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How Do I Resolve a Dispute?

Disputes can be positive engagements where satisfying outcomes result from calm and mature communications between all parties involved. Or, they can be nasty, negative, disruptive, and poor examples to our children. The Strasburg Little League Board, Managers, Coaches, Umpires, and other volunteers strive to be good examples to our children for how to reach positive and mutually agreeable outcomes when disputes arise. We hope you agree that this manner of dispute resolution is in the best interest of the children and everyone involved.

Team Management Concerns and Disputes

If you are not satisfied with how your coaches are playing your child, with their treatment of the kids, how they are running practices or games, or anything else regarding the management of the team and its players, your first communication should be with the team's manager, in private. Under no circumstances should a dispute ever be launched in the presence of children. As tempers can sometimes flare, this creates a negative environment for the kids in a place that is supposed to be fun and it undermines any authority or respect the coach may have with not only your child, but the other children on the team and in the league. Be mature and respectful. Take your discussions away from the kids, be calm and courteous, and have a civilized discussion. Keep in mind, all managers and coaches are volunteer spending countless hours for the love of teaching the kids about baseball or softball. They aren't perfect, just like you aren't, so work together to create the best atmosphere possible.

VIDEO: How to Talk to Your Coach

If discussions with your team's manager do not provide an agreeable resolution, please then feel free to contact your league's Division Director. Only if an agreeable resolution cannot be found at this level should the dispute be escalated to the league President.

League Management Concerns and Disputes

The league's Division Directors and President may make mistakes, or simply make decisions that you do not agree with. They are volunteers spending countless hours trying to make the league the best it can be and are juggling league scheduling, equipment, league management, and more on top of their everyday lives around their jobs, families, and other responsibilities. It's a thankless job and no one is perfect. If you have a dispute with something above your team level, feel free to first contact the league's Division Director. If the concern cannot be satisfactorily resolved at this level, you may contact the league President. As with any dispute, please be calm, courteous, and mature in your discussions and remember the league is 100% volunteer-based and we are doing the best we can. Your input, suggestions, and assistance are always welcomed.

Disputes with Another Coach

Should you have a concern or issue regarding another coach on another team, be it their conduct or whatever, please contact the league's Division Director to discuss the matter. The Division Director appointed the team managers and approved the coaches and must know about any concerns or issues regarding the division's managers and coaches.

Disputes with Another Parent or Child

Sometimes another child on your team can be rude or mean to others that the coach may not be aware of, or may not be doing anything about. Likewise, other parents can also show unsupportive and unsportsmanlike behavior, or other behaviors not appropriate for the league. Please avoid confrontations around the children at all costs and please never attempt to disipline another child. Bring your issues to the attention of your team manager and/or the league's Division Director.