Local Rules
& Resources
Mercer Island Little League follows local rules and policies that are specific to our league and divisions. Thank you coaches for adhering to these important guidelines and for making the little league experience fun for our young players.
In addition, we've listed some great resources to help make the season a success.
Important Resources for Coaches
Over 93 pages covering all aspects of how MILL is administered. This includes rules for our newly launched Rapid Baseball programming. Playing rules start on page 39. We encourage you to download a copy for your records.
Coach's Manual (PDF)
This guide was developed when our league initiated. Additional information is added every year. All coaches are required to read through and review this very informative document. Content includes safety info., a practice guides with drills, and much, much more.
Manage Batting Orders & Line Ups (Google Doc)
Access the spreadsheet via the link above and then click File » Make a Copy to save yourself a copy to your own Google account (must be signed in). Consider going a step further and giving view access to parents on your team. Some kids like to know the plan ahead of time and parents can see the thoughtfulness and fairness that goes into playing time.
Walk-up songs are a hit with our Little League players! We use the BallparkDJ app for our teams' walk up music and line up announcements. Learn about the app. and then designate a parent volunteer to manage the entertainment for your team. All you need is a speaker, a mobile phone and a volunteer.
On BASE Coach's Clinic / Mark Zender, founder of the Mariners Grand Slam Camp
A great resource for youth baseball coaches. We encourage you to watch the 2020 clinic on YouTube. The first hour is a panel discussion with Scott Servais, Andy McKay, and Angie Mentink. The second hour is a coaching clinic by Mark Zender. Additionally, access these great one-pagers to support your coaching:
Practice tips for youth coaches (PDF)
Practice plan template to keep your practices organized (PDF)
Parent letter that Mark sends to parents at the start of the season (PDF)
"As a Mercer Island Little League Coach, I agree to adhere to our league's Coach's Code of Ethics."
I agree to:
Exhibit respectful and ethical behavior and leadership and act with an awareness that young people learn best by example
Know the rules. Abide by and teach the rules of the game. The spirit of good sportsmanship depends on conformance to a rule’s intent as well as to the letter of a given rule.
Respect the integrity and personality of the individual player.
Be a positive role model and example for players and spectators to follow: refrain from arguments in front of players and spectators; no gestures which indicate an official or opposing coach does not know what he or she is doing or talking about; no throwing of any object in disgust. Do not use profanity, obscene language or improper actions.
Develop team respect and appreciation for the ability of opponents and for the judgment of umpires and opposing coaches.
Ensure that your players' baseball experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Players need a coach they can respect.
Enlist the support of your team's parents in your efforts to instill the proper attitudes and values in the players and to make sportsmanship the number one priority.
Win and lose graciously and never blame officials for a loss.
Encourage good sportsmanship at all times. Good sportsmanship requires as much work as any play or skill you will teach a player during the season.