your “Certified†status has not been renewed. Requirements to regain your NCCP Certification will continue to be worked out by Softball Ontario/Softball Canada through this first PD cycle (2014-2019). |
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From the Perspective of an Umpire
By: Dave Mills, Softball Canada Fast Pitch Level 5, Softball Ontario Fast Pitch PDUIC
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From the perspective of an umpire, how a coach approaches and asks for clarification is just as important as what is being asked.Â
Coach - Obstruction Â
Often not called, a great amount of time is spent at our clinics asking coaches to teach players to properly round the bases.  Coaches tend to get a bit upset, when their runners are prevented from doing so because of players standing on the base - especially at first base. If obstruction is not called, can/should a coach call time and talk to plate or base umpire, or should they wait until between innings?  How should they ask?
Umpire - Obstruction: This is probably the situation that occurs most during a game, yet is enforced the least.  It is easy to recognize that this is very frustrating for most coaches. Â
Most umpires actually appreciate a coach asking a question of interpretation. If an umpire does not think it is obstruction, it is expected that they will explain their reasoning when asked. Most coaches appreciate an umpire taking the time to answer their questions. Â
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If there is a situation where obstruction was not called and the runner was definitely denied the ability to advance a base, I would expect the coach to respectfully request "time", ask about the play and why obstruction was not called.   Â
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We all know that obstruction is not an award for a "free base", it is simply putting the runner into a position of protection from getting called out between the two bases where obstruction took place.  If the runner would not have been able to advance to the next base had there been no obstruction, they would simply be placed back at the base they had already reached. This situation may be better handled by a coach talking with the umpire between innings as there would be no benefit to gaining the obstruction call.  Â
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If the runner was called out - then I would expect the coach to request "time" and talk to the umpire who should have made the call.Â
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It would be better to ask the umpire "Was there no obstruction by the first baseman on my runner you called "Out" at second base?" as soon as the call is made rather than wait until the break between innings.  A simple question from the coach may give the base umpire the opportunity to realize that he may not have been in the best position to see the obstruction at first base. After discussion with the plate umpire, there is an opportunity to correct the call and enforcing the obstruction rule. Â
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It is extremely important for the plate umpire to watch the plays on the bases and to call "obstruction" when warranted - indicated with an extended left arm.  If the base umpire did not see the obstruction and calls the runner "Out", the plate umpire should be coming out from their position calling "DEAD BALL!!!!  OBSTRUCTION ON THE FIRST BASEMAN.", and then discuss with the base umpire the placing of the runner. Â
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Coach – Off the bag
R2. Ball hit to SS. 1B comes off base for throw from SS. Base umpire is in position behind SS, calls the BR out on timing of play, but obviously does not have angle to see the foot of 1B off base when catch made. How should a coach discuss this play with the umpires?
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Umpire -Â Good question.Â
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This situation is the most difficult call for the base umpire in the two umpire system, which is why the three-umpire system is used at Canadian Championships and during the gold medal game for midget and higher Provincials.Â
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A base umpire needs to make the "best" call they can from the best position they can get to. Due to R2, the base umpire must take position behind the SS in the event there is a play at 3B or 2B. They will make the "Out" call at 1B based on the timing of the throw and the runner reaching the bag. If there is a possibility of the first baseman pulling the foot, a base umpire should welcome a coach asking for time and approaching to ask if they would check with my partner about the possibility that the first baseman was off of the bag.Â
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Out of respect to the coach, I always ask my partner - and I expect my partner to always give me a truthful answer.  I will ask my partner if they saw the first baseman's foot come off of the bag and I then make the call based on their responses.  Â
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There are times that it is not necessary for a coach to request “time†and approach. If there is a slight question in the mind of the base umpire that the foot was pulled, they should ask their plate umpire without any prompting from a coach. Quickly and clearly - "Partner....... did the foot get pulled from the bag on the play?" A simple "Yes" or "No" response determines the call that should be made the second time.Â
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When a coach  wishes to requests "time", ask whichever umpire is closest. The pulled foot situation is normally a call that the first base coach wants to question and it is sometimes easier to ask the plate umpire "Time Blue ..... I would like to talk to your partner". You would then ask the base umpire if he would talk to his partner as he may have had a better view of the base and foot than from behind the shortstop. Even after talking to the plate umpire, the call is still the responsibility of the base umpire to either confirm or change the original call.
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I believe that this situation is one of the reasons that we should be using the three umpire system a great deal more than what we do.
Coach – Runner running off of base line to avoid the tag.
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The defensive player has the ball and approaching runner goes outside baseline to avoid a tag. The defensive player takes one or two steps and reaches but still cannot tag runner who is not called “Out†for being off of the baseline.Â
Umpire – The “Off the basepathâ€Â situation occurs numerous times throughout the season.Â
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This call may get missed because the umpire is watching very closely to see if a tag is made by the defensive player. They are so intent on seeing whether the glove touches the runner or not, that the "three foot rule" is not their focus during the play. It is better to make the call LATE, than not make the call at all.Â
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A good rule of thumb for umpires is that in adult ball, the arm of a player is about three feet long. If the runner changes their path to the bag because of an attempted tag that now puts them out of reach of the defensive player, it is safe to assume that they ran outside of the three foot path. Keep in mind that the defensive player must be in position for a tag in a direct line to the base.  Â
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A coach should request "time" and approach the base umpire. A simple, respectful question:  "Blue, is it possible that the runner changed their course by more than three feet?" may prompt a discussion between the base and plate umpire, but most coaches realize that the plate umpire could not be in the best position to assist on this call. Â
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It is opportunities like these that emphasize the importance of communication during the game between a coach and the umpires and it is the responsibility of the umpire to set the tone and timing for the game. The umpire should hustle throughout the entire game and expect the teams to do the same.Â
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A coach who continually keeps his team moving between innings and when batting will receive a greater amount of understanding when they need to talk to their pitcher (or batter) in the seventh or eighth inning of a tied ball game. All umpires should understand the importance of good coaching during difficult situations and that there is a need for discussion and it is the umpire’s role is to keep things within the established parameters of the rules so that the games are kept fair for everyone. |
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Things that happen that a Scorebook just doesn’t capture...
By: Steph Sutton, Assistant Coach McMaster Women's Fast Pitch
Since I have been on the University scene with the Mac FP Team I have experienced some things that a scorebook just does not capture and I wanted to take the opportunity to share them as it may give you an entire different perspective on the game, win or lose.
There are many things that Canadian University softball offers that may not be seen on the field or while at that park and here are the highlights:
School Pride- As student athletes, young women get to wear a jersey with their school colours and play representing their school against other schools. There is an excitement that is not captured when you play in summer with your team.
Being a part of the Varsity Athletic Program- As a student athlete, you instantly become a part of a larger family within the University- the Football team, the Soccer team, the Baseball team. When those teams are playing, as a group you go to watch them and cheer them on because you know them and you are one of them. Right off the hop you are identified as “the Fast Pitch Team†or â€œthe Softball Team†when people see you on campus. This helps shape your identity.
Being a part of some Friendly Rivalries- Every school in Ontario has an arch rival with a team in which there is some past history there. From these rivalries, positive energy is formed and becomes an exciting part of sport and every athlete should have the opportunity to experience it. This is just another thing that is not captured in the scorebook.
Make Friends with other Students- There are many young women on the teams that I have coached that would have never ventured to speaking to or even hang out with someone who was not in their program. However, they have the common ground of Softball and have become great friends and look after each other even when the season is over.
Exposure to Another Coaching Style- You can never stop learning regardless if it is the classroom or on the diamond. What a great chance to learn how to take instruction from different coaches is like learning how to follow directions from different bosses- it is a part of life in the working world. You don’t get to spread your wings if you are playing for the same coach for your career. By learning from a different Coach you learn a different style and personality which allows you to grow as an athlete and a person.
Take on the Leadership Role- There are many chances for you take on the leadership role on and off the field. With the Mac FP Team, a captain is selected to act as a liaison between the team and the Coaching staff if an athlete does not feel comfortable approaching anyone of us. Another member of the team is a member of the Athlete’s Care Program who sits on a council with members of other teams to volunteer their time within the community. Other members of the team take turns organizing carpooling, rooming lists for accommodations while we are on the road and much more. There is always room to grow. There is always an opportunity to take the lead and follow a lead when you play University ball.
Extend Your Season- University ball in Ontario is played from the first weekend in September to the second last weekend of October each fall. This 8 week season is usually added onto a Student- athlete’s season from the summer. This allows more time for development, honing of skills and provides playing time that maybe was not obtained in the summer months.
To love Softball- Student-Athletes in Canada are playing Softball because they love it. There is no pressure of trying to get a scholarship or get into a school because they have already made it. The months of September and October in Canada can be unpredictable weather wise and you see young women on the diamonds playing in shorts because they want to be there. Softball is a game- and games are made to be fun. Young woman are playing U-ball because they remember how much fun that game really is.
To play another position you don’t normally play- I believe that this is great! As a Student-Athlete you now have the opportunity to play a position you don’t normally play or you can look at it as that you are getting more playing time at your second position. Either way, it is win-win for the team and for you. Versatility makes you more valuable for future teams and shows a life lesson that you should consider all of your options.
To play like it may be your last- most Student –Athletes believe that they will play forever; the reality is that many won’t. That means that playing University ball may be the last chance to play at this level. To me, there is definitely something emotional about wearing your number and school colours against other schools. For many, this will be there only opportunity to do so.
I am confident that selected benefits that I have mentioned above do not only apply to University ball but all levels of ball. It is great to play in the autumn weather with the leaves changing on some of the best diamonds in the Province. I am excited every weekend to play against dedicated coaches who for 8 weeks travel across the province to play to qualify to play at Provincials and Nationals Championships. If one of your athletes is talking about playing softball at school, be sure to tell them about the “extra stuffâ€Â.
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We Want Your Softball Videos!
Softball Ontario wants to help you bring your softball game to the next level through the use of Dartfish (Video Analysis). This software allows players, coaches and parents the opportunity to visually see footage of a videotaped softball skill. Softball Ontario Dartfish Specialists will then highlight key moments in the softball skill and analyze the skill.
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Softball Players/Teams and Coaches will be able to email/mail Softball Ontario your video clip of your softball player or team doing a specific skill/drill. Softball Ontario’s Dartfish Specialist will add comments, text and drawings to selected key positions to further enhance analysis and provide it back to the Coach and/or Local Softball Association who submitted it.
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Softball Ontario will be able to assistant specific softball skills and may provide feedback in the following ways:
- Side by Side Comparisons
- Angle Measurements
- Timing Measurements
- Zoom for Micro Analysis
- 4 Video Comparisons at once
Dartfish allows the Specialist to draw lines on the screen, and even add a tail to the trail of the softball to track the motion. Â Also, the video can be played at any number of slow motion speeds so that you can see the skill frame-by-frame.
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How does this work?
To have your softball players Dartfished, you need to follow these steps:
1.   Use your own digital video camera
2.   Record each playerÂ
3.   Connect your camera to your PC to download video files
4.   Complete the Video Analysis Service Request Form
5.   Email Steph Sutton at Softball Ontario the video or send a Dropbox Link ; Video Analysis Service Request Form along with payment
6.   Softball Ontario’s Dartfish Specialist will analyze the video and send it back to you via Softball Ontario’s Dartfish Channel
7.   Share the analysis to players, parents and fans
Please note the following:
- The videos submitted to the Softball Ontario office must be of a practice only
- The videos submitted must be from the selected listing of skills :
- Bunting
- Hitting
- Pitching
- Throwing
What is the Cost for this Service?
 The rate for Dartfish Video Analysis Service is $40.00/hour of practice video
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Softball Ontario looks forward to seeing your videos and helping develop your player’s softball skills! For more information about Softball Ontario’s Dartfish Video Analysis Service or to submit videos to be analyzed, please contact Steph Sutton via ssutton@softballontario.ca
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We hope that you have enjoyed this month's edition of The Coach's Clipboard!
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