Being a Little League Parent

As the parent of a Little Leaguer, you are committed to making your child's sports experience as rewarding as possible.  Little League Baseball and Softball offers some tips on participating as a volunteer in your local league, as well as ways you can help develop the concepts of character, courage and loyalty in your Little Leaguer. The Parents Guide to Little League is a great resource for all little league parents. 

Little League® is not a win-at-all-cost organization. We pride ourselves in and are committed to providing fair playing time to all Little Leaguers®. The more time players are on the field, the better. Every Little Leaguer should have the opportunity to experience new challenges on the baseball and softball field, and parents are encouraged to work with their children and their children’s coaches about trying new positions, growing skill sets, and ensuring all players on the roster are having a fun, meaningful experience at their Little League games.

Second-Goal Parents

Just as Little League Double-Goal® Coaches have two goals -- winning, and more importantly, teaching life lessons through baseball and softball -- Little League and Positive Coaching Alliance urge you to be a “Second-Goal” Parent, focused on the “second goal” of helping children take life lessons from baseball and softball.

The Little League/Positive Coaching Alliance partnership helps players learn how to win on and off the field, using a fun, competitive environment to teach lessons in teamwork, discipline, compassion and handling adversity. Players can then apply those lessons in school, jobs and their family lives.

Here are 3 great articles that address "Second-Goal" Parenting:

Establishing a Coach-Parent Partnership

Empowering Conversations With Your Children

Guidelines for Honoring the Game

The Parents Little League Pledge

I will teach all children to play fair and do their best.
I will positively support all managers, coaches and players.
I will respect the decisions of the umpires.
I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.