Bradley-Bourbonnais Youth Softball League, Inc. is a recreational and an educational organization committed to giving all eligible youth, regardless of race, color, creed or athletic ability the freedom to explore the game of softball. This exploration takes the form of programs provided by adult volunteers devoted to excellence in the areas of:

Citizenship - Leadership  - Amity - Sportsmanship – Scholarship

An emphasis of BBYSL is on playing the game of softball and having fun. Playing makes everyone feel like a winner and our youth develop physically, spiritually and emotionally. The softball field is a platform upon which youth can perform for their parents, relatives and friends in safe, healthy and productive ways. A BBYSL tradition offers a “value” orientation for all participants, youth and adult, insuring a respectful, ethical commitment that views all levels of athletic ability as valuable.

BBYSL provides parents and adults in the community with education and information that will enhance their opportunity to serve in a youth softball league dedicated to excellence. The league focuses on family values to strengthen the moral character of children, families and the communities in which they live, thereby forwarding American ideals. This agenda encourages our youth to actualize their gifts and talents and develop the intellectual and physical competence necessary for informed and concerned citizenship and become life-long learners.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES

The specific objectives and purposes of this corporation shall be:

a) To implant firmly in our league members, youth players and adult volunteers, the Mission Statement stated in these By-Laws and the ideals of trust, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority.

b) The organization and operation of a softball league for youths to play softball and SOF-T.

c) The scheduling and playing of softball games within the league.

d) The purchase of equipment and uniforms for the youths to play softball within the league.

e) The operation of concessions for the purpose of raising money during the league games and, at any other times, for the operating of the league and the purchase of necessary equipment and uniforms.

f) The organization and operation of other fund-raising activities to support the league.

BBYSL “DOUBLE-GOAL COACHES”

BBYSL Coaches are the most important people in our organization. Coaches determine the kind of experience our players have with softball. We are committed to the principles of Positive Coaching. We expect our coaches to be “Double-Goal Coaches” who want to win and help players learn “life lessons” and positive character traits from softball. Coaches should actively represent the intent of BBYSL to provide recreational softball programs committed to the safety, health, and education of all registered players by fully embracing the mission, objectives, purposes, and game playing rules of the league. They further shall strive to provide the leadership and example to our player members and their parents. Along with their communication skills, team expectations, softball teaching skills, and willingness to be a student of the game; they are the heart of superb sportsmanship, character, and the promotion of fun in the game of softball for the league. Every coach is expected to make positive suggestions to improve the league for all teams and players and should do so by actively participating and attending their specific division and league meetings to the best of their ability. The following is what we expect from BBYSL Coaches during the season.

1. Model and teach players to Honor the Game. Teach the elements of R.O.O.T.S. – Teach Players To Have Respect for: Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates, and one’s Self.

2. Help players Redefine what it means to be a “Winner” in terms of the E.L.M. Tree of Mastery, not just the Scoreboard. ( Effort, Learning, and bouncing back from Mistakes.)

3. Fill players’ Emotional Tanks by using encouragement and positive reinforcement as primary motivation.

4. Have conversations during Team Meetings with players at every practice and every game.