Coaches’ Corner | Key Programs and Announcements

As we prepare for the start of the 2026 Spring Season, we’re encouraging all head coaches and assistant coaches to make the necessary investment for the season ahead. Various OYO committees and leaders are going the extra mile to coordinate value-add sessions and seamless processes to maximize your experience and be respectful of your time. Below are four important events involving all head coaches (and in some instances, the assistant coaches, too).

 

COACH INCENTIVE IS ESTABLISHED FOR 2026 SPRING SEASON

A coach is eligible to receive one-fifth of the league’s registration fee for completing each one of the following five milestones — contingent on the successful return of the team equipment provided at the start of the season. So, if all five requirements are completed (and the equipment bag is returned), then the coach receives 100%. Payment will be issued in the form of a player registration credit to be used within the next 12 months for Fall 2026, Winter Workouts 2027 or Spring 2027. The criteria in 2026 is as follows:

  1. Attend Coaches’ Meeting on Thursday March 5
  2. Attend Coaches’ Clinic on Sunday, March 22
  3. Attend Tournament Coaches’ Meeting on Tuesday, June 2 (date subject to change)
  4. Complete Player Evaluations in LeagueApps by Tuesday, June 2 (dates subject to change)
  5. Return Team Equipment Bag by Saturday, June 20

 

TEAM INTRODUCTION | CONTACT TEAMS DIRECTLY

All rosters were released on the evening of Tuesday, March 3. The roster release also included each team’s weeknight and Saturday practice time and field assignment. Within two days of the rosters being released, all coaches should have sent an introductory email to the families on their roster and answer any questions your team’s families may have.

 

COACHES’ MEETING CONDUCTED | THURSDAY, MARCH 5 | JENN PARK

All head coaches and assistant coaches were encouraged to attend. You can download the meeting recap and takeaways here. We are committed to maximizing player development and creating a memorable experience for all our ballplayers. So, we strive to create alignment between all our amazing volunteer coaches at OYO. This meeting provided timely content that can have a positive impact on your team this spring — and creates clear and consistent expectations.

 

TEAM EQUIPMENT PICK-UP  | SATURDAY, MARCH 14 + SUNDAY, MARCH 15 | OYO

Coaches will be able to pick up its team’s equipment next Saturday or Sunday (March 14-15) at OYO at the three-garage barn before attending the Coaches’ Clinic. We encourage coaches to pick up the team equipment in the window provided below and allow 15 minutes to complete the process. You will depart the premises with your team equipment for the season. We recommend the head coach pick up the equipment, but an assistant coach can do it if necessary. Scheduled windows are as follows:

  • Saturday, March 14 | 9-11 a.m.
  • Sunday, March 15 | 12-2 p.m.

 

COACHES’ CLINIC | SUNDAY, MARCH 22 | TIMES VARY | THE BULLPEN AT LEE ROAD PARK

All head coaches and assistant coaches are encouraged to attend. OYO is preparing for our preseason Coaches’ Clinic to help all our coaches kick off the 2026 Spring Season. These clinics are designed to provide insight on the skills, fundamentals and drills for teams to use at every level. This season, OYO will host three separate clinics — at The Bullpen, located at 6200 Lee Road — as follows:

  • Tee Ball | 2-3 p.m.
  • Coach Pitch | 3:15-4:15 p.m. (Junior Rookie, Rookie, 08U Softball)
  • Kid Pitch | 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Minor, Super Major, 10U Softball, 12U Softball)

These sessions will be customized to each group and facilitated by Mike Klopfenstein, OYO’s Training Chairperson who also is a veteran high school baseball coach. As always, thank you for sharing your time and talent with our young ballplayers.

 

PRACTICES BEGIN | WEEK OF MARCH 16 | DAYS AND TIMES VARY | OYO

Weather-permitting, all teams will begin their practice season the week of March 16. All practice decisions are left to the coach. However, there are occasional rare instances where fields are not usable due to weather — and in those instances we will notify the league via email during the practice season only. As a quick refresher, each team will receive one weeknight assignment and one Saturday assignment during the practice season. Below summarized the length allotted for each team’s practice, particularly for weeknights.

  • Challenger | 60 minutes
  • Tee Ball | 60 minutes | Two teams share fields during each practice slot
  • Junior Rookie | 90 minutes | Two teams share fields during each practice slot
  • Rookie, 08U Softball | 90 minutes | In Rookie only, a few teams will be scheduled to share field space for a weeknight practice
  • Minor, Super Major, 10U Softball, 12U Softball | 90 minutes