We hope that all of the answers to your questions can be found in the information listed below. If not, please call us at 1-888-RIPKEN1 and we will assist you in any way possible.
Q: Is there a dress code for the coaches?
A: Not specifically. Coaches are not required to wear a uniform during the games, but are expected to be dressed appropriately.
Q: How many coaches are allowed in the dugout?
A: Each team may have up to 4 adults (3 coaches and 1 scorekeeper) in the dugout at a time.
Q: What is the maximum number of players on the roster?
A: There is no limit to number of players; however, all players must be on the roster at the start of the season.
Q: What is the age cut-off date?
A: Ages are based on the April 30, 2011 cut-off date. Whatever the player’s age is on April 30, 2011 is the age group they will participate in for the 2011 Ripken Baseball Spring League. We have a convenient age determination chart available on our website with the league information. For the Fall League ages are based on the April 30, 2012 cut-off date. This means in most cases teams will move up an age group for the Fall League.
Q: Is proof of age required?
A: Yes. We need to verify the age of every player prior to the beginning of the league. Teams must submit birth certificates to our office prior to opening day of the league. No player will be allowed to participate in the league until proof of age is presented.
Q: Do the birth certificates need to be originals or copies?
A: Either is acceptable. Please submit birth certificates for all players at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the League. They can be either mailed or faxed to our office.
Q: When will the game results be posted?
A: We will post standings and results on the league website soon after each game ends.
Q: Does Ripken Baseball keep individual stats for the league?
A: No, Ripken Baseball will not keep statistics for the League in 2011.
Q: What happens if there is a tie?
A: Games can end in a tie during regular season play only. If needed, the following tie-breaker system will be used:
- Head-to-head results (if applicable)
- Total runs allowed
- Lowest single game runs allowed
- Each subsequent lowest single game runs allowed (2nd lowest for each team, 3rd lowest for each team, etc.)
- Coin flip
Please note that total runs scored have no value in our tie breaker system.
Q: Is there a time limit?
A: Yes. The standard time limit for all age groups is 2 hours from the time of the first pitch of the game to the last out of an inning. No new inning may start after the time limit elapses. Games can go into extra innings as long as the time limit has not expired.
Q: Does the time limit apply if we are the last game of the day?
A: Yes. We must treat each game fairly. Early games may have ended due to the time limit so that the later games could be played on time. It would be unfair to allow the last game of the day to play beyond the time limit if earlier games could not do the same.
Q: Do we need to bring baseballs?
A: Game balls are provided by Ripken Baseball. Teams should bring their own practice balls.
Q: How does practice work?
A: Each team will have the opportunity to practice on specific dates (Thursday evenings) from 5:30p-7:30p. Teams will have access to our turf training areas as well as all cages. Game fields are not permitted for practice.
Q: Does our team need its own insurance?
A: Yes. Each team must send us their Insurance Certificate prior to the start of the league. We must have “Ripken Baseball Camps and Clinics, LLC” and “Ripken Baseball Academy” listed as an ‘additional insured’ in the certificate holder section of the standard certificate of liability form. This can be obtained by simply calling your insurance company and asking them to list that on the certificate. Please note: we are not requesting to be added as a ‘named insured’ on your policy.
Q: Are there pitching limits for the tournament?
A: Ripken Baseball does not have specific pitching limitations in our leagues. We do, however, provide recommendations for coaches and parents to follow not only for your time in our league, but for your entire season. The responsibility ultimately lies with coaches and parents to ensure that each player’s health and development is maintained properly. One rule that we do employ in our league is as follows: Once a pitcher leaves the mound, he cannot return to pitch in that game. For further pitching recommendations, please see the information sheet we have compiled at the end of these FAQ’s to help educate those who monitor the players.
Q: What size bats are legal for our age group?
A: For the 11u & 12u age groups – 2 ¼ to 2 ¾ inches in diameter with no weight restrictions. For the 13u age group – 2 ¼ to 2 ¾ inches in diameter with no weight restrictions.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Our first priority is the safety of everyone at the facility. If the fields are judged unsafe, we will suspend, postpone, reschedule, or cancel games as needed. There are numerous factors in deciding when games are allowed to continue and we weigh each of those before making a decision.
Once a decision is made an email will be sent to all head coaches as well as a phone call from the league commissioner, notifying them of any changes. The hotline will also be updated when a decision is made.
Q: Are all of the dugouts covered?
A: Yes. All of the fields at the Ripken Baseball Academy feature covered dugouts.
Q: Do we need to bring water for the dugouts?
A: No. Ripken Baseball will provide water and cups in each dugout for all games.
Q: Are players and their families allowed to bring food and coolers to the complex?
A: Yes. Although, we do ask that everyone make sure their trash is disposed of properly. Alcohol is prohibited.
Q: What is the admission to the facility?
A: Admission at the Ripken Baseball Academy and Ripken Stadium is free.
Q: Is there a place to sit at the Ripken Academy for parents and fans?
A: Each field at the Ripken Baseball Academy features grass berm seating. There are bleachers throughout the complex for parents and fans; however, we do recommend teams bring portable chairs or blankets to sit on.
Q: Is there handicap accessible parking?
A: Yes. At our facility there is plenty of handicap accessible parking.
Q: Can we bring pets to the facility?
A: No. We unfortunately had a few incidents with pets at our facility which has forced us to adopt our current policy.
Information on Pitching Recommendations for Youth Baseball Players
*Information from USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee with help by the American Sports Medicine Institute, USA Baseball News, Journal of Biomechanics, and The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2006)
*Information also from an article on WebMD.com titled “Baseball Pitching Compared in Children and Pros” (2000)
The following recommendations are not specifically from Ripken Baseball. We simply compiled the information and encourage each coach/parent to conduct further research and make the best decisions for their player. Always consult a physician if you have a concern.
One of the missions of the USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee is to provide scientifically based information to youth baseball members decreasing the chance of injury and maximizing their ability to play at a higher level.
- Pitchers should be taken out of the game immediately if their arm is fatigued.
- If a pitcher complains about arm pain and it does not go away after 4 days or the same pain happens immediately when they pitch again, the parent should take their son/daughter to a physician.
- Pitchers who competitively pitch more than 85 pitches per game, more than 8 months out of a year, or with arm fatigue are several times more likely to require elbow surgery.
- Injuries that occur when pitchers are adults may have begun to develop during their youth level of baseball.
- Once a pitcher leaves the game they should not come back in to pitch later in that game. The pitcher’s tendons, muscles, and ligaments need time to “cool down” just as they needed time to “warm-up.”
- The day after a start should be for rest, not participating in any drills that use an overhand movement.
- Throwing curveballs and sliders increase the chance of elbow and shoulder pain. If breaking balls are thrown, it is very important for the pitcher to have the proper mechanics.
- Developing the skills needed to play at a higher level is done through repetition, but a pitcher should not throw for more than one team per season. Performing drills to build strength and consistency is good, but the pitcher must find time to rest between starts. We encourage the player to only pitch for one team during the year.
- A pitcher should not compete in baseball for more than 9 months out of the year. The pitcher will need those 3 other months for “active rest.” Other physical activities are encouraged, but no other overhand activities should be done in these 3 months. (Javelin Throw, Football Quarterback, Swimming)
- Players should be taught proper pitching mechanics from an early age, and their pitches will get faster over time as joint force increases.
- A great way to prevent injury to a pitcher is to improve overall fitness. Athletes as a whole injure themselves much more frequently when they are fatigued. (WebMD)
- To prevent injuries to a pitcher’s arm, have them work on strength and flexibility of their shoulder, wrist, and elbow. (WebMD)
- Parents should get to know their child’s coach to ensure that they are teaching their child the proper mechanics of pitching. It is the coach and parent’s responsibility to make sure the player is using the proper equipment, taking enough time to warm-up, and also enough time with stretching exercises. (WebMD)
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