Game Day
From lineup cards to
post-game handshakes
Game day is when it all comes together. Arrive early, stay organized, keep it positive, and the rest takes care of itself.
Arrive early & set up
30-45 minutes early
Arrive before families do. Set up the field, check equipment, and get your head in the game.
Warm-up routine
Stretching, throwing, hitting, fielding. Same routine every game so players know what to expect.
Confirm lineups
Write your batting order and fielding positions on a clipboard. Display it so players and parents can see.
Check the field
Inspect for hazards, set up bases, rake home plate and pitcher's mound. Home team lines the field.
Bat Safety
- Keep bats centralized in one area at all times. Never let players walk around carrying bats.
- When not at bat, players hold bats like "grannies": upright, close to the body, both hands.
- Only the batter and on-deck hitter should have bats out.
- Designate a "bat zone" at practice. No swinging outside that area.
Pitching distances
Coach
feet
Training
1st-2nd
35
feet
Minors
3rd-4th
40
feet
Majors
5th-6th
43
feet
Juniors
7th-8th
Rookie division uses tee and coach pitch. No set pitching distance.
After the game
Shake hands with the opposing team and thank the umpires
Clean the dugout: pick up all trash, water bottles, and equipment
Home team removes bases and stores equipment in the JobBox
Offer encouragement and recognize effort, not just the final score
Winning team emails game stats to the webmaster
Cancellations & rescheduling
- The town may close fields due to weather or field conditions
- Any sign of lightning = immediate cancellation, no exceptions
- If a game is not canceled by 4:00 PM, both coaches are responsible for notifying their players
- Non-weather cancellations require mutual agreement between both coaches
- All canceled games must be rescheduled through the Division Director
- Cancellation due to insufficient players (fewer than 6 for Training/Minors) counts as a forfeit
Game day procedures from the WHGSL 2025 Coaches Manual and Rulebook.