Coaches Corner
Requirements
The following certifications and trainings are required by all coaches and volunteers (anyone helping with practices or games).
ALL of these requirements must be met before a coach leads a practice or coaches a game.
Babe Ruth League/Ripken Baseball Coaching Certification ($20 cost, lifetime certification)
All baseball coaches - including head coaches and assistant coaches - affiliated with the Babe Ruth League and Cal Ripken Baseball are required to complete Coaching Youth Baseball the Babe Ruth League Way Online Course to become certified to coach. The online course gives reliable, league-specific guidance on how to coach the right way — especially for volunteer and new coaches. Helps build coaching confidence, aligns with Babe Ruth standards, improves player experience, and teaches safety and best practices. Click HERE to be taken to the website.
Following course completion, coaches have the opportunity to print a certificate of completion and wallet card from the website.
Certification is valid for your entire coaching career with Babe Ruth League, Inc.
Concussion Certification (free)
Coaches are required to complete the CDC’s free Heads Up to Youth Sports training that gives evidence-based guidance on how to recognize, respond to, and help prevent concussions in young athletes — helping keep players safer and better informed about head injury risks. Click HERE to take the training.
Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention (free)
Babe Ruth League fosters a culture of safety by raising awareness, developing best practices, and providing education and training to promote respect and prevent abuse. All coaches are required to complete the Abuse Prevention Training that is part of the registration process.
Background check (every two years, via our online registration)
A background check for all coaches is required every two years. Complete the background check as part of your registration.
Acceptance of our MBA Coaches Code of Conduct
Proof of completion required before the beginning of the season.
Optional Coaching Resources
Step by Step Directions to roster pitchers and submit Scores & Stats
Dugout Captain no-cost, web-based practice planning and coaching support tool designed to help youth baseball and softball parents and coaches run better practices and improve player development. With a free Dugout Captain account you can:
Browse a large drill library with instructional videos, diagrams, and coaching notes to teach fundamentals and keep players engaged.
Use ready-made practice plans organized by age and duration, or build your own practice on a virtual “clipboard” that helps you organize drills and sessions quickly.
Access skill-training lessons and coaching tips to improve specific areas like hitting, pitching, fielding, and catching.
Babe Ruth Pregame Warmup Routine it creates structure, efficiency, and consistency — all of which lead to better performance and fewer injuries.
Heads Up CDC’s Heads Up to Youth Sports training gives free, evidence-based guidance on how to recognize, respond to, and help prevent concussions in young athletes — helping keep players safer and better informed about head injury risks. This site includes resources for coaches, players, parents, and more.
PitchSmart Guidelines adopted as league rules to protect young athletes’ arms and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. The guidelines provide age-appropriate pitch counts, required rest periods, and recovery recommendations — helping coaches make safe decisions that support long-term player development rather than short-term wins.
Bat Guide available to ensure their players are using legal, safe, and appropriate equipment.
In The Dugout webinar series specifically designed for Babe Ruth presidents, commissioners, and all officials.