T-Ball is officially over.

Saturday Jazzy laced up her cleats for the last time this summer. I had a great time coaching her Tiger t-ball team this summer however, I have learned five things a parents should know before they decide to coach their kids t-ball team.

1. Patience. You need this skill more than anything . The kids will certainly test your skill in this area. You have to be ready to grant bathroom breaks during the middle on an inning, tie shoes twenty times during a two inning game, deal with a ball of energy who is hyped up on birthday candy and cake. You will be tested but the reward will be great. These little guys will look up to you like you wear a cape and leap over buildings in your spare time.

2. Bring extra equipment. A kid will always forget a glove, a hat, something. Its always good to be prepared and ready for anything.

3. Make sure the parents know when they are in charge of bringing snacks. The kids could care less if they win or lose but if you forget the snack they will go after you with a bat.

4. Remember that they are kids. Their stance may remind you of Alex Rodriguez and they may throw the ball harder than Mariano Rivera but all they are thinking about is having fun. Always encourage them even when they make a mistake. A lot of coaches can tear down a kid but few know how to build them up.

5. Be creative. Practices will be a major hurdle for a t-ball coach whether they are a novice or a battle tested veteran. Keep them fun. Remember there are a thousand different ways to fillet a trout (or teach a kid how to throw). The best thing we ever did in practice was use games like relay races to teach how to run the bases and competitions like throw the ball and hit the bucket to teach the proper way to throw to first base. being creative and prepared will make your life so much easier and will reduce the amount of white hairs that will invade your head during the season.

I was really fortunate to have a great group of kids and awesome coaching partners this season. Jess was great in handling the kids in the dugout and keeping the parents informed about everything. Proud of Jazzy for letting her Dad coach. Now it's on to basketball season.