St. Augustine Little League: SALL News
Thursday, January 10FAQ Spring 2009
Where do we play our games?
SALL now has five (5) fields located in its complex located at end of Osceola Elementary School Road, off SR207 (See map). We also have access to the Osceola fields. These fields now have lights and will be able to be used at night. We do some interleague play which involve play at other parks. This could involve travel to Jacksonville, Baker County, Fleming Island, Palm Coast, Yulee, Callahan, Hillard, or Mill Creek. We also have permission from the county Parks and Recreation Department and St. Johns County School Board to supplement these fields by using the local elementary school fields and parks in the area for practices.
Why does my child need a tryout time?
Actually the word "tryout" is a misnomer. A more accurate term used by some leagues to describe this process is "Player Review". A tryout or player review is held to give each player, age 10 to 12, or age 13 to 16 an opportunity to show the managers and board members the skills they have learned. Managers and board members assess player skill levels, and use this information to draft teams. Once a player has made a Major or Senior team, he/she returns to his/her existing team, and does not participate in tryouts. To understand what is required during your child’s tryout, and to ease any apprehensions he or she may have, speak to a VP.
How does the Draft work?
Drafts are usually held during week nights following Tryouts. On the night of the draft, each Major or Jr./Sr Manager is given a list of players eligible for the draft. Based on each manager’s judgment of a player’s level of play, each manager takes turns drafting players to their respective teams until their rosters are full. After the Major Draft has taken place, the remaining players are drafted to the Minor teams. Jr/Sr Players are drafted until all are assigned a team. The goal of the draft is to distribute the talent as equitably as possible to assure well-balanced teams. 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.
What if my child cannot be present at tryouts?
As soon as you know that you will not be able to try out on your appointed day, please contact us via the League Voice Mail/Hotline (904-823-9825) .
What if I prefer to have my 10-year old child play at the Minor level?
You may request to have your 10-year old remain at the minor level. However, your request must be in writing, and in the hands of the Player Agent prior to the day of Tryouts. However, your child should still attend tryouts so that his /her level of play can be observed by managers and the Board.
In accordance with International Little League rules, if a vacancy occurs at the Major level, and in the opinion of the Player Agent and your child’s coach, your 10-year old’s skill level has improved to the point that he/she could play effectively and safely at the Major level, he/she will be asked to move up to that division. Not only is it important that Major teams maintain equivalent player numbers, a child who has shown remarkable improvement should be given the opportunity to move up as vacancies permit.
When will my child be notified of his/her team assignment?
Minor, Major, Junior and Senior Managers receive their player rosters upon completion of the draft, and may begin contacting their players on the day following. T-Ball and Jr. Minor teams may be notified earlier. If you have not received a call by February 10, please contact the SALL HotLine (904-823-9825) and we will contact you right away.
We pay a Registration Fee. Why are we required to participate in a fundraiser this year as well?
The bulk of our budget is allocated to equipment, safety and supplies. Up to 1/3 of each player’s registration fee goes for field and maintenance expenses. The balance of our budget is spent on other expenses such as District 11 League Assessments, coach training and clinics, insurance, and umpire association fees. So, you see registration does not go far.
How long does the season last and how much of a time commitment will there be?
The Little League Spring season usually begins in February with practices 2-3 times per week depending on playing level. Following SALL Opening Day, regular season games commence. You can expect your child to play 2-3 games per week (more or less) through May. The End of the Season Bash is schedule for May 30th. Following regular season play, some divisions will have post season play.
Do I have to work in the concession stand?
The easy answer is "YES!" Parents from the scheduled team are to staff the concession stand. It is the obligation of the parents to ensure that workers are provided. If your team does not have a representative in the concession stand, the umpires (managers) are instructed not to begin the game and may result in a forfeit (or no game) if a team does not have a volunteer.
Do I have to supply the equipment for my child’s team?
SALL provides the practice and game equipment with the exception of the youngster's glove and shoes. Players may bring their own bats, if they so desire. Balls, bats, and catcher’s gear are supplied by the SALL.
What do I need to buy to start playing?
Each player will receive a uniform shirt and a cap. You will need to purchase baseball cleats (rubber or plastic, metal for Jr/Sr League), a fielder’s glove, and an athletic supporter (suggested for male athletes). Gloves should fit comfortably on their hand and should be easily opened and closed. All personal equipment should be labeled with the youngster's name.
LEAGUE INFORMATION
Division Structure
T-Ball Division (Playing ages 5-6)
The T-Ball Division is a training process by which young players can learn, develop and practice fundamental baseball/softball skills at an early age, and receive maximum enjoyment from the experience.
Most players ages five through six have not developed skills to pitch accurately or to hit a pitched ball. Consequently, neither the batter nor fielders are given ample opportunity to develop fundamental hitting and defensive skills outside an organized T-Ball program.
The younger player benefits in several ways by hitting the ball from a "tee." He or she has the opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination and swing technique without the fear of being hit by a pitched ball. The defensive team is allowed more opportunity to develop fundamental fielding skills. Players will learn the basics of the game as well learn how to be coached and be a member of a team.
Within SALL, five and six year olds play in T-Ball. Each player hits off the tee and all players bat each inning, regardless of the number of outs. No official score is kept as the program is intended to be instructional instead of competitive. All players receive participation trophies at the end of the Spring season.
Jr. Minor League Baseball (Playing Ages 7-8)
Children coming into Little League each year are eager to learn, develop skills and look forward to the opportunity to be selected on "Major" division teams. The goal of Jr. Minor League Baseball is to prepare children for eventual selection to a Major Division team.
Jr. Minor plays in a machine pitch division. Teams are formed by the division VP. No tee is used, as coaches operate a pitching machine that delivers the ball to the batter. As in T-Ball, all players bat and there are ten defensive positions. There are no umpires, no official score is kept and there are no league standings. Emphasis is placed on instruction and fundamentals. All players receive participation trophies at the end of the Spring season.
Minor League Baseball (Playing Ages 9-11)
The goal of Minor League Baseball is to prepare children for eventual selection to a Major Division team. This division is a skill building level for 8-11 year olds , who are fine-tuning their batting and fielding skills.
Minor plays in a kid pitch division. Teams are formed by the division VP. There are no official umpires, no official score is kept and there are no league standings. Emphasis is placed on instruction and fundamentals. All players receive participation trophies at the end of the Spring season.
Little League Baseball – Major Division (Playing Ages 10-12)
Little League Baseball - known as the Major division, is generally oriented for experienced players who are ten through twelve years old. Occasionally some nine year olds are drafted into the division, with SALL Board approval
Typically, a Major division player will have played at least two years in the Minor divisions and should have mastered the fundamentals of batting, fielding and throwing. Trained volunteer umpires enforce Little League Baseball and Local Board Adopted Rules. Game score and division standings are kept. From the Major division, SALL will send a team to represent it in District 11 Little League Tournament, a tournament with the leagues from throughout north Florida.
Excluding the previously mentioned age guidelines, the division separation is primarily by skill and the teams are formed through a formal draft conducted by the managers after tryouts are complete. To ensure equitable distribution of talent, all players not already rostered on a Major division team must attend tryouts. If a player misses tryouts, he/she may be made ineligible for Majors and go through a blind draft process to be placed on a minor division team. We do not permit parents dictating the division level. If you have legitimate concerns on your child’s ability to compete at higher levels, we will do our best to make accommodations. All players receive participation trophies at the end of the Spring season.
Jr/Sr League Baseball (ages 13 – 16)
Jr/Sr League is a program for most 13 - 16 year olds who have participated in lower divisions, although previous participation is not a prerequisite. Jr/Sr division players should demonstrate skill, leadership and maturity while enhancing all skills, rules knowledge and situational baseball play in a competitive environment. At this level there may not be equal playing time; however, minimum play rules will be followed.
Jr. Minor Softball (Girls - Playing Ages 7-8)
Children coming into Little League each year are eager to learn, develop skills and look forward to the opportunity to be selected on "Major" division teams. The goal of Jr. Minor League Baseball is to prepare children for eventual selection to a Major Division team.
Jr. Minor plays in a machine pitch division/coach pitch. Teams are formed by the Softball Division VP. No tee is used, as coaches operate a pitching machine that delivers the ball to the batter or pitch to the player. As in T-Ball, all players bat and there are ten defensive positions. There are no umpires, no official score is kept and there are no league standings. Emphasis is placed on instruction and fundamentals. All players receive participation trophies at the end of the Spring season.
Minors Softball (Girls - Playing Ages 9-11)
Minor Softball is a program for 9-12 year olds, combination of coaches pitch and introduction of player's pitching. Children coming into Little League each year are eager to learn, develop skills and look forward to the opportunity to be selected on "Major" division teams. The goal of Minor League Softball is to prepare children for eventual participation on a Major Division team. This division is a skill building level for 9-12 year olds , who are fine-tuning their batting and fielding skills.
Minor plays in a kid pitch division. Teams are formed by the Softball Division VP. There are no official umpires, no official score is kept and there are no league standings. Emphasis is placed on instruction and fundamentals. All players receive participation trophies at the end of the Spring season.
Majors Softball (Girls Playing Ages 9-12)
Major Softball is a program for 9-12 year olds, regardless of experience. Typically, a Major division player will have played at least two years in the Minor divisions and should have mastered the fundamentals of batting, fielding and throwing. Trained volunteer umpires enforce Little League Baseball and Local Board Adopted Rules. Game score and division standings are kept. From the Major division, SALL will send a team to represent it in District 11 Little League Tournament, a tournament with the leagues throughout north Florida. All players receive participation trophies at the end of the Spring season.
Junior/Senior Softball (Girls Playing Ages13 - 16)
Junior/Senior Softball is a program for 13-16 year olds, most of whom will have some experience. Jr/Sr division players should demonstrate skill, leadership and maturity while enhancing all skills, rules knowledge and situational baseball play in a competitive environment. At this level there may not be equal playing time; however, minimum play rules will be followed.
Challenger Division (Ages 6 – 18)
The Challenger Division is a program for mentally and physically disabled youth to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities. The value of the Challenger Division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participation in sports, the strengthening of the participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, citizenship and fair play which are hallmarks of the Little League program. Some rules that apply to Little League Baseball have been adjusted to accommodate the Challenger Division’s unique requirements.
The Philosophy of the Challenger Division is to provide the framework for a structured athletic activity for all youth in the community. Chartered by the United States Congress as an education program, it is incumbent upon Little League Baseball to provide the same organizational structure as is offered the other divisions, and to assimilate the Challenger Division participants into the structure of the Little League program
Thursday, November 13
New way to contact Saint Augustine Little League
We now have an e-mail address you can use to contact us.
The e-mail is checked frequently and responses will be prompt.
The address is : StAugLL@gmail.com
Just click on the address to send us an e-mail.
Thursday, December 4
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to frequently asked question click on the SALL News option on the left.
Tuesday, August 7
Saint Augustine Little League gratefully acknowledeges the donation made by:
The Knights of Columbus St. Thomas More council # 7121, Saint Augustine
The donation wil be used for the "Senior Girls" and "9/10 year old" Softball Tournament Teams.
Thursday, January 10
Background Check Form
A background check form must be filled out by participating adults who wishes to Manage, Coach, Team Parent or assist with practices. The Little League rule is if you are on the field you must fill out this form and provide a copy of his/her driver's license
Handout: Background Check Form for Volunteers
-
Slideshow photos courtesy of Debbie Oakes/Paul Baran