ONE BOARD TO GOVERN KEENE BABE RUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL, KEENE CAL RIPKEN Unanimous Vote Sunday Unites All Three Leagues for First Time in History

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1 Board of Directors 2015/2016 Executive Board: President Chris Lama Vice President of Cal Ripken Dave Miller Vice President of Babe Ruth VACANT Vice President of Softball James Pearsall Secretary Kevin Thatcher Treasurer Kathleen Joyal General Board Communications Representative Dean Joyal Equipment Manager Matt Abbott Fields and City Liaison Rich Beard Fundraising Coordinator Laura Lama Registrar Mike O Donnell Cal Ripken League Spring Senior League Commissioner Mike Soucia Spring Junior League Commissioner Andy Haas Spring Rookie League Commissioner Chris Farris Spring Pee Wee League Commissioner Matt Mucha Spring Tee Ball League Commissioner Zack LeRoy Summer Major League Commissioner Dean Joyal Summer Minor League Commissioner Rich Beard Summer Instructional League Commissioner Christine Yardley Fall League Commissioner Jim Fennell Babe Ruth Softball League Spring 12U League Commissioner James Pearsall Spring 10U League Commissioner Joe Durrell Spring 8U League Commissioner Gina Burke / Stephanie Pratt ONE BOARD TO GOVERN KEENE BABE RUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL, KEENE CAL RIPKEN Unanimous Vote Sunday Unites All Three Leagues for First Time in History KEENE, NH A watershed moment for youth baseball and softball in the Keene area occurred Sunday December 20 th, when Keene Babe Ruth Baseball, Keene Cal Ripken Baseball and Keene Babe Ruth Softball were joined at the board level. The Greater Keene Youth Baseball and Softball Association will now be the governing body for all three leagues. The vote took place during the monthly board meeting of Keene Cal Ripken Baseball Association. We are excited to have all three leagues come together, GKYBSA president Chris Lama said. This makes youth baseball and softball in the Keene area stronger than ever. Keene Babe Ruth Softball fills a void created when the Allyson Barden Youth Softball League was disbanded after this past summer. Under the new structure, each league will have its own commissioners, but will be governed by one board that consists of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and board of directors. Keene Cal Ripken voted to absorb Keene Babe Ruth Softball in October. On Sunday, the Cal Ripken board voted unanimously to bring Keene Babe Ruth Baseball on board and move toward setting the structure for the Greater Keene Youth Baseball and Softball Association. Keene Babe Ruth Softball and Keene Babe Ruth Baseball draw players from throughout Cheshire County; Keene Cal Ripken Baseball draws players from Gilsum, Keene, Marlborough, Stoddard, Sullivan and Surry. This allows all three leagues to share its resources, Lama said. We will have one website ( and will also be able to hold joint registration and tryouts. There are many parents who have children in more than one our league. This will certainly make their lives easier. Babe Ruth Baseball League At Large- Belinda Oster At Large- Floyd Oster At Large- Tim Peloquin

2 2016 Registration Fees $50 Tee ball (4-5 year olds) $70 Individual (6-12 year olds in Cal Ripken and Softball) $90 Individual BABE RUTH PLAYERS Registration for 2016 season: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13th 9am to 12pm Keene Rec Center Multi-Purpose Room 312 Washington Street Page 2 Family Discount- $30 per additional Players with $150 Maximum per Family (more than one player from same household) Please note all new players must show an original or certified copy of birth certificates at registration. Financial Assistance and Player Scholarships are available as one of the goals of GKYBSA is that all players that want to play be given the opportunity to participate whether they can afford it or not. Each Player is required to participate in a League Wide Raffle Fundraiser; Players have the option of a one- time buyout, if they do not wish to participate. Buyouts will not be available once player has received fundraising packet. *Those parents who wish to coach in the 2016 Season must complete the online ASEP coaching certification. Coaches receive registration cost credit towards one child s registration costs. For those not able to attend our first registration, Register Online at GKYBSA.com or a second registration will take place on TUESDAY FEBRUARY 16 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Keene Rec Center For information, please contact GKYBSA President Chris Lama at clama@ne.rr.com

3 2016 Evaluation Schedule and Reminders All Evaluations' will be held at the Keene High School 2nd Floor Gym on Arch Street. (Enter from rear lobby doors on northwest side of the high school) Bring your baseball glove. A child only needs to attend one of the two sessions. Returning Senior League players Pee Wee and Tee-ball players do not have to try out. Assessment of Fielding, Throwing, and Batting will be conducted on the same day. All players will be placed onto a team in one of the leagues.

4 Keene Cal Ripken Baseball Association- League Composition Players are encouraged to play up the ladder of competition, Tee ball, then Peewee, then Rookie, then Junior, and Senior. Tee ball is for 4, 5, and some 6 year olds, Peewee is for 6 and 7 year olds, Rookie is for 8, 9 and some 7 year olds, Junior League is for 9, 10, and 11 year olds. Senior league is a hold over rostered league, for 10, 11, and 12 year olds playing 70 foot baseball rules. Tee Ball (4 & 5) Division 4 & 5 year olds learning baseball basics and teamwork, Players learn skills by hitting off a tee, running bases, and fielding. We will allow some six year olds who have not played baseball before. Game Play: Games are played two nights a week at Fuller School and Peerless Insurance. The season starts first week of May and runs through first week of June, culminating with a 4 yr. olds 5 yr. olds Tee Ball 6 yr. olds Tee ball (if skills Pee needed) 7 yr. olds Wee Rookie (if drafted) 8 yr. old Rookie 9 yr. olds Rookie Junior (if Drafted) 10 yr. olds Senior (if Junior 11 yr. olds Drafted) 12 yr. olds Senior Saturday game followed by all team/ division gathering. Pee Wee (6 &7) Division The six and seven year old division, working to build basic baseball skills of hitting a pitched ball and fielding and throwing, building on basic skills. 6 year old players that have played Tee Ball will progress to Peewee. Game Play: Typically two or three games a week, weekday evenings and Saturdays. Games are played at Wheelock Park or Fuller School. The season starts April 28rd and ends June 9th. Rookie League (7, 8 & 9) Division The eight and nine year old division prepares the player for competitive baseball. Coaches will use pitching machines for two innings; players will pitch for two innings, and if time allows machine pitch last innings. Those seven year olds that have played two years of peewee may choose to play Rookie if selected on a team. All eight year olds will play Rookie league. Nine year olds not selected for Junior League will be drafted to rookie league teams. Scores are kept and standings are tallied to introduce players to competitive baseball. Game Play: Typically three games a week, weekday evenings and Saturdays. Games played at NGM Field or Wheelock field at Wheelock Park, and at Cleveland Field on Wood Street. The regular season starts April 23rd and Playoffs begin week of June 9th. All teams participate in playoffs. Junior League (9, 10, 11) Division Cal Ripken baseball for 9, 10, and 11 year olds. Players will pitch the whole game but with restrictions on stealing. Game play typically follows Cal Ripken 60 foot baseball rules. Players not selected for Senior league will be drafted to Junior League teams. Game Play: Typically three games a week, weekday evenings and Saturdays. Games played at Mike Rogers Field, NGM Field, and Cleveland Field. Games are played on weekday evenings and Saturdays. The regular season starts April 23rd and Playoffs begin week of June 9th. All teams participate in playoffs. Senior League (10, 11, & 12) Division Cal Ripken baseball played following 70 foot rules for 10, 11, and 12 year olds. Players will learn base running with allowance of leads, fielding skills, pitching with runners leading, and making plays. This is a hold over rostered league so players drafted will stay with that team in following years. This is a preparatory league for skills needed for Babe Ruth Baseball and beyond. Game Play: Typically three games a week, weekday evenings and Saturdays. Games played at the Bambino Fields and at Peerless Field on Maple Avenue. Games are played on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Some practices are scheduled for Sundays. The regular season starts April 23rd and Playoffs begin week of June 12th. All teams participate in playoffs.

5 Keene Babe Ruth Softball- League Composition All Players will start playing Tee Ball and Pee Wee for Skill development. It is after Peewee that we introduce Softball. Players are then matched by age to align with competition. The three divisions are those 8 and under, 10 and under, and 12 and under. Each Age group is unique and offers an all-star option for those players that are selected. Tee ball is for 4, 5, and some 6 year olds; Peewee is for 6 and 7 year olds. 4 yr. olds 5 yr. olds 6 yr. olds Pee Wee 7 yr. olds Pee Tee Ball Tee ball (if skills needed) 8 and Under Wee 8 and Under (7 & 8) Division 8 yr. old 8 and Under The goal of the U-8 Division of Babe Ruth Softball is to 9 yr. olds teach the basics of batting, running, fielding and 10 and Under 10 yr. olds pitching. This is the first year playing softball for most 11 yr. olds individuals and first time that teams keep score of their 12 and Under 12 yr. olds games, although winning should not be the most important thing. The emphasis is on learning to play as a team and having fun. Game Play: Typically three games a week, weekday evenings and Saturdays. Games played at Symonds School Field at Wheelock Park, and at Fuller School on Elm Street (Fields are on Armory Street). The regular season starts April 23rd and Playoffs begin week of June 12th. All teams participate in playoffs. 10 and Under (9 and 10) Division The philosophy of the U-10 Softball Division is to give the players the guidance to improve on the skills needed to prepare for possible advancement to the U-12 Allyson Barden Division. This should be done with the emphasis on team play and improving on fundamental skills instead of wins and losses Game Play: Typically three games a week, weekday evenings and Saturdays. Games played at Symonds School Field at Wheelock Park. New Locations will be announced as they become available. The regular season starts April 23rd and Playoffs begin week of June 12th. All teams participate in playoffs. 12 and Under (11 & 12) Allyson Barden Division Cal Ripken baseball played following 70 foot rules for 10, 11, and 12 year olds. Players will learn base running with allowance of leads, fielding skills, pitching with runners leading, and making plays. This is a hold over rostered league so players drafted will stay with that team in following years. This is a preparatory league for skills needed for Babe Ruth Baseball and beyond. Game Play: Typically three games a week, weekday evenings and Saturdays. Some practices are scheduled for Sundays. The regular season starts April 23rd and Playoffs begin week of June 12th. All teams participate in playoffs.

6 FUNDRAISING The league annual fund-raiser continues to be a Month Long Raffle Calendar. Beginning on May 1st with three $100 Visa cards and continuing daily for the month of May. The League draws a winner daily for a gift card or Visa Card assigned to each day in May. The calendar sells for $5 each. Players are required to sell all 15 calendars for $5.00 each, or use the pre buyout of $65.00 at registration only. Individual Pack- 15 calendars- Tee ball Players - are only required to sell 10 calendars each. Players must sell all calendars, cannot turn in blank calendars. Daily prizes are chosen on weekly basis and are announced nightly in the snack bar, and weekly on our league Facebook page, and on the league website. Gift Cards for winners will be mailed. Those not turning in fundraising by May 10 th will not be eligible to play in games until monies have been received or arrangements have been made. Players with waived registration are required to participate in the League s Annual Fund-raiser. Players not fulfilling their fund-raising obligation are not eligible to participate on a summer, tournament, or fall team. Parents should attempt to collect all cash and turn in one check made payable to KCRBA. Calendar packs are due by April 17, 2016 Calendar packs can be turned in at try outs. If you have any questions, please contact the Fundraising Chair- Laura Lama llama@gkybsa.com

7 Proper Expressions 1. Babe Ruth is NOT "Just Rec Ball!" Babe Ruth is a youth specific league focused on skills development, open play and fun for all ages. 2. Babe Ruth is NOT "Travel Ball!" Babe Ruth focuses on healthy developmental league play culminating in post season tournament play for qualified and interested players. 3. Babe Ruth Tournament Trail is NOT "Summer Ball!" Babe Ruth Tournament Trail is a season extension opportunity for a subset of the original League registered players. Tournaments will start in May with open invitationals, begin Official Tournament Trail play in July and then continue with more Invitationals. Babe Ruth IS an international Community-Centric Youth-Focused Support organization dedicated to helping local leagues provide the best possible playing experience to the youth they serve. It's just that simple - and exactly why we have become the largest youth softball organization in New Hampshire. Softball League Myths By: Russ Monbleau, New Hampshire Softball State Commissioner Published March, 2002 Whether forming brand new community girls softball league from scratch, or attempting to improve and modify an existing league, there are some common misconceptions which can impede a program's development. It's "Just" Recreational: This is an oft repeated phrase that is, in its very nature, self-limiting. The only significant difference between a "recreational" program and any other kind is that the "Rec" program is typically community based and designed to encourage as many players to participate as want to. The commonly accepted incorrect assumption is that a "Recreational" program does not and cannot provide quality instruction and competition. However, "Recreational" and "Quality" are not mutually exclusive terms. There are more than 40 Babe Ruth Softball Leagues in New Hampshire that meet the definition as a "Recreational" league. In fact, Babe Ruth actually requires the very things that define Rec programs. Babe Ruth is community based and all inclusive. It is just a matter of how you set your goals. If you AIM low, you'll HIT low. First things First: It is a common misconception that establishing membership in a national affiliation is last on the list of priorities when constructing a

8 league. When starting from scratch, it would seem logical to manage the local details before considering joining Babe Ruth or any other organization. The truth is that this is exactly backwards. Joining Babe Ruth requires nothing more than 30 minutes to fill out a Declaration of Charter form. For the short time spent on this, there will be a flood of benefits that will enable faster and more comprehensive league development. Upon submitting the Charter Declaration, you will be instantly supported in your goals and efforts by a national organization as well as a local infrastructure of volunteers who are dedicated to your success. Rather than spending endless months at meetings and discussions, Babe Ruth membership will give you a huge head start by providing: 1. Rule books for game design and structure 2. Administrative handbooks to help plan league development and organization 3. A process for developing game officials 4. Coaching and Umpire clinics 5. Access to fund raising opportunities 6. Access to the best insurance program on the market 7. Contact with leagues just like yours 8. Exchange of ideas and problem solutions 9. Post season opportunities 10. Plus a host of other support services In short, joining Babe Ruth first will save you a tremendous amount of work and help you advance your program much faster than "going it alone" in a vacuum. Expectations, Goals, & Opportunities: It is sad but true that many local programs have essentially low expectations for what can be accomplished with a girls' softball program. This is rarely the case with boys' baseball. So, as hard as it may be to admit, setting low expectations is really nothing more than a subconscious gender-bias. That may sound harsh, but if you look at it objectively, that's all it is. Do aspiring female athletes deserve any less than their brothers would get? Of course not. Membership in Babe Ruth Softball Leagues, Inc., in its simplest form, 1. Helps you establish realistic expectations, 2. Shows you appropriate goals and, 3. Gives you the help and opportunity to attain them If it is your objective to create a quality community based girls softball program, then joining Babe Ruth should be at the very top of your "To Do" list.