It’s tempting to coach from the sidelines, but if you must, remember these helpful tips.
Tell your kid to hit the ball when they are up to bat
Also to swing at strikes
And don’t swing at balls
When they hit, tell them to run, ruN, rUN, RUN!
Tell them to run hard!
Tell your kid to throw the ball when they catch it.
If they are a pitcher, tell them to throw strikes.
Stand as close to your kid as the fences allow. You can also put your mouth between the steel cage diamonds and shout unimpeded. Have some prearranged after-the-game system of punishment if they didn’t measure up to your expectations. During the game, tell them you are keeping track of all their mistakes.
Also, don’t do any of these things. Let the coach’s coach and you keep your mouth shut unless you are simply cheering your kid on.
There’s a lot of good softball action in the NCAA, that is, in between umpires reviewing the calls. Seriously, umpires are about as effective as a WWE ref. Here’s what needs to happen to make it watchable again.
No more leave early reviews
Every homerun with a runner on base is now subject to a “left early” review. Kills the momentum of the game. Everyone stands around while the umps go watch the replay and confirm what everyone already knows. However, watching the losing team save a review for the walk-off play to delay the celebrations is fun.
Pitch Counts
Letting someone throw 160 pitches in a game is borderline abuse. Yes, the motion is different. However, you still move muscles, tendons, and ball/socket joints. There is also stress on the hips, femur, and shin bones. Pitch counts benefit your team by requiring them to develop a pitching staff. This prevents the overuse of your superstar and avoids injury.
No more arguing balls and strikes
The umpires are calling too many balls. Umpires don’t call the strike zone anymore. They call down the middle. This gives the advantage to the hitter by looking for a sweet spot meatball. Umpires need to call the corners and allow pitchers to hone their craft.
Let umps make the call
No more coaches calling safe from the first and third box. Do you know how you can increase your chances of being safe? Run though the bag and don’t try to make airplane wings calling yourself safe.
No more check swing reviews
Unless it’s by a field ump, keep that person paying attention to the game
Slappers can only foul it off 3 times
You get only one chance for a bunt on strike three. No more fifteen foul ball slap at bats.
No more obstruction calls
You want the bag or plate? You’ve best hit the weight room and then knock that ball out of their glove.
In game suspensions for..
Anyone who yells “Let’s Go” more than once
Excessive celebrations for catching fly balls or grounders (Spiking the softball)
Automattic forfeit for anyone who starts the cheer that sounds like the 2 Live Crew, “Hey we want some…”
What do you bring when you’re at an all-day softball or baseball tournament?
A player – It doesn’t make sense to attend a tournament if you don’t have a player, maybe if you are watching someone you know. But if you are there and don’t know anyone you might cause suspicion if you start walking onto the field and high-fiving players.
A cooler – Preferably something that holds ice for more than an hour
Something to keep a cooler cold – You can put ice or these cooler shock packs
Something to keep cold – Skip the soda and beer and bring lots of water and Gatorade. Bring fruits, nuts, and other low-sugar snacks to keep you fueled.
Cooling towels – It’s better than a paper towel
Sunscreen – https://amzn.to/4iwnpooDon’t forget to apply every few hours or you will have tan lines on your face.
A Chair – Preferably one with shade if you don’t have any friends who brought a canopy.
First aid kit – Things will happen, and bleed or get swollen.
Wagon – It’s better than carrying everything
Throw some Shade – Instead of looking like a sun-dried tomato, grab yourself some brella and man-made shade
Disappointment – Don’t forget to bring your complaining face. If your child is not performing at a perfection level, let them know in front of all the other parents.
Daily Irritant 
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