GVAA BASEBALL ALL STARS
This document explains how the GVAA All Star program works and outlines the expectations of all who participate in the program. Please read this document in its entirety and sign in the space provided indicating that you understand the expectations and that you agree to adhere to them whether participating as a player, parent or coach. Thank you!
What is All Stars?
All Stars is an opportunity for more advanced or competitive players to continue playing baseball during the summer. Practice usually begins around mid-May and has the potential to last through the end of August. The level of play is higher and, therefore, the expectations of those who participate are also much higher than those of recreational level ball.
Who can participate?
Any player wishing to tryout for All Stars is welcome to do so. Tryouts for the 8U team(s) “rookie level” will be held at HeritageFarmPark on Saturday, May 15 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Heritage Field 1. Please let your coach know if you plan on attending.
How many teams will be formed?
Ideally, we would have 2 All Star teams of 12 – 15 players at each of the Rookies, Minors, and Majors age-levels. Typically, that would mean an “A” and a “B” team at the Rookie level, a 9 year-old team and a 10 year-old team at the Minor level and an 11 year-old team and a 12 year-old team at the Major level. However, all of this is dependent on the number and ages of the players trying out as well as the number of volunteer coaches we have available to us at each level. We do have enough coaching interest to field 2 teams at the Rookie level if the player interest is strong enough.
How are players chosen?
A typical draft workout consists of several drills including fielding, batting and other fundamentals used to evaluate the players. Using this information, the player’s regular season performance, and recommendations from the spring rec coaches, the team is chosen by the All Star coaching staff. Players are usually notified within a few days of the draft workouts as to whether or not they made the team.
What if my child doesn’t make the team...are there other options for him/her to play baseball in the summer?
At this time, GVAA Baseball does not offer a recreational level baseball program in the summer. You can check with the local YMCA and the City of Frederick to see if they may have summer baseball opportunities.
How many games will they play?
Each All Star team will participate in an averageof three to four tournaments throughout the summer. Some of these tournaments are part of the Cal Ripken All Star Tournament Trail. These are the most important tournaments we play in and participation in these tournaments is critical. This could include:
Rookie level: State Tournament for “A” team with a “B” bracket too*; Nine and Eleven-year old teams: State Tournament*, Regional Tournament; Ten and Twelve-year old teams: District Tournament*, State Tournament, Regional Tournament, World Series.
*We have automatic bids into these tournaments. Participation in the remaining tournaments is dependent upon how well we do in the tournaments that precede them.
Most teams will also participate in additional tournaments outside the Cal Ripken Trail. Most tournaments last from 3 – 7 days depending on the tournament structure and the team’s performance in the tournament. All Star coaches will provide you with all known tournament dates prior to All Star tryouts. You will be asked to list any existing conflicts you already have with those dates and, if chosen for the team, we ask that you not plan any further activities that will conflict with the dates you are given. Baseball is a TEAM sport…we need the commitment of the entire TEAM to be successful so we expect every player and every coach to be at every game. Therefore, if there comes a time when neither parent is able to attend a game or games with a player due to work or other conflicts, the parent is expected to find alternate transportation to those games whether it be with the coach or other trusted parent/adult regardless of tournament location. If there comes a time when one or more coaches is unable to attend a game or games within the Cal Ripken Tournament Trail, both parents and coaches need to understand that it is the responsibility of the GVAA Baseball Committee to find replacements for that coach or coaches in order for the team to be legally represented at the tournament.
What will All Stars cost me?
GVAA Baseball contributes $30 towards each player’s All Star uniform as well as $1000 per team toward tournament fees. Parents are responsible for the remainder of the uniform costs which varies depending on the uniform the coach chooses. Coaches are responsible for purchasing their entire uniform. Parents are also responsible for any expenses incurred while attending tournaments which may include hotel fees (if necessary) and dining expenses. Teams have the option of soliciting donations from businesses to help cover the remainder of the uniform costs or other expenses. Should a team advance beyond the State Tournament level, GVAA Baseball will attempt to provide some assistance toward the team’s expenses, but this is depended on many factors and assistance cannot be guaranteed. Teams should also actively fund raise at this point to assist families with expenses. Should a family have a financial hardship, they should contact the GVAA Baseball Commissioner so arrangements can be made to waive some or all of the fees/expenses.
How much/what position will my child play?
Our spring recreational league is designed to teach kids how to play the game of baseball, allow opportunities to play numerous positions, and to have fun. The All Star program, on the other hand, is designed around competition and the goal is to win…especially in the Cal Ripken Tournament Trail. Playing time may be limited and players will be placed in the positions the coaches feel best suit their individual talents. There may be cases where a player or players sit out for an entire game. Playing time is determined by the coaches. Cal Ripken Baseball and Glade Valley Baseball do not specify minimum playing time for these tournaments. Additionally, there is not a continuous batting order in any of the Tournament Trail games except for 8U, meaning there are 9 players on the field and only those 9 players will bat. Coaches may try to rotate everyone in, but are not required to. All players and parents should understand this prior to trying out for All Stars and should respect the Coaches decisions should they make the team.
Participation in the GVAA All Star program can be a very rewarding experience. We encourage those players who are serious about baseball and who, along with their families, are willing to make the commitment to the program to attend tryouts. If you have any questions that may not have been answered in this handout, please contact your child’s current coach or your age-group coordinator.
05/10
GVAA BASEBALL ALL STARS
Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand the expectations of GVAA All Star players, parents and coaches and bring this form to tryouts. Signing this form means that you agree to make the commitment to the program to the best of your abilities whether as a player, coach or parent.
Players/Parents:
I have read the “GVAA BASEBALL ALL STARS” document and understand what is expected of my child and myself should my child be chosen for a GVAA All STAR team.
Player Signature: ______Date: ______
Parent Signature: ______Date: ______
Coaches:
I have read the “GVAA BASEBALL ALL STARS” document and understand what is expected of me as a GVAA ALL STAR coach.
Coach Signature: ______Date: ______
Dates I will be unavailable during the Summer:
(8U dates known so far: June 25-27 at UMAC; July 2-5 for Maryland State Tournament; expect one additional tournament with date TBD – likely July 13-17 at Smithsburg)