• What are the various levels of play available for boys and girls ages 7 – 12?
• What are the objectives for each of these levels of play?
• What is the purpose of the player evaluation session?
• Information and tips for parents regarding the player evaluation sessions. . .
• What if I have a concern about the level of play to which my player will be assigned or some other aspect of the evaluation and team assignment process?
• Following the evaluations, how are players assigned to teams?
What are the various levels of play available for boys and girls ages 7 – 12?
AA: Principally for 7 & 8-year-olds. Some 9-year-olds will play in this league. Some 10-year-olds without prior experience may also be placed at this level.
AAA: Principally for 9 & 10-year-olds. Some 8 & 11-year-olds will play in this league. 12-year-olds with limited prior experience may also be placed at this level.
Majors: Principally for 11 & 12-year-olds. Some 10-year-olds will also play in this league. 9-year olds are not eligible for this level.
What are the objectives for each of these levels of play?
The focus in the AA league is on fundamental skill development and beginning teamwork in the least competitive environment we can provide. Coaches will play every player at every position for at least two innings over the course of the season. In every game, each player will play both infield and outfield. To the extent there are players who sit out, every player will share equivalently in that time.
In the AAA league, the focus becomes more specialized—with a higher general skill level, development of pitching, and more advanced teamwork. Coaches will play every player for at least half the game. Over the course of the season each player will play at least twelve innings in the infield and twelve innings in the outfield. Competition increases from the AA level, and the season concludes with a playoff and some of the players may be selected to participate in a 9 & 10-year-old all-star team.
At the Majors level, the skill level and competitiveness is still greater. Players may play only a few positions. Players with more advanced skills will play more innings than less-skilled players, although all players play a minimum of two innings in the field and one time at bat in each game. The season concludes with a playoff and some of the players will be selected to participate in the 9 & 10-year-old all-star team, the 11-year-old all-star team, or the 11 & 12-year-old all-star team.
What is the purpose of the player evaluation session?
The purpose of the evaluations is to ensure that players are placed at an appropriate level of play. The league strives to create an atmosphere at the evaluations that is supportive, low-key and fun.
Information and tips for parents regarding the player evaluation sessions
Evaluations are required for all 7-12 year-olds except those already assigned to a Majors team roster. Please be sure to attend the evaluation at the time designated based on your player’s last name and “league age.” (Note: In accordance with National Little League rules, a player’s age is defined as how old that player will be on April 30, 2008.) For players who cannot attend at these times, a supplemental evaluation will be held on Sunday, March 2, in the Coe School gym.
Players should bring a baseball glove and clean/dry gym shoes to the evaluations. In addition, all new players must bring an original birth certificate.
QALL encourages parents to allow the player evaluation and team assignment processes to perform their intended function of placing players at an appropriate level and promoting competitive balance within each league. However, the league also recognizes the possibility of special circumstances. Parents with a question or concern in this regard should contact player agent David Nevens at davidn@theparamount.com. Ultimately, any special request must be made in writing to the player agent in advance of the team assignment process and no later than Sunday, March 4. The player agent will gather and evaluate the appropriate information—and communicate the request to the appropriate coaches in advance of team assignments. While special requests cannot always be honored, the league strives to cooperate where possible.
Following the evaluations, how are players assigned to teams?
The placement of players onto teams will be determined by a series of drafts during the week of March 6 involving the coaches from each level of play. The purpose of the draft system is to help assure that the teams in each level of play are competitively balanced. Each draft is conducted by the QALL player agent according to National Little League rules and Queen Anne Little League procedures. Players will be placed on a team based on their skill level and the number of other players being evaluated.
Players should receive calls from their coaches informing them of their team placement, as well as the date and location of their first practice, no later than one week after evaluations have taken place.
Further questions about the registration process should be directed to Lynn Beaumont at newhatdsl@msn.com or 283-7909. Questions about the player evaluation and team assignment process should be directed to David Nevens at davidn@theparamount.com.