What is a Team Rep anyway?

Generally speaking, the Team Rep helps make sure the league communications are getting to the families, (schedules, events, etc) and that the team is being helped out in the dugout for tball and farm (batter lineup, helmets, catchers gear, water), and finally collection of the many forms and monies we rely on to keep things running smoothly all season long.

A  few pointers:

• Drinks in the dugout-players are not to have soda in the dugouts. We also recommend that your players have clearly marked reusable water bottles, this reduces the amount of after game trash and helps everyone know which is theirs.
• Your fellow team parents will appreciate it if you create and distribute a team roster with contact information (make sure all the parents are ok with this). Some teams use the phone tree system to make last minute notifications easier
• Game schedules-remind your team that players should arrive at least 15 minutes before the game for warm ups (depending on what the Manager decides). This is a good window to communicate with your families when needed.
• Snack bar-every team hosts the concession stand at least once and usually twice during the season. This duty is required of all divisions and teams. We are operated entirely by volunteers, and this scheduling allows funds to be used for our players instead of operating the snack bar. Some teams have found the scheduling is simplified if the Parent Rep assigns the duty to families who can then either trade dates or, if no one is available, to hire a teen to cover the shift (cost is paid for by the family/team). More information can be found on the Snackbar tab.
• Uniforms-Each players will receive a jersey and hat. Parents are responsible for purchasing socks, pants, and belt in the color the Manager decides. A suggestion to keep distribution simple and fair is to put all jerseys of the same size in a bag then have players reach in and randomly select their jersey. This method prevents issues over choosing  jersey numbers, etc.
• First Aid-every team has its own first aid kit and are required to have this kit and all the players medical releases at every game and practice.
• League Events-the Board relies heavily on Parent Reps to help communicate with the teams. In your Parent Rep packet (distributed at our season meeting) will be forms, collections envelopes, and special coupons for distribution as well as specific due dates. Please be diligent about these dates and communicate with me or any other Board member if you have questions.
• End of season party-Phew! You made it through the season. Now all that is left to do is party! Speak to your Manager and Coaches early to get an idea of what to do and have a great time!
• Banners-It has been a long standing tradition with RPO Little League for each team to make their team banner. Team banners are displayed at Opening Day Ceremonies and at each game. Team banners help get the players involved and allow them to take ownership of their team name.

TeamReps will coordinate the making of the banner (when possible, with all the players/parents.) If creating banners is not your thing, ask people on your team who would be interested in this... you might be surprised at the creative talent among your team! It need not be elaborate, it is more important that you just have one representing your team. Kids notice when they are the only team without a banner on Opening Day. Banners can be purchased (a vinyl sign maker or hire an airbrush artist), but keep in mind, this can be expensive. Whatever you decide, the cost involved should be evenly split between all members of the team. Homemade banners are perfectly fine, (in fact, encouraged) they add to the charm of Opening Day. It is a lot of fun to see the creative contributions parading on Opening Day.

Guidelines/Suggestions/Helpful hints:

Approx: 40x60 (nobody will be measuring, so if you have some leftover material that could work, by all means go ahead and use it! Just make it large enough to be seen from across each dugout.)

Use felt, vinyl or fabric (something sturdy like canvas works best)

Felt cut-outs, fabric pens, fabric paint, fabric glue and airbrushed items have been used in the past and are good options

Banners should incorporate: Team colors, Year, Team Name, Team Division, Team Logo (some logos can be intricate, do your best to duplicate it or at least some part of it), Players Names, Manager/Coaches Names & Parent Rep.

Keep in mind this needs to be durable as it will take some abuse in/out of the car & dragged on the ground. It should be able to withstand heat, wind & rain for 2 months! For this reason paper, Elmer's glue or hot glued on items may not be good choices.

Consider how you will hang this on the fence at each game-putting grommets in all 4 corners for easy hanging on the fences at the games has been a good method over the years. (Fasten with caribiner clips or binder rings that clamp)

Some have also sewn a pocket across the top to place a PVC tube to help carry it on Opening Day

HAVE FUN WITH IT!

If you do not know what your logo looks like... search for the team name on the internet. All teams are either Major League Teams or a Minor, Farm or AAA affiliate of all the Major League Teams.

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