Dos Pueblos Little League
Volunteer Commitment Information
Why do I have to work a volunteer shift? No one in the DPLL organization is paid for his/her time, including the board members, umpires, Concession Stand Manager, and Fields Maintenance Director. It would beimpossible to keep the concession stand open for the players and fans, and to keep the fields in good condition, without lots of parent help.
Why don’t you just hire someone? Cost. The fee per player would have to more than double to pay for umpires, concessions manager and workers, field maintenance manager and workers, etc.
Can my teen-ager work my shift for me? Reliable teen-agers who have been approved by the Concessions Manager can work in your place, and are very welcome to work extra shifts to earn community service hours.
Does everyone have to work a shift? Everyone except active umpires (those who work more than 5 games per season) must sign up for a shift. Everyone else, including board members, managers, coaches, team moms, scorekeepers, etc. must work a volunteer shift, even those who already put in many volunteer hours. There are more open shifts than players, so we need everyone. Umpire families are exempt simply because we don’t have enough umpires, and we need to offer an incentive. Any willing volunteers out there?
How does the deposit work? Before your child can be placed on a team, you must submit a $100 deposit. We don’t cash this check. Your original check will be returned to you immediately after the completion of your volunteer assignment.
Isn’t $100 awfully high? We’d much rather have your time than your money, and do not want to cash your check. In the past some parents have not shown up for their shift, deciding to forfeit their check without notice. The work doesn’t get done, and other volunteers are very inconvenienced when this happens. The high value of the deposit is to discourage this.
How do I sign up for a shift? Each team is assigned twelve volunteer shifts. The team parent will be given a list of the team assignments early in the season, and will ask every family to sign up for a shift. Once you are signed up, you are responsible for that shift. If you can’t make it, please trade with someone else on your team.
What types of jobs are available? Most of the shifts involve working in the concession stand at the DPLL field. Other volunteer options include Field Work Days to help with maintenance projects, Umpire, Coach, Scorekeeper, Sponsorship and Banner Committee, Team Parent and becoming a DPLL Board Member.
How much time does it take? Your family is responsible for one shift per player. Most shifts last about 3 hours. Some shifts last a little longer. You will not get your check back if you leave early.
Can’t I just “buy-out”? If you absolutely cannot work a volunteer shift, you do have the option of paying the $100 instead of working. However, please realize that we can’t use your money to pay someone to fill your shift, so if you buy-out, someone else will have to work an extra shift to cover for you. If you chose this option, let your team parent know ASAP.
Can someone else work for me? With your permission, another adult can work your shift and get your check back for you.
Are there other ways to fulfill my commitment? Often the league is in need of people with special skills, such as welding or carpentry, for special projects. Team parents will be given a “wish list” of help needed, and arrangements can sometimes be made to fulfill your commitment through a special project. (or you could volunteer to be an umpire….)
What happens if I miss my assigned shift? If you do not show up for your shift, or do not work the full shift, your volunteer deposit check will be cashed immediately. Next year, you will be an assumed buy-out and your check cashed.
Can I help by volunteering for an extra shift? Yes, thank you! You can sign up for shifts assigned to your team left open by umpires or buy-outs. You can also contact the League Coordinator.
More questions? Contact DPLL Concessions Manager, Amy Coffey coffey4@cox.net
