Parent & Spectator Expectations

Stilly Valley Little League is a volunteer-run program built on teamwork, respect, and a shared commitment to creating a positive experience for our players. We ask all families to help us maintain a safe and supportive environment for every child.

Parent Supervision

Little League practices and games are not drop-off childcare programs.

Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising their children before and after scheduled team activities.

• Coaches are responsible for players only during scheduled practice or game time.

• Players should not be left unattended at fields before practices or after games.

• Parents should ensure that siblings who attend games or practices are supervised at all times.

• Children should remain in appropriate spectator areas unless invited by a coach into the dugout or field area.

Our goal is to keep all players and families safe while allowing coaches to focus on running practices and games.

Communication With Coaches

Clear communication helps teams run smoothly. Each team will use the GameChanger app as the primary communication tool.

Parents should use GameChanger to:

• Confirm player availability

• Receive practice and game updates

• Ask team-related questions

• Communicate scheduling conflicts or absences

Please check the app regularly so you do not miss important updates from your coaching staff.

For team communication, we ask families to:

• Use GameChanger messaging rather than texting coaches directly when possible

• Give coaches advance notice if your player will miss a practice or game

• Be respectful of coaches’ time. Remember that all coaches are volunteers.

Addressing Questions or Concerns

If an issue comes up, we ask families to follow the 24-hour rule whenever possible. This means waiting at least 24 hours after a game before raising concerns about playing time, coaching decisions, or game situations. This helps everyone approach conversations calmly and constructively.

When concerns arise, please follow this order:

1. Start with your team’s Head Coach
   Most questions can be resolved quickly with a direct conversation.

2. Contact the Division Coordinator
   If the concern cannot be resolved with the coach.

3. Reach out to the League Board
   For safety concerns or issues that require league involvement.

We want every player and family to have a positive experience, and respectful communication helps us work through issues effectively.

Parents, you are your childs biggest fan and role model! They will do and say what you do so with that in mind please conduct yourself accordingly while attending little league games.

REMEMBER THAT WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS AND WE DO NOT MAKE A LIVING OFF COACHING OR UMPING.

Our umpires are volunteers as well and many are junior umpires, treat them with respect and thank them after the game.

Be and stay positive

Be the role model

Let kids be kids

Let the coaches coach

Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games.

24hr rule - If you have a major concern over a coaching decision or something happened in a game, give your thoughts 24hrs before confronting the coach. Cooler heads prevail.

What Parents Should Know