GUIDELINES FOR COACHES AND MANAGERS
(TOURNAMENT/OLYMPIC TEAMS)
(Revised 9/19/07)

The Board of Directors of the Golden Girls has set up certain criteria for the selection of Tournament Team Managers and Coaches (see Item 5 of attached Tournament/Olympic Team Policies).  Once the selection is made it is incumbent on the Managers and Coaches to follow the guidelines as written below, for team tryouts, selection and basic organization.

TEAM SELECTION

1. The Golden Girls organization has established Tournament Teams in age divisions 50+ (which also plays in a 45+ division in certain tournaments), 55+, 60+, 65+, and 70+.  Tournament Teams play each season.
2. In even-numbered years we also form Senior Olympic Teams in these age brackets.  Only Senior Olympic players who qualify on a team in the even-numbered year are eligible to play in the Senior Olympics that are held in odd-numbered years. 
3. Although membership on a team in the past does not automatically qualify a player to be on a Tournament/Olympic Team for the new calendar year, each team begins the season with a core group from the previous year.  Membership fluctuates as players drop out or “age-up”.  However, membership on a team as well as the number of players on the roster is ultimately the decision of the Coach.
4. Everyone wishing to join a Tournament/Olympic Team must try out.  Tryouts are open to all Golden Girls members as well as non-members.  However, an individual must become a member of Golden Girls if she is selected for a Tournament/Olympic Team.
5. Several tryout dates should be chosen to give everyone interested an opportunity.  Tryouts may be held separately, the candidate may be invited to a practice where the coach can assess her abilities, or her abilities may be observed by the coach during regular league play.
6. Managers and Coaches should strive to be absolutely fair in the selection of players.  Selections should be based on the following criteria:
   • Ability (hitting, running, fielding)
   • Willingness to be coached
   • Reliability (ability to attend practices, tournaments, etc.)
   • Understanding of the “team” concept
7. Each player should be notified of her status as soon as possible following her trying out.  A team roster should be sent to all team members.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The Manager and Coach are the undisputed leaders of the team according to their responsibilities (see Definitions on attached Tournament/Olympic team Policies).   
2. It is the responsibility of the Manager and Coach to foster an atmosphere in which each team member may enjoy the experience of tournament team play while at the same time striving to win.
3. It is the responsibility of the Manager and Coach to communicate with each other and with the team.  Communication is the key to the success of any organization including teams.
4. Each player is responsible for keeping the Manager or Coach advised of any scheduled event (practices, meetings, tournaments, etc.) that she would miss.

PHILOSOPHY

1. The Manager and Coach should agree on a philosophy of the team’s goals and methods of meeting those goals.  At one extreme, the coach may wish to have the best players on the field at all times therefore playing time may not be guaranteed.  At the other extreme, the coach may try to get all players in every game.  There are plenty of options in-between the two extremes and the team needs to know what their goals are.
2. The Manager or Coach may choose to allow the team to help form the philosophy and goals.
3. Once the philosophy is established, it should be communicated to all team members.  It will remain in effect for the duration of the season.
4. Although winning is highly stressed, it is also very important to enjoy being on a team.  It is the responsibility of the Manager and Coach to strive to win while at the same time allowing team members to enjoy the experience.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Regardless of the chosen team philosophy, the Golden Girls organization stresses good sportsmanship at all levels of play.  Each Golden Girls player is a representative of our organization especially when competing in tournaments.  We are a one-of-a-kind organization with both a national and international image.  Good sportsmanship on the field contributes greatly toward creating a positive image for our teams and our organization.

REPLACEMENT

If the Manager and/or Coach prove unsatisfactory, a majority of the team may submit to the Board a request for review.  The Manager and/or Coach may be counseled and possibly replaced (see Item 8 of attached Tournament/Olympic Team Policies).