FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)

This is a question we often get asked and is difficult to answer.  Coaches do not get their practice field assignments until after the Player Draft in early March.  Most coaches tend to practice about twice a week.  Practices begin after Field Clean-Up in mid-March.  Teams practice during the week or on Saturdays.  Most coaches will begin practices at around 6:00 PM during the week, some sooner especially in the beginning.  Please strive to have your child attend as many practices as possible, so they can get ready for the season.  If you’re running late or can’t make a certain practice, please notify the coach.  Good communication is the foundation of a fun and successful season.

Games begin on Opening Day in mid-April and continue for approximately 8 weeks until mid-June.  Games typically start 6:00 PM during the week.  Teams usually play twice a week.  We don’t know the days until the schedule is published.  It is important to come to as many games as possible.  If your child will miss a game due to other family obligations, please notify the coach, so they adjust their lineup accordingly.  Remember, everyone gets to play, so the coach needs to know who is going to participate in a given game.

What does my registration fee provide?  What do I have to buy for my child to play? 

The registration fee pays a portion of the cost of running a T-Ball, Baseball and Softball program.  Fundraisers (e.g., Pizza/Snack Sale, Candle Sale and Bull & Shrimp Feast) further subsidize the registration fees.  Our fees compare well with neighboring organizations and tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum.

The league provides a uniform that the players keep at the end of the season.  We provide all of the team equipment such as helmets, bats and catcher gear.  The player needs his or her own glove.  Cleated shoes are recommended, especially for the older age groups.  We recommend getting multi-purpose cleats if your child plays other sports.  For instance, soccer does not allow players to wear shoes with a toe cleat.

After equipment purchases, the league also pays for umpiring services that are a substantial part of our budget.  We must also buy liability insurance and supplies to maintain the ball fields.

What can I do if I have a problem or concern with how the team or league is managed?

The league is always looking for dedicated volunteers to step forward and help run the league.  If you have a concern about the team, we encourage everyone to communicate with the coach at a mutually convenient time (cornering him after a stressful ballgame is not usually an opportune time to talk).  Most of the time, small problems can be discussed and resolved before they become big ones.  You may also share concerns with your league vice-president or another executive officer (i.e., president, executive vice-president or registrar).  As a rule, the league does not interfere with how a coach chooses to manage his team.  As the manager, he or she selects the coaching staff and makes decisions regarding where or when a child plays.  Coaches know that every child gets to play in the game.  We allow coaches to bench players for discipline issues unrelated to their skill level or ability.  Coaches are entrusted with the care and well being of your children.  They are not permitted to berate children or use foul language.  Coaches are required to attend clinics and submit to background checks provided by Anne Arundel County Rec & Parks every three years.  The league adheres to the letter and spirit of the background check program.

Why should I choose Glen Burnie Baseball & Softball for my child?

This is the question every family asks themselves, so we will provide information as to why we are a good choice for your child.  Glen Burnie Baseball & Softball has been serving the needs of the northern Anne Arundel County community for over 50 years!  We enjoy level-one accreditation with A A Co Rec & Parks.  We fully comply with the county’s background check program to strengthen the safety of your children.  We do not allow coaches to be in contact with your children without first submitting to a background check.  This is non-negotiable for us.

The league is managed by a dedicated group of volunteers.  Nearly all of us have had children come up through the program.  Many of us stay involved even after our children have grown.  We have a tremendous amount of experience managing youth sports.  Our league president, John Moore, has been with us for over 30 years.  We understand how to build and run successful baseball and softball programs.

Another important factor to consider:  We are baseball and softball specialists.  We are not an umbrella organization that runs several sports programs that invariably overlap and interfere with one another.  Our facilities are used exclusively for baseball & softball.  We don’t have the scheduling conflicts on field use such as baseball (primary season) interfering with spring soccer (second season).  We specialize in baseball and softball, and we think we do it well.

The last reason to consider is this:  While we have a lot of experience, we also embrace tools to make things easier and less time-consuming for everyone.  We recently partnered with Youth Leagues USA to provide a robust, secure online registration system that is available 24/7.  We also offer walk-in registrations for those who prefer a face-to-face process.

For an experienced, progressive organization, you will be hard pressed to find a better league than Glen Burnie Baseball & Softball.

(FAQ’s prepared by Randy Rogers, League Registrar, on January 16, 2009)