Good evening FYBA coaches!

Well, our season is finally here. I just wanted to send out a quick few notes before we kick off things this weekend. Once again, Thank you for coaching. We and all the kids appreciate your time given this season.

FIELD STATUS UPDATES: Always on Facebook. Don't call. Don't text. We update it there first, then we tell the VPS, who will get word out, but if you want to be the first to know...check our Facebook page. If nothing has been posted, things are a go at that point.

One thing I want to stress again is... make sure it is FUN. That is the reason we are here...not scholarships and hardware. Be supportive, encouraging, and teach! Make them want to come back game after game regardless of win/loss result.

Park rules. Please help us enforce them with your team. Usually it is dogs and smokers. Smokers need to go to the parking lot, dogs need to be left at home. People will be asked to take them from the park at this point. Once in a while we have alcohol issues. Just report it to a board member and we can handle it. Thanks!

Umpires... Just a reminder... coach ejection = 2 game suspension and your kid leaves with you for that game. Be understanding of the umps. Rookie coaches... you have umpires again this year and they will be new. Take it easy on them and give them constructive support AFTER the game if they need it (such as 'be louder' or gesture more, etc...) We have had several teens become very good umpires over the course of the last few years and they also make really good summer $, so help them out.

Lastly, you are going to see this many times this season. WE (the FYBA board) need help. We are down a couple of positions this year and will have some people cycling out in the next few years. The average tenure on the board currently is probably in the 12 year range... We need new people, new energy, and new ideas. Once we fill open roles we have ideas for good things we can do at the park, but just don't have the manpower. If interested in learning more, talk to any board member.

I'll cut it off here. It looks like good weather so far for the weekend. Let's have a great Saturday!

***Notice*** Saturday the Nuxhall Miracle parade will have Mississippi blocked from 10 till 10:45ish Saturday. Plan accordingly.

John Ervin - FYBA President