EYAA Softball is proud to be led by dedicated volunteer coaches who play a critical role in creating a positive, safe, and development-focused experience for our athletes. Our coaches are committed to teaching the fundamentals of softball while helping players grow in confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
EYAA Softball emphasizes age-appropriate instruction, skill development, and a love of the game. While competition is a natural part of softball, our primary focus is on learning, improvement, and creating an environment where players feel supported and challenged.
Coaches' Expectations
Please review the coaches' expectations found here. All coaches are required to sign a copy of the expectations at the beginning of each season.
Coaching Requirements
For EYAA Softball, all coaches and assistant coaches are required to complete a background check and a coaches' certification. The background check is good for 2 years and the coaching certification does not expire. These requirements must be fulfilled before the season starts.
Babe Ruth Background Check/Coach Eligibility (required for all volunteers):
Annual Requirement: Coaches and volunteers must have the updated Membership every year (this is free).
New Coaches: Create an account in Sports Engine, sign up for a membership (free) and follow the instructions in the follow up email.
Returning Coaches: Login to your SportsEngine dashboard to sign up for membership (this is free).
Please check your Eligibility Status to find which requirements still need to be fulfilled for the upcoming season. For detailed instructions, please click here.
Coaches are also required to attend inventory day and coaches' meetings as scheduled. Please contact us with any conflicts that arise with these scheduled meeting dates.
Communication Guidelines
Clear, consistent communication is essential to a successful season. EYAA Softball uses GameChanger as the primary platform for coach communication and scheduling.
Coaches will receive an email invitation to join the GameChanger coaches’ group prior to the start of the season.
All coaches are strongly encouraged to use GameChanger as their main method of communication with families.
GameChanger allows coaches to:
Send messages and email notifications to families
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Post and update practice and game schedules
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Share team notes, reminders, and announcements
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Notify families of changes due to weather or field availability
Using a single, consistent platform helps ensure families receive timely information and reduces confusion throughout the season.
Coaches are encouraged to set communication expectations early, including:
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How and when families can reach out with questions
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Appropriate times to discuss concerns (not during games)
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Directing player-related questions to the player whenever appropriate
If communication issues arise that cannot be resolved at the team level, coaches should contact the Softball Commissioners for guidance.