Fontana Community Little League

SPRING 2019 GENERAL INFORMATION

What Divisions are available at FCLL and what are they like?

Tee Ball (Ages 4-5) BASEBALL ONLY: This division is purely instructional. Teams bat the entire roster. Batters are expected to be rotated so everyone has a chance to bat first. The first 5 games will be played off the Tee. After that, each batter will receive up to 3 overhand pitches from a coach. If there is no hit, then the player bats from a Tee. All players take the field and will be rotated to try all positions. No score is kept. There are unlimited outs, no stealing of bases, and runners only advance one base except on a ball hit into the air to the outfield, then two bases may be taken. Games last 1 hour.

Farm (Ages 6-7) BASEBALL ONLY: This division is purely instructional. Any 7 year old that attends try-outs and is not drafted to a Rookie team will play in the Farm Division. Teams bat the entire roster. Batters are expected to be rotated so everyone has a chance to bat first. Each batter will receive up to 5 overhand pitches from a coach. If there is no hit, then the player is out. Each player will not sit out two consecutive innings. Ten players take the field each inning and players will be rotated to try all positions. An inning is over if there are 3 outs, 4 runs scored, or 9 batters have batted. There is no stealing of bases and runners only advance one base except on a ball hit into the air to the outfield, then two bases may be taken. The length of each game will be determined by February 1, 2019 but typically last 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Rookie (Ages 7-8) BASEBALL & SOFTBALL DIVISION PROVIDED: This division is also primarily instructional and is the first opportunity for player pitching. Players must try-out and be drafted to a team. Teams bat the entire roster. Batters are expected to be rotated so everyone has a chance to bat first. In March, there are no walks. When there have been 4 balls thrown and there are less than 3 strikes, the Manager/Coach will go out and pitch the remaining strikes. During the time the Manager/Coach is pitching, no bases maybe stolen and the umpire continues to call balls and strikes. In April, there will be no walks once bases are loaded. In May and June, walks are allowed and there will be no Manager/Coach pitching. An inning is over if there are 3 outs, 4 runs scored, or 9 batters have batted. A player may advance only one base on an overthrow. Base stealing is allowed, however, a player at third may only advance home by a hit or a walk (no stealing home or advancing on an overthrow). Players must play at least two innings on the field and will be rotated to try all positions, if desired and can be done safely. A fourth outfielder is allowed so 10 players may be on the field. The length of each game will be determined by February 1, 2019 but games are typically 1 hour and 15 minutes, no new inning, and drop dead at 1 hour and 30 minutes. There may be an optional tournament held at the end of the season.

Minor (Ages 9-11) BASEBALL & SOFTBALL DIVISION PROVIDED: This division is where it starts to get competitive, but development of players is still a priority. Players must try-out and be drafted to a team. Running standings will be kept and will be used for seeding of the end of season tournament. Teams bat the entire roster. Players must play at least two innings on the field. Stealing home is allowed and there is no limit on bases for overthrows. An inning is over if there are 3 outs or 5 runs scored. The length of each game will be determined by February 1, 2019 but games are typically 1 hour and 30 minutes and finish the inning. 10 and 11 year old players may be pulled up to play in the Major division (this is an honor). Players must move up to Majors if selected as their position on the Minor team is no longer available.

Major (Ages 10-12) BASEBALL & SOFTBALL DIVISION PROVIDED: This division is very competitive. Players must try-out and be drafted to a team. Once you are drafted to a team, you are on that team until you move on to the next division. Games are 6 innings (mercy rule 10 runs ahead after 4 innings). The length of each game will be determined by February 1, 2019. Standings are kept and used for Tournament of Champions seeding and the next year’s draft. There is a 9 batter line-up with substitutions. Players are guaranteed only 1 at bat and 2 innings on the field. There will be players that will only play the minimum and no more.

Junior (Ages 13-14) SOFTBALL ONLY DIVISION PROVIDED: The Junior Softball Division is for kids ages 13-14. Play is fast pitch softball and the diamond used is a 60-foot diamond with the pitching distance set at 43 feet. The ball is the full regulation 12” ball. The Junior Division is play is more advanced than the other FCLL Softball Divisions. Junior players can expect to play at least 12 games in the regular season and 3 to 5 games in the play-offs. Play occurs within our league and may also occur with surrounding leagues who are in the district boundary (District 71). Selection on a team is via a draft, with the goal of developing balanced teams. Players will need to attend one of two try-out dates in January 2019. Players are guaranteed only 1 at bat and 2 innings on the field. There will be players that will only play the minimum and no more.

Senior (Ages 13-16) BASEBALL ONLY DIVISION PROVIDED: This division is very competitive. Players must try-out and be drafted to a team. Games are 7 innings (mercy rule 10 runs ahead after 5 innings). The length of each game will be determined by February 1, 2019. Standings are kept and used for Tournament of Champions seeding and the next year’s draft. There is a 9 batter line-up with substitutions. Players are guaranteed only 1 at bat and 2 innings on the field. There will be players that will only play the minimum and no more. Head first sliding, metal cleats, leading off, balks, and on deck batters are used in this division. High school ball players will rejoin their team at the conclusion of the high school season.

Challenger League (Ages 4-18; or 22 if still in high school) BASEBALL PROVIDED: This divisions enables boys and girls with physical and mental challenges. Each player gets a chance to bat. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster. No score will kept during Challenger games. Players wear the same uniforms, shoulder patches and safety equipment as other divisions at Fontana Community Little League. Challenger teams will play once a week and have a practice once a week. Games will last 50 minutes. Players will be assigned a “Buddy” who will assist the players on the field, but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the “buddy” is always nearby to help when needed.

How do I find out my child’s league age?

League age may or may not be different from your child’s age. Little League Baseball, Inc. establishes “League Ages.” Click on these links:

Baseball- http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/age-chart-baseball.pdf

Softball- http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/age-chart-softball.pdf

Do Teams get to pick their own team names?

Softball Managers select their team names. Baseball Mangers will be able to select from a list of team names. These names were created based on the available jersey and cap colors. FCLL sets up division names as follows:

Tee Ball: American League Team Names
Farm: National League Team Names
Rookie: PAC-12 Team Names
Minors: Minor League Team Names
Majors: National & American League Team Names
Seniors: National & American League Team Names
Challenger: Managers select their team names

Do we play games against other leagues (“interleague”)?

Yes. Some of our divisions play against other Fontana Leagues. This includes: all softball divisions and senior baseball. Days and times will be communicated by your manager after teams are formed. No requests for specific days of the week or times can be granted.

Where are games played and what is the frequency?

FCLL will be playing games at Coyote Canyon Park. The City of Fontana is scheduled to issue field permits by February 2019.

Games may also be scheduled for:

Coyote Canyon Park, 5051 Duncan Canyon Road in Fontana; or
Hunter's Ridge Park, 5220 Cherry Avenue in Fontana .

Divisions that interleague (see above) may also play at parks in Fontana:

Jack Bulik Park, 16581 Filbert Avenue in Fontana; or
Village Park, 15601 Village Drive in Fontana.

Days and times will be communicated by your manager after teams are formed. No requests for specific days of the week or times can be granted.

Where do practices occur and what is the frequency?

Our practices occur at Coyote Canyon Park, Hunter’s RidgePark and Bill Martin Park. Attempts are made to get 3 baseball events scheduled a week for Rookie teams and above; 2 baseball events a week for Farm teams and below. These events include games and practices. Days and times will be communicated by your manager after teams are formed. No requests for specific days of the week or times can be granted.

When will games be played?

Games will begin on Opening day right after Ceremonies. Opening Day has yet to be determined as we are waiting for field allocation permits by the City of Fontana. Typically, opening day occurs on the first or second Saturday of March. Games and practices will occur Monday-Saturday at the parks listed above. Days and times will be communicated by your manager after teams are formed. No requests for specific days of the week or times can be granted.

When should I hear from a coach?

Teams should be formed by the beginning of February 2019. If you have not heard from a manager by February 10, 2019 please email info@fontanacommunitylittleleague.org.

What do I need for my child to play?

The league provides a jersey and a cap for baseball and a jersey and socks for softball. Parents will need to purchase pants, socks, belt, and an undershirt (optional). Please do not buy these items until AFTER you have met with your team where the colors will be decided. Players need to have a baseball/softball glove, cleats, and an athletic supporter.

What do I need to do to become a volunteer at FCLL?

You will need to email our Safety Officer , Brad Holmes, at safety@fontanacommunitylittleleague.org with your intent to volunteer and he will email you back a personalized invite for you to fill out a background check application online.

Does my player need to Try-Out?

It depends on their age/division. All Divisions must try-out at least 50% (1 time) of the try-outs EXCEPT the following:

Tee Ball & Farm Divisions; Challenger League Players; and
Returning Major Players that were previously drafted to a FCLL team.
Returning Major and Junior players do not need to try-out; however, they do need to register.

When are Try-Outs?

Try-out dates are scheduled for Saturday, January 26th at Hunter's Ridge Park. PLEASE ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO START TIME TO REGISTER AND WARM UP. In case of rain or lightning, check our website at www.fontanacommunitylittleleague.com or our Facebook page for more Information.

Baseball League Age Time: Softball League Age Time:

7-8 9:00 a.m. All Ages 4:00 PM.

9 11:00 a.m.

10 12:30 p.m.

11-12 1:30 p.m.

13-16 3:15 p.m.

All players (baseball & softball), 7 years and older must attend at least 50% (one) of the try-out sessions to be drafted to a team. 7 year olds who want to be considered for Rookie Baseball must try-out; without a try-out, they will be placed in the Baseball Farm division.

Can I request to play with a certain player or be on a specific manager’s team?

Only if you will be playing in the Tee Ball or Farm Division. All other Divisions will hold a draft based on try-outs.

Can I request that siblings play together in the divisions above Farm?

Yes, but that would be at the discretion of the manager during the draft. Be sure to indicate this request during FCLL In-Person Registration. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT YOUR REQUEST WILL BE HONORED.

If my player is returning to a Major or Senior baseball team, can I request that he/she not return to that team?

Yes, but again this would be at the discretion of the Manager to work out a fair trade with another FCLL team. The request must be made to the Division Player Agent. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT YOUR PLAYER WILL PLAY FOR ANOTHER TEAM.

Can I “BUY-OUT” the snack bar responsibility?

No. There is Snack Bar Fee that can be reimbursed back to you if you volunteer to assist in the snack bar. If you do not volunteer to assist in the snack bar, the fee will NOT be reimbursed.

Do I have to participate in Fundraising?

Yes. Each player will be responsible for selling ALL of their 50 raffle tickets.

Are there refunds?

Yes. FCLL Policy is to refund on or before February 4, 2019. Any request for a refund after that time will be at the Board of Director’s discretion and will be less the cost of the Jersey, Cap, and/or Socks. Late Fee payments will not be refunded.

Can I make payment plans? Are there scholarships?

This is evaluated on a case by case basis. Please speak to a Board Member at FCLL In-Person Verification.

Are their paid positions/roles at FCLL?

The Board of Directors are all volunteers. The league contracts for some services such as field maintenance, umpires, and a snack bar coordinator.

How is FCLL governed?

FCLL is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) educational organization. The league is governed by our Constitution and our Bylaws.

Spring 2019 Tryouts Information

SPRING 2019

TRY-OUT INFORMATION

Does my player need to Try-Out?

It depends on their age/division. All Divisions must try-out at least 50% (1 time) of the try-outs EXCEPT the following:

· Tee Ball & Farm Divisions; Challenger League Players; and Returning Major Players that were previously drafted to a FCLL team.

When are Try-Outs?

Baseball Try-Out Times Softball Try-Out Times

Ages Ages

7-8= 9:00am All Ages= 4:00pm

9= 11:00am

10= 12:30am

11-12= 1:30pm

13-16= 3:15pm

Senior (Ages 13-16) BASEBALL ONLY DIVISION PROVIDED: This division is very competitive. Players must try-out and be drafted to a team. Games are 7 innings (mercy rule 10 runs ahead after 5 innings). The length of each game will be determined by February 1, 2018. Standings are kept and used for Tournament of Champions seeding and the next year’s draft. There is a 9 batter line-up with substitutions. Players are guaranteed only 1 at bat and 2 innings on the field. There will be players that will only play the minimum and no more. Head first sliding, metal cleats, leading off, balks, and on deck batters are used in this division. High school ball players will rejoin their team at the conclusion of the high school season.

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Spring 2019 Tryouts Information