FAQ
1. What is the boards policy on 8-year old play?
The GYBL board and coordinators feel players benefit from playing at a level that best matches their skills. There is a wide range of talent with 8-year-olds. Some have mastered hitting, catching and fielding, while others are just starting out. Matching skills to the appropriate league advances the development of all players (it also addresses a safety concern in which a strong player is throwing to a player that may have trouble catching). Moving the more skilled players into D1 allows them an opportunity to learn about the more advanced aspects of the game (stealing, pitching, etc.) while those players needing more fundamental development (catching, hitting) have an opportunity to spend more time mastering these skills.
2. My child cannot make the evaluation (e.g. sick, vacation) - can he/she still be considered for playing in D1?
No. Evaluations are essential to ensuring a fair and consistent process. There are no exceptions. If a player misses the evaluation he/she is automatically placed on a Coach Pitch team.
3. What is the purpose of the evaluation? Is this is try-out for D1?
The Coach Pitch evaluations serve a dual purpose. First and foremost, it serves to balance the talent across the various CP teams. Secondly, it serves to identify the more skilled players who may benefit from playing in D1. Unlike a try-out, there is no "cut". All players are guaranteed a spot on a Coach Pitch roster.
4. How many players will be chosen to play in D1?
The goal is to have (2) 8 year old players per D1 team. The total number will depend on the number of players/teams in D1 and the skill level of the players. Last year there were 8 D1 teams - 15 players were chosen to play in D1.
5. Who conducts the evaluations?
The evaluations are done by members of the board and coaches.
6. If some of the players selected to play in D1 elect to stay in Coach Pitch, will the next available player (based on rankings) be chosen in his place?
Yes.
7. Will the evaluation results be available to parents?
No. All evaluations are kept in strict confidence of the coordinators. The rankings are used by the coaches during the respective drafts, but they are not kept by coaches or distributed.
8. What if I don't agree with the evaluation results? Who can I talk to?
You may talk with the D1 coordinator. However, the results and decisions made regarding the CP players eligible for D1 are final and not open to debate.
9. My child was chosen to play up. Can he/she play both Coach Pitch and D1?
No. He/she must choose one or the other.
10. D1 costs more to play than Coach Pitch. Will I be expected to pay the difference and if so, how will this be done?
Yes. The D1 coordinator will send a separate e-mail to all families that have been selected to move up. Within 4 days the registrar will update the players' on-line registration, including new division and additional fee, and will notify families when complete. At this time, families may log onto their GYBL account and pay the balance via the online payment system. All payments must be received prior to opening day.
Players assigned to move up will not be charged the $30.00 late fee. If the system shows payment due for more than the difference between the two divisions, please e-mail
prior to issuing payment.
11. My child is 8 years old and played baseball in another town last year (we have since moved to Groton). Will he/she be eligible to play-up?
Yes. The intent of this program is to provide experienced players the opportunity to move into D1. A first year player is not eligible.
12. Can my 7-year-old be considered to play in Division 1?
No. The only exception is if the player played an entire season of Coach Pitch in the prior year.
13. Will players from T-ball be eligible to move up to coach-pitch?
No. The only exception is if a player has played 2 years of T-ball, he would be allowed to play-up in Coach Pitch.
