August 9, 2006 --
Effective Immediately – Scottsdale Cal Ripken will strictly adhere to the Babe Ruth Age/Skill Guidelines!
T-Ball. A program recommended for 4, 5, and 6 year olds to teach the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. All batters will hit the ball from a batting tee which is adjusted to a height that allows the batter to swing level. All rostered players present for the game bat in order, whether playing defensively or not. Each player plays a minimum of two innings defensively. An adult coach is stationed beyond the infielders in order to provide instruction to all defensive players. The primary goal is to begin to instruct young players in the fundamentals of baseball in a supportive team environment.
Rookies. Designed for 7-8 year old kids. Dr. Robert Brown, former president of the American League, formulated the concept of the Rookie League. This is the Division where the kids are developing the catching, throwing, and hitting skills required to play in the Minors and they experience competitive play for the first time. By using a Coach to pitch to the kids, there is more action at the plate and in the field. Fear of being hit by a pitched ball is diminished. It makes the game safer and improves the playing confidence and ability of all participants. The rookie league is an excellent way to continue teaching the fundamentals of the game and building player confidence. Scores are kept and win/loss records affect an end of season tournament seeding.
Minors. For kids 9-10 years old. Minors are more competitive than Rookies. In the minors, players pitch and are trying to strike the batter out. Players should have a year or two of playing Rookie ball where they developed the skills necessary to play at the Minor level. Players are expected to be able to hit, catch and throw with a reasonable degree of proficiency. The Minors are the stepping stone to the Majors.
Majors. For kids 11-12 years old. Players need to have a good understanding of the game and be proficient at throwing, catching and hitting. This is the most competitive level of Cal Ripken Baseball.
Players’ Baseball Age is determined by their age on April 30th of current year. Fall season is an extension of Spring season and Baseball age for Fall season is the same as it was for Spring.
Returning Teams / Players: Players who are currently playing up in a division above baseball age will need to be evaluated during Tryouts and expected to demonstrate the necessary skills for that level. The SCR Player Evaluation Committee will make final decision as to whether or not a player demonstrates the skills required to play up above his/her league age division.
New Teams / Players: Players who are new to SCR may request to play up in a division above baseball age, but will need to be evaluated during Tryouts and expected to demonstrate the necessary skills for that level. The SCR Player Evaluation Committee will make final decision as to whether or not a player demonstrates the skills required to play up above his/her baseball age & division.
New Teams must enter with a minimum of 5 players and no more than 12. New teams will be allowed to form with players of appropriate baseball age for the division requested. New teams seeking to add players who are not baseball age appropriate will not be guaranteed a roster spot for those players. Non-league age players must attend Tryouts for the requested division and be evaluated by the SCR Player Evaluation Committee (see New Teams / Players).
Coach Exemption: Each team is allowed to have (2) two official Coaches. Coaches are granted an exemption to baseball age guidelines and may add their child without having to be evaluated for playing up 1 division.
Playing Down a Division: Parents may request that their player be allowed to play down one division from baseball age guidelines, so long as player does not exceed (1) one year above baseball age maximum for that division AND parent receives Commissioner Approval from the Commissioner of requested Division.
Parents who register their players for a division and/or team above their baseball age will be flagged during the registration process. Within 3 days of registration closing, parents will be notified via email that their player must attend Evaluation / Tryouts for requested division. Players not attending Evaluation / Tryouts will be Drafted and/or Placed into league age appropriate division.
SCR Player Evaluation Committee: Consists of (3) three voting members; Director of Player Evaluation / Tryouts, Division Commissioner, League President.
