ESTABLISH CLEAR COMMUNICATION EARLY

• Introduce yourself before the season starts - send a welcome email or hold a short parent meeting.
  
  
• Share your coaching philosophy, team goals, and expectations for players and families.
  
  
• Provide contact information and preferred methods of communication (email, text, or team app).
  
  
• Explain how and when parents will receive updates on schedules, rainouts, and team news.
  

BE CONSISTENT AND TRANSPARENT

• Keep parents informed regularly about practices, games, and schedule changes.
  
  
• Communicate in advance about team needs - snack stand schedules, volunteers, and events.
  
  
• Share important league policies such as playing time, safety rules, and behavior expectations.
  
  
• Address questions honestly and respectfully, even when the answer may not be what they hope to hear.

SET BOUNDARIES AND RESPECT ROLES

• Encourage parents to support players from the stands but avoid coaching from the sidelines.
  
  
• Ask the game - related discussions wait at least 24 hours after a game to allow emotions to cool.
  
  
• Keep all communication focused on player development, safety, and sportsmanship.
  
  
• Avoid discussing others players or personal matters; maintain confidentiality.

HANDLE CONCERNS PROFESSIONALLY

• If a parent has a concern, schedule a private conversation - never address issues in front of players or other parents.
  
  
• Listen actively and stay calm; allow parents to share their perspective.
  
  
• Focus on facts, not emotions, and work towards a solution that supports the player's growth
  
  
• If necessary, involve the League Player Agent or Safety Officer for guidance or mediation.

ENCOURAGE POSITIVE INVOLVEMENT

• Invite parents to help with team activities - scorekeeping, concession duties, or field prep.
  
  
• Recognize and thank parent volunteers for their time and support.
  
  
• Encourage parents to reinforce good sportsmanship and positive attitudes at home.
  
  
• Remind families that the goal of Little League is fun, teamwork, and skill development - not just winning.

USE COMMUNICATION TOOLS EFFECTIVELY

• Use team apps, group texts, or email lists to streamline messages and reduce confusion.
  
  
• Send weekly or bi-weekly updates summarizing key reminders and highlights.
  
  
• Avoid excessive or last-minute message; be clear, concise, and respectful of parents' time.
  
  
• Always double-check that messages are accurate and appropriate before sending.

END-OF-SEASON COMMUNICATION

• Thank families for their support throughout the season.
  
  
• Offer positive feedback about each player's growth and effort.
  
  
• Provide information about postseason play, fall ball, or next season's opportunities.
  
  
• Encourage continued participation and remind families how to stay involved with the league.

PURPOSE

Cheltenham Little League (CLL) recognizes the value of social media and photography in promoting our programs, celebration our players, and engaging with the community. These tools must be used responsibly and respectfully to protect the privacy and safety of all participants, especially minors.

OFFICAL LEAGUE ACCOUNTS

• All official Cheltenham Little League pages (Facebook, Instagram, and website) are managed by approved administrators appointed by the Board of Directors.
  
  
• Only authorized personnel may post official league content, including announcements, schedules, results, and photos.
  
  
• Posts must reflect positive sportsmanship, inclusively, and the Little League mission.
  
  
• The league reserves the right to remove or edit any content that violates league standards or Little League International policies.

PLAYER PHOTOS AND MEDIA

• CLL may post photos or videos or videos of players and teams for promotional or informational purposes.
  
  
• Parents or guardians who do not wish for their child's image to appear on league media must notify the league in writing at registration.
  
  
• No full names or identifying personal information (addresses, schools, etc.) will be shared with player photos.
  
  
• Photos should depict players in a positive and appropriate manner at all times (no injuries, tears, or disciplinary moments).

PARENT AND VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

• Parents, coaches, and volunteers are encouraged to share their team experiences responsibly.
  
  
• Avoid posting:
  
  
  • Negative comments about players, coaches, umpires, or other teams.
    
    
  • Photos or videos that may embarrass or single out a child.
    
    
  • Any contact that includes personal information or sensitive league details.
    
    
  • Respect the privacy of families who have opted out of phot sharing.
    
    
  • Tagging or identifying players by name is discouraged unless parents have explicitly given consent.

CONDUCT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

• All league members (parents, players, and volunteers) are expected to:
  
  
  • Demonstrate respect, fairness, and good sportsmanship online and offline.
    
    
  • Refrain from criticizing coaches, umpires, or league decisions publicly.
    
    
  • Use private communication channels to address concerns with league officials.
    
    
  • Online bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behavior related to league activities may result in disciplinary action or removal from participation.

TEAM ACCOUNTS AND WEBSITES

• Teams wishing to create separate pages or photo albums must first obtain approval from the League Board.
  
  
• Team accounts must follow the same content and privacy standards as official league platforms.
  
  
• The league reserves the right to remove or request removal of any content that misrepresents CLL or violates policy.

MEDIA INQUIRIES AND EXTERNAL USE

• Only authorized Board Members or designated representatives may speak to media on behalf of the league.
  
  
• External media requests (Newspapers, TV, photographs, etc.) must be cleared by the League.

POLICY VIOLATIONS

• Any violations of this policy will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.
  
  
• Disciplinary actions may include content removal, suspension of posting privileges, or further sanctions as deemed appropriate.

SUMMARY

Cheltenham Little League's goal is to celebrate our players and community safety, using social media and photos to promote fun, teamwork, and positive experiences. Everyone involved - coaches, parents, and volunteers - shares responsibility in maintaining a respectful and protective online environment.