Dixon Girls Softball

To Volunteer Click the Volunteer Button on the homepage and enroll as a Coach, Assistant Coach, Dugout Mom or Team Parent.

DGSA is operated entirely by volunteers. We are always looking for interested and energetic volunteers that will promote and model DGS values and help keep DGS running smoothly, and enable players and teams to focus on having fun!

Volunteer Requirements

1. Register on-line as a ‘Volunteer’ through our webpage by the Program deadlines.

2. Background Checks are required ONLY for Coaches/Managers, Assistant Coaches, Umpires and Dugout Moms.

After coaches, umpires and dugouts moms register as a Volunteer, then they will receive an email to complete a separate on-line form to give permission for a background check.

3. Training is required for all Coaches/Managers, Assistant Coaches, Umpires, Dugout Moms, Team Parents, Field Prep Coordinator/Crew, and Score keepers.

Training is required for all volunteer positions before volunteers can fulfill their duties.
All other Volunteer positions (such as Snack coordinator, Banner coordinator, Rotary/Fundraiser coordinator, etc) will receive specific guidance from their Head Coach/Manager or Team Parent.

Volunteer Positions & Descriptions

Please read the rules, policies and descriptions carefully before signing up for a volunteer position. Some positions cannot be combined (e.g. Dugout Mom and Score Keeper), while other positions can be combined (e.g. a female Coach and the Adult Female required at practices).

Head coaches are ultimately responsible for execution of all volunteer actions and deliverables on the team, so coaches really count on and appreciate reliable team parent volunteers for assistance.

League legalese and policies:

An adult female must be in the dugout on game days; requires background check.
An adult female must be at practices (can also be the female coach or asst coach).
Coaches or assistant coaches cannot also be a dugout mom, score keeper or umpire.
Dugout moms cannot also be a coach or assistant coach, score keeper or umpire.
Umpires cannot also be a coach or assistant coach, score keeper or dugout mom.
Score keepers cannot also be a coach or assistant coach, umpire or dugout mom.

Volunteering positions	Time Commitment	BackgroundCheck Required	Description
Coach/ Manager	Every game and practice	Yes	Primary focus is to prepare for, and facilitate, meaningful practices and games. Line-up and rotation plans on game days are essential to smooth running games. Coaches are also the focal point for the league to disseminate information, and cascade messages to Team Parents and other volunteers. While coaches are expected to focus on games and practices, they are ultimately accountable for the deliverables of all team volunteer positions outlined below.
Assistant Coach	Every game	Yes	Primary focus is to support the head coach as needed at practices and games. In the event the head coach is absent at practices or games, the assistant coach needs to fulfill the coach duties.
Umpires	Every game	Yes	Every team is required to have two (2) umpires. Must also complete umpire training.
Score Keeper	Every game	No	8U-16U divisions require a scorekeeper for each team.
Field Prep Coordinator / Crew	Every ‘home’ game only	No	All 6U-16U divisions require field preparation or games cannot be held. It is also essential that games begin on time in order to maximize innings and playing time for players.
Dugout Mom	Every game	Yes	Dugout moms are required to be an adult female, 18 years or older, in the dugout on game days. Dugout moms are essential for managing the players in the dugout, keeping the dugout organized, and fostering fun and positive chanting/cheering in the dugout. Dugout moms are crucial to helping the players transition from offense to defense quickly. Dugout moms are also the ‘de facto’ player agent for the team. If there are any issues with coaches, parents or players, the Dugout mom has an obligation to report it to a Board member.
Team Parent	Duration of the season	No	A team parent enables coaches to focus on preparing and facilitating fun practices and games. While coaches are expected to focus on games and practices, Team Parents are accountable for the deliverables outside of games and practices. Team parent will manage or identify other parent volunteer coordinators for these other short-term volunteer jobs – Banner creation – must have by Opening Day! Pick up and distribute team uniforms Snack coordinator sign-up Fundraising events coordinator, e.g. Rotary, pizza night Picture Day coordinator End of season party & awards coordinator TIP: Two (2) team parents are “nice to have” for each team, with at least one (1) team parent being female in order to back up the Dugout Mom in case of unplanned absences. The team parents can determine if one will take the primary lead, or decide to split all the duties 50/50.
Banner coordinator	Short-Term	No	The team banner is very important to the team; it identifies the team; and the girls feel proud and supported. Banners are made one time and used throughout the season. On Opening Day, teams will arrive dressed in their uniforms and they will carry their team banner onto the field. On all game days, teams like to hang their banners behind the batter box cage or alongside their dugout. Banners can be hand-made at a very low cost or ordered.
Snack coordinator	Short-term	No	Snacks after the game are a great way for players to wind down, and for coaches and parents to provide positive feedback. Prior to the first game, the snack coordinator will solicit for any known allergies, obtain ‘Snack Parents’ for each game day, and ensure reminders go out before each game day. (Tip: Shutterfly is useful for snack coordination.)
Fundraising events coordinator, e.g. Rotary, Local Eateries	Short-Term	No	Planning Fundraising Activities: Develop and implement a fundraising strategy and calendar. Identify and organize various fundraising events, such as tournaments, charity auctions, or community events. Community Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and potential donors. Promote fundraising events and initiatives through various channels, including social media, local media, and community bulletin boards. Sponsorship and Donor Relations: Identify potential sponsors and donors, and prepare sponsorship proposals and donation requests. Maintain regular communication with sponsors and donors, updating them on the impact of their contributions and recognizing their support. Budget Management: Create and manage budgets for fundraising events and activities. Track expenses and revenues, ensuring that fundraising efforts are cost-effective and generate the desired financial outcomes. Volunteer Coordination: Recruit, train, and manage volunteers who assist with fundraising events and initiatives. Organize volunteer schedules and ensure that they are equipped and informed to perform their roles effectively. Grant Writing and Applications: Research and apply for grants from foundations, government agencies, and other sources of funding. Prepare grant proposals and reports, ensuring compliance with grant requirements. Event Management: Oversee the logistics of fundraising events, including venue selection, permits, catering, and other necessary arrangements. Coordinate event day activities, ensuring everything runs smoothly and addressing any issues that arise. Reporting and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising activities, making recommendations for improvements. Prepare reports on fundraising progress and outcomes for the league’s board or executive committee. Marketing and Promotion: Develop promotional materials such as flyers, posters, and online content to advertise fundraising events. Utilize social media and other marketing tools to boost event visibility and engagement. Administrative Duties: Maintain records of donations, sponsorships, and fundraising activities. Ensure compliance with any legal or financial regulations related to fundraising.
Picture Day coordinator	Short-Term	No	Pictures are important to our girls, especially the team picture. On picture day, the Picture Day coordinator will obtain information from the photographer to distribute ordering information to parents. After pictures are ready, the coordinator will pick up their team picture packets and distribute.
End of Season Party & Awards coordinator	Short-term	No	The end of the season party is for the team. The players are applauded for all of their individual hard work and growth, teamwork and sportsmanship, and receive team awards accordingly. DGS will provide medals only for 1st and 2nd place at end of the season tourney in each division. The coordinator organizes the end of the season party, including communication to all parents – establish the date, time, location; manage procurement of team awards and thank you gifts (usually to the volunteers that had long-term commitments to the team, e.g. Head coach, Asst coach, Team/Dugout mom); assess funds required to cover the party food, beverages, awards and gifts; and secure funds from parents to cover costs.
DGS Board of Directors	12-month term; begins September thru August	No	n addition to team-specific volunteering, there are many opportunities to help the broader Dixon Girls Softball (DGS). The DGS Board is always looking for enthusiastic parents to get involved with general operations, opening day activities, fundraising, publicity, volunteer training, player and coach development… and much more. If you would like to make a difference beyond that of a single team, please contact the Board President, Vice President or Secretary for more information.