Like all Little Leagues, Fairfield American runs thanks to dozens of volunteers who dedicate hundreds of hours each calendar year. Volunteers like you. While we will have many opportunities for parents to volunteer throughout the year – coaching, special event coordination, and marketing support, just to name a few – we would like to provide information about the Board of Managers for those of you considering running for the first time. Our league will evolve and improve with new ideas from fresh voices.
The board officially meets once per month immediately following the general meeting. Board meetings typically last for 1.5 – 2 hours. In the months leading up to the start of the seasons we often need to hold ad hoc meetings to discuss preparation details. The amount of time board members spend working on league matters in between meetings depends on the position and individual motivation. Some positions have peaks during the year where a significant amount of time is required while others retain a more intense commitment the entire year.
Here is a list of the board positions our league currently includes and a brief description of the responsibilities. For some positions, we link directly to the official description on the Little League website. In some years, responsibilities can be combined. For example, the current Treasurer also runs the Umpiring operation. Those two roles do not need to always go together.
President: DESCRIPTION ON LITTLE LEAGUE SITE
Vice President: The person taking the Vice President position does so along with another role on the board. The Vice President may need to perform official league duties in the event the President is not able to do so.
Player Agent: DESCRIPTION ON LITTLE LEAGUE SITE
Treasurer: DESCRIPTION ON LITTLE LEAGUE SITE
Coaching Coordinator: Oversees the construction of coaching staffs at all levels; creates postseason surveys and suggests improvements based on the feedback.
Safety: DESCRIPTION ON LITTLE LEAGUE SITE
Uniforms and Equipment: Works with the local supplier to ensure all teams in all seasons are properly outfitted.
Field Coordination and Scheduling: Creates schedules for all seasons, must constantly revise spring schedules as weather impacts gameplay; Remains in contact with town resources as necessary.
Secretary: DESCRIPTION ON LITTLE LEAGUE SITE
Evaluations: Runs the spring evaluation sessions for Minors and Majors divisions.
Fundraising: Coordinates a team of volunteers to run the annual spring party, manages other fundraising opportunities throughout the year like “FALL Day at Yankee Stadium.”
Digital and Information Operations: Manages website, social channels, and all registration related needs.
Field Maintenance and Equipment: Coordinates with town and private contractor to ensure fields are maintained; Keeps inventory on league-provided equipment and replaces as necessary.
Zero-Tolerance Chair: Leads a group of three board members to evaluate violations of the league’s appropriate behavior policies for coaches, parents and players; Manages other League-related personnel matters that arise.
Umpire Coordinator: Primary liaison for District 2 Patch Umpires needing to schedule all spring and summer home games that require Patch Umpires; Manages other volunteers to run the “Kid Umpiring Program” for divisions below Majors.
Our current process is to elect board members via the voting process and afterwards the President assigns specific positions to the individuals that best fit those responsibilities.
As you can imagine, this is only a cursory description for each of the roles. We invite you to write to one of our current board members if you would like to discuss a specific position in more detail.
We understand taking on a board position is not the right fit for everyone. If you are unable to run for a board position but would still like to be an active volunteer throughout the year, assisting with additional opportunities, please email any of our current board members or our league email address so we can make sure to keep in contact.