Baseball and Softball

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Frequently Asked Questions

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(Additional non-sport specific FAQ's are listed under the 'Information' button)
 
When does registration normally take place?
When do we find out what team my child is on?
When does the season usually start?
When does the season usually end?
How many games can we expect to play?
When are games played?
What are the minimum playing requirements?
What is the CYC player ID card, and who needs one?
Can my child trade teams with another player?
How are the teams decided?
How can I become a coach?
What are the minimum and maximum number of players on a team?
What pieces of the uniform and equipment are provided, and what do I have to provide?

 

When does registration normally take place?
Registration is usually held simulataneously with Track & Field registration in late January.

 
When do we find out what team my child is on?
March, usually early March.

 
When does the season usually start?
The 1st or 2nd week of April.

 
When does the season usually end?
The regular season usually ends either just before or just after the 4th of July. However, teams in grades 3 and above have the possibilty of entering championship playoffs, which can go as late as the 2nd week of August.

 
How many games can we expect to play?
10-12 Regular League games. Your team may alos play pre-season tournaments (coach's descretion) and your team may qualify for post-season championship playoffs.

 
When are games played?
Games are played on weeknights and Saturdays. In general, the games for the very young are almost always on Saturday mornings.

 
What are the minimum playing requirements?
Coaches are encouraged to balance playing time equally amongst all players, though playing time may occassionally be limited for disciplinary reasons. CYC requirements are that each player shall be play a minimum of 2 innings each game and be scheduled in the batting order (CYC, as with nearly all youth baseball/softball leagues) bat the entire team lineup.

 
What is the CYC player ID card, and who needs one?
A CYC ID card is a picture ID identifying the player. Its purpose to do ensure that all playes at a game are legitimate team players. Players at the 5th grade level and above, excluding Track & Field, are required to have a CYC ID card. Normally, the coach will keep the cards for all the players for the entire season, returning them at the end of the season. If obtained in the 5th grade, the card will be good through 8th grade, at least. The ID cards are fairly inexpensive (about $3.00). You are encouraged to obtain 2 cards. This will be helpful if your child plays in more than one sport at the same time, or if you lose one. Please see the Information page for a schedule of CYC ID sessions.

 
Can my child trade teams with another player?
Not normally. Any situation that might make a fair trade necessary needs to be personally handled by the Baseball/Softball Director prior to the start of the season.

 
How are the teams decided?
Teams are drawn from a hat for grades 3 and 4, split by ability grades 5-8. Initial split prior 5th grade season, teams re-evaluated prior to 7th grade season. An A team is established at each grade and remaining teams are formed as equally matched as possible per STPAA by-laws. Normally children of Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches are placed on their parent’s team

 
How can I become a coach?
Contact the Baseball/Softball Director.

 
What are the minimum and maximum number of players on a team?
Per the STPAA by-laws, the minimum is 13 and the maximum is 18.

 
What pieces of the uniform and equipment are provided, and what do I have to provide?
The STPAA provides uniform pants and shirts and a baseball hat. Each player must provide their own shoes, socks, belt and glove. Each team is provisioned with catching gear, batting helmets, bats, balls and bases.