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Does my child have to attend to be placed
on a team? |
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NO … but he or she should. All players
will be placed on a team. But our 9-12 yr old group (Little League Baseball) is
divided into three levels of play, and our 13-14 yr olds into two levels of play.
The purpose of this is an attempt to have players at a level where they are suitably
challenged, yet comfortable and able to develop to meet their potential.
It is extremely
important to us that players be assigned to the appropriate level for the baseball
season. Without having evaluated a player, the League will place the player into
the lowest division for which she or he is eligible by age.
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Why should AAA baseball players (9-10
yrs) attend? |
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There are several reasons. The first
is to allow the League the opportunity to compose teams that are reasonably balanced and competitive. While community is a prime consideration in the formation of these teams, it is important within that constraint to try to build teams that are roughly
equal to each other in terms of the mix of ages and skills. Another reason is that
the evaluations offer children the opportunity to demonstrate that they can “play
up” a level. Some of our more experienced 8 yr olds wish to play in AAA, and this
gives them the chance to demonstrate that that move is appropriate. No 8
yr old will be allowed into AAA unless his or her evaluation scores indicate they
should be. Some ten-year-olds and,
although rarely, even nine-year-olds,
may be advanced enough in their personal skill development to be
able to play at the next level higher. We would like to offer players that opportunity if it is
appropriate. (The choice to do so is entirely up to the player and his or her parents).
Finally, the sessions are a great chance to have the kids get their
hands on a ball and a bat and get warmed-up for the season. |
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Why do returning Major players have to
attend one?
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A returning Major player is one
who played on a Major (not AA) team last season, and that player will return
to that team for which he or she played unless it is specifically requested that
the player be drafted to a different Major team. However, our Major draft is structured
so that the teams start the season in a state of competitive balance, as much as
possible. To accomplish this, managers must be aware of the relative strengths of
all the players - returnees and new players. Returning AA players should attend
two sessions to be considered for the Major draft. AA teams are usually redrafted
entirely each season. |
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Why do returning Junior players have
to attend one?
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A returning Junior player is one
who played on a Junior (not Junior AA) team last season, and that player will play
Juniors this season and be assigned to the same team as last season unless she or
he requests otherwise. Because we want to have balance between our own Junior teams
after the draft, it is extremely important that managers and coaches see every player
eligible to be on a roster.
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What about some older Divisions that
only have one level? |
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Senior and Big League Baseball,
have not had separate levels of play in the past three seasons. However, teams are
redrafted entirely each year, and to achieve balanced competition the coaches need
to evaluate all available players.
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What can we expect at an evaluation session? |
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First, be there about 15 minutes
before the session begins. This allows for registration and the assignment of a
numbered “pinnie”. The session itself is a bit like a practice, beginning with a
run, some warm-up stretches and throwing, followed by a series of fielding, batting,
and throwing drills during which the players are rated by several evaluators. There
will also be an opportunity to throw some pitches if the child wishes to do so.
Indoor facilities do not replicate playing on a real diamond. The lighting takes
some getting used to and the entire environment can be somewhat intimidating to
first-time participants. Evaluators and those running the drills are aware of this,
especially with our younger players, and every effort is made to keep it a fun,
fast-paced practice.
Experience has shown that many players show a marked improvement
the second time they are asked to do a particular drill. Many players in the past
have opted to attend more sessions than required, and their overall scores have
generally improved as a result.
The scoring must be kept simple to remain objective.
In most cases, a demonstration of proper form is the most important consideration,
followed by strength and accuracy.
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What if my child can’t make the session(s)? |
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Try to make arrangements. All sessions
are split by surname, simply to have manageable numbers in each group, but if one
session is simply more convenient than the other, go to the one that is most convenient.
If two sessions are required and you can only make one day, consider doing both
on the same day. |
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What if we believe our child has been
treated unfairly? |
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The Player Agent is the advocate
for players who feel they have been unfairly or improperly treated, either in the
draft selection process or during the playing season. Contact the Player Agent first!
If necessary, the appropriate VP or the League President may become involved. |
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If our child is drafted to an upper level
team, does he or she have to play there? |
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No, he or she can opt to participate
at the lower level. But it is in the player’s best interests to play at the level
that is suitably challenging.
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Is there a fee involved for attending
evaluations?
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No. These costs are paid from general
League revenues.
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