Spectator's Code of Conduct

The attitude shown by parents and spectators at games toward their own child, the opposing team, the officials, and coaches go a long way towards influencing the child's values and behavior in the game. Disrespect and criticism of officials and opponents undermine the purpose of sport and brings into the game stresses beyond those of competition. Such stresses have no place in a Youth League Baseball program.

Parents should remember:

• Children have more need of example than criticism.
• Make baseball participation for your child and others a positive experience.
• Attempt to relieve the pressure of competition, not increase it. A child is easily affected by outside influences.
• Respect your child's coach and league officials. These individuals are volunteers giving of personal time and often money to provide a recreational activity for your child. They provide a valuable community service, often without reward other than the personal satisfaction of having served the community.
• The opposition are friends, not enemies. Without them your child could not participate.
• Applaud good play by your team and by the opposing team; never ridicule or criticize the play of any player on the field.

Supervision Requirements

The league requires that a child's parent or guardian be present at all practices and games of leagues T-Ball through Pony (Junior in Softball) or, in their absence, to have made proper arrangements with another parent or guardian to be present and responsible for the child in the event of bad weather or injury.  Repeated violations of this league rule could result in removal of the player from the team.

Refund Policy

There will be a $10 administrative fee for refunds requested before a league draft.  NO refunds will allowed once a player has been drafted.

Participation Requirements

Each parent agrees that their child will play on the team to which he/she has been drafted or is assigned. BAAB is under no obligation to accommodate special requests for teammates or coaches either before or after the team draft.  No refunds will allowed once a player has been drafted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baseball	T-Ball	Peewee	Minor	Major	Pony	Colt
Age Group	5-6	7-8	9-10	11-12	13-14	15-18
Innings	5	5	6	6	7	7
Game Time	55 min.	55 min.	1 hr. 25 min.	1 hr. 25 min.	1 hr. 50 min.	1 hr. 50 min.
Pitching	Coach	Machine	Player	Player	Player	Player
Pitching Distance	40 ft.	40 ft.	46 ft.	50 ft.	54 ft.	60 ft. 6 in.
Base Length	50 ft.	50 ft.	60 ft.	70 ft.	80 ft.	90 ft.
Stealing	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Leading Off	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Travel Ball	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Bat Size	2-1/4"	2-1/4"	2-1/4"	2-1/4"	2-3/4"	2-3/4"

Softball	T-Ball	Peewee	Minor	Major	Junior	Senior
Age Group	5-6	7-8	9-10	11-12	13-14	15-18
Innings	5	5	6	6	7	7
Game Time	55 min.	1 hr. 10 min.	1 hr. 25 min.	1 hr. 25 min.	1 hr. 25 min.	1 hr. 25 min.
Pitching	Coach	Machine	Player	Player	Player	Player
Pitching Distance	25 ft.	28 ft.	35 ft.	40 ft.	40 ft.	40 ft.
Base Length	50 ft.	50 ft.	60 ft.	60 ft.	60 ft.	60 ft.
Stealing	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Leading Off	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Travel Ball	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No

Q.  What Baseball League can my child play in?
A.  The Baseball League your child is eligible to play in depends on their age and which season they are playing in. Baseball League ages are calculated based on the child's birth date occurring before or after April 30. If your child is signing up for the Spring season, the comparison date is April 30 of that year (e.g. for the Spring 2002 season, the date is April 30, 2002). If your child is signing up for the Fall season, the comparison date is April 30 of the following year (e.g. for the Fall 2002 season, the date is April 30, 2003). The reason for this is that the Fall season is considered the "moving up" time and the children play in the same Baseball League they will play in for the Spring season of the following year.  To be eligible for the Peanut league, a player must be three years old by January 1st (or June 1st in fall season) of that year.

Q.  What Softball League can my child play in?
A.  The Softball League your child is eligible to play in depends on their age on January 1 of the year they are playing.

Q.  What does my registration fee cover?
A.  The registration fee covers the normal operating expenses of the leagues. Since BAAB is a not-for-profit organization, we only charge what is necessary to pay normal operating expenses -- nothing more. However, there are expenses incurred that are outside the scope of normal operating expenses -- some examples are tractors, pitching mounds, etc. These expenses are covered by your patronage of the concession stands. Any monies over the amount needed for a league's expenses are channeled back into the leagues. BAAB continues to strive to keep its fees as low as feasible to allow as many children to participate as possible.

Q.  How can I volunteer to coach?
A.  We welcome parents who wish to donate their time and talents as managers and coaches. The general procedure is to sign up on the coaches sheet that is available at registration. The BAAB Board must approve all managers as selected by the League Directors. Preference is given to those who have managed or coached before with BAAB. We almost always have a need for additional people, so please sign up at registration and you will likely be given an opportunity to experience one of life's greatest joys...coaching a youth sport.

Q.  What equipment should I buy?
A.  Each child is required to have his/her own "NOCSAE" approved batting helmet with a facemask. In addition, the following recommendations can be used to guide you in equipping your child to play safely and happily:

• It is strongly recommended that all children playing in leagues higher than TeeBall be equipped with an athletic supporter/cup device.
• Glove -- Each child should also have a glove that fits snugly and is flexible enough to hold a ball without assistance from the child's hand. Most gloves are manufactured this way today...beware of the cheaper priced gloves as they do not offer enough flexibility. Gloves that are too stiff can be broken in using a product called "HotGlove".
• Bat -- While a personal bat is not necessary, it is usually the most important requirement in a child's mind. If you decide to purchase a bat, make sure that it is light enough for the child to swing easily and quickly. The child should be able to hold it parallel to the ground with only one arm for several seconds without straining. If the bat dips toward the ground, it is too heavy. Remember, "lighter is better"!!!
• Cleats -- While again not a necessity, cleats can make a huge difference in your child's enjoyment of the game. They provide a good grip on the dirt and help the child control his movement on the field. Cleats should fit just like tennis shoes and must have rubber spikes. Metal spikes are not allowed except in the Colt age group.

Q.  When should I arrive at the field?
A.  While each team's manager sets his own guidelines, generally you should have your child at the field on game days at least 15 minutes before game time. This is important to allow the players to put on their "game face" and warm up -- many late arriving players do not perform well when they arrive just in time to bat or take the field. On-time attendance at practices is also necessary; thus, plan to be at the practice site at least 5 minutes before the start time of practice. Once again, consult your team's manager/coach for their specific guidelines.

Passing Thoughts

"Alone At The Plate"

She pulls on a helmet, picks up the bat,
   and walks to the plate, "gotta hit and that's that."
The crowd starts to yell, the game's on the line,
   last inning, two outs, the score's nine to nine.
Dad yells, "Go get it," Mom wrings her hands,
   coach hollers, "hit it," but alone there she stands.
Heroes are made in seconds such as this,
   but she's just a little girl, what if she should miss?
Years after this game's ended and she's little no more,
   will she remember the outcome or even the score?
No she'll have forgotten if she was out, hit, or a run,
   she'll only look back on her friends and the fun.
So cheer this girl on, alone with her fate;
   help her remember with fondness this stand at the plate.
Spend your time wisely and help in her quest
   to be a hitter with confidence and always her best.
And when the game's over, this girl can stand tall,
   for you've helped her prepare to give it her all!

"Making a Man"

He stands at the plate with his heart pounding fast;
   The bases are loaded; the die has been cast.
Mom and Dad cannot help him; he stands all alone.
   A hit, at this moment, would send the teams home.
The ball nears the plate; he swings and he misses;
   There's a groan from the crowd, with some boos and some hisses.
A thoughtless voice cries, "Strike out the bum."
   Tears fill his eyes; the game's no longer fun.
Remember, he's just a little boy who stands all alone,
   So open your heart and give him a break,
For it's moments like this a man you can make.
   Keep this in mind when you hear someone forget;
He's just a little boy and not a man yet.