We encourage parental involvement in our program and want you to be as informed as possible. To find out more about your role as a Kids First parent; and how you can further enrich your child's participation within the program, please click here for further information regarding the parent's role within Kids First Sports.
FUNDRAISING:
KIDS FIRST SPORTS DOES NOT REQUIRE COACHES/PARENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES (selling candy, candles, magazines, etc.) AS PART OF ITS PROGRAM.
COACHES MAY SET UP THEIR OWN FUNDRAISING AS A WAY TO SOLICIT MONEY TO OFFSET THE COST OF BUYING UNIFORMS (AGES 9-17 ONLY) OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT HE OR SHE THINKS MAY ASSIST THE TEAM; HOWEVER IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT.
Code of Conduct for Parents
Kids First Sports is here solely for the enrichment of your child's life. With that in mind, we ask that you please read the following letter describing the code of conduct expected from parents, and other extended family and friends. Please click on the following link:
Status of all games when weather warnings/watches are issued will be listed on the Diamond Conditions Report by 4:30pm. All games cancelled will be rescheduled by Kids First Director of Personnelwithin 72 hours. Kids First Director of Personnel will update team schedules immediately upon receipt of a rescheduled date. Please check the team schedule, listed on the website, periodically for rescheduled dates.
Due to the isolated nature of severe weather in a city the size of Springfield, WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL NOT ALWAYS WARRANT CANCELLATION OF GAMES. All decisions posted by Kids First on the Diamond Conditions page are based upon reports provided by the local weather forecasters. If the Diamond Conditions report indicates a weather watch or warning has been issued, but reads PLAYABLE “at coaches discretion”, playing fields are playable and games may be played. Both coaches must agree to play under such conditions (Weather Watches and Warnings) before the game can be played. Coaches will be instructed to call Kids First by 5pm should they decide not to play and the Diamond Conditions Report will be updated accordingly. All updates should be posted no later than 5:15pm.
If after 5:15pm, the Diamond Conditons Report still indicates, PLAYABLE “at coaches discretion”, the game is still scheduled to be played. If you are still in doubt or do not wish for your child to play under such conditions, please contact your coach.
***In the interest of our children's safety, Kids First does not recommend playing in such conditions and recommends coaches cancel their games. Kids First will not be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result of playing against our recommendation and under such conditions. ***
UMPIRES /COACHES ARE REQUIRED TO POSTPONE A GAME FOR 15 MINUTES WHEN LIGHTNING and/or RAIN IS OBSERVED. Failure to STOP a game after lightning has been observed could result in umpire/coach suspension. If the game is suspended prior to being ruled a complete game, the home team coach will be responsible for notifying Kids First in order to have the game resumed according to Kids First rule 2.13 governinng suspened games. Umpires are also encouraged to contact Kids First regarding a game status should a game be cancelled due to lightning. Kids First Director of Personnel will reschedule the game within 72 hours and update the team schedule on the website. Please be sure to check the website for rescheduled games when a rain out/game suspension has occurred.
Click hereto obtain a copy of the FY2013 registration form or you may also find this document under downloads.
If your child wishes to play with a specific coach, please indicate this on the registration form. While we do our best to accommodate these requests, it may not be possible due to circumstances beyond our control. Kids First rules require all players be given an equal amount of playing time, therefore team size is limited to ensure your child has an enjoyable experience. All coach/team specific requests are granted on a first come, first served basis.
Practices and Games
GAME TIMES AND LENGTH OF GAMES
Games will be played Monday through Friday. Games begin at 6:15. All older age divisions (ages 9-17) will play until the game is completed (5 innings for 9-11, 6 innings for 12-14), 7 innings for (ages 15-17)or the game is called due to darkness. All games played on field with lights will play until the game is completed. Lights will be turned on if necessary.
T-Ball (ages 5-6) Coach pitch (ages 7-8) play three innings or until it is to dark to play, whichever comes first.
After all local schools have been dismissed for the summer, older divisions (ages 12-17) may play a few night games, which begin at 8:15. Prior to school being dismissed for the summer, any scheduled night games will only be played on Friday night.
PRACTICE TIMES
Practice days and times are determined by the coach and are typically held twice a week, including one weekday and one weekend day. Practice may last one to one and a half hours for the younger divisions, and up to two hours for the older divisions. Once the season starts, practice will be held only once a week, (coaches will utilize their weekend practice schedule at that time) as most diamonds will be utilized during the week for games.
Coaches will notify all parents of practice days/times after they receive official roster. First official practice for all teams begins April 8th. Please check the calendar of events regularly for further information.
