Do You Enjoy Coaching!?!

We are taking applications for coaches for the 2026 Fall Season, Baseball & Softball

It’s important that coaches uphold our goals, follow an aligned outlook, and are ready to meet the responsibility of mentoring the area’s next generation of leaders. The traits that are taught go far beyond the field of play and an emphasis on teamwork, friendship, and personal growth are the key aspects of what we hope to install in these young men and women. The future is now, as we empower the next wave of Greyhounds!

It’s our duty to pick the most dedicated, passionate, and trustworthy candidates. We require a background check and satisfactory clearances according to the state to work with children. We understand most people interested in a coaching position have other duties that require those same type of clearances, but a copy must be provide and on file with our department.

It’s not always easy finding willing volunteers, but we are super grateful to those who are interested in fulfilling the duty to serve our youth — to which, you’ll be asked to complete this online application process as a first step in allowing us to consider you for the role.

If you are interested in being a coach during the season, please complete the online form below. Additional steps may be taken once the application is reviewed, and an interview should be expected that outlines your philosophy, past credentials and leadership abilities.

There is no difference in the process for head coaches or assistance coaches as each will need to apply and is expected to provide the same information before official selection. Head coaches may recommend assistance but no one is otherwise on staff unless verified by the Park & Rec department; and furthermore, until they receive official notice of acceptance.

We will email you back if chosen and prior to confirming your role all necessary steps must be completed in order to move forward as a volunteer within the program. Volunteers and these coaching positions are non-paid in nature; and each person selected will coordination and report to the Park & Rec Director on the details of how the program is run and executed.

If selected to fulfill a role, you will be a assigned a roster at random with anywhere from 10 to 15 players based on registration — and there are no preset teams or expectation of securing certain players from year-to-year (with the exception of your own child, should they be registered). Coaches should be prepared for a new group of kids each season. Teams are formed at the sole discretion of the Park & Rec Director’s analysis of final program registration numbers for each division to uphold balance and fairness; and furthermore, no talent evaluations are held to determine placement. As a rec-ball oriented league, all of our kids are given an equal opportunity to claim a spot and play as they learn the fundamentals and develop their skill set — and engage in a social setting designed to foster community unity.

The Park & Rec Director serves as the voting member and handles all decisions regarding the teams under the organizations umbrella; holding the title of Community President. As it related to all league matters, even on an individual team basis, only the Community President (or in this case the Park & Rec Director) shall be asked to make a ruling.

Any disciplinary action for coaches, teams, players, parents, or fans will be defined by a code of conduct set by the SCPRA; and furthermore, no coach should address any situation that pertains to a team without first contacting the Community President. Any conflict or incident that arises should be reported to the Park & Rec Director immediately, whether it involves one of our own teams or an opponent team so the proper measures can be taken. Coaches are not responsible for contacting the league on these matters, nor should they without advisement from the Community President. Only SCPRA staff will enforce discipline.

Communication will be given to coaches once final rosters are set by the Park & Rec Director on when to start contacting parents about specific team events (such as practice times). Please direct any questions you receive from parents ahead of that notice back to the SCPRA Office to avoid misinformation. Please be aware that changes to how things need to be organized (including roster shuffling) will occur late into the sign-up process.

Opportunities may exist for coaches to get involved as division-reps for ages within the league’s setup, or ultimately be associated with coaching All-Star games; however, an appointment for a position of that nature would need approval from the Community President. Anyone who desires to represent the community, beyond coaching, must seek permission to do so before acting in any official capacity in coordination with the league.

Again, if you are chosen to coach this year (based on need and approval), you will be asked to provide the necessary and up-to-date clearances related background check (cost is covered by the individual) to the SCPRA. These are required documents through the state of Pennsylvania and include: PA Child Abuse & Criminal Background checks. * An FBI Check may also be required depending on length of PA residency

If you have any further questions, contact Josh by email at: director@shippensburgparkandrec.org or call the office at 717-530-0261