Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association - HYAA: FAQ
| Frequently Asked Questions |
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1) What is HYAA?
Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association is a nonprofit entity organized for the purpose of operating a youth baseball program in the Hillsborough area.
2) How long has HYAA been in existence?
While HYAA was incorporated in the early 1990s, the present day organization is the legacy of a youth baseball program which began in the late 1960s.
3) What are HYAA’s priorities in working with children?
We believe that a team game like baseball is a fun way to teach values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, doing your best, encouraging others, respecting each other and one’s opponent, and winning or losing with dignity. Every child is important to us. We have an opportunity, through our coaches and volunteers, to make a meaningful, positive, and long-lasting impact on a child.
4) What other sports does HYAA offer?
HYAA only administers a youth baseball program which is open to boys and girls.
5) Does HYAA work with families that cannot afford the registration fee?
Yes. We offer a scholarship (i.e., no fee) to any child that requires it. We do not turn any child away because of affordability issues. A parent only needs to ask. As well, we cap the family cost at $135 for those families that may have three or more children who would like to play at HYAA.
6) How many employees does HYAA have?
There are no employees. HYAA is run exclusively by a group of volunteers. There is no paid staff.
7) How is HYAA managed?
A volunteer Board of Directors, generally consisting of between 17 and 21 individuals, directs the activities of HYAA. Board members are elected to serve three year terms. The Board elects a President, Vice President/President Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary. To be eligible for Board membership, an individual must have a child play for HYAA and/or volunteer in some capacity for HYAA for a period of at least one year before being nominated for Board membership. Proposed Board members are nominated and voted on each September.
8) How is HYAA funded?
HYAA is funded through a variety of sources. Among them are the registration fees for players, local businesses which sponsor our teams, and revenue from concessions and t-shirt sales. We also have one major fundraiser each year called Bat-a-thon®. As a nonprofit, HYAA does apply for a grant from Orange County and The Town of Hillsborough each year. Funds received from the County and Town represented approximately one-sixth of total revenue in 2006. Major expenses include uniforms, field maintenance, umpires, equipment, concessions, and insurance.
9) Where does HYAA hold its games/practices?
The T-ball and Rookie leagues play at Collins Field (at the eastern end of Orange Grove Road in Hillsborough behind Gravely Tractor). Exchange League holds its games and most practices at the Exchange Park Field on Exchange Club Lane. Schley League holds its games and practices at the Schley Grange field near the intersection of Schley Road and Highway 57. Junior League holds practices at A.L Stanback Middle School and plays its games at Stanford Middle School.
10) Does HYAA hold tryouts?
No. T-ball (5-6) and Rookie League (7-8) teams are randomly formed. For the Exchange (9-10) and Schley (11-12) Leagues, we do conduct evaluations of all players. Our goal is to achieve as much parity as possible among our teams. We strive to ensure, through the evaluation and placement of players, that each team has at least two capable pitchers and a catcher. After those positions are filled, players are drafted by the coaches in a supervised fashion to round out the rosters.
11) When does the season begin and end?
For Spring 2007, practice for all leagues begins Saturday, March 10th. During preseason practice, each team will typically have a practice during a week night and a practice on Saturday. Opening day for games is Saturday, April 14th. For most teams, the season consists of 10-12 games. After Opening Day, the regular season generally includes one game during the week and a practice on Saturday. The regular season generally concludes during the first week of June. After the regular season, each league has its own specific post season activities:
- T-ball has a Fun Day during which all the teams play for an inning and receive trophies in celebration of the season.
- Rookie League has a post-season tournament, typically double elimination, to recognize a tournament champion. Rookie League also has a best of five game World Series tournament consisting of 2 teams of All-Stars. And Rookie League also has a Fun Day game for 7 year olds and 8 year olds to recognize kids for strong sportsmanship during the season. And finally, we typically form a travel team of All-Star players to compete in area tournaments, usually in July.
- Exchange League has the same post season events as outlined above for the Rookie League.
- Schley League has the same post season events as outlined above for the Rookie and Schley Leagues
- Junior League has no postseason events.
12) With the proposed sale and development of the Collins property, is HYAA destined to lose the T-ball and Rookie fields (4 in all) that it currently uses?
The Board of HYAA has met with County and Town officials to express concern over the potential loss of Collins Field. In addition, we have had limited contact with American Asset Corporation, the proposed developer. We anticipate meeting with AAC in the coming weeks to discuss possible solutions to the Collins Field issue. While we are hopeful of working toward a mutually beneficial arrangement with AAC, we are open to other options as well.
In projecting HYAA’s growth, it is apparent to the Board that a tract of land of 25 acres would adequately accommodate our program for the next several years.. The Board would welcome the opportunity to speak with anyone who may be in a position to donate or provide via a nominal lease payment a tract of 25 acres. What a great legacy to provide for our community!