 Poland Recreation Baseball
2012 Registration Information
Registration Begins: February 1, 2012
Deadline: March 23, 2012
Cost: $35.00
Mandatory tagging fundraiser / pay $40.00 in lieu of
IMPORTANT: All registrants will be asked to attend an assessment on Saturday, March 31, 2012. You must sign up for a tag date or pay the in lieu of fee at this time.
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Program Description:
Our baseball program is based on the Cal Ripken League guidelines and is a developmental program for boys ages 7-12 to learn the necessary skills and rules to play the game. The league will consist of teams from Mechanic Falls, Minot, Buckfield, Oxford, Otisfield, South Paris, Bethel, Greenwood, West Paris and Norway.
**Note: baseball is a team sport that requires positioning of players. Coaches are responsible to place players based on safety, skill level and desire. Parents are welcome to give feedback to the coach with the understanding that the coach makes the final decision on player positioning.
**Note: Cal Ripken does allow girls to play in the baseball league, however we recommend that girls play in our softball league. Please understand that this is a parent/player choice.
Divisions:
**NOTE**Although there is age overlap in each division based on skill and participation; each division serves a purpose in the development of each player. We strive for each child to remain at each level at least 2 seasons. If a child is just beginning he may be placed at a different level based on a mandatory skills assessment. If a child is advanced in skill and there is a need for more participants at a higher level he may be asked to move up a division early. That recommendation will come from the coaches and approved by the baseball director. This process takes place immediately following assessments. If a child is recommended to move up, the final approval must come from the parent.
Rookie Baseball (typically 7 - 8 year olds)
Each team will practice once a week and play a game once a week. Practices will focus on hitting form, fielding instruction and game rules. In rookie league players may have the opportunity to play several different positions with learning skills as being the main focus. Coaches may decide to put certain players in certain positions during games due to safety reasons. Coaches will pitch to the players for consistency. There will be volunteer umpires (typically a parent/coach) and the focus of the games will be to teach the rules and promote a positive learning experience. Please look at this league as the beginner league for those with skills enough to play a game.
Minor League (typically 8-10 year olds)
Minor league baseball will focus on pitching instruction, learning more tactical plays, and hitting. In this league players will learn fewer positions and be given these positions based on the coaches confidence in each player’s skills. Games will be played against other teams in the Cal Ripken league. Umpires will be hired to attend these games to help ensure a fair outcome of the games. These games may take place at fields other than our own and more than once a week. Each coach will decide on the number of practices per week (at least 1). Players will be evaluated at the skills assessment on March 29th.
Major League (typically 10-12 year olds)
Although still a developmental program, this program is focused on more advanced and position specific instruction. Players will be placed in a position and given more specific instruction as to how to play that position. This does not mean players will only play one position all season, but could play in that position most always. Umpires will be hired for games to ensure fairness and objectivity of the way the game is called.
What to wear?
Practices: Weather appropriate clothing (suggestions: wind pants, gym pants, t-shirt & sweatshirt). Baseball cleats or sneakers. Hat or visor.
Games: Game jerseys will be given to players at all levels. You are responsible for cleaning and wearing this jersey to all games. Baseball pants will be offered if you do not purchase your own. Baseball cleats are required for the minor and major teams and recommended for the rookies. Hats and 1 pair of socks will also be provided for all teams.
What to bring?
Glove, water bottle, snack (if wanted), hat/visor, sun screen, bug spray, and parents’ should bring chairs if wanted (some fields do not have bleachers).
All Stars: Each season the Minor and Major league coaches meet to nominate players to be part of the Andy Valley East All Star team. The nominations are optional and coaches are not required to nominate players but are encouraged to if their skill level is appropriate. This program is coordinated by the Cal Ripken League. If you have questions or concerns regarding this program please contact our baseball director (Scott Segal).
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