My son is two years past the traditional Little League age...he will start his freshman year of high school in two months and he seems light years away from being a 12 year-old playing baseball on the 60 foot diamond. However, I feel drawn to the local ballfields even when it is not our son's team playing. In fact, I'm not picky about whether it is baseball or softball. I love to pull over and take in a few minutes of any game I see going on from the road. I like to watch the kids and the coaches and the parents and the little siblings running around...I love the grass and the ping of the bats and the hum of the community gathered 'round.
Our local LL is in a transition that you might be seeing in your town -- the number of kids playing baseball or softball is dropping. Some are going to other programs and some feel the need to concentrate on one sport all year. The cost and availability of ballfields is challenging, as well as finding coaches and umpires and someone to keep track of all the equipment. In addition, the entire board has fulfilled their committment and is ready to move on, leaving several key positions open. I have been thinking of running for Little League President.
Am I crazy? I have talked to a few folks, especially good friends that still have kids playing LL, and they say to go for it, but I still don't know. Do I have time? Do I want this headache? Why aren't current families stepping up to lead their kids' activities?
I care deeply about the kids in our area. I truly believe in the positive aspects of youth sports. Little League provides support and structure. But do I want this headache? :)
I have given myself a couple of weeks to decide, and I hope you don't mind if I "think out loud" about this decision on this blog. I would love to hear your feedback!
Go For It!
My experience with Little
My experience with Little League Presidents was a long time ago, but they were usually a reluctant new parent, who took the job because few others would. Congrats on being experienced and still willing to do the hard work to bring a program back.
Your mother will see less of you, but she spent quite a few years volunteering too, and will understand. She fought the early wars for access to fields and equipment for the girls, and it is time to get the pendulum swinging back the other way in Little League baseball and softball.
Need an Umpire?
I think you would be great!
You must do this! After all, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. It can't be any worse than being a PTC President! Or can it?
You certainly sound like a
You certainly sound like a great candidate for the position. As earlier posted, most of these positions are typically covered by a parent of a current player who may or may not know how the league should be run. Then they are gone in a year or two and the league just plods along with little direction. Just remember that the main focus of these little league programs is to get kids playing and getting adults involved.
One of the biggest turnoffs for many folks is the red tape that now dominates our society. Certifications, training classes, Spending hundreds of dollars out of pocket so you can "volunteer" to coach. League fees are getting high enough that some families simply can't afford to play, so try to keep it affordable for everyone.