Welcome to the Bloomingdale Youth Sports Association Babe Ruth League. It is with sincere and grateful appreciation that we welcome you as a manager/coach for this season. As a manager/coach, you have the unique opportunity to teach and mold young people into baseball players. You will undoubtedly have a long- lasting impact on their lives. Such a unique opportunity is also a great responsibility. Therefore we ask that you acknowledge this responsibility through this agreement. As a Bloomingdale Babe Ruth League manger/coach, I agree to the following:

• I will always remember that baseball / softball is a game, and is meant to be fun for all players.
• I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
• I will treat all players, managers, coaches, umpires, officials and fans with respect and will refrain from making derogatory remarks. I will not use profanity, foul or abusive language towards anyone.
• I understand that volunteering is a privilege and not a right. I will refrain from making negative or derogatory remarks about the league, City, the board or its members, players, coaches and other volunteers on social media sites including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• I agree that the primary goal of coaching players at this age is not winning, but to teach the fundamentals of baseball to each and every player on my team.
• I will treat all of my players fairly, regardless of their ability, both on the practice field and during games. This includes a fair amount of instruction and playing time.
• I will complete the League’s coaching certification by the required date
• I will schedule necessary practices and stress drills that teach improvement of baseball / softball fundamentals.
• I will not use tobacco or alcohol products in the presence of players.
• I have read and agree to abide by and support the rules of the League and the game as stated in the Bloomingdale Babe Ruth League Rule Book, Bylaws and Charter.
• I understand, as a manager/coach, that I will be responsible for the conduct of my coaches, players, fans at all Bloomingdale Youth Sports Assoc. functions.
• I understand that most league communication is done via e-mail and I will check my e-mail on a regular basis.
• I understand that violation of any of the above agreements is subject to sanctions from the league, County and/or board or its designee. These sanctions range from verbal warning up to and including dismissal as a volunteer.

We greatly appreciate your interest in volunteering with the Bloomingdale Youth Sports Association (BYSA). Your time and dedication help make our league a safe, fun, and positive environment for all young athletes.

Below is everything you need to know to register and complete your requirements as a manager, coach, or other volunteer.

Volunteer Registration

When registering your child for the upcoming season, you will also have the opportunity to register as a volunteer.

Steps to register:

1. Complete your child’s player registration.
2.  Click the Manager and Coach Registration link to complete your volunteer registration.
3. All volunteers must be credentialed through BYSA before serving.

Volunteers must wear their official park badge while on the field. Individuals without a visible badge will be asked to leave until their badge is presented.

Volunteer Packet Requirements:

All volunteers must complete the following to receive their official park badge:

• Volunteer Registration – Register as a Volunteer for the appropriate season on the BYSA website.
• Fingerprinting / Background Check (Level 2) – Results are delivered confidentially to BYSA
• Coaching Certification – NAYS Online or Hillsborough County In-Person
• Concussion Training
• Protecting Youth Athletes Training
• Basic Youth Sports Safety and First Aid Training
• Membership – Valid through the end of the season you are registered
• Headshot Photo – For badge

After completing training, send a copy of your NAYS membership card showing all completed courses to: Steve Zarkos, BYSA Volunteer Coordinator

Example:

Background Checks / Fingerprinting

Requirement: Florida law now requires all youth athletic coaches, assistant coaches, managers, and umpires to complete a Level 2 background screening, regardless of hours worked (CS/SB 676, s. 943.0438, F.S.).

BYSA periodically provides fingerprinting sessions through VECHS-approved providers. You may also schedule independently. If you choose to schedule your own background check. Please select a vendor that is certified to conduct Level 2 investigations. You will need the following information for the provider.

VECHS Background Check Instructions:

• Contact Steve Zarkos for details and a VECHS Applicant Waiver Agreement and Statement
• Organization Name: Bloomingdale Youth Sports Association (BYSA)
• VECHS ORI Number: V29040329

**Important Note: Our VECHS ORI is not approved for kiosk fingerprinting.**

Coaching Certification Options:

1. NAYS Online Training – $20 for one-year membership; extended membership available for additional fee
2. Hillsborough County In-Person Class – Free certification offered through Parks & Recreation - Class availability varies. Contact Hillsborough County

Concussion Training

Free options include:

• NAYS Online Clinic
• CDC Heads Up
• NFHS Learning Center

Send proof of completion to bysavolunteer@gmail.com.

Protecting Youth Athletes Training

Required for all managers/coaches. Free course available online through NAYS:

• Protecting Youth Athletes

County coaching classes include this training.

Basic Youth Sports Safety & First Aid Training

This NAYS course teaches how to recognize and respond to serious health risks in young athletes, including concussions, heat illnesses, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Completion requires passing multiple-choice assessments.

• Youth Sports Safety & First Aid Training

Other First Aid and Safety Training - Optional

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness through NAYS
• American Red Cross
• National CPR Foundation
• AED & CPR Certification

Contact

If you have any questions about volunteer registration, training, or background checks, please contact:

Steve Zarkos – BYSA Volunteer Coordinator -(bysavolunteer@gmail.com)

We look forward to working with you this season and thank you for helping make BYSA a safe, fun, and positive environment for all young athletes!