PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Baseball Calgary season runs from April to August. The age of the player as of December 31 in the season being played determines the division of play. Following registration, players will be placed on teams according to their age and baseball skills as assessed by a qualified group of baseball evaluators. The age of the player as of December 31 in the season being played determines the division of play.
| Division Level |
Age * |
Year of Birth (for 2010 Season) |
| Mosquito |
10-11 |
1999/2000 |
| Pee Wee |
12-13 |
1997/98 |
| Bantam |
14-15 |
1995/96 |
| Midget |
16-18 |
1992/93/94 |
* Baseball Calgary follows the calendar year of January 1-December 31. Example - whether your birthdate is January 1st or December 31st, 1998, you are 1st year PeeWee.
It is Baseball Calgary's intention to field teams as we can, in the various levels of play. Please note that the Performance/Competitive designation does not necessarily mean a higher or lower level of baseball skills. Baseball players (both male and female) from Calgary and area are eligible to participate. If a baseball player lives outside of the boundaries of the city of Calgary and his/her town and/or league does not have Performance/Competitive teams, that player may be eligible to play on a Baseball Calgary team. A release will be required from your nearest Baseball Alberta association.
Note: If you have questions regarding eligibility for Baseball Calgary, please contact Kim, Registrar of Baseball Calgary at registrar@baseballcalgary.com.
Each player is evaluated for his/her general baseball skills (e.g. fielding, hitting, throwing, and base running) and will be placed on a team that best suits his/her abilities. Each team will be provided with the necessary baseball equipment required to compete in their division. Each player is responsible for his/her own personal equipment including baseball shoes, league approved helmet, batting gloves, protective athletic cup and pants.
Please note that team bats will be provided, although players are welcome to bring league approved bats for personal and/or team use.
Baseball Calgary teams are provided with a full schedule of games including regular season and Provincial play. Each team's schedule will vary according to the number of teams in each division, the location of other teams in the division, and the availability of diamonds. Parents should be aware that all teams involved in Alberta Provincial play may require travel and overnight accommodation in centers outside Calgary. For teams in the Peewee, Bantam and Midget divisions, provincial play downs may extend into late August enroute to the Western or Canadian Ball Championships. Events such as these require the full team commitment of parents, players and coaches.
Please note that Baseball Calgary does NOT pay any of the costs associate with travel or accommodation. These costs are the sole responsibility of each individual team. Baseball Calgary will however assist wherever possible with various fund raising options for teams to reach their goals.
All on-field coaching staff of Baseball Calgary teams will possess a minimum Level One Coaching Certificate (both Technical and Theory) as prescribed by the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), coaches on Performance teams will have at least a Level 2 technical certification. This minimum qualification level ensures that coaches have attained a Level 1 certification program based on their technical baseball knowledge, their practical on-field baseball experience and knowledge gained from completing an approved course on coaching theory. The coaches selected for our teams are deemed the best people available for each division. Baseball Calgary believes in developing its coaches and players to their fullest potential.
Baseball Calgary Refund/Monetary Policy
1. Players must be registered prior to first team practice (indoor or outdoor). Registration does not take effect until registration fees are paid in full and funds have cleared.
2. A $50 service charge will be imposed for any NSF Cheque.
3. Once a player has been selected to a team, no refunds will be provided should the player decide to leave the team.
4.The only exception to our refund policy, is due to injury (with a doctor's certificate/note). Refunds for injury will be calculated as follows:
Prior to April 1 - 100%,
Prior to May 1 - 75%,
Prior to June 1 - 50%,
Prior to July 1 - 25%.
No refunds will be given after July 1 of the current season, for any reason.
Team Formation
Each team will consist of approximately 12 - 16 players depending on number of registrants, and level of players. The final phases of player selection will be done with a one-on-one between the player and team coaches.
Baseball Calgary Registration Fees help support the cost of registering teams and reserving ball diamonds for practices, league play, play-offs, and Provincials play-downs. Typically, teams will require more revenue in order to participate in exhibition games, and enter tournaments both in Calgary and out of town. The source for these additional team funds as agreed upon by the parent majority for each team is the responsibility of each team. Baseball Calgary will help where possible, however, funds to support these additional activities is the sole responsibility of the parents and coaches/managers of these teams. Once team goals are established, it is the responsibility each parent/family to contribute equally to fundraising. All parents should consider fundraising as part of their commitment to their child's baseball season. It is the team Manager's responsibility to organize and meet with the parents to outline the teams goals and monetary requirements to achieve those goals.
Pickup Players
As each Baseball Calgary team proceeds to the Provincial Playoffs, they are eligible to pick up players from teams not entering the Provincials. They will be allowed to increase their roster by two players. If a Baseball Calgary team reaches a Canadian Championship event, they will be permitted to increase their player roster to 18.
It is important for all parents and players to be aware of this rule and understand that at this high level of competition, it is critical to be as competitive as possible. Baseball Calgary encourages the pick up of players only if the coaches feel they need the additional team support. It is not our goal or intention to use these players as full replacements from existing rosters.
Under normal circumstances, the pick up player is designed to bolster a team's pitching staff. Because of existing pitching rules, it is common for a team to exhaust all eligible pitchers at these competitive tournaments. In some situations, coaches may select players for positions that have arisen due to injury or perhaps to add team batting power or base running speed. Changing events can put coaches in a difficult position, and we encourage the full support and encouragement from all players and parents regarding these matters.
Coaching
The objective of Baseball Calgary is to provide a high quality baseball program for players on every team at all levels. The program should not only develop their baseball skills but also enhance their enjoyment and understanding of the game of baseball. It should also promote their growth as young adults, capable of becoming productive members of our local communities and society.
For these reasons, it is extremely important that care be taken to select what Baseball Calgary feels are the right individuals to assume the coaching responsibilities.
The selection of coaches is based on a combination of interrelated factors.
- The coaches past record (not just a win/loss record) and coaching knowledge
- National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) certification level
- Years of coaching, as well as total baseball experience, interpersonal and leadership skills
Coaching is hard work. It is not an easy job. However, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Please try to take into account the entire team, not just your son or daughter, when judging coaches. Better yet, roll up your sleeves and give them a hand. As an example, instead of dropping off your son or daughter at baseball practice, introduce yourself to the coaches and ask if they need any help.
Communications
Effective communication is of critical importance to our program.
Baseball Calgary is undertaking a number of initiatives designed to keep all participants abreast of the latest league developments. Here is what we are trying to do this season to keep you informed.
1. We will try to establish better communications with the local sports media through regular communication via news releases and other communications.
2. We will try to establish better e-mail communication with parents and players. Through e-mail, we not only reach you faster, we also save on printing and mailing costs.
3. We will try to make our website www.baseballcalgary.com the focal point of all our communications. Ideally, it will contain the information you need.
4. We will try to have regular coaches and managers meetings throughout the season.
5. We're open to hearing your constructive ideas and suggestions.
Uniforms and Equipment
The colours and style are the identity of our organization and as such, substitutions, changes or deviations can not be made without the written consent of Baseball Calgary's executive committee.
Each registered Baseball Calgary player will receive a pair of socks, a pro-fit baseball cap, and a jersey if the team decides not to buy new jerseys for the team. All baseball pants and helmets must be purchased. (Note: It is up to each individual teams to raise funds to purchase warm-up jackets or other pieces of clothing/equipment not supplied by Baseball Calgary). Players should arrive for each game with a clean uniform (tournaments or more than one game per day are excluded) Washing of the uniform must be done in cold water. Jersey tops must be hung to dry, pants may be dried in the dryer. Borrowed jerseys must be returned at the end of the ball season in the same condition they were received. Parents are responsible for the cost of replacement of any jerseys deemed to be damaged or abused.
Parents Please Note: Each player is responsible for the purchase of his or her pants, helmet, shoes, batting gloves, baseball glove, protective athletic cup, baseball bag, water bottle, undershirt (long and short sleeve) and other personal items.
Each team will be provided with a full set of catcher's gear, as well as bats. Players are welcome to bring their own bats for personal and team use, provided they are approved by Baseball Calgary.
Discipline Guidelines
Baseball is a positive life experience. Emphasis is placed on sportsmanship for all participants. Players, parents and team officials are encouraged to participate in a positive way when representing Baseball Calgary. Remember that we are all volunteers and recognition of the efforts made by opponents and other volunteers is encouraged.
Harassment of umpires, coaches, players or opponents is NOT ACCEPTABLE. Baseball Calgary players, coaches and parents will be suspended for misconduct as outlined on the registration form. In addition, spectators found to be unruly will be asked to leave the playing field immediately so that the game may continue. Baseball Calgary has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy regarding misconduct that will be rigidly enforced.
The rules of Baseball Calgary come from the Canadian Baseball rulebook, although minor modifications may be made to suit local conditions.
Baseball Calgary has a Dispute and Resolution Committee, which hears and provides advice or discipline when unresolved disputes or discipline problems arise.
Suggested Guidelines for Parent & Coaching Concerns
Each team must name a parent representative who is not involved with coaching/managing the team on a day-to-day basis.
Guidelines for Parents' Concerns with Coaches
A dispute or concern should be routed according to the following steps:
1. Direct conversation with the coach (allow a 24-hour cool down period).
2. Written report to the parent representative of the team.
3. Written report to Divisional Co-ordinator.
4. Written report to the Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Committee.
Please be objective with your concerns. The committee where possible and appropriate, will conduct an investigation to ensure prompt and fair resolution to your concern.
Recognition & Prevention of Abuse Policy
In response to adverse events that have occurred over the past few years, Baseball Calgary has developed a comprehensive policy in this area.
Baseball Calgary is part of the Canadian sporting community and as such is committed to seeking better ways to keep our youth safe. Protecting participants from all forms of abuse and neglect, whether emotional, physical or sexual is an important element of safety.
Baseball Calgary considers any form of abuse or neglect to be unacceptable and will do all it can to prevent this intolerable social problem. To this end, Baseball Calgary will promote awareness of all forms of abuse and neglect by providing educational materials for participants, parents, volunteers, and staff members. With this strategy, we will send a clear message to all potential abusers and sexual predators that Baseball Calgary participants are not easy targets. Baseball Calgary is committed to the highest possible standards of care for its participants. As an example, all participating coaches must complete forms for police screening as part of their eligibility requirements.
Abuse Policy
It is the policy of Baseball Calgary that there shall be no abuse or neglect, whether physical, emotional or sexual of any participant in any of its programs. Baseball Calgary expects every parent, volunteer, and staff member to take all reasonable steps to safeguard the welfare of participants and protect them from any form of maltreatment.
Volunteers
Baseball Calgary is a volunteer organization. The strength of our organization is directly related to the breadth, depth and experience of our volunteers. Volunteers are required at all levels including the executive committee and various sub-committees. We also need participation for fund raising, casinos, tournament organization, coaching and managers and a host of other jobs. Only a few of these positions require strong technical and practical knowledge of baseball.
The success of any team sport relies on the contributions of many. We believe that success does not necessarily mean that a team has to win all its games. Development of each player to his/her fullest potential is the most important aspect. Winning games will take care of itself. However developing players to be the best they can be is a Team Effort. Our coaches coach. Our players play. Our parents support the efforts of the players and coaches. Success depends on our three pillars of strength. Coaches, Players, and Parents. If all three do their part, the team will be successful. If any of these three fail, then the team fails. Therefore, to ensure success, we all need to pitch in. Every parent is an important part of the team.
All written comments, suggestions and opinions are encouraged and appreciated. Please forward your comments or requests for Baseball Calgary brochures to president@baseballcalgary.com.
