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Citrus Heights Little League: FAQ & Parent Info
I trust in God, I love my country
And will respect its laws.
I will play fair and strive to win,
But win or lose
I will always do my best.
What is the purpose of Little League?
Little League is a program of service to youth. It is geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity and training under good leadership in the atmosphere of wholesome community participation. The movement is dedicated to helping children become good and decent citizens. It inspires them with a goal and enriches their lives towards the day when they must take their places in the world. It establishes the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.
What ages are allowed to play in Citrus Heights Little League?
Citrus Heights Little League is open to all children, ages 5 to 18 as of April 30th of the current playing season, who live within the established boundaries of the league.
What do I need for registration?
A certified birth certificate and proof of residency is required when registering. Acceptable proofs of residency include one utility bill, a valid driver’s license with a current address, home insurance policy, federal or state records, and other forms are listed on the Little League, Inc web site. Registration is conducted in January for the spring season and on Closing Day for the fall season. Properly registered and eligible players will be placed on a team. Registration fees are reviewed and set annually by the Citrus Heights Little League Board of Directors. The fees that are collected at registration only cover approximately 20% of the cost of running a League.
Why does my child need a tryout?
Actually the word "tryout" is a misnomer. A more accurate term used by some leagues to describe this process is a player review. A tryout or player review is held to give each player an opportunity to show the managers and board members the skills they have learned. Managers and board members use the information gathered about each player and use that information in the draft. Tryouts are conducted for all player candidates from playing age 8 to 18. All registered players not returning to a Major team from the previous year are required to participate in tryouts to be eligible for the draft. Tryouts are usually the last Saturday in January and the first Saturday in February for Majors. Please check the check the calendar for accurate dates. Players should arrive 15 minutes prior to the tryout time to check-in with the Player Agent and receive an identification number. A pitching tryout is optional. If your child cannot make it to the tryout, please contact the league as soon as you know you will miss the tryout.
What is the draft and how does it work?
The objective for this process is to ensure equity and parity among teams within a division. At the conclusion of tryouts a draft is held where team managers with their coaches select their players based on the players' information noted at tryouts. Special rules regarding manager or sibling options, or the number of players of any given age per team also apply. The player agent in accordance with International Little League rules handles these and any other special extenuating circumstances. If your child cannot attend a tryout please contact the league as soon as you know.
How are Managers and Coaches selected?
The selection process for team managers and coaches begins with the candidate completing an application prior to the upcoming season. Each applicant is screened through the Department of Justice Sex Offender Tracking Program (DOJ SOTP). After the initial screening, a committee of Board Members then interviews the candidate and a recommendation is then made to the League President. The President of Citrus Heights Little League shall then appoint managers and coaches. There is no seniority or tenure. All appointments expire at the end of the season. As a leader of children and a representative of CHLL, managers and coaches shall exemplify the highest standards of respect for all umpires, coaches, players and parents. Managers and coaches are expected to know the Little League Rulebook.
When will my child be notified of his/her team assignment?
Major and Junior managers received their player rosters upon completion of the draft, and may begin contacting their players on the day following or shortly thereafter. T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Farm and Minor teams may be notified earlier. If you have not received a call by mid-February, please contact us via the contact us tab or conatct the player agent for your child's division under the Board of Directors tab.
What are the expectations of my child?Every player should arrive on time for practices and games for a proper warm-up period to prevent injuries. All players are expected to play by the rules, never complain about the umpire's calls (it's part of the game), control your temper, be a good sport, play fair, treat everyone as you would like to be treated, and HAVE FUN. Uniform t-shirts, socks and caps are provided with payment of the registration fee. PROPER ATTIRE: Shirts must be tucked into pants. Undershirts may be worn but should be matching in color. White undershirts are not allowed for pitchers. Rubber or plastic cleats are not mandatory but are recommended. Metal cleats are not allowed for any divisions except Junior, Senior and Big League. Players are required to furnish their own glove. The league provides all other equipment. All equipment used must be "Little League approved".
How long does the season last and how much of a time commitment will there be?
The Citrus Heights Little League season begins in early March, with practices beginning in early February. Teams will hold practices 2-3 times a week depedning on playing level. Following CHLL opening day, regular season games will commence. You can expect your child to play 2-3 times per week (more or less) through May. The end of the season is marked by closing day ceremonies. Please check the calendar for opening/closing dates. Following regular season play, some divisions will have post season play as well.
Where do we play our games?
CHLL plays at 3 main parks. T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Farm and Minors play at Madera Park. Majors play at McDonald Field. Juniors play at Rusch Park. Please look at the locations tab on the main menu for additional information on the venues.
What is my role as a parent?
Many responsibilities exist beyond the normal team level commitments that make the League function smoothly and make our program a positive experience for you and your player. Our organization can only be as good as we, the parents, make it. At the team level, all managers and assistant coaches must complete an application and be appointed by the League President to assist even during practices. All parents are required to help in the snack bar during selected games. Each team also needs a Team Representative and a Scorekeeper. We encourage you to attend the Parent Orientation meeting (see calendar) to learn more about the league, to meet the Board of Directors, and have any questions answered that you may have.
Parent/Volunteer Little
League Pledge
I will teach all children to play
fair and do their best.
I will positively support all managers, coaches and players.
I will respect the decisions of the umpires.
I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.
Other Important Information
Volunteers
Local Leagues are entirely volunteer organizations. Each league depends on adults like you to organize and conduct every aspect. Not only do adults serve as administrators, volunteer coaches, and umpires, they also help with field maintenance, fundraising, concessions, and numerous other special projects.Your willingness to exchange time and effort for your child's benefit and enjoyment is very important to the functioning of your local Little League. Cheering your daughter or son on from the stands is one important way to be involved, but we ask that you do even more by volunteering to help run your local Little League program.
|
Seasonal |
Snack Bar Manager |
Madera, McDonald, Rusch |
|
Seasonal |
Prize Patrol Committee |
Gather prizes for our many raffles |
|
January |
Snack Bar Help |
Winter Clinic and Tryouts |
|
February |
Crab Dinner |
Plan and organize dinner |
|
February |
Snack Bar Help |
Tryouts |
|
February |
Candy Fundraiser Committee |
Division Representative |
|
March |
Field Maintenance Day |
All Fields |
|
March |
Opening Day Committee |
Plan and organize activities |
|
June |
Closing Day Committee |
Plan and organize activities |
|
June |
Snack Bar and Clean Up |
American River College Fundraiser |
|
June |
Snack Bar/BBQ |
Tournament of Champions |
|
July |
Snack Bar/BBQ |
All Star Tournament |
Team Representative
The Team Representative is a very important aspect of our league. Each team is required to have a Team Rep (usually known as the "Team Mom") but can be anyone associated with the team; Dad, Grandma, Aunt, etc. The Team Rep may attend meetings 1-2 times per month during the season. These meetings are designed to keep your team manager, coaches, players, and parents informed of all of the activities in the League.
Post Season
District 5 Tournament of Champions - The Junior and Minor Champion Teams and the Champion and second place Major Division teams will represent CHLL in the District 5 Tournament of Champions which begins in June at the end of the regular season.
All Star Tournament -(9 & 10 year olds)The team roster is selected by the manager and coaches of the 9&10 All Star team in conjunction with the Player Agent, Minor VP, Major VP, League President and/or League VP. The manager is selected by a vote of the managers and coaches in the Minor and Major Divisions.Major, Junior, and SeniorsThe Player Agent conducts the selection process. All players in the Major, Junior and Senior Divisions vote for players on opposing teams in their respective divisions. The top vote recipients are placed on the All Star Team. The managers, in their respective divisions, vote the remaining players on. The AII-Star managers are voted on by the managers and coaches. The All Star Teams must consist of at least 12 players and no more than 14 players per team.
Umpires
One of the most important aspects of Little League is the volunteer umpire. Little League offers training, a clinic, and seminars to promote this position. The umpire represents authority on the field and has the final word. Recognize that the umpire is the closest to the play and that each umpire calls them as they see them. The umpire is a volunteer who has assumed a difficult but necessary role. Managers and coaches may be required to umpire in other divisions. Umpires are also screened through DOJ SOFP.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is established by an election held on Closing Day of each year. To run for a Board position, submit your request in writing to the current President to have your name put on the ballot. Write in candidates are also accepted. All Board Members must complete a volunteer application and be screened through the DOJ SOTP. The League Officers meet 1-2 times per month to run the affairs of the league. The new Board of Directors takes office in August. Check the calendar for Board Meeting places and times. All are welcome to attend.
Sponsorship
We encourage you to consider sponsoring your child's Little League team for the upcoming baseball season. Citrus Heights Little League depends on community businesses to help support our baseball program. Your contribution to the league is greatly appreciated by the players, parents and the league volunteers. Many parents and players are proud to have their businesses listed as the sponsor for their child's team.Candy Fundraiser
Our main fundraiser during the season is selling candy bars. Every player is required to sell a minimum of one box of candy. A buy-out option is available during registration to families that choose not to sell the box of candy.Opening Day
Opening Day is usually held the third Saturday in March (see Calendar). Many fun activities are planned for the whole family. The Parade of Teams starts the ceremony. A carnival and a BBQ lunch are also planned. The Team Olympic competition is held with teams competing against other teams in their division in activities such as a Tug-of-War and races around the bases. Team photos are taken.
Officers and Duties
President: Conducts the affairs of the local league and executes the policies. Is responsible for the conduct of the league and investigates complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the league. Prepares annual budget and is responsible for its execution. Examines applications and proof of age documents over every player and certifies as to residency.
Vice-President: Shall perform duties of President in the absence of with authorization by the Board of Directors or the President. Is a League representative within the district.
Secretary: Records activities and maintains files, mailing lists and records. Keeps the minutes of the meetings. Conducts correspondences as assigned. Notifies members of their election and/or appointment to the league.
Treasurer: Receives all monies and securities and deposits funds. Keeps records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies of the league. Approves payments from allotted funds. Prepares annual financial report. Prepares annual budget.
Player Agents; Monitors team records to assure minimum playing time is followed. Acts as an advocate in the interest of all players in the league. Records player transactions. Receives and reviews player applications and assists the President in verifying residence and age eligibility. Conducts the player drafts. Prepares team rosters and eligibility affidavit for submission to Little League Headquarters.
Division Vice-Presidents: Assists the Player Agent in the player draft and all other player transactions. Develops game schedules and is responsible for their respective divisions program. Assists the Umpire-in-Chief in scheduling umpires and maintains playing and practice fields.
Umpire-in-Chief: Obtains from the community properly trained and equipped staff of umpires. Responsible for scheduling umpires for games in Minor, Major, Junior, and Senior Divisions. Insures that Coast and Tee Ball are properly officiated by coaches.
Sponsorship Chairperson: Solicit business sponsors for each team and obtain additional advertisers for the Local League Directory. Publish the Directory and distribute to all members of the Local League.
Public Relations Chairperson: Handle all publicity and announcements to the news media of all events (sign-ups, tryouts, Opening Day, Closing Day, fundraisers, etc.)
Equipment Manager: Oversee the purchasing and distribution of equipment to team managers. Collects equipment at end of the season.
Uniform Manager: Assists the equipment manager. Oversees the purchasing and distribution of uniforms to the teams. Collects pants and belts at the end of the season.
Buildings and Grounds: Knowledgeable of the condition of all playing fields. Prepares estimates for repairs or improvements. Coordinates field work days.
Auxiliary Chairperson: Oversees all concession stands. Solicits volunteer help from the community in operating concession stands, and fundraising projects. Organize, inform and instruct the Team Representatives.
Financial Advisor: Assists in the preparation of the budget and monitors income and expenditures. Assists in the financial well being of the league.
Safety Officer: Is responsible for the Implementation of the ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program). Make members aware of safety procedures. Inspect playing areas for safe conditions. Arrange first aid training and CPR for managers and coaches. Handle all accident claims and maintain First Aid Kits at all fields.
You are encouraged to consider one of these positions for next season. Attend the next board meeting to see what it is all about. Help make this the very best league for your child.
Handout: Downloadable Forms and Information
