Volunteer Policy

Volunteering with Little League

Bear River Little League is an all-volunteer organization. We have had tremendous success in past years with the involvement of our parents throughout the season.  We cannot do it without you! As part of demonstrating that ongoing successful team and family atmosphere, we ask our parents to get involved with the League each year to make this the best experience for the kids.

Volunteer Requirements

Bear River Little League asks each family to commit to 12 hours per player of volunteering this season. Board Members, coaches, and managers are not required to complete extra hours for additional children, as the hours they contribute far exceed the requirement and the commitment fulfills their hours per family. At the time of registration, there will be a $200 volunteer fee deferred, until closing ceremonies (date varies each year, but will be well communicated), , at which time if your volunteer hours are not fulfilled, the fee will be charged to your credit card or check will be cashed. Hours will be tracked via our database.  Our goal is to supply the appropriate committees and team managers with a list of volunteers to help make their team and our league successful.  

A communication will be sent throughout the season up until closing ceremonies (date varies each year, but will be well communicated),  to those who have not fulfilled all their hours.  They will be offered open volunteer opportunities to fulfill their commitment or be charged the volunteer fee.

Volunteer Time Commitments

Below is an overview of volunteer opportunities and estimated time requirements for each position.  For more detailed descriptions, please see further below.

Volunteer Opportunities and Descriptions

There are various volunteering opportunities. Please note some positions fulfill more than the required 12 hours.

Each position has an indicated maximum number of volunteers per team for that role.  If a specific team position is split, only one designated person will receive their volunteer credit for that opportunity.

Note: not every volunteer position is needed at all levels of play.  If your preferred volunteer opportunity has already been filled, your volunteer hours must be filled via an alternative opportunity.

TEAM MANAGER – 1 per team
This position is the team lead in charge of team players, assistant coaches, and all communications between the League and parents regarding schedules, changes, rainouts and TVLL events.  Managers instruct players in proper baseball skills, produce player lineups and provide overall player support and encouragement.  Managers also help secure team parent, team scorekeeper and field maintenance persons (when applicable). Managers must also work with our Leagues Fundraising Director to attain a Team Sponsor for the season.

Managers are subject to board approval and are not guaranteed a coaching position from year to year.  This position also requires attendance at Manager meetings and possible instructional sessions/coaching clinics.

TEAM COACH – maximum 2 per team
This position assists the Manager with anything involving team practices, player organization, skill building, game operations, equipment handling, team jersey distribution and general player and team support.  This position also needs to assist the field maintenance person(s) with field setup and break down before and after games.

Coaches are also subject to board approval and are not guaranteed a coaching position from year to year. 

TEAM PARENT – maximum 1 per team
This position assists the Manager and coaches with parent and team communications and general team support. 

Team parent role also includes:
-Obtaining and distributing the team roster to parents
-Sending out team communications to parents (re: special events, game or practice changes, parties, etc.)
-Organizing a snack schedule (if agreed by team)
-Planning the team’s end of season party
-Organizing player trophies or appropriate coaches’ gifts
-Creating the team banner
-Organizing and tracking volunteers among the team to help with the above tasks
-Order sponsorship plaque
-Helping in the dugout for AA and lower

FIELD MAINTENANCE
This position will be responsible for maintaining the fields before and after games.  It is beneficial to solicit additional help from team parents as well. 

Duties may include:
-Attend mandatory pre-season Field Maintenance training
-Relay and act as trainer to parents that sign up to help out
-Assist at Field Improvement Days
-Manage and perform pre-game and post-game field maintenance duties (home team)

SCOREKEEPER – maximum 1 per team (Minors, Majors and Juniors only)
This position is required to attend and keep score at each game according to the team schedule.  It is also helpful to solicit additional help from team parents for backup.  However, only the designated team scorekeepers for that team will receive credit for this commitment.
-The Home team must provide the Scorekeeper to keep Official Score Book for that game
-Arrive to field 15 minutes before game time begins
-Bring 2-3 pencils with erasers to each game
-Keep score – track the pitch count, hits, walks and errors
-Have the plate umpire sign the Official Score Book
-Return Official Score Book to the score booth after the game

SNACK SHACK VOLUNTEERS: 2 hour shifts
The Snack Shack is located at the Bear River Little League Major Field.  It is open during Major Home Games.  This position works as a team with 2 other volunteers per each shift. (Note: Just because a shift is 2-hours doesn't mean you cannot sign-up for shifts back to back to get more hours completed in one day.)
-There should always be 2 adult volunteers at the Snack Shack
-Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the Shack and must be supervised by an adult
-Register for shifts on the BRLL website.  You will receive an email reminder the day before your shift
-Duties to include: Selling food and drinks at the counter, and cleanup

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEERS: 2 – 3 hour shifts
There are a number of special events throughout our Little League season.  This position will act in any number of ways to ensure those events run smoothly.  Working with the Membership and Fundraising Directors, you will be scheduled to work at a particular event, and will be directed on requirements and time needed for that event.  Some of the necessary areas required would be set up, check-in table, , clean up and/or could involve a Snack Shack shift on a special event day.

BRLL Special Events include:
Opening Day
Picture Day
End of Season Picnic
Others: Clinics, Field Improvement Day, Tournaments, Playoffs, etc.

Volunteer Registration and Volunteer Application

Thank you for joining our parent volunteer’s organization.  We would not be successful without your commitment to the League!  Register today for your volunteer preference Manager/Coach Application and Volunteer Application.  You will be notified of your confirmed commitment and informed of any further scheduling that needs to take place.

Note: Manager, Coach and Team Parent Positions require a background check.  An application must be filled out in the Volunteer section and e-signature applied, you will be contact for more information.

Volunteer FAQs

Q:   I signed up to volunteer, but my top three choices have already been filled. Does my family still need to fulfill the twelve (12) hour requirement?
A:  Volunteer slots are assigned on a first come, first served basis.   The earlier you register as a volunteer the greater the chance that you will be assigned an opportunity of your choice.  However, there are many ways you can make a difference in providing a fun and enriching experience for our children. Therefore, if your top choices are not available, please select from the remaining BRLL volunteer opportunities to fulfill your seasonal volunteer requirements.

Q:  What if I have volunteered to work a snack shack shift and it rains?
A:  When it rains, the grass fields may be closed. If fields are closed the snack shack will not open.  In this case you will have an opportunity to reschedule your hours with our Membership Director.

Q:  All of our games are held at a field where there are no concessions.  So why do we have to work the Snack Shack?
A:  BRLL is a 100% volunteer organization and represents a community of over 300 families.  Our goal is to provide a fun and enriching experience in a safe environment for all of our players.