Welcome to the 2002 NVA Baseball & Tee Ball  Programs !  For many of you, this may be the first time your child will be participating with us or in an organized league.  This Question and Answer Booklet should help address some of the many questions you may have about what we will do over the course of the next eight to ten weeks.  Even if you’re a veteran NVA  parent, it would be a good idea to review this booklet to learn about changes made from last year.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to call the NVA Office at 295-0NVA (295-0682).

What are the age levels for the various leagues?

Level 1- Tee Ball

Tee Ball is for children who are currently in kindergarten and some preschool children who just  missed the school cut-off for this year (turned 5 in Sept. Oct. Nov. or Dec. 2001).

Level 2-Boys Baseball

Boys currently in first & second grades.

Level 2-Girls Baseball

Girls currently in first & second grades.

Level 3- Baseball

Boys currently in third grades.

Level 3- Girls Baseball

Girls currently in third, 4th & 5th grades.

Level 4-  Boys Baseball

Boys currently in 4th & 5th grades.

How is the league structured?

Our League is broken into two phases: clinics and league play.

CLINICS (May 7th- June 6th)

Clinics are the first phase of the program.  Kids will meet at various times for a 45 minute time period.  Our coaching staff will run the kids through a variety of fundamentals.  Kids will receive instruction on throwing, catching, base running, sliding, batting, and positions.  This will also be a time for our coaching staff to evaluate each child on skill level in order to divide the teams fairly. 

The kids will be divided into groups of 18-24 children.  We do this to keep a high teacher/coach to child ratio and also keep a safe environment.  If we have 75 kids for a particular level, we’ll divide them into three groups.  If we have 120 kids for another level, we’ll have 6 groups. For this reason, we ask that kids show only when their scheduled group meets.  However, we realize that there will probably be conflicts with other evening events in your child’s schedule.  Therefore, IF THERE IS ANOTHER GROUP  FOR THE SAME AGE LEVEL THAT MEETS AT A DIFFERENT TIME OR DAY THAT FITS YOUR SCHEDULE BETTER, PLEASE HAVE HIM/HER COME TO THAT TIME INSTEAD.  There is no need to call the New Vision Athletics Hotline to inform us that your child will be coming for a different time.  Just have them show up.  PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS IS FOR CONFLICTS ONLY- NOT FOR CAR POOLING CONVENIENCES OR FRIENDSHIP SITUATIONS. 

It is very important that you keep your child in the group they are assigned so we can keep our groups manageable.  If there are conflicts with several meeting times, call the Hotline and we’ll switch your child to a different group.  

LEAGUE PLAY (June 7th - July 23rd)

League play will start at the beginning of June and is scheduled to play through the third week of July.

Level 1 Tee Ball, Level 2 (1st & 2nd Graders), Level 3 Boys Baseball (3rd Graders), Level 3 Girls Baseball (3rd, 4th & 5th Graders), Level 4 Boys Baseball ( 4th & 5th Graders) will ALL play a 10-game schedule.  Level  3 & 4 Baseball will have play-off games for the teams with the best regular season records, a Championship Game,All- Star game and special Skill Competition Day.

Each team will be scheduled for team practices based on the guaranteed number of “sessions” listed in the registration information during the season.  We do a tremendous amount of instruction during the games which almost makes all our games like practices with uniforms. This is the reason, we don’t schedule as many practices like other sports leagues.

SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION

Still in the works, kids will meet for additional small group instruction aside from games and practices with Coach Kraig.  More information on small group instruction to be announced later.

How many times a week do teams meet?

All teams at every age level will play an average of two games per week, but will vary with weather conditions. Note that whereas all clinics are 45 minutes, game length varies for each level.

Level 1 Tee Ball, Level 2 baseball are all 1 hour in length. Level 3 & Level 4 baseball games have a 1 1/2 hour time limit or 5 complete innings - which ever comes first.

Level 1 Tee Ball games will be 1 hour and are scheduled on Mondays & Wednesdays at either 4:00 PM, 5:00PM, 6:00PM .  Saturday games will start at either 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM or 12:00 Noon

Level 2 Baseball will play on Tuesdays & Thursdays at either 4:00 PM, 5:00PM, 6:00PM or 7:00 PM.  Saturday games will start at either 11:00 AM, 12:00PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM

Level 3 & 4 Baseball games will be scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with start times at either 4:00 PM or  6:00 PM.

Level 3 Girls Baseball will play on Tuesdays at either 4:00 PM, 5:00PM, 6:00PM or 7:00 PM.  Saturday games will start at either 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM

We may need to use some Sundays for make-up games,  but we will try to avoid this if at all possible.

What’s our philosophy?

The purpose of this league is to teach the fundamentals of baseball, while at the same time simply letting the kids have fun. This is NOT a league where winning is the most important objective. In the 3rd Grade, 4th & 5th Grade Baseball leagues where team scores and standings are kept we try to keep a balance between typical competitive baseball leagues and equal opportunity (there is some discretion of playing time and positions that we’ll address with the kids prior to the beginning of games).   Furthermore, the most important thing to our staff is that ALL the children walk away feeling good about themselves.

In Level 1 (Tee Ball) & Level 2 (1st & 2nd grades) we DO NOT keep score.  The 3rd Grade Baseball, 4th & 5th Grade Baseball & Girls Baseball League will keep scores and standings.

How does playing time work once games begin?

For Level 1, all children will bat and play the field EVERY inning.  Nobody sits the bench (unless of course they become ill or injured during the game).  We have additional positions on the field from normal baseball positions to involve every child.  For Level 2, every player will play in the field every inning.  The batting order will stay consistent and follow a normal three outs and switch sides  format.  If a team bats twice through the order in one inning before three outs are recorded, the team in the field will then come to bat. For Level 3 & Level 4 Boys & Girls Baseball Leagues, all ten or eleven kids from a  roster play in the field each inning.  The batting order will stay consistent for the entire game.

The batting order will also rotate game to game in order to give each child a chance to bat at the beginning and end of the order.  The player who batted last will move to the top of the order for the next game and everyone will move down one place.  This will be consistent for all levels.  If your child is out of town for the time they were scheduled to bat at the top of the order he or she may miss the opportunity to bat first.

Children will be rotated by the coaching staff to different positions at least every two innings.  For safety reasons, some children who are experiencing difficulties catching may not play base positions.  This will be a judgment call made by the coaching staff.  The last thing we want is a child hurt which can ultimately lead to a bad experience and an unwillingness to participate in the sport. 

Who will be my child’s coach?

There will be 10-12 NVA coaches that comprise the 2001 NVA Baseball Coaching Staff.  NVA does not use parent coaches. Some of our coaches will be “dedicated”  for a particular level.  At least two to three coaches will be on staff each night and will work on a rotation system coaching and umpiring for the day or evening games.  Your child will not have one coach for the entire season like other sports leagues.  In addition, you will see NVA Coaches-Aids assisting our staff.  These are kids who are in 6th, 7th & 8th grades who will serve as assistants during the season.

At the conclusion of each game, the coaching staff will sit both teams down together to give some closing words about the game.  We will also award our NVA Players of the Game at this time.

Where are clinics, team practices, and games held?

Clinics

The first week of clinics will be held at Central School in Lake Bluff. We  will use the open grass area just off the parking lot for working on skills.  When we need to use the baseball field to teach skills, we may take the children to what is considered the “north field” which is the baseball diamond located about 100 yards behind Central School. 

By Monday, May 13th, we will be permanently based at Lake Forest College for the remainder of the baseball clinics, and season.  We will meet with the kids in front of the SportCenter for the first time each clinic group meets at the College, and walk them to the playing area we will utilize for the day.

Please do not assume a clinic is canceled due to bad weather.  Sometimes we will utilize other areas of the park that are on higher ground which are not saturated with water. We may also move clinics to Lake Forest College indoors to the Sports Complex Center if it is available for that day.  You can always find out the status of games or practices by calling the NVA Hotline at 295-0682 and pressing “2” for a daily breakdown of activities.

A MAP WITH DIRECTIONS FOR THE EXACT LOCATION AND PARKING INFORMATION WILL BE ON THE TEAM ROSTER & GAME SCHEDULE ISSUED AT THE FINAL CLINIC. 

What should kids wear to clinics?

Kids should wear LONG pants (sweats, jeans, baseball pants) so if we work on sliding for the day his/her legs won’t be scraped.  Gym shoes are best for the clinics. Please don’t wear cleats until games begin.

When will teams be announced?

A complete roster of all teams along with game schedules will be available by the final clinic for all levels. If you are not able to attend the last clinic, this information will be mailed to you.

Can I request my child to be on a certain team?

Unfortunately, once you start keeping scores and standings it creates BIG PROBLEMS if teams are arranged by friendships or car pooling situations.  Our first objective is to divide the teams fairly so that no one team has any particular advantage over another.  For this reason alone, we won’t guarantee that all requests will be granted.

For Level 1 and Level 2 teams where NO score or standings are kept, we’re a little more receptive to special requests.  This may be your child’s first experience playing baseball and he or she may feel apprehensive without the comfort of a friend.  If that is the case, please make note on your registration form or call us and leave a message on the Hotline if you failed to write any requests you wished to make.  We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.  NO PROMISES.

If there’s bad weather and we’re not sure if there’s a practice or game... what should we do?

Always assume we will be playing.  We will often play even if it’s sprinkling as long as conditions do not exist for  lightning.  If you’re ever in doubt regarding a clinic, practice, or game, call the NVA Hotline at 295-0NVA (295-0682) and press “2” for daily game information. The system can only handle five people calling in at one time. If you get a “please leave a message” and a beep with no other information, it means that too many people are calling in at one time.  Wait a few minutes and try back again.

Will uniforms be issued?

All kids for every level will receive a team hat and NVA baseball T-shirt which they get to keep.  Team jersey, stirrup socks, and pants will be issued and collected at the end of the season.  (If your child already has pants from Little League, it would be best to wear them).  Any pants damaged during the season will need to be replaced by the participant at the end of the season.

Is there any equipment my child needs?

If your child is in kindergardten T-Ball, Level 2 (1st & 2nd) baseball or girls softball, the only piece of equipment your child needs is a baseball glove.  If your child is playing in the Level 3 or Level 4 Boys baseball program, we would recommend that each he wear a cup and supporter to each practice and game in addition to bringing a baseball glove.  NVA helmets, bats, catcher’s equipment, catcher’s mitt, and balls will be provided.  Of course, batting gloves, sliding pants, wrist bands, eye black, bubble gum and any and all other accessories your child finds necessary to have is entirely up to you.

Contrary to what your child tells you, a NEW glove is not necessary for Level 1 and Level 2.  In fact, it’s almost worse.  New gloves are difficult to work in and remain stiff for several months making it difficult to catch the ball.  In addition, most children don’t have enough hand strength to open and close a new glove which results in the ball popping out constantly.  So, the best mitt is one that is found at a garage or rummage sale or maybe belonged to an older sibling and is already broken in.

If you’re dead set on getting a new glove or if your child is now entering Level 3 or 4 baseball and has outgrown his or her glove,, here’s what we recommend:

They are now making gloves much better than the ones from the old days. Gloves now are more flexible or “broken-in” because many are made from synthetic leather.  You can find these at most major stores (Target, Walmart, Toys R Us, K-Mart in the sports section, or try Sportmart).  A synthetic leather glove looks just like a real leather glove but is much easier to work in or may be already to use the first time you wear it.

The cheap ones run only about $8-$12.  More expensive synthetic leather gloves may run anywhere from $20-$45.  No child this age needs a real leather glove for $100-$150.

For Tee Ball and 1st & 2nd Grade baseball, please don’t confuse the synthetic leather gloves with cheap plastic gloves.  Price is usually a dead give away.  Plastic gloves will range between $1.99 to $7.  They’ll often look more “vinyl” than leather or have popular characters such as Batman or Poke’mon printed on them.  These gloves are cheap and fall apart in no time flat.

Whether it’s new or used, please make sure your child’s name, address, and phone number are visibly written in permanent marker on his or her glove.   If it is left on the field or at the playground, this will facilitate it’s return.

Can My Child Use His/ Her Own Bat?

New Vision Athletics will supply plenty of bats for kids to use.  There are special hard-to-find light weight small bats, for levels 1 and 2. For level 3 we have longer bats which are also light weight.  We do not want any kids using any equipment around our grounds, before a game or clinic begins.  PLEASE DON’T BRING YOUR OWN BATS OR BALLS.

Do you use a real baseball ?

We use a RIF (Reduced Injury Factor)  for our baseball  leagues.  The best way to describe it would be to say it’s like a heavy foam ball, almost the exact weight of a baseball, with a real leather baseball cover including stitches.

The ball is easy to throw and more importantly does what the name implies- REDUCES INJURIES!  In all the years we’ve used these balls, we’ve seen a significant reduction of injuries.

How Will the NVA Level 3 & 4 Baseball Leagues Differ From Little League or Park District Leagues?

Several Ways:

1. Safety Equipment and Rules

*  RIF Ball for League play

*  Adjustable batting helmets which provide a custom fit

    for every child (normal Little League helmet @ $12,

    NVA helmets $30)

*  Higher degree of accountability for kids who want to

     pitch (Level 4 baseball only)

*Kids will be thoroughly taught and tested at pitching.  ONLY kids who throw the MOST ACCURATE will pitch in this league.  If a child throws 90 MPH but has no control, that child WILL NOT pitch in the NVA Baseball League. Accuracy will be the key element to pitching opportunities

* “Innings pitched per week” rule in Little League will not apply.  It will be based on batters faced per game (15 batters max). A pitcher could pitch an entire game is he/she throws strike and has a few 1-2-3 innings.

2.  Kids get opportunities to play position they want to play regardless of size or strength. Only where safety becomes an issue will we not play kids at certain positions.

3.  Higher level of instruction and paid coaching staff  (No volunteer coaches) The kids will learn skills such as lead-offs, stealing on the pitch, stealing home, and pick-off moves to first base.  There will be no “throw the ball up and hit it” situations with bases loaded if a batter gets four balls.  The batter will simply walk if the pitcher can’t throw strikes.   

4.  Playing time for positions will be consistent for EVERY team. There will be a rotation to new positions every one to two innings, and ALL kids will play both outfield and infield during the course of the game.

5.  An outfield fence properly distanced so kids have the ability to hit the ball out of the park.

6.  Uniform colors and team names picked by the kids.  Nice baseball jerseys and custom made hats (no major league replicas).

7.  All the special “Extras” that NVA programs differ to “go the extra Mile”

* Awards Night

* Televised games

* Championship Game, All Star Game televised

    on Cable TV (plus other regular season games)

Will I Be Responsible for Drinks or Treats After Games?

No.  As a matter of fact, I discourage this practice for a few reasons:

1.  We want you to be able to come out and enjoy the games without worrying about whether you were scheduled to bring pop or juice boxes that night.

2.  At the conclusion of each game, the coaching staff will be talking to both teams, recapping good things which happened during the game.  It is a struggle to keep the attention of kids who are fighting over treats or shaking cans of pop on each other.

3.  Water and cups will be available in coolers on the team bench.  We would recommend bringing your own water bottle, which can be kept on the bench.

If there is a special occasion (Birthday) and your child wants to bring something for that day that’s okay, but please call the NVA office and speak to Kraig about this in advance.

What Can We, As Parents, Do For NVA?

1.  Try to attend your child’s games.  They are only young once, so come out and enjoy their experience with them!

2.  While you are at games, please try to keep an eye on any young ones you brought with you.  We’ve had some close calls with some younger siblings wandering over to a team’s bench only to just miss getting struck by a swinging bat by the on deck batter.  Kids also can get their fingers stuck or fall off the backstop.

3.  Be a positive role model while watching the games.  Offer encouragement for BOTH teams, not just your son’s or daughter’s.  Please avoid negative comments or screaming from the stands.

We also ask parents and fans to sit just beyond the outfield fence, as opposed to our first and third base lines for safety and coaching reasons.