REGISTRATION AND COSTS
Q: What is included in the registration fees?
A: The registration fees covers regular season games (16 + Mid-season tournament and end of season tournament in the Spring; 8 + end of season tournament in the Fall) and uniform costs: MLB cap and jersey (Spring) or RRBL logo cap and shirt (fall). Fees also go towards field maintenance fees per the City of Round Rock. Number of games played is a target only, not a guarantee, and is dependent on the number of teams and weather permitting. Other costs incurred by the player throughout a season may include names and numbers for uniforms (not included), player equipment, pictures, fundraising events.
Q: How are the registration fees determined?
A: Each year the Executive Committee meets to budget for the upcoming year while considering the projected registration numbers, RRBL park maintenance and upkeep, number of games played in a season, umpire fees, and park improvement needs. Since RRBL is run by a group of volunteers (board members, committee members, field directors, etc.), we have managed to keep registration fees as low as possible year over year; however, each year fees are reviewed and set as determined necessary by the Executive Committee to meet our financial budgets. As a reminder, the registration fees paid provide the funds for uniforms (cap and shirt), 16 games in the Spring (target, weather permitting), 8 games in the Fall (target, weather permitting), the end of season playoffs, trophies/awards, umpire fees, as well as all of the league's expenses as they are incurred. RRBL is not subsidized by any other organization/public entity and incurs significant costs throughout the year such as utilities and park and facilities maintenance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all registration, sponsorship, fundraising, and donation dollars go back into the organization and facilities.
Q: How can I request a refund?
A: Any requests for refunds must be done via email to registration at registration@rrbl.org. A $10 administration fee will apply for any withdrawal prior to the close of the regular league registration period. A $30 administration fee will apply for any withdrawal between the close of league registration and 3 business days before the scheduled start of the season. In addition, once uniforms have been ordered and distributed the cost of the uniform will also be deducted from any refunds issued. There are NO REFUNDS within 3 business days prior to the scheduled start of the season (first practice). Refunds will not be granted based on whether or not special requests were met, draft/team assignment outcomes, game or practice schedules, conflicts with other sports or activities, etc. Please understand the commitment required to participate, and ask any questions before registering. By the time of the drafts occur, uniform orders have already been placed and paid for with registration fees, and cannot be cancelled. Note: the Board of Directors may consider partial refunds in the event of special extenuating circumstances such as a season-ending injury (with medical documentation).
AGE DIVISIONS
Q: Is there a 4U T-Ball division in the Fall?
A: Yes, we will attempt to offer a 4U division in the Fall season as long as we have enough players and coaches to make a sufficient number of teams.
Q: How are the age divisions determined?
A: The age for a given Fall and Spring season are determined by the child’s age on April 30th. Please note the year associated with the date and that a player’s age remains the same for consecutive Fall and Spring seasons. For instance, the player’s age as of 4/30/19 is used to determine a players division for the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 seasons.
Q: Can my child ‘play up’ to an older age group?
A: Yes, but only by 1 age division as a protected player ONLY. This must be an agreement by both the players’ parents and the protecting manager. If a player is not listed on the mangers protection list by the deadline, AND the same manager is listed by the parent on the players registration, they will not play for that manager. NO EXPECTIONS.
DIVISION I VS. DIVISION II
Q: What is the difference between Division I and Division II?
A: While both divisions are recreational, the Division I is generally more competitive and the players often have above average skills for their age group.
TRY-OUTS / SKILLS ASSESSMENTS / TEAM FORMATION
Q: What if I miss or cannot attend Skills Assessments?
A: All registered and unprotected players will be placed on a team through the draft process after their attendance at Skills Assessments (assuming there are enough Managers for registered players). However, because of drafting rules, most Division I players that are drafted (not protected) are selected from a pool of players that attended Skills Assessments as Managers are given the opportunity to “assess” the talent and experience of the player. If a player does not attend Skills Assessments (tryouts), then the Managers are not provided an opportunity to assess the player’s experience and therefore cannot make an informed decision on their experience level. Any player who does not attend Skills Assessment will be assigned to a team at the end of the draft process through a blind draft (random assignment). We highly recommend players attend Skills Assessment for this reason.
Q: How can I guarantee that my child is placed on a coach’s team?
A: The only way to guarantee the placement of a player on a specific coach’s team is if the player is listed on his/her “protected players” roster. Each division is allowed to “protect” a specific number of players (depending on the age group/division), but each manager must obtain parent consent for each “protected” player prior to Skills Assessments. If there is no parent consent, the player is considered available to other managers and will be placed on a team during the draft which is typically held the day after Skills Assessment.
Q: Can I “Special Request” for my child to be with a Team/Manager/another player?
A: Requests are allowed in the FALL SEASON ONLY. Special requests are considered, but there is no guarantee that a child will be placed on their team or coach of choice. Spring season does not allow requests.
Q: How are Managers selected?
A: Managers are selected through a volunteer application and review process. The board of directors will hold a meeting after the registration period to review all applicants. They will look at the volunteer registrations of the candidates who signed up, review the information provided in the registration which takes into account experience managing along with other key factors, successfully passing criminal background check, and discuss any known information (positive or negative) regarding any of the candidates. The candidates are then voted on by the BOD. Once approved, the managers will be informed by their age group commissioners. The registration numbers are evaluated at each age group to begin assigning teams to managers. Once the actual registration numbers begin to firm up, teams are added or subtracted accordingly.
Q: Who can I Speak to about my child’s manager/coaches?
If possible, please try to address any concerns with your child’s manager and/or coaches with them directly. If a resolution cannot be made, then contact your age division commissioner. Their email can be found on the website under the About tab, then Board or Directors. The email link is to the right of the Board Members name.
GAMES / PRACTICES
Q: How many games/practices per week?
A: The spring season generally has 1-2 games per weekend, and occasionally a weeknight game, while the fall season generally has 1-2 games per week, often on Saturday only. Exceptions may occur throughout the season, particularly if there are weather make-up dates.
Weeknight games start at 6 p.m. and may start as late a 8:00 p.m. for the older age divisions. Each team is assigned a field practice once per week. Other practices assigned (time and place) are to the discretion of the manager
Q: When are games and how long do they last?
A: All games during the week start at 6:00 PM with a second game time starting immediately after the first following a short break with the latest start being 8:00 PM for 12U and 14U age groups. Our Schedulers attempt to provide a balance of early/late game times across all teams. Weekend games typically start at 9:00 AM and may start as late as 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM during regular season play. Game duration:
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4U - 45 min
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6U - 60 min
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8U - 75 min
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10U - 90 min
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12U - 100 min
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14U/16U/18U - 105 min
UMPIRES
Q: What can I do if I have a complaint about an umpire?
A: First, gain an understanding of what constitutes an ‘arguable’ offense by an umpire. Like it or not, judgment calls (fair/foul, safe/out, strike/ball) are not open for interpretation or argument. If an umpire lacks knowledge of the rules of the game, displays general ‘laziness’ in the field of play, and/or displays poor/bad attitudes towards managers/coaches/parents/players, these are issues of which we would like to be made aware so we can address with UIC (Umpire In Charge). To file an official complaint, you may fill out an Umpire evaluation form online, or send an email to your age specific commissioner (email addresses on our website at www.leaguelineup.com/rrbl). We can ONLY take action when we have actionable data on which to act, so please be as detailed as possible in your report including the date, time, field location, team names, and the particulars of the incident or issues.
Q: How can I become an umpire?
A: Umpire applications are available on the website on the home page.
Q: How old must I be to be an umpire?
A: The preferred age for an umpire is 15 years old.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Q: How can I become a member of the Board of Directors?
A: We hold formal elections every Spring. Application for becoming a board member usually opens in April with the election occurring in May. All positions are filled by popular vote from the league constituency. If elected, you will serve a (2) year term on the board. Each June, elections within the board of directors occur to determine what position you will serve for the following year. However, it is not uncommon for the board to be short some bodies, so if you are interested in possibly joining the board at any time, please reach out to a Board Member. You may fill out an application online and send an email to publicrelations@rrbl.org. A member of the Executive Committee will follow up with you.
Q: What are the duties of a board member?
A: RRBL is an all-volunteer non-profit organization. All board members are volunteers as are the managers/coaches. Duties will include opening/closing of fields on game days, closing of fields after practices during week, trash duty prior to select tournament weekends, and other duties as assigned by the VP of Operations.
Q: What is RRBL's background check policy? What may preclude someone from being approved to serve as a volunteer (Board Member, Manager, Coach)?
A: All volunteers must complete a volunteer registration form and also provide personal details and consent to a background check. Various information is taken into consideration for the volunteer position being requested. Ultimately, it is up to the discretion of the Board of Directors to determine who is approved or denied from serving as a volunteer. The safety and security of our players and other volunteers is of the utmost importance. Criminal history is usually the primary reason for denial of volunteer requests. RRBL's background check policy can be found on our website under the Forms tab>League Documents>General League Information and Policies.
Q: How do I become a sponsor or advertise my business at RRBL?
A: Please send an email to the Director of Sponsorships at sponsors@rrbl.org
RRBL FACILITIES / PARKING
Q: What are the rules for parking at Old Settlers Park?
A: Please comply with any general rules per the RR Parks and Recreation Department:
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Do NOT park in marked fire zones at any time.
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Do NOT park in the grass at any time. Park only in designated areas.
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RRBL patrons not adhering to the requests above will be subject to towing or tickets from RRPD.
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On game days, please avoid parking in the small lot behind the concessions at Silver Slugger. This is reserved for the Board of Directors of RRBL and Umpires.
Q: Can I bring my dog or other pet to RRBL for practices or games?
A: No pets are allowed in the baseball fields per the ordinance of the City of Round Rock. This is clearly posted at all entrances to the fields - no pets of any kind are permitted other than registered service animals. This policy is in the best interest of the safety of all players and park patrons and the cleanliness of our facilities. If you choose to ignore this policy, please be prepared to be asked by one of our Board Members to provide proof of registration as a service animal, or be asked to remove your pet from the premises.
