RUG has purchased coaching instructional DVDs to help coaches become more effective and make practices more fun.

Coaching videos available for check-out in the Northgate field box are:

• 2 copies of the 59 min. practice
• 4 copies of Backyard Practice Ideas, by Marty Shupack.

Coaching DVDs available for check-out in the Maple Leaf 1 field box are:

• 1 copy of the 59 min. practice
• 2 copies of baseball strategies
• 2 copies of pitching techniques and practice
• 1 copy of the book, 80 practice drills for baseball.

Coaching DVDs available for check-out in the Maple Leaf 2 field box are:

• 1 copy of the 59 min practice
• 2 copies of baseball strategies for winning
• 2 copies of pitching techniques and practice

RUG will be augmenting the materials as time goes by. If you have requests for DVD's you think are good forward it to the manager.

Use this material to enhance your coaching. Please keep the DVDs in circulation (return them quickly). We request checking out one DVD/book at a time and returning to the library box within 3 days. They will be available all season long in the field boxes. They are a bit expensive so be careful with them.

2009 Non-Wood Bat Rule

We would like to remind everyone of a new rule concerning non-wood bats that will be going into effect starting with the 2009 season. Please explain this rule to parents who ask you about purchasing a bat for their player. Following is the rule as it is currently written:

1.10 NOTE 3:  Beginning with the 2009 season, non wood bats used in divisions of Little League (league age 12 years old and younger) shall be printed with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.15 or less.  Senior and Big League non wood bats shall meet the BESR (Bat Exit Speed Ratio) performance standard, and such bats shall be printed with a permanent certification mark.

If you are planning to purchase a new bat for your player to use for the next couple of years, it must meet the above specifications in 2009. If not, the bat cannot be used in Little League games in 2009 and after. The markings must be printed on the bat during the manufacturing process.  Stickers won't be allowed.

Click here to read the statement on non-wood bats issued by Little League International.

2007 Little League Pitch Count Rules

Starting in 2007, Little League set new rules for the number of pitches a player may deliver in a game. Please refer to the Little League Baseball Pitch Count Resource Page for more information and forms. Coaches and scorekeepers should print copies of the new forms: the Game Pitch Log and the Pitcher Eligibility Tracking Form.

First Aid Course

According to Little League’s National Safety Plan, at least one coach or manager on each team must know first aid. The web site listed below offers a free on-line first aid course.

http://www.firstaidandcpr.com/