Representative Baseball Program Parent Expectations

PROGRAM PARENT EXPECTATIONS

MWDBA – Baseball for All Ages

As a parent of a Manly representative player, you’re an essential part of the team. Rep baseball is an incredible opportunity for your child to push themselves, develop their skills and compete at a higher level. It’s also a team effort – and that includes players, coaches, umpires and parents like you.

These expectations are designed to help everyone work together for a positive and successful season. By following these guidelines, you’ll help create an environment where players can thrive, teams can succeed and the game can stay fun for everyone.

1. Be Your Child’s Biggest Fan

  • Celebrate Effort and Growth: Cheer for their hard work, improvement and love for the game, no matter the result. Winning is great, but growth lasts longer.
  • Keep It Positive: Support them through wins and losses. Your encouragement means the world to them, especially after a tough game.
  • Make It Fun: Remind them why they love baseball. Rep-level sport can be challenging, so help them enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

2. Respect the Umpires – No Umpires, No Game

  • Understand Their Role: Umpires are critical to the game, and many are volunteers or still learning. Without them, there’s no baseball. Show them respect and appreciation.
  • Keep Your Cool: Mistakes happen – for players, coaches and umpires. Focus on what matters: supporting the team.
  • Lead by Example: Your behaviour influences everyone around you, including your child. Model respect and positivity towards umpires so your child learns to do the same.

3. Time and Place

  • Let the Coaches Take the Lead: During games and training, trust the coaches’ plan for the good of your child and the team. They’re working to bring out the best in everyone.
  • Be Part of Practice at Home: Outside of team sessions, it’s great to work with your child on their skills and help reinforce what they’re learning. Keep it supportive and fun.

4. Stay Cool on the Sidelines

  • Be a Role Model: Your behaviour sets the tone for the players and other parents. Stay positive, calm and respectful – no matter what’s happening on the field.
  • Cheer for Everyone: Clap for great plays on both sides and support the whole team, not just your child.
  • Win or Lose with Grace: Celebrate victories without gloating and handle losses with good grace. Show your child that good sportsmanship matters more than the score.

5. Balance the Bigger Picture

  • Support Their Well-being: Rep baseball can be intense, but it’s through challenges that kids learn resilience. Mistakes, tough games and even losses are opportunities for growth that go far beyond baseball – teaching life skills like perseverance, problem-solving and grit.
  • Keep Perspective: Baseball is important, but so are school, family and downtime. Help your child find the right balance to stay healthy and happy.
  • Focus on Lifelong Lessons: Success isn’t just about trophies – it’s about the resilience, teamwork and leadership skills your child gains along the way.

Your Commitment

By being part of the Manly Rep Team, you agree to:

  • Cheer positively for all players, coaches and umpires.
  • Trust the coaches and let them do their job.
  • Help create a supportive, fun and respectful environment for everyone involved.

Together, we can make every season one to remember – for all the right reasons.