T-Ball Manager (2036)

## Description

## T-Ball Leader/Manager (Early Childhood Sports)

**Organization:** The St. James

**Program:** T-Ball (intro baseball + general sport skills for young athletes)

**Reports to:** Baseball/Softball Programs Leadership - Associate Director of Diamond Sports - Alec Reilly

**Status:** Part-time / seasonal (session-based)

### Role summary

We’re hiring a kid-first T-Ball Coach who can teach foundational movement and sport skills in a fun, structured, and confidence-building environment. Our ideal candidate has early developmental education experience (e.g., elementary PE teacher, early childhood educator, youth enrichment coach) and is comfortable coaching while parents observe close-by.

This role requires strong communication: clear expectations, organized practice flow, and proactive schedule updates **well before** changes occur.

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## Key responsibilities

### Coaching & player experience

• Lead age-appropriate T-Ball sessions that prioritize **fun, safety, inclusion, and fundamentals**.
• Teach and reinforce basic sport skills:
• Running mechanics, balance, coordination, jumping/landing
• Throwing/catching basics (soft hands, ready position, tracking)
• Hitting basics (stance, grip, swing path) using tees and safe progressions
• Field awareness (where to go, how to listen/respond, simple game concepts)
• Use short stations, high reps, and simple cues to keep players engaged.
• Manage transitions and attention spans with positive routines (warm-up, station rotations, water breaks, closing circle).

### Parent communication & professionalism (non-negotiable)

• Communicate schedule details and expectations clearly at the start of the session.
• Provide timely updates on:
• Weather-related changes
• Facility or field updates
• Practice plan adjustments
• Any time/location changes (**communicated well in advance whenever possible**)
• Maintain calm, professional presence and coaching quality **under constant parent observation**.
• Address parent questions respectfully and consistently; escalate issues appropriately when needed.

### Safety, supervision, and risk management

• Create a safe environment: spacing, bat control, clear boundaries, and age-appropriate equipment.
• Enforce safety rules (batting area control, helmets, throwing lanes).
• Take attendance and maintain headcount.
• Report any injuries or incidents promptly to program leadership.

### Administrative basics

• Arrive early for setup and stay after for cleanup.
• Coordinate with staff/assistants (if provided) and delegate clearly.
• Follow program curriculum, daily run-of-show, and facility policies.

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## Required qualifications

• Experience working with children ages ~3–6 in a structured setting (sports, PE, camp, classroom, childcare, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to manage a group with **positive behavior support** (clear expectations, quick redirection, encouragement).
• Strong verbal communication skills with both kids and adults.
• Reliable, punctual, and prepared.

## Preferred qualifications

• Elementary PE teacher, early childhood educator, child development background, or equivalent youth coaching experience.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before session start).
• Prior baseball/softball playing or coaching background (helpful, not required if kid-management is strong).

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## Core competencies we’re selecting for

• **Kid-first energy:** patient, upbeat, encouraging, emotionally steady.
• **Structure + fun:** can keep practice moving with simple stations and games.
• **Parent-facing professionalism:** confident communicator; no surprises.
• **Adaptability:** adjusts quickly to weather, space constraints, mixed skill levels.
• **Safety mindset:** organized spacing, clear rules, constant awareness.

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## Working conditions & physical requirements

• Ability to be active for the full session: standing, walking, demonstrating movements, light throwing/hitting demos.
• Ability to lift/carry typical youth sports gear (cones, tees, balls, nets).
• Indoor/outdoor environment depending on facility and weather.

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## Screening / compliance

• Background check required (and any facility-required clearances).
• Must follow all youth safety policies and coaching standards.

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## Nice-to-have: what “great” looks like in this role

• Kids leave smiling, engaged, and proud of small wins.
• Parents feel informed and confident because communication is consistent and proactive.
• Sessions run on time with smooth transitions and minimal downtime.
• Fundamentals improve through repetition—without the vibe turning rigid or stressful.