Athletics

After you register, the natural question is, “Now what?" Here's some answers.

Player Evaluations

For all but the 5 and new 6 year olds playing Rookie League, or T-Ball, the next step is Player Evaluations. Here’s what to expect.

Evaluations will be held at on December 4 and 5, 2004 at Mishcon Field for Little League Baseball; Allen Field for Juniors and Seniors; and NMB Senior High for Softball. Here’s the schedule:

For those of you who have never experienced an evaluation, here’s how it works: Bring your glove and cleats. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early of your scheduled time. Check in at the Sign-In table to receive your Evaluation Number. Have a parent pin it on your back. Stretch your muscles and play warm-up catch with a pal or your parent for 10-15 minutes in the designated warm-up area. DO NOT SWING YOUR BAT!

Listen for your Timeslot and Evaluation Number to be called. Your evaluation will last about 10 minutes. Although the order of events may vary slightly depending on the level, a typical evaluation includes the following skills

Batting. You will be asked to take several swings, and may be asked to square up to bunt. Running on the last pitch, you will be instructed to drop the bat and run to first base. We will then ask you to run from first to third.

Fielding. Next, you will be asked to go to shortstop with your glove. Coaches will hit to you 2-3 ground balls and 2-3 fly balls.

This will complete your evaluation. That’s all there is to it! The purpose of the evaluation is to assess each player’s experience so that the teams can be fairly balanced, and managers can get an idea of where players are strong and where they will need help. Remember, we join a team to learn as well as play. When we learn, we improve, when we improve, we have more fun. When we have fun, we’re all winners!

Team Selection

Following the evaluations, team drafts will be conducted strictly in accordance with Little League Rules and Regulations to assure fairness. Needless to say, parents and players are not permitted to attend.

Team Announcement

After teams have been drafted, your new manager will call you on December 13 or 14. If you have not heard by December 17, please call your Player Agent. All Player Agents and League Vice Presidents contact information is on the Contact Sheet in this packet.

MANADATORY PRESEASON PARENTS, MANAGERS, AND COACHES MEETING

We require ALL PARENTS, MANAGERS, AND COACHES TO ATTEND A PRESEASON MEETING ON MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 10, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., where we will review not only sportsmanship, but also player safety and other important issues. As you can see from the Codes of Conduct and our policy of enforcement, we will have a very low tolerance for Code violations this year, especially with respect to disputes with umpires. We also will discuss the important issues of your child’s health and safety, and what we are doing to protect them. DON’T MISS IT!

Practices and Uniforms

From that point forward, you will meet and practice with your new team. You will receive your uniform, including a cap, jersey, pants, and socks. Your manager will prepare you for your first game, which won’t take place until after…

Opening Ceremonies

On Sunday, January 30, 2005, we will have our annual Opening Ceremonies at Mishcon Field. This will be the first day that you and your teammates all wear your new uniforms, and come onto the field as a team! We will also take team and individual pictures this day. In past years, we have had special guests like Ivan Rodriguez; you’ll just have to wait to see what surprises we have in store this season!

Regular Season

Our regular season will start on January 31, and run through April. Each team will play between about 10 and 20 games, depending on age. Majors and up teams will likely play a number of games against neighboring Little Leagues.

Playoffs

Playoffs will start in May, and run about 3 weeks. Weather and other circumstances permitting, they will be double elimination.

All-Star Selection

Before selecting its tournament teams (see next section), the NMBOLL selects League All-Stars in Minors and above, an honor bestowed on those players demonstrating superior levels of skill, sportsmanship, dedication, and teamwork, and regardless of availability for tournament play,. Further information regarding the selection process will be available on our website and through our managers as the season progresses.

Tournament Play

At the conclusion of the regular season and our league playoffs, the NMBOLL, like thousands of Little Leagues all over the world, selects teams to play in the Little League Tournament, which begins about July 1 each year. All League All-Stars who have expressed an availability, desire, and willingness to participate on a tournament team shall form the initial pool of players from which the tournament team will be selected. Players, Managers and Coaches participate in this selection process. The Board of Directors shall confirm or reject the tournament teams’ selection by majority vote. The Board shall consider players’ performance, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Questions or Problems?

Although we are far from a military organization, we do believe in the chain of command. So if you have a question or problem with your child’s team, go to the manager first. If he or she can’t resolve it to your satisfaction, then your next step is your division’s Player Agent. He or she is charged with the important responsibility of making sure each child gets fair treatment by his or her manager and the rest of the league. If you still have problems, or a general question, then contact your division’s Vice President. Of course, President Jim Allen and Vice President of Administration Loretta Mufson are always available, especially if all else fails. Contact numbers and email addresses for all can be found in the handout below.