Katy National Little League: FAQ's
Monday, November 17FAQ's
Why the early registration?
The registration is held in January in order to properly organize the league. These organization efforts include: Approving managers/coaches (those who seek to manage teams will have background checks performed), conducting tryouts (ages 8 and up) and drafts, team formation and league size/schedule balancing, uniform orders and delivery prior to league start, conducting clinics (managing, umpiring, scorekeeping, safety, etc.) and scheduling practices for all teams prior to league start. KNLL also supports online registration via www.katynational.org.
When does the season end?
The 2010 regular season will end on June 4th. The players that are elected to All Star post-season play (Pee Wee 9 and above) will participate through mid-June and possibly into July/August.
How big is KNLL?
Our expectation for this spring is to have approximately 600 players in the league. Little League Baseball encourages boys and girls to become part of the little league experience. The league is comprised entirely of volunteers that freely give their time to help our Katy youth learn the game of baseball and embrace the Little League Baseball motto: Loyalty, Character and Courage. Thanks in advance to all of the volunteers that will help this spring be a successful endeavor for everyone!
Are Credit and Debit cards accepted at Walk-Up registration Sessions?
Yes. We accept Visa, Discover and Mastercard for all registrations.How are registration fees used?
KNLL is a non-profit organization. Our budget addresses equipment, uniforms, field improvements, field maintenance, trophies, post-season tournaments and administrative expenses. In addition, KNLL is committed to providing umpires for all games from age 9 and up. The majority of the games are called by paid umpires with the remainder being volunteers. The registration fees are reviewed each year by the league Board of Directors.
Do KNLL Directors get paid?
No. Unlike some other Youth Sports Organizations, the Board of Directors for Katy National Little League is 100% volunteer. No Director receives any financial compensation for their services to the League. Additionally, Board members are required to pay the same registration fees for their children as everyone else.
How are revenues generated?
In addition to registration fees, KNLL actively pursues donations from Corporations, local businesses and private sources. As an active non-profit organization, KNLL also requires all our teams to seek and obtain a team sponsor. The team sponsor is recognized in many ways: Player uniforms, KNLL Sponsor Board (for 2 years) and Opening Day activities. The KNLL Board of Directors actively sponsors Opening Day fundraising activities (silent auction, arts & crafts sales, t-shirt sales, etc.) and competitive team tournaments (Spring and Fall Katy Klassics).
It is very simple and clear. Refunds of 50% will be made prior to team assignment. No refunds will be made after team assignments. There will be no returns of candy accepted. If parents choose to participate in the candy fundraiser they will be responsible for the full value of the candy. Internet fees charged by the service provider for online registration are non-refundable.
How is the league organized?
KNLL is chartered by Little League Baseball and must follow their rules, regulations and guidelines. There are 7 divisions based on age (as of April 30th of the playing year) which are: Rookie T-Ball - age 4 & 5; Rookie Coach-Pitch - age 6; Rookie Machine Pitch – age 7; Pee Wee Machine Pitch - age 8; Kid Pitch - age 9; Little League Minors - age 10, 11; Little League Majors age - 11, 12; Juniors League - age 13, 14; Seniors League - age 15, 16. Each Division has an assigned Player Agent. KNLL is part of the Little League International, which is broken down by regions (5 in the U.S. & 4 international), sections (several within the state of Texas), and districts (our district, 16, is made of up of about 15 individual Little Leagues in the west Houston metropolitan area, and is part of Section X which is essentially the greater Houston area).
How are teams formed?
All teams from Rookie (4 & 5) division thru the rookie 7 division will be formed by their corresponding Player Agents. Teams are formed according to neighborhood and school location. Special requests will be honored, if possible. This allows for local practices to be coordinated by the managers/coaches. The higher divisions, Pee Wee 8 thru Seniors, have tryouts and drafts. Every child will get to play and be placed on a team whether they try out or not. The tryouts are simply a way to assure a fair distribution of talent among the teams in each division, as the coaches take notes and then conduct the draft. Each child is encouraged to participate in tryouts. Any player that does not try out will not be eligible for All Star post-season play. Please review the current league schedule for tryout dates.
Can players play "Up?"
No. All players must play in the division designated by their League age as of April 30, 2009.Can I request a specific manager and/or that their child play with other children on the same team?
In the T-Ball through Rookie 7 divisions we will make every effort to honor special play requests. However, we do not guarantee the request will be met. In the PW8 through Seniors divisions we do not accept special play requests. Teams in these divisions are selected via the draft process.Do I have to participate in Tryouts?
Participating in tryouts is not a requirement to be assigned to a team. However, by not participating in tryouts you forfeit your right to play on any post season All Stars teams. Players who do not participate in tryouts will be randomly assigned to teams once all other players have been selected. Tryouts are a critical aspect of Little League team construction. It gives the managers a chance to see players prior to the draft and makes it possible to have balanced teams. It is highly recommended that all players participate in tryouts.If I have issue with my child's manager?
Speak with the manager about your concerns. 99% of the time this will take care of the issue. If you still are not satisfied your next contact would be the Player Agent for your division. If you feel the issue is critical you are always free to contact the VP of Baseball or the President directly.
How are managers selected?
KNLL is actively seeking manager candidates at time of registration. All candidates will undergo a background check (including returning managers), which is accomplished by filling out a Little League mandated form. Each candidate will be contacted for an interview. All candidates must be approved by the President.
Can I become a KNLL Board member?
Each year in July, the Board of Directors must be re-elected. Any adult resident living in the KNLL boundaries can apply to become a board member. All applicants must undergo a background check.
What are the Boundaries for KNLL?
Generally they are east of Mason and Stockdick Rd running from where Fry & Mason Rd meet all the way up to HWY290. West of Barker Cypress and Fry Rd running from where Fry & Mason Rd meet all the way up Barker Cypress Rd to HWY290. All questions regarding boundary issues should be directed to the appropriate player agent. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure they are within the KNLL boundary before registering. No refund exceptions will be made due to signing up in the incorrect League. If you played in KNLL the last two years and have moved out of our boundary, you are still eligible to play in KNLL. This also applies if the boundary has been reset and you are outside the new lines. Contact your player agent if either of these situations applies to you.