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In-House Baseball�Coaches & Parent Meeting��April 9, 2026

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Agenda

Introduction of the Board
Positive Coaching Alliance
Season Details
Important Dates
Q & A

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P.L.A.Y. In-House Baseball Board

Grade Level Coordinators should be your FIRST point of contact with questions/concerns

Andrew Bauer (Director)

Katie Bengtson

(Asst Director)

Eileen Schintgen (Scheduling)

Thomas Underwood

(PK)

Natalie Rognrud

(K)

Justine Bergene

(2nd)

Kristen Daniels

(3rd)

Kristen Daniels

(4th/5th)

Katie Bengtson

(6th/7th)

Amy Sawyer

(1st)

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Positive Coaching Alliance-PCA

Key concepts for sports parents

Triple Impact Competitor
Helping your athlete through sports disappointment
ROOTS of Honoring The Game
Double-Goal Coach
Supporting Athletes from the sidelines

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Triple Impact Competitor

Self

Growth mindset
Giving max effort
Setting goals
Improving one’s mental game
Being a 24- hour athlete

Teammates

Support
Being a team player
Developing Empathy

The Game

Guided by the ROOTS of Honoring the Game the athlete represents themselves as a

positive athlete at school and in the community

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Lead with Empathy
Move toward constructive reflection
Focus on growth beyond the season
Look at the bigger picture

Helping your Athlete through Sports Disappointment

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ROOTS

Honoring the Game

Rules

R

Opponents

O

Teammates

T

Officials

O

Self

S

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P.L.A.Y Code of Conduct

Players Play

Coaches Coach

Fans Cheer

*Parents must observe a 24-hour rule with any concerns/complaints.

It is NOT acceptable to criticize, yell or confront an umpire during or after an event

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Model and teach your players to Honor the Game
Help players develop; it isn’t just about the scoreboard
Fill your players’ emotional tanks
Have positive conversations throughout the season- avoid the negative post game lectures

focus on “ELM” -Effort, Learning and bouncing back from Mistakes

Double Goal Coach

Supporting Athletes from the Sideline

Provide encouragement without direction
Your Athlete will do better if it is their game
Let the coaches give directions

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P.L.A.Y. Anti-Bullying Campaign

Laker Athletic Alliance

PLHS, PLSC, PL Wrestling, PLSHA

Helmet/Bag Decals
Support Programs
Coaches/Parent Responsibility
Education and/or Disciplinary Action

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Weather & Field Conditions

P.L.A.Y. will make the call by 4:00 PM

Coaches can also make the call

Parents are ultimate decision makers!

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Communication

Coaches will be granted a temporary license Slack that will expire at the end of the season

In-House Coaches Channel

Streamlined communication to share updates, changes, weather related items broadly

Direct Message capabilities between coaches and board members
Coach > Parents communication will continue using SportsEngine

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Equipment

Parents

Helmet - Navy (preferred) & NOCSAE Approved

Bat (see next slide)

Pants, Cleats (no metal), Protective cup (recommended 1st+)

Coaches

Ball, Tee, Catchers gear (if applicable) included in the equipment bag
Field Boxes

Pitching Machines
Tape Measures

Coaches Equipment Pickup

Saturday April 18^th 9-11am
Memorial Field

- For the athletes to have fun - The primary goal of our coaches should be to have the athlete enjoy their experience so much they want to keep playing the sport. �

- For athletes to learn life lessons - Every success or failure is an opportunity for learning. Coaches cannot assume young athletes know how to identify lessons learned on their own - instead coaches must be intentional about pointing out life lessons and make doing so a priority in practices and games.�

- For athletes to learn to compete - Knowing how to compete is not innate, it is learned. This includes handling adversity, competing under pressure, reacting to failure/losses in constructive ways and competing with integrity and sportsmanship.

- For athletes to always feel safe - Feeling safe has multiple dimensions. It means knowing athletes have proper equipment and training to keep their bodies safe. It means being confident that a coach will protect their athlete's best interest any time there is a possible head injury (concussion concern) or when considering arm use/care (pitch counts). It means being safe from bullying, racism or any other hateful speech (zero tolerance!). It means not being afraid to make mistakes in practice (if an athlete can't take a risk in practice for fear of "getting in trouble" if they fail, when can they push themselves?).

- For athletes and coaches to always follow ROOTS (respect for Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self). Any cheering should always be in support of our team, never cheering against the other team (keep it positive). There is never any reason to raise a voice at an official (umpire, referee, judge, etc.). Our athletes and parents will follow the lead of their coach. When a team's fans are negatively vocal towards officials it is almost always true that the teams' head coach has set that tone (or has allowed that behavior to continue). Coaches in all sports are accountable for the behavior of their fans and team.

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Bats

PK/K – Tee Ball Bats

2 1/4 - 2 3/4

1st-3rd

USA/USSSA Stamped (see image)
2 1/4 - 2 3/4

4th-7th

USA/USSSA Stamped (see image)
2 1/4 - 2 3/4
Wooden (non synthetic)

- For the athletes to have fun - The primary goal of our coaches should be to have the athlete enjoy their experience so much they want to keep playing the sport. �

- For athletes to learn life lessons - Every success or failure is an opportunity for learning. Coaches cannot assume young athletes know how to identify lessons learned on their own - instead coaches must be intentional about pointing out life lessons and make doing so a priority in practices and games.�

- For athletes to learn to compete - Knowing how to compete is not innate, it is learned. This includes handling adversity, competing under pressure, reacting to failure/losses in constructive ways and competing with integrity and sportsmanship.

- For athletes to always feel safe - Feeling safe has multiple dimensions. It means knowing athletes have proper equipment and training to keep their bodies safe. It means being confident that a coach will protect their athlete's best interest any time there is a possible head injury (concussion concern) or when considering arm use/care (pitch counts). It means being safe from bullying, racism or any other hateful speech (zero tolerance!). It means not being afraid to make mistakes in practice (if an athlete can't take a risk in practice for fear of "getting in trouble" if they fail, when can they push themselves?).

- For athletes and coaches to always follow ROOTS (respect for Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self). Any cheering should always be in support of our team, never cheering against the other team (keep it positive). There is never any reason to raise a voice at an official (umpire, referee, judge, etc.). Our athletes and parents will follow the lead of their coach. When a team's fans are negatively vocal towards officials it is almost always true that the teams' head coach has set that tone (or has allowed that behavior to continue). Coaches in all sports are accountable for the behavior of their fans and team.

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PreK - Tee Ball

Time Commitment	May 5th - June 30th Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Practices	30 min. fielding / 30 min. hitting
Games	3 innings are played - can play extra if time allows Entire roster bats, last batter hits a “home run” Last batter hits a “home run” All Players play in the field (coaches are in field) No Catcher No Umpires
Pitching	Players will hit off tee
Equipment	Glove Helmet (Navy - if possible) Bat Shoes (sport shoe or baseball cleat – no metal) Baseball pants (gray) or shorts

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Kindergarten Tee Ball & Coach Pitch

Time Commitment	May 5th - June 30th Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Practices	30 min. fielding / 30 min. hitting
Games	3 innings are played - can play extra if time allows Once coach pitch begins, each batter is allowed 7 pitches, then hits off tee Entire roster bats, last batter hits a “home run” All Players play in the field (coaches are in field) No Catcher No Umpires
Pitching	Tee to start Coach pitch – June 1st
Equipment	Glove Helmet (Navy - if possible) Bat Shoes (sport shoe or baseball cleat – no metal) Baseball pants (gray) or shorts

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1^st Grade Coach Pitch

Time Commitment	May 4th - June 29th Mondays & Wednesday Practices 5:45 or 7:00 PM Games 6:00 - 7:15 PM Saturday games through end of school 9:00 – 10:15 AM
Practices	30 min. fielding / 30 min. hitting Baseball rule/skill development
Games	75 minutes Each batter is allowed 7 pitches Hit through the order but clear the bases of any runners after 3 outs and continue hitting Out send player to bench 10 Players play in the field Catcher is optional/Coach or Parent playing 1st Base? No Umpires
Pitching	Coach pitch
Equipment	Glove Helmet (Navy - if possible) Bat Shoes (sport shoe or baseball cleat – no metal) Baseball pants (gray) or shorts Protective Cup (Recommended)

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2^nd Grade Machine Pitch

Time Commitment	April 20th – July 12th Mondays, Wednesday Practices 5:45 or 7:00 PM Games 6:00 - 7:30 Saturdays through end of school 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Practices	30 min. fielding / 30 min. hitting Arm Development
Games	3 outs or 6 runs per inning Batter is allowed 5-7 pitches Outs send player to bench 10 Players play in the field No Umpires
Pitching	Machine Pitch
Equipment	Glove Helmet (Navy - if possible) Bat Shoes (sport shoe or baseball cleat – no metal) Baseball pants Protective Cup (Recommended)

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3^rd Grade Kid Pitch

Time Commitment	April 20th – July 12th Tuesday and Thursday 5:45 or 7:00 PM (practices) 6:00 - 7:30 pm Games Saturdays through end of school 9:00 or 11:00
Practices	30 min. fielding / 30 min. hitting Arm Development
Games	3 outs or 6 runs per inning Outs send player to bench 10 Players play in the field Umpires Year End Tournament
Pitching	Kid Pitch – 42ft
Equipment	Glove Helmet (Navy - if possible) Bat Shoes (sport shoe or baseball cleat – no metal) Baseball pants Protective Cup

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4^th – 7^th Grade Overview

Partnership with South Valley Baseball (FKA BAC)

Includes additional South Metro organizations
End of the Season Tournament

Practices & Games scheduled in Sports Engine
Half of the games are in Prior Lake/Savage
Pitching 46’ / 52’

- For the athletes to have fun - The primary goal of our coaches should be to have the athlete enjoy their experience so much they want to keep playing the sport. �

- For athletes to learn life lessons - Every success or failure is an opportunity for learning. Coaches cannot assume young athletes know how to identify lessons learned on their own - instead coaches must be intentional about pointing out life lessons and make doing so a priority in practices and games.�

- For athletes to learn to compete - Knowing how to compete is not innate, it is learned. This includes handling adversity, competing under pressure, reacting to failure/losses in constructive ways and competing with integrity and sportsmanship.

- For athletes to always feel safe - Feeling safe has multiple dimensions. It means knowing athletes have proper equipment and training to keep their bodies safe. It means being confident that a coach will protect their athlete's best interest any time there is a possible head injury (concussion concern) or when considering arm use/care (pitch counts). It means being safe from bullying, racism or any other hateful speech (zero tolerance!). It means not being afraid to make mistakes in practice (if an athlete can't take a risk in practice for fear of "getting in trouble" if they fail, when can they push themselves?).

- For athletes and coaches to always follow ROOTS (respect for Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self). Any cheering should always be in support of our team, never cheering against the other team (keep it positive). There is never any reason to raise a voice at an official (umpire, referee, judge, etc.). Our athletes and parents will follow the lead of their coach. When a team's fans are negatively vocal towards officials it is almost always true that the teams' head coach has set that tone (or has allowed that behavior to continue). Coaches in all sports are accountable for the behavior of their fans and team.

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4^th / 5^th Grade

Length of Game	6 Innings
Legal Game	4 Innings/2 hours
Base Length	60-65ft
Mound Distance	46ft
Pitching Restrictions	3 innings/75 pitches
Weekly Pitching Restrictions	6 innings/105 pitches
Cleats	No Metal
Stealing	Permitted-see rule
Runners Can Lead off When	Ball crosses home plate
Penalty – Leaving Base too soon	Runner is out
Dropped 3^rd Strike	Does Not Apply
Infield Fly Rule	Does Not Apply
Balk Rule	Does Not Apply
Head-First Slide	Not Permitted
Pitch Limit Per Batter	N/A
Run Rule	12 after 4
Run Limit per inning	6, unlimited in 7th

For the athletes to have fun - The primary goal of our coaches should be to have the athlete enjoy their experience so much they want to keep playing the sport. �

- For athletes to learn life lessons - Every success or failure is an opportunity for learning. Coaches cannot assume young athletes know how to identify lessons learned on their own - instead coaches must be intentional about pointing out life lessons and make doing so a priority in practices and games.�

- For athletes to learn to compete - Knowing how to compete is not innate, it is learned. This includes handling adversity, competing under pressure, reacting to failure/losses in constructive ways and competing with integrity and sportsmanship.

- For athletes to always feel safe - Feeling safe has multiple dimensions. It means knowing athletes have proper equipment and training to keep their bodies safe. It means being confident that a coach will protect their athlete's best interest any time there is a possible head injury (concussion concern) or when considering arm use/care (pitch counts). It means being safe from bullying, racism or any other hateful speech (zero tolerance!). It means not being afraid to make mistakes in practice (if an athlete can't take a risk in practice for fear of "getting in trouble" if they fail, when can they push themselves?).

- For athletes and coaches to always follow ROOTS (respect for Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self). Any cheering should always be in support of our team, never cheering against the other team (keep it positive). There is never any reason to raise a voice at an official (umpire, referee, judge, etc.). Our athletes and parents will follow the lead of their coach. When a team's fans are negatively vocal towards officials it is almost always true that the teams' head coach has set that tone (or has allowed that behavior to continue). Coaches in all sports are accountable for the behavior of their fans and team.

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6^th / 7^th Grade

Length of Game	7 Innings
Legal Game	5 Innings/2 hours
Base Length	75ft
Mound Distance	52ft
Pitching Restrictions	4 innings/85 pitches
Weekly Pitching Restrictions	8 innings/115 pitches
Cleats	No Metal
Stealing	High School Rules
Runners Can Lead off When	Anytime Ball is in play
Penalty – Leaving Base too soon	N/A
Dropped 3^rd Strike	High School Rules
Infield Fly Rule	High School Rules
Balk Rule	High School Rules
Head-First Slide	Not Permitted
Pitch Limit Per Batter	N/A
Run Rule	12 after 5
Run Limit per inning	6, unlimited in 7th

For the athletes to have fun - The primary goal of our coaches should be to have the athlete enjoy their experience so much they want to keep playing the sport. �

- For athletes to learn life lessons - Every success or failure is an opportunity for learning. Coaches cannot assume young athletes know how to identify lessons learned on their own - instead coaches must be intentional about pointing out life lessons and make doing so a priority in practices and games.�

- For athletes to learn to compete - Knowing how to compete is not innate, it is learned. This includes handling adversity, competing under pressure, reacting to failure/losses in constructive ways and competing with integrity and sportsmanship.

- For athletes to always feel safe - Feeling safe has multiple dimensions. It means knowing athletes have proper equipment and training to keep their bodies safe. It means being confident that a coach will protect their athlete's best interest any time there is a possible head injury (concussion concern) or when considering arm use/care (pitch counts). It means being safe from bullying, racism or any other hateful speech (zero tolerance!). It means not being afraid to make mistakes in practice (if an athlete can't take a risk in practice for fear of "getting in trouble" if they fail, when can they push themselves?).

- For athletes and coaches to always follow ROOTS (respect for Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self). Any cheering should always be in support of our team, never cheering against the other team (keep it positive). There is never any reason to raise a voice at an official (umpire, referee, judge, etc.). Our athletes and parents will follow the lead of their coach. When a team's fans are negatively vocal towards officials it is almost always true that the teams' head coach has set that tone (or has allowed that behavior to continue). Coaches in all sports are accountable for the behavior of their fans and team.

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Events

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Important Dates

PLAY Optional Coaches Clinic - 4/12 Savage Dome

6-8PM Pitching, Infield, Outfield, Mentoring

Equipment Pick Up – Saturday April 18^th 9-11am
PCA Coaches Meeting Thursday April 30th

6:30pm @ Twin Oaks Middle School

Season Start:

2^nd-7^th Grade: Week of April 20th
Pk-1^st Week of May 4^th

Pictures – TBD (Mid-May)
Night Under the Lights – Sunday June 7^th
Saints Night: Saturday July 18th
End of Season Tournament

4^th – 7^th (July 8-12)
2^nd& 3^rd (July 10-12)

Twins Youth Clinic – Friday July 24th
Fall Ball - MBL Coach formed Teams

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SportsEngine - Rosters, Scheduling & Communication

Rosters & Schedules are available in Sports Engine

PLAYInfo.org
SportsEngine App
More to come for South Valley Baseball

Coaches are encouraged to use Sports Engine for team announcements & communication

Any schedule changes need to be owned by coaches

Basic Troubleshooting - Can’t see Team Details?

Ensure appropriate guardians are associated with your player

Sports Engine App > Open Player Profile > Click Edit > Click add guardian

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Questions

Thank you for your support!
Additional questions can be emailed to your grade level coordinator

P.L.A.Y. In-House Baseball Website

P.L.A.Y. In-House Baseball Facebook