Windham Little League

Selection Criteria for Managers and Assistant Coaches

Little League managers and coaches must be leaders. They hold a position of trust and responsibility in a program that supports children during a sensitive and formative period of development.

Managers and coaches must demonstrate:

Understanding and patience
The ability to work effectively with children
The capacity to inspire respect
Awareness that they are helping shape the physical, mental, and emotional development of young people

Knowledge of baseball or softball is essential — but it is not the only qualification of a Little League manager or coach.

While experience and training in the game are desirable, the League must also consider other critical qualities. Screening of managers, coaches, and others who have contact with children is required to help identify any history of child abuse or inappropriate conduct.

The heart of Windham Little League lies in the relationship between the manager/coach and the player. The manager, more than any other individual, controls the environment in which players develop. Improving leadership in this area must be an ongoing priority.

Children of Little League age are strongly influenced by adults whose ideals and aspirations reflect their own. Managers and coaches often become sources of inspiration. They must recognize that the game is a vehicle for training and enjoyment — not an end in itself.

Windham Little League can only be as strong as the quality of its leadership. Windham Little League will make every effort to enlist the best adults in the community to serve in these roles.

Manager/Coach Selection Committee

Each year, Windham Little League will appoint a Manager/Coaches Selection Committee.

Committee Structure

Minimum of five (5) Board members
Appointed annually

Committee Responsibilities

Review and update selection criteria
Recruit managers and coaches
Evaluate applications
Review background checks
Make recommendations to the League President
Recruit and nominate All-Star coaches

All-Star coaches will be selected using the same selection process and criteria.

Role of the League President

Review committee recommendations
Present final recommendations to the League Board

Role of the League Board

Vote on final approval or disapproval
Board votes are final and not subject to appeal

Managers and Assistant Coaches

Appointment

Appointed annually by the Windham Little League Board

Required Documentation

All candidates must:

Complete a Manager/Coach Application
Submit a Volunteer Application
Provide a copy of a current driver’s license
Complete a background check
Sign a Manager/Coaches Contract if selected

Deadlines

All Manager applications and background checks must be submitted by March 5, 2026.
Coach applications are strongly recommended by this date.
Managers must submit assistant coach applications and background documents for approval prior to March 5, 2026.

Approval Process

Committee reviews applications and background checks.
Committee makes recommendations to the League President.
President presents recommendations to the League Board.
Board votes at the second March meeting.

Once Selected

Managers report directly to their Division VP and/or League President.
Managers and Assistant Coaches must comply with the Coaches Contract.
All are subject to the League disciplinary policy.
The League Board reserves the right to assign coaches to teams.
The League Board may terminate a Manager or Assistant Coach at any time.
The Board is not required to provide reasons to candidates not selected.

Selection Criteria

The Committee will evaluate candidates based on the following:

1. Standing

Returning candidates must be in good standing with the League.

2. Background Check

Any issues identified will be reviewed and resolved by the Committee.

3. Application & Evaluation Review

The Committee may review references and past knowledge of candidates to evaluate:

Position(s) applied for
Knowledge of baseball/softball fundamentals
Coaching and managing experience
Years coaching in Little League
Ability to teach skills (in-game and practice)
Ability to work with the Windham LL Board
Effectiveness in coaching players
Effectiveness working with parents and families
Effectiveness working with umpires
Availability for coaching clinics and league meetings
Availability for games and practices
Willingness to assist with league activities (clinics, tryouts, etc.)
Prior coaching experience in Windham Little League
Coaching/teaching or mentoring experience outside the League
Whether the candidate has children involved in the League
Prior volunteer involvement within the League

4. Prior Performance (If Applicable)

If previously a manager or coach:

Did their prior service meet the League’s expectations?

Application Requirement

Anyone interested in managing or coaching must submit:

A Manager/Coach Application
A Background Check Application
A copy of their driver’s license

All materials must be submitted to the League President.

Windham Maine LL