Even if you don't know a fungo from a Frango, you can play an important role in KALL

Maybe you were a ball playing superstar in high school. Or maybe you don't know which end of the bat is which. More likely, you're somewhere in between.

In any case, you have plenty to contribute to Kirkland American Little League. And we could sure use your help.

Here are some of the ways you can contribute:

• Serve on the Board of Directors: Fresh ideas and energy are always needed, as players grow up and board members move on. Good organizational skills are particularly welcome. Please contact the KALL president if you are interested.
• Be an umpire: See the story below.
• Serve as your team's coordinator: Coaches have their hands full just coaching, so a parent (or two) who can take on the other team responsibilities is a necessity. Concession stand and field prep schedules, team parties, picture day: There's a lot of organizing required. Bonus: In this job it doesn't matter if you've never even heard of the infield fly rule.
• Assist the coaches: In addition to the official coaches, most teams have other parents who help at practices, monitor the dugout, etc. Talk to your team's manager.
• Prepare the field: For each game the home team is responsible for field prep: raking as needed, laying down chalk for the baselines, etc. It requires arriving 45 minutes before game time.
• Be involved: Your child's coaches have made a huge commitment and have a large amount of responsibility. Help them out however you can, be on time for practices and games, communicate with them and let them know they are appreciated.

Procedure to Volunteer to Manage or Coach a team in KALL:

1. All volunteers must complete the Little League volunteer application 

    a. Print and send the application along with a copy of your drivers license to KALL President

 P.O. Box 146 Kirkland, WA 98083 (98083 is the zip code for all Kirkland, WA P.O. Boxes).

    b. Scan the application and a copy of your divers license and attach it to an email to president@kirklandamerican.com  

2. Complete Step 6 of the online registration system.

3. Send the VP of the League you are volunteering for and the president of kall an email and let him know your qualifications and desire to coach.

Process of how Managers and Coaches are selected:
The president of KALL takes recommendations from the VP's of each league, however he is under no obligation to honor their recommendations.

The President has complete authority to recommend to the Board of Directors whom ever he/she chooses. 

In the end the KALL Board of Directors vote on the President's recommendations for managers and coaches.

Requirements to be considered for Managing or Coaching:

1. Every Manager and Coach will attend a Little League approved Coaches clinic annually
2. Manger and Coach must have a current First Aid & CPR Training certificate.
3. Manager and Coach must have successfully completed a Little League Background investigation.

Completing the steps is NOT a guarantee that you will be selected as a Manager or Coach. This merely gets your name on the list of Volunteers who want to manage or coach.
It should be understood that tenure and years of service are not used to determine who is selected as Manager and Coach. the President at his/her discretion will select the best qualified candidates from those applications submitted.

Volunteering for any position in KALL:
Every volunteer even a parent just helping at practice MUST complete a Little League Background investigation application and be approved prior to assisting the team.

 

Concession stand helps keep KALL in business

You may have noticed that KALL, despite being priced significantly lower than most youth sports programs, has no fundraisers: no candy to sell, no raffles.

How do we keep the price down while providing uniforms, bats and balls, protective gear, scholarships and much more? Besides registration fees, the primary source of revenue is the Everest Park concession stand.

And that's where you as parents come in. We require every team that plays games at Everest to help staff the stand. It's a commitment that is vital to the league's ongoing health.

 

Umpires needed: Make the call!

A perennial need within KALL is for umpires. Many people are intimidated by the position, but in truth it's not nearly that difficult and can be a whole lot of fun.

What's required? Just an understanding of the game and a willingness to learn. We'll take it from there, providing training, practice opportunities and support.

The commitment is up to you, whether it's a game a week or a game a month. As with all jobs in KALL, it's a volunteer position - but you are rewarded with a free hamburger and the satisfaction of contributing.

Sound intriguing? Email umpire-in-chief Ron Kellie.