Semper Fi Athletics Youth Coaches Handbook
Thank you for coaching with Semper Fi Athletics. You are the single biggest influence on these kids — not just as baseball players, but as young people. This handbook is intentionally short because we know you’re busy. Read it once, then know you can find it here anytime as a quick reference!
Our Core Philosophy
We develop tough, respectful, skilled baseball players who also become better people. Winning matters, but it is secondary to long-term player development, character, and love for the game.
We expect coaches to model the same standards we ask of our players: hustle, respect, accountability, and professionalism.
Safety is Always #1
Nothing is more important than the physical and emotional safety of our athletes.
- Never leave players unsupervised at practices, games, or events.
- Check equipment and field conditions before every practice/game.
- Follow all concussion protocols immediately (remove from play, no same-day return, notify parents and staff).
- Be aware of heat, weather, and hydration — especially in Colorado.
- Create an emotionally safe environment - absolutely No belittling, yelling at players in frustration, or public criticism.
- Know who has medical conditions or allergies on your team - let Aubrey know if your provided Team First Aid Kit needs refills at any time during the season - return at the end of each season for refilling.
If in doubt, sit the player out. We will always back you on safety decisions.
On-Field Standards (Non-Negotiable) that define how we do things at SFA:
- Hustle on and off the field, every single play.
- Jog on and off. Run out every ground ball and fly ball. This is non-negotiable and starts with the coaches.
- Play hard, cheer hard. Enthusiasm and team morale start with the coaches. We expect high energy and positive support at a high level at all times — in the dugout, on the field, and between innings.
- Post-game handshake line — After every game, line up and shake hands with the opposing team, their coaches, and the umpires. Remove your hat when doing so. This is a sign of respect and a core part of who we are.
- Coaches' dress code — Wear SFA-provided gear or matching team attire. You set the standard. Look like you belong on the field with your players. Would like Head Coaches to match each other when possible, please.
- Positive body language and language at all times. Players watch how you react to bad calls, errors, and losses.
Communication & TeamSnap Discipline
We protect everyone’s time — including yours.
Post important information once, clearly, and completely on TeamSnap.
Do not overload TeamSnap with repetitive practice schedules or the same reminders over and over. Each game on the schedule has spots for arrival times and uniforms - use this exclusively, please. These players need to learn to take accountability for their time and schedules - too cluttered to put every practice on TeamSnap - practice schedule is clearly posted on the website, and any upcoming changes can be communicated to the players as detailed above.
When parents or players message you about something that was already posted, politely direct them back to the existing post or email (one time) instead of re-answering the same question repeatedly. If it has been posted numerous times, do not feel obligated to reply - they must be trained to read information already provided.
Support the 24-hour rule with parents. If they come to you emotionally right after a game, calmly say, “Let’s talk tomorrow after we’ve all had time to process.”
Encourage high school players to advocate for themselves directly with you first before parents get involved. This builds leadership and independence.
Bottom line: Good communication reduces chaos. Poor communication creates extra work for everyone.
Player Development Focus
Teach the game the right way — fundamentals, game situations, and decision-making.
Give players opportunities to develop, even if it means they play different positions or levels at times.
Praise effort and attitude more than results.
Build resilient athletes who can handle adversity without quitting or making excuses.
Make practices organized, efficient, and developmental — not just “hit ground balls for an hour.”
We are building players who will be successful in high school and beyond, not just those who win games.
Parent Relations
Be professional, consistent, and calm at all times.
Do not argue with parents on the sideline or in front of players.
Direct parent concerns to the proper channel (you first, then program leadership if needed).
Never discuss playing time or other players with parents outside of appropriate settings; have another coach with you when discussions inevitably occur!
You represent Semper Fi Athletics. Your professionalism and fierce commitment to our kids' safety protect the entire program.
Coaching Your Own Child - No Daddy Ball
Semper Fi Athletics has a strict No Daddy Ball policy. When you coach your own child, you have a special responsibility to protect the integrity of the team, our organization, and the trust of every family. Favoritism — real or perceived — damages team culture, hurts other players, and ultimately hurts your own child as well.
Our Expectations:
Treat your own child the same as every other player when it comes to playing time, positions, and opportunities.
Do not give your child preferential treatment in lineups, pitching, catching, or key situations.
Be especially aware of your child’s attitude and effort. If your child is showing poor body language, lack of hustle, or entitlement, address it directly and hold them to the same standard (or higher) as the rest of the team.
Avoid over-coaching your own child in front of the team or giving them constant extra instruction that others do not receive.
If you feel you cannot be completely objective with your own child’s playing time, talk to program leadership early so we can help create a fair structure.
Remember: Your child is watching how you handle fairness. Other parents and players are watching even more closely. The best thing you can do for your own son or daughter is to model integrity and hold them accountable like every other athlete.
We will always support coaches who put the team first. We will not support “Daddy Ball.”
Standards, Accountability & Team Dynamics
Semper Fi Athletics has high standards because we believe our athletes deserve consistent leadership. These standards only work if every coach is willing to be held accountable to them.
Accountability & Warnings
Coaches are expected to follow the guidelines in this handbook and the Parent/Player/Coaches Code of Conduct.
Minor issues will first be addressed through a direct conversation with program leadership.
Repeated concerns or more serious issues will result in a formal written warning.
After two formal warnings, a coach may be removed from their position for the remainder of the season.
Serious violations (safety concerns, clear favoritism/Daddy Ball, public criticism of players or staff, or breaches of the Code of Conduct) may result in immediate removal from coaching duties, without prior warning.
We want every coach to succeed. Accountability is not about punishment — it’s about protecting the culture and experience we’ve built for our athletes.
Handling Disagreements Within Your Coaching Staff
Disagreements between coaches are normal, but how they are handled matters greatly.
All disagreements should be discussed privately — never in front of players, parents, or other coaches.
Coaches are expected to present a united front once a decision is made.
If coaches cannot resolve a disagreement on their own, they should bring it to program leadership (Aubrey or Ryan) rather than letting it affect the team.
Publicly undermining or arguing with another coach damages team culture and will not be tolerated.
Quick Reminders
Expectation: What “Good” Looks Like
Hustle: Every player (and coach) runs on/off every play
Energy & Morale: High enthusiasm — coaches set the tone
Post-Game: Hats off, full handshake line every game
Appearance: SFA gear/matching coach attire
TeamSnap: Clear posts, minimal repetition
Safety #1 priority — always err on the side of caution
Development: Long-term growth > short-term wins
Attitude: Positive, professional, high-energy, solution-oriented
High Standards & Consistent Leadership
Final Word: Coaching is hard work. We see you. We appreciate you.
When you hold the line on hustle, high energy, safety, respect, and clear communication, you’re not just coaching baseball — you’re helping raise good young men. That’s the real win.
Standards and accountability are the only way this all works.
We have built something special at Semper Fi Athletics because we refuse to lower our expectations — for our players or for our coaches. When everyone is held to the same standard, the entire program gets better.
If you ever have questions or need support, please reach out to us. We’re in this together, and we couldn't do it without you - you are all truly a blessing!
Semper Fi,
Ryan & Aubrey Jones