New Lenox Baseball Association

REGISTRATION 2009 PARENT INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION:

NLBA is a growing youth sports association just as the New Lenox community is growing. As such, we feel the information contained in this handout will be useful knowledge concerning our program and you and your child’s participation in the program. If you have any further questions, see a NLBA representative at registration or feel free to come to a General Board Meeting (dates, time and location are at the end of the flyer).

NLBA provides recreational baseball for all kids 5 - 14 years, local area traveling recreational baseball for 15 - 18 year olds, and this year we have expanded our competitive traveling baseball, and now offer this option for kid’s ages 9 - 15 years. All games for the group 14 and under are played at the Bentley/Tyler School athletic fields at 511 East Illinois Highway in New Lenox. Lincoln-Way High School fields are also sometimes used for the older divisions. NLBA is a not-for-profit, all volunteer group. We are not staffed or managed by the New Lenox Park District. Our program provided an opportunity for over 1400 kids to play ball last year, an increase of 200 players over last year.

Again this past year we actually had more kids interested than we could accommodate and again, this disturbed us very much. We believe this situation is a result of community growth, magnitude of late registrations, limited field allocations and lack of volunteers willing to take a team. We have attempted to limit late registrations to only newcomers to the area by directly notifying all present players by direct contact, (twice this season, once during the season by flyer distributed by the managers plus by newspaper and internet. In addition to that, flyers go home to all the local schools just prior to the first registration during October. Once again, one of our biggest problems is not having enough baseball fields to accommodate the continued growth of our organization. We are again currently working to find ways to increase our field allocations, however, more fields is not the answer if we cannot get parents to step-up and volunteer to manage and coach the additional teams we could easily fill. We have parents that have been involved in NLBA as Board Members for many years. Some, years past the time that there children were involved. We cannot continue to impose on those families when there are so many new families moving into the community. Won’t you please seriously consider becoming actively involved in our association this year? We want every child that has a desire to play baseball to be able to play at NLBA, but it will take your help. We also want to make sure NLBA stays a vibrant, well run, growing organization, but it will take your help. As an incentive to volunteer, an activity fee has been implemented that will be refunded if specific volunteer criteria has been met.

WHY DOES NLBA REGISTER SO EARLY?

This question is often asked at registration and even more so by late registrants. The magnitude of the required planning for four short months of baseball the following spring and summer is enormous for an organization as large as NLBA. It all starts with knowing how many players you have to accommodate. In October and November the association membership including Managers, is elected. By late December we need to forecast the demands so we can submit our uniform order to obtain the best prices to keep registration fees down. By early January, we begin solicitation for team sponsorships, evaluate equipment condition and order new as needed, award contracts for the annual candy fundraiser and team photographer. Evaluation of new players is held between late January and early February. Our teams are drafted at the February General Board meeting and players are contacted by mid-March. Then it’s April, and time to start practice!

Remember to support NLBA Sponsors throughout the year!

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY:

Each recreational division is divided into two-year groups. and eligibility is determined by the following schedule:

2009 (Spring/Summer) New Lenox Baseball Association Baseball Age Chart

Match month (top line) and box with year of birth -- League age indicated at left

DIVISION	AGE	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Palomino	18	1991	1991	1991	1991	1990	1990	1990	1990	1990	1990	1990	1990
Palomino	17	1992	1992	1992	1992	1991	1991	1991	1991	1991	1991	1991	1991
Colt	16	1993	1993	1993	1993	1992	1992	1992	1992	1992	1992	1992	1992
Colt	15	1994	1994	1994	1994	1993	1993	1993	1993	1993	1993	1993	1993
Pony	14	1995	1995	1995	1995	1994	1994	1994	1994	1994	1994	1994	1994
Pony	13	1996	1996	1996	1996	1995	1995	1995	1995	1995	1995	1995	1995
Bronco	12	1997	1997	1997	1997	1996	1996	1996	1996	1996	1996	1996	1996
Bronco	11	1998	1998	1998	1998	1997	1997	1997	1997	1997	1997	1997	1997
Mustang	10	1999	1999	1999	1999	1998	1998	1998	1998	1998	1998	1998	1998
Mustang	9	2000	2000	2000	2000	1999	1999	1999	1999	1999	1999	1999	1999
Pinto	8	2001	2001	2001	2001	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000
Pinto	7	2002	2002	2002	2002	2001	2001	2001	2001	2001	2001	2001	2001
Shetland	6	2003	2003	2003	2003	2002	2002	2002	2002	2002	2002	2002	2002
Shetland	5	2004	2004	2004	2004	2003	2003	2003	2003	2003	2003	2003	2003

Both boys and girls are welcome to play in the NLBA. NLBA has a $35 fee for out-of-district residents.

Any player that is a member of a traveling competitive team in NLBA or any other baseball association is prohibited from playing recreational division baseball in NLBA. Should your child join a competitive team once the recreational season begins, you are required to notify NLBA and immediately withdraw your child from the recreational team.

PLAYER PLACEMENT:

NLBA acknowledges that eligibility dates do not coincide with local school grade registration dates. It is important to note that in some cases, this may mean a child will not be playing baseball with the same group of children in his/her school grade. NLBA has adopted several policies and procedures governing player placement.

A player shall not be permitted to “play-down”. (Play in an age bracket below what they are eligible for based on PBI rules above)
A player may “play-up” to the next older group providing the parents make such a request in writing to the NLBA Executive Board within 30 calendar days of registration and the Board approves of the move. Note: Parents are strongly cautioned to consider your child’s age difference, maturity, and athletic capabilities as compared to other children that may be as much as three years older prior to making this request. (Once a child is allowed to play-up they cannot return to their proper level in the same season or for post season traveling all-star play).
Once a player “plays-up” it is generally expected to always play-up. No player may play in the same division for more than two years, unless granted a waiver by the Executive Board.
Shetland and Pinto levels use a direct placement method for determining team make-up. All other divisions are by a player evaluation and draft method. Therefore:

Special placement requests such as “buddy, relative (except brothers/sisters), car-pool, designated team/manager etc., can only be accommodated at the Shetland level. We take steps to keep these teams together with the same players as much as possible. In an effort to keep the teams at a more even skill level, we will NOT allow special placement request at the Pinto level except for brother’s rights.
Parents are reminded that should a team manager offer you assurance that they can place your child on their team at any level above Shetland, they are misleading you.

Siblings eligible within the same division will always be placed on the same team regardless of the division unless otherwise requested by the parents.

Any special placement requests should be brought to the attention of the cashier when you register. At any level, if requested in advance, we can make sure your child does not play for a Manager you do not want them to play for. Make sure the cashier makes a note of your special request on your application. We cannot assure you of any special placement requests if you register after the four official registration dates.

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RECREATIONAL DIVISION PLAYING TIME / PROCEDURES

The recreational season begins approximately April 1st for practices but may start earlier depending on weather and the Managers’ availability. The regular season commences on or about May 1st and continues through June 30th. Each division will play approximately 14 regular season games. Most divisions also hold an in-house tournament that is in addition to the regular season during the last week of June. NLBA cannot guarantee all games will be played if the weather does not cooperate. Every effort will be made to re-schedule rainouts however, all regular games, rainouts and tournament games must be completed by June 30th. Games are scheduled for 5:30pm on weekday evenings, Saturdays starting at 8:00am through 6:00pm, Sundays starting at 10:00am through 4:00pm. We do play on Mothers Day and Fathers Day. Except for tournament week and make-up games, you can expect to be scheduled one or two games per week.

Shetland division is not “T-Ball”. Players will bat against “live” pitching provided by their managers and coaches using a regulation baseball.
Each division has specific rules about the minimum number of innings each child is required to play. This varies from four - five as the divisions go higher in age. All recreational divisions use a continuous batting order regardless of who is playing the field. All divisions utilize a “free substitution” rule except for the pitcher. NLBA encourages players to play and learn multiple positions in the younger age divisions and develop specialties if desired after the Bronco division.

RECREATIONAL DIVISION TRAVELING ALL-STARS

Providing there are Managers and/or coaches willing to take a team, NLBA will field a traveling all-star team composed of recreational division players at each single age group from 8-14 yrs. old. These teams will generally travel to two tournaments held in other area communities and host one tournament at our complex. All tournament play is held during the month of July. Teams are picked by the division managers among those players that tryout for the team. Tryouts and team selections are generally held on or about June 1st. More information will be available during the season from your team manager.

Note: Traveling all-stars require a special attendance and discipline commitment from the players, as well as an additional financial commitment from the parents. Successful play in national tournaments may require extensive travel including overnight and out of state.

METRO DIVISION PLAYING TIME / PROCEDURES

Metro division teams playing rules are governed by the rules of the league they participate in. (generally, Northern Illinois Metro League). Metro baseball is the competitive division of NLBA as such; there is no guarantee from NLBA that any player will see playing time in each and every game. Metro teams are selected by tryouts usually held in the fall of the year proceeding the next season. There is an extensive participation commitment as well as a special fundraiser commitment. Practice generally starts in January (or earlier), and the regular season may include twenty-five games or more both at home and in various area communities, plus additional tournaments. Successful play in national tournaments may require extensive travel including overnight and out of state.

RECREATIONAL DIVISION PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Except for the few items indicated herein, all equipment necessary to play the game of baseball is provided by NLBA including, the uniform, which consists of a hat, pro-team style shirt, pants and athletic socks. Your child will need to provide a baseball glove, proper athletic footwear and an athletic cup & supporter. If your child wears glasses, we recommended safety rated plastic lenses and a head strap. (NLBA does not recommend contact lenses be worn during play). You may also want to furnish your own bat. Aluminum, Composites or wood are acceptable providing they state the bat is PBI or Little League approved. For Bronco and younger age groups, NLBA can instruct you on the proper way to determine bat size and weight.

NLBA PROVIDED INSURANCE

NLBA provides accidental injury insurance for your child, which is in effect whenever they participate in an NLBA sanctioned event. Our policy is an “excess coverage” policy. This means the policy takes effect after your family coverage. In the event the combination of your insurance and ours does not completely cover the deductible portion of your medical expenses, the NLBA Executive Board has committed to reimburse you for the amount not covered.

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CANDY FUND RAISER:

All players ages 5 -12 in both recreational and metro divisions are required to either participate in this fund raiser or option for a cash buy out of $50.00 in addition to the registration fee. Please indicate your choice on the registration form. The buy out fee is due upon registration. Once you elect to sell candy, you will be selling $80.00 worth and NLBA cannot permit you to change to the buy out option. The $50.00 buy out does not contribute to the family cap on registration fees. Late registrants have no option to sell candy and must pay the $50.00 plus all late fees. Candy money must be turned-in to the team manager when directed. The full amount of $80.00 must be turned-in, and NLBA will not accept any candy returns. The entire team must turn in all candy money on the designated date in order to get their uniforms and picture day appointment.

Experience through the years has told us that older kids do not want to make the effort to sell candy. This is the reason that the registration fee for players aged 13 and up is higher. We simply have added the cost of the fundraiser to the standard registration fee. Due to coordination and book keeping considerations, you do not have the option to sell candy at this age group in lieu of the higher registration fee.

ACTIVITY FEE:

We are a growing organization that requires numerous volunteers. As an incentive to parents to find a way to assist/volunteer a required activity fee must be paid at registration. No exceptions will be made. The fee is paid by each participant with the exception of multi-child families. Each family will only be required to pay one activity fee. All children in the family must be registered at the same time and ‘multi-child’ names must be noted on the registration forms by the league at the time of registration. There are several opportunities to volunteer; manage, coach, team parent, work registration, field prep day, picture day, opening day or a league fundraising event. (candy fundraiser, metro fundraiser or individual team functions not applicable for refund) The activity fee you pay at registration will be refunded if one of the criteria has been met and the proper form completed and authorized by the void date listed on the Activity Fee Voucher form. See your team manager for refund forms after criteria is met. You may also see an Executive Board Member or call the hotline and someone will return your call. The NLBA Hotline number is: 815-462-6522 (NLBA)

PICTURE DAY:

Participation in Picture Day is required of all NLBA players regardless of whether you choose to purchase pictures for your child. The team photo that is taken is presented on a plaque to each of our sponsors. NLBA’s position is that the least we can do to show gratitude to our sponsors is provide them a team photo that includes all team members and coaches. Your team manager will announce picture day at a later date.

OPENING DAY FESTIVITIES:

Participation in this event is required by all NLBA players through the Bronco division and optional (but strongly encouraged) in all other divisions. Generally held the last weekend in April, players, managers, coaches, and sponsors are introduced on the field. There are daylong activities for the players, great food and other attractions. It’s a great NLBA family event.

NEW LENOX LOYALTY DAY PARADE:

Held the first Sunday in May and sponsored by the New Lenox V.F.W. Post, NLBA has made an attempt to increase our association’s presence in this parade. Please make every effort to join us. Each player will wear their uniform and either ride or walk with their team. At the end there usually is a reception with free hot dogs and drinks at the V.F.W. on North Vine Street, adjacent to Hickory Creek.

ADDITIONAL FUND RAISERS:

Each year, NLBA sponsors various fund raising activities for special projects such as field improvements. Our annual candlelight bowl, tag day and opening day raffles are some of the activities we hope you will participate in throughout the year.

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VOLUNTEERS / BOARD MEMBERSHIP:

As previously noted, we need more volunteers to meet the demands of our growing organization. We need your help. Be sure to review the volunteer/interest information on your registration form and check-off one, two or more areas you would be interested in.

NLBA NEEDS TEAM SPONSORS FOR 2009!

NLBA greatly appreciates their support and hopes that you will patronize these businesses that have made the effort to support our program, your kids. We will need sponsors again this coming season. If interested, email sponsors@newlenoxrebels.com for more information.

BOARD MEETINGS:

General Board meetings are the Third Wednesday of each month. 8:00pm, at the New Lenox American Legion Hall (South Cedar Rd.) The Executive Board is reserved for Board members and invited guests only. If you wish to address the Executive Board, you should phone NLBA a minimum of 7 days prior to the scheduled meeting. Executive Board Member meetings are the second Monday of each month, 8:00pm, American Legion Hall.

REGISTRATION FEES/FIELD IMPROVEMENTS:

There is no increase from last season in the registration fees. We make every effort to avoid raising the registration fees and still have adequate funds to operate the league and make improvements to the fields. This past year we completed construction on a new maintenance building located on the west side of the main parking lot at the Tyler/Bentley fields. We also built a new field at Hidden Valley Park off of Delaney Road, increased parking at the Tyler/Bentley fields and completed the grass infield on B3. These much needed improvements could not have been completed without our volunteers and our funding.

REGISTRATION REFUND POLICY:

Requests for refunds of registration fees for whatever reason must be made in writing to the Executive Board. The Board evaluates each request and rules accordingly on each particular situation brought before them. Refunds may be pro-rated or in-full, depending on the situation and timing of the request. All refunds will be charged a $25.00 cancellation processing fee. Revenue obtained through fund raising efforts is not refundable.

FALL BASEBALL:

You will find information on the fall registration dates in the handouts next June, the NLBA phone line, and on our website http://www.newlenoxrebels.com

MAILING ADDRESS, WEBSITE, & PHONE NUMBER:

New Lenox “Rebels” Baseball Association

354 West Maple

P.O. Box 1007

New Lenox, IL 60451

www.NewLenoxRebels.com

815.462.NLBA (6522)

Thank you New Lenox Community Park District,

(especially George and the crew), For all your support and assistance!