Philosophy and
implementation guidelines for the Atlantic, Pacific, and Central Leagues (revised May
2003)
The Atlantic and Pacific leagues and the Central league, although competitive in nature,
are instructional leagues intended to develop each player's understanding of baseball
strategy and her/his offensive and defensive skills. The primary emphasis in on each
individual's participation, the exposure to a range of defensive positions and the
enjoyment of the game of baseball .
Implementation
The
following are guidelines for coaches to use in implementing the WMLL philosophy of
participation. In creating these guidelines it is recognized that coaches
require and deserve latitude and flexibility to create an environment that achieves the
WMLL philosophy. It is further recognized that player factors affecting teamwork and
skill development, such as attendance, sportsmanship and effort. may affect the
implementation of these guidelines.
·
Defensive
playing time rules are recognized as absolute minimums, not guidelines or
suggestions. No player or groups of players should be singled out, either positively
or negatively, by consistently receiving either the maximum or minimum amount of playing
time and
*Generally when 10 or fewer players are present and six defensive innings are played,
every player should play more than the minimum number of defensive innings.
*Generally when 11 or more players are present, no player should be in the defensive
lineup for six innings.
·
Positions
in the batting order should rotate. No player or groups of players should be singled
out, either positively or negatively, by constant placement in the most desirable or least
desirable positions in the batting order.
The
instructional goals of these leagues are achieved by beginning to focus on a number of
positions at which each player receives instruction and playing time in both practices and
games. Instruction in the skills of all positions should be available to all
players. Effort should be made to give game playing time at all positions which a
player has the skills to handle safely and at which he/she, through their effort in
practice, expresses a desire to play. As a minimum, over the course of the season,
all players should receive significant playing time at both infield and outfield
positions. Coaches should look for opportunities, such as in one-sided games, to
rotate players to positions less familiar to them. |
