Activators
BSUK has created three Activator courses:
• Young Activator (14-16 years of age)
• Activator (16 years of age and above)
• Teacher Activator (aimed at teachers or those on PGCE pathways)
As part of the course, Activators and Teacher Activators will also get a free one-year Activator licence to deliver Hit the Pitch programmes. Licenced Activators are insured to deliver the Hit the Pitch programme and will receive additional benefits for being part of the scheme, including the ability to be paid to deliver sessions by BaseballSoftballUK.
How can the Activator Award help my club?
The Activator role can enhance what an existing baseball or softball club already offers to recruit new members, including a structure for recreational sessions that isn’t taught on other coaching courses. It is also a great way to educate people who have never coached baseball or softball before, as the course covers rules, basic skills and how to facilitate a game. Sessions can be run anywhere and at any time to meet participants’ needs – at the park, in leisure centres, at work, in universities and further education colleges, at youth centres and with community groups, as well as in existing baseball and softball clubs or leagues. Wherever there is suitable space, indoor or out, baseball and softball can be played.
Who is the Activator Award suitable for?
• Young people
• Volunteers
• Coaches
• Current players
• Clubs – Activators can enhance what a club already offers and can support the recruitment of new recreational members.
• Individuals who have the desire and ability to motivate and enthuse.
Course content and learning outcomes
The course will cover the following topics:
• Introduction to baseball and softball
• Introduction to the rules
• Health and safety
• Game organisation
• Adapting activities
• Qualities of being an Activator
• How to signpost participants appropriately
By the end of the course you will be able to:
1. Introduce the rules and basic skills associated with baseball and softball.
2. Facilitate and lead softball activity with new participants in a social and welcoming environment.
3. Enthuse and engage people by building their confidence in playing.
4. Understand the next steps to progress participants towards baseball and/or fastpitch softball.
5. Understand the opportunities available to further your coaching and officiating skills.
How long is the course?
Each Activator Course is three hours long.
How much does the course cost?
The Activator Award costs £35 and includes one year’s membership in BSUK’s Activator Licence scheme. For more information on the BSUK Activator Licence contact us .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
How can I organise a course?
We are happy to support any organisation that wishes to run an Activator course. Please contact your BaseballSoftballUK Relationship Manager in the first instance.
Learner pre-requisites
All learners are required to:
• Be passionate about increasing participation and retaining the number of people playing recreational baseball and softball.
• Have some knowledge of baseball and/or softball (desirable).
| Specific Teacher Activator pre-requisites | Specific Young Leader Activator pre-requisites | Specific Activator pre-requisites |
| Learners must be teachers or on a PGCE pathway | Learners must be aged between 14 and 16 years of age | Learners must be aged over 16 years of age |
What are the benefits of taking the course?
• Learning the rules and skills needed to introduce baseball and softball to new participants.
• Learning correct throwing techniques for baseball and softball that are not taught in other striking and fielding sports.
• Developing and enhancing your skills as an engaging Activator, volunteer or coach.
• Gaining knowledge about BSUK’s new participation programme Hit the Pitch and how you can get involved.
• Receiving a one-year membership to BSUK’s Activator Licence Scheme as part of completing the course.
Below are some quotes from learners who have attended the Activator Course:
“The course is fun, fast and informative.”
“BSUK’s Activator Course provided me with all the information I need to run baseball and softball sessions, and I would definitely recommend it to other coaches [and Activators].”
“The information given to us was brilliant and my skills to teach the sports to others have improved”.
--All quotes are from coaches from BADU Sports
Next Steps
For more information or to find your nearest Activator Course, visit the Coaching Courses page.
