Academy Little League PO Box Colorado Springs, CO sports.bluesombrero.com/academyll

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1 Dear Academy Little League Parents and Players, Baseball and Softball season is almost here! As we begin our 21 st season, we want to again recognize the tremendous volunteer spirit of those who contribute to our league s success. We remain confident with your continued support that Academy Little League will again be recognized as the finest Little League in the region. To that end, we remain committed to operating our league in accordance with the guiding principles and policies established by Little League Baseball. One distinctive difference between Little League programs such as ours and other baseball/softball programs is the minimum play rule. All players must play a minimum of six defensive outs and have one at bat in each full regulation game. In addition, all players will be placed on a team regardless of ability. We also attempt to group our T-Ball Division (5-6) and our Rookies Division (7-8) by school (we will make every effort to accomplish this and comply with all requests, but we do not guarantee the placement of any player); therefore, it is important that you list your player s school on the registration form and definitely at the volunteer table. The three older divisions (9-10, and 13-14) have evaluation sessions, and players are drafted onto a team; we match baseball player s abilities by dividing them into Red and Blue Divisions in our 9-10 and age group. Any player that does not attend an evaluation session cannot qualify for a Red Division team and will be placed on a Blue Division team. In addition, we do not guarantee a makeup evaluation session; you need to make every effort to attend your session at your scheduled time. NOTE: Due to not having our own home fields this year, we have restrictions on field use. That may limit field availability and the number of total games that can be played. Because of this situation being out of our control, we are limiting the number of players in certain age divisions again this year. In the event that we cut off registration because of field availability, or (as has been our policy in the past) if we are unable to obtain a qualified volunteer manager for a team, your money will be refunded. Due to these issues we will also institute a hard cut-off date of February 5, 2016 to register a player. Academy Little League All-Star teams play within Colorado s Little League framework, competing in the District 5 (and hopefully State, Regional, and World Series) tournaments. As some of you may know, in our 20-year history we have fielded 13 State Champion and 32 District Champion teams. This includes our most recent 2015 Majors District Champions and Minors State Champions! As you would suspect, it takes a lot of time and effort to administer and manage a program of this size. The Board of Directors will be asking for your help as team managers, coaches, and a variety of other jobs that are necessary to make the program a success. As you review the enclosed registration information we ask that you please consider volunteering for one of the positions listed--it takes almost 40

2 volunteers just to complete player evaluations! A person will be available at registration to accept volunteer forms; one is enclosed for your consideration. You can also find extensive information about our entire program at. We wish you a safe, enjoyable, and memorable 2016 season. Now, let s get ready to play ball!! Sincerely, Academy Little League Board

3 GENERAL INFORMATION Registration fees: * There is a $10.00 fee to cover the cost of the convenience to offer online registration. This fee is non-refundable should you request a refund at any time. T-Ball ages 4 through 6 $90.00 (baseball only) Rookies ages 7 and 8 $ (baseball only) Minors ages 9 and 10 $ (baseball only) Majors ages 8 through 10 ages 11 and 12 $ (softball only) $ Juniors ages 13 and 14 $ Multiple player discount: A family with more than multiple players in the league will receive a $25 discount for the third and subsequent player(s). Please see Mrs. Tamee Lashlee at the cashier s table for details. Boundaries: You must reside or your child must attend a school in this boundary to play for Academy Little League. Our geographic boundaries are: --All of the Air Force Academy --South of following: INTERQUEST PKWY to POWERS BLVD to Old Ranch Rd to Baker Rd to Wildflower Rd to Arroya Ln to Rex Rd --North of following: Garden of the Gods to Austin Bluffs to Stetson Hills Blvd and extending a line to Falcon The only exclusions to the boundary rules, per LL National, are a grandfather waiver (your player or their sibling has had uninterrupted play in our league, then moves out of boundaries or changes schools outside our boundaries) or a special situation waiver (these are extremely rare and require your league to sign off on the waiver). All waivers must be processed as early as possible to ensure a timely decision. Please contact Lori Carrington directly to begin the process if you feel your player qualifies. With the exception of a properly executed grandfather or school boundary waiver, players not meeting boundary eligibility requirements are not eligible for All-stars and could jeopardize league standing. Please carefully ensure your player is boundary eligible prior to registration. If you are unsure, please contact Lori as soon as possible. Please note that not all District 20 schools are within our boundaries. If you are entering the

4 league on a school boundary waiver, the physical location of the player's school must fall within the boundaries. If one of your players qualifies under a school boundary waiver, all siblings are also eligible. Age divisions: Per new UPDATED Little League regulation, for players born on or after September 1, 2005: The August 31 age determination date will be effective immediately, starting with the 2016 season. This was the implementation used for the 2015 season, with players turning 4 to 9 years old during the 2015 calendar year to use the December 31 age determination date. That implementation remains in place, except instead of using December 31, you will use August 31. Please refer to the Little League website for more information. This only affects Baseball and NOT the Softball division. Or here is the Little League Age Calculator for more help: T-BALL 4-6 years MINORS 9-10 years JUNIORS years ROOKIES 7-8 years MAJORS years Duration of season: (exact dates TBD; number of games is approximate) T-BALL ROOKIES MINORS BLUE DIVISION MINORS RED DIVISION MAJORS BLUE DIVISION MAJORS RED DIVISION JUNIORS DIVISION April 2 June 8; 10 games (no end-of-season tourney) April 2 June 8; 12 games (no end-of-season tourney) April 2 - June 11; 16 games (includes end-of-season tourney) March 28 - May 30; 18 games (plus Memorial Day tourney) April 2 - June 11; 16 games (includes end-of-season tourney) March 28 - May 30; 18 games (plus Memorial Day tourney) March 28 May 30; 16 games (includes end-of-season tourney) The above number of games includes two built in makeup games. Due to field limitations this season, any additional makeup games will potentially be scheduled for Sunday afternoons. All players should be contacted no later than February 29th by their manager/coach. Practices begin: Juniors, Majors, and Minors: after draft (late February) Rookies: after team selection (late February)

5 T-Ball: after team selection (late February) All-Stars: Nominations last week of May; evaluations on/about June 15; practice begins June 15; games begin on/about July 9. Game days: Games for all divisions can be played on any day. We do not plan on playing on Sunday; however, numerous rainouts may force us to do this. Game schedules will be finalized in March after teams and field locations are finalized. Practices: Days/times and locations are set by each coach, and may be on any day of the week. For 9-14 year olds, geographic separation is almost certain among team members since they are drafted. Conflicts with other: We recognize there may be conflicts with other extracurricular activities--scouts, soccer, music, and even other baseball activities (such as tournament teams). Please be aware that we encourage players to attend all league practices/games. Coaches reserve the right to adjust playing time based on practices/games attended. Registration Information We offer a limited online registration for returning players only (certain restrictions apply.) Go to: sports.bluesombrero.com/academy LL. Bring completed registration form(s), birth certificate (If you are NOT a returning player from last SPRING), proof of address, and registration fee (check or cash). No mail-in applications will be accepted prior to January 23, The location for mailing in applications is posted on our website. Please note that all mail-in registrations will fall under late registration and should include a $20 late fee. Should you find the need to mail in your application(s), and if your player needs to attend an evaluation session you will be given a time rather than being able to choose a time. ALSO, if all evaluation sessions have transpired, Academy Little League does not guarantee a make-up session, therefore your player will not be eligible for a Red Division team. Registration location Session 1: Friday, January 2 nd Friday, January 22, Online registration for returning players only. (Certain restrictions apply) Session 2: Saturday, January 23 rd, 2016, Fire Station #19, 9:00am 1:00pm Session 3: Sunday, January 24, 2016, Online registration will continue through January 31, a LATE fee will be added to each player.

6 Sponsorships: Please see Alex Sapp, the league s Advancement Director at registration or contact him through the league website () for our sponsorship possibilities this season. $20 LATE REGISTRATION FEE APPLIES AFTER JANUARY 24, 2016 Birth Certificates: If you are a returning player from last spring a birth certificate is not required. If you are new or have been absent more than one season from the league you must bring your child's birth certificate to registration to verify age. Late Registration: Anyone who registers late after walk in registration (January 23rd) --will be charged a $20 late fee and will be placed on a waiting list if applicable. Player evaluations: All players (except returning 12 year-olds and 14 year olds who were Majors Red Division players and Juniors Division players, respectively last year) ages 9-14 must attend an evaluation session and will be drafted to a team. Evaluation dates and times will be given at registration. Team placement is determined by the draft, not personal requests. We do not guarantee a makeup evaluation session; be sure that you attend at your scheduled time. Refunds: No refunds will be given after January 31, Evaluations dates and times (for all who register online, a confirmation with a link to Sign up Genius, will be sent after payment is completed: February 6, 2016, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm for 9-10s (appointment given at registration) February 7, 2016, 8:00 am - 10:30 am for 13-14s (appointment given at registration) February 13, 2016, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm for 11-12s (appointment given at registration) 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm for Make-ups ( appointment given at registration) Location: The Arena, 4003 N. Weber St. Colorado Springs, CO, Late registration evaluations: February 16, 2016, 4:00-5:30 pm for late registrations ( will follow to the Sign up Genius site) Manager selection: February 16, 2016, location TBD (date is subject to change) Manager training: Monthly meetings are in the works. More details to follow soon. (this training is MANDATORY for all selected managers and their staff)

7 Draft: (For named Coaches Only) Minors Red: February 22 nd, 2016, 6:00 pm 9:00 pm, CSFD Station 19, 2490 Research Parkway Minors Blue: February 23 rd, 2016, 6:00 pm 9:00 pm, CSFD Station 19, 2490 Research Parkway Majors Red: February 24 th, 2016, 6:00 pm 8:00 pm, CSFD Station 20, 6755 Rangewood Dr. Juniors: February 24 th, 2015, 8:00 pm- 9:00 pm, CSFD Station 20, 6755 Rangewood Dr. Majors Blue: February 25 th, 2016, 6:00 pm 9:00 pm, CSFD Station 20, 6755 Rangewood Dr. *** Location subject to change Team parent meeting: All divisions: during the week of March 7, Details will follow ***This meeting is for those individuals who have volunteered to assist your team s manager as the team parent*** Equipment / Schedules / Uniform: Team equipment will be provided to managers at their respective draft; Schedules will be posted on the ALL website and provided to your team s manager A.S.A.P.; Your team s manager will be notified when and where uniforms may be picked up. Pictures: TBD Opening Day: April 9, 2016, at Sky Sox Stadium (Security Field), 9 am. Please arrive at 8:15 am. Time is subject to change. Tournament: Academy Little League will have an end of the season tournament for all age divisions, except T- ball and Rookies age groups. For all Red division teams this will take place on Memorial Day weekend; for all others this tournament will be May 31 - June 11. If your player s team plays in the Memorial Day tournament, there will be an additional entry fee per team. Updates/Changes/Cancellations: All season information, updates, and cancellations will be posted on the ALL web site To register online go to: $20 LATE FEE FOR ALL REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED AFTER JANUARY 23, 2015 NO REFUNDS will be given after January 31st, 2016

8 REGISTRATION FORM AND EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION PLAYER: Name: Date of Birth: _ Sex: Address: League Division & Age City: State: Zip: Address Changes Y N CLOSEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO RESIDENCE (T-ball/Rookies only) _ PARENTS: Mothers Name: Home Phone: ( ) Address: Work Phone: ( ) Cell: ( ) City: State: Zip: * Fathers Name: Home Phone: ( ) Address: Work Phone: ( ) Cell: ( ) City: State: Zip: * AUTHORIZATION I represent that I am the parent or legal guardian of the above named player. I hereby give my approval to participate in any and all Little League activities, including transportation to and from the activity. I know that participation in baseball may result in injuries and protective equipment does not prevent all injuries to participants. I release and hold harmless the teams, coaches, officials, players, sponsors, organizers, Academy Little League from all liability or responsibility for any claim, damage, or legal action on behalf of the participant or the participants heirs, or personal representatives, arising from any injury the participant may sustain, except to the extent and in the amount covered by accident or liability insurance. I certify the above named participant does not have any medical or physical problems which are not disclosed here. I give my consent for emergency medical care necessary to preserve life, limb, or well-being of my dependent. I agree to return, upon request, the uniform and any other equipment issued to myself or the above named participant in as good a condition as when received except for normal wear and tear. I will furnish a certified birth certificate for the above named participant to League officials. I have read the above statement and freely execute this document. A photocopy of this document may be treated as equal. Signature: Date: * required for contact purposes LEAGUE USE ONLY LEAGUE AGE DIVISION BIRTH CERT. VERIFIED AMT. PAID CASH CHECK CK.# DATE REC.#

9 CODE OF CONDUCT This document outlines Academy Little League s Code of Conduct for Managers, Coaches, Players and Parents. It is provided to ensure all participants understand and practice principles of behavior that support the purpose of Little League baseball as identified by Headquarters National Little League Baseball, Williamsport, Pennsylvania: Little League is a program of service to youth. It is geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity and training under good leadership in the atmosphere of wholesome community participation. The movement is dedicated to helping children become good and decent citizens. It strives to inspire them with a goal and to enrich their lives towards the day when they must take their places in the world. It establishes the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. In light of this, the following Code of Conduct is designed to instill and maintain the highest level of sportsmanship, integrity, fairness and professionalism in the Academy Little League program. All participants (Managers, Coaches, Parents and Players) accept responsibility for adhering to the Code of Conduct upon registration into Academy Little League. Violations should be reported to the Academy Little League Board for resolution: Manager/Coach: Present an image of professionalism and competency, to include dress and appearance. Present exemplary behavior during all Little League and/or related activities. Demonstrate enthusiasm, honesty and respect for the game which necessarily includes fair play. Comply with established game, League and National Little League rules. Display and encourage sportsmanship; encourage the same by players and fans. Place the emotional and physical well-being of players at the top of your priorities (to include a safe playing environment). Will not use tobacco, drugs or alcohol while involved in/around Little League and/or related activities. Player: Present exemplary behavior during all Little League and/or related activities. Display and encourage sportsmanship at all times. Demonstrate respect to Managers, Coaches, Umpires and other players. Will not use tobacco, drugs or alcohol while involved in/around Little League and/or related activities. Parents: Present exemplary behavior during all Little League and/or related activities, remembering that all Managers, Coaches and Board Members are volunteers. Display and encourage sportsmanship at all times. Demonstrate respect to Managers, Coaches, Umpires and players. Help maintain a clean and safe playing environment. Will not use tobacco, drugs or alcohol while involved in/around Little League and/or related activities. I have read the Code of Conduct and accept the same as my responsibility upon acceptance of this registration by Academy Little League. Parent(s) Signature: Date: Player Signature: Date:

10 REGISTRATION CHECKLIST ***This form is not required to register your player, it is for your use only. *** This checklist will assist you with bringing the required forms to registration. Bring the following items with you to registration: Completed Registration/ Emergency Authorization Form for EVERY player Signed Code of Conduct form for EVERY PLAYER Birth Certificate (if required or new members) Proof of address (utility bill, phone bill, vehicle registration, etc., if required) Any necessary Waivers needed to complete registration Registration Fee: (cash or check only) 12 Year old wavier (ALL 12 year olds MUST complete this waiver Volunteer paperwork completed online $20 late fee for all registration applications received after January 23, 2016 NO REFUNDS will be given after January 31, 2016.

11 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Academy Little League relies on volunteers to ensure the success of our program. Please sign up and assist where you feel your particular talents or expertise can best be utilized. Check the position(s) you would like to volunteer for: MANAGER (Head Coach) Age group (circle one) COACH (Assistant Coach) Age group (circle one) UMPIRE BOARD MEMBER (Position of Interest: ) NOTE: Acceptance into above positions requires a vote by the Academy Little League Board and a background check (for these positions please fill out the Volunteer Application found on the website under the tab About ALL, then How You Can Help ). PLEASE COMPLETE THIS ONLINE WHEN YOU REGISTER or PRE-REGISTER YOUR CHILD. This will help to speed up the turnaround time. NOTE: FOR MANAGERS/COACHES - PLEASE FILL OUT THE VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FOUND ON THE WEBSITE EVEN IF YOU MANAGED/COACHED WITH US IN PREVIOUS YEARS. THIS FORM IS AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE VOLUNTEER TABLE AT REGISTRATION. DON T FORGET TO EITHER BRING A GOV T ISSUED ID CARD, OR A LEGIBLE COPY OF ONE. YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED TO MANAGE/COACH UNLESS YOU COMPLETE THIS FORM. PUT AN L TO LEAD OR AN H IF YOU WANT TO HELP: FIELD MAINTENANCE UNIFORMS/EQUIP CONCESSION STAND OPENING CEREMONIES FUNDRAISING SPONSOR COMMITTEE END OF SEASON TOURNAMENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION COMMITTEE MEMORIAL TOURNEY RULES COMMITTEE GRANT WRITER PLAYER EVALUATOR OTHER PLEASE FILL OUT BELOW COMPLETELY AND LEGIBLY AND TURN IN TO VOLUNTEER TABLE Name: Best contact phone: ( ) Alternate Phone: ( )

12 ALL-STAR PROGRAM Introduction The intent of Academy Little League is to field the best, most competitive combination of players and staff to represent the League. We participate in the Colorado District 5 All-Star Tournaments (9-10, 11, and 11-12) following the end of regular season play. Each age group fields one team, each composed of a maximum of 14 players. Official dates for the 2016 All-Star Tournaments are not yet published/confirmed; however, we expect All three divisions have the opportunity to advance to the State Tournaments. The 11/12 year old division has the opportunity to advance past State to Regionals, held in Waco, Texas and ultimately, the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Player selection All-Star participants (must first be nominated by regular-season teammates to attend evaluations) will be selected based upon the following criteria: a) Players demonstrated attitude, commitment, and sportsmanship. b) Players demonstrated on-field performance. c) Team manager (regular season) recommendation. d) Availability throughout the entire All-Star tournament schedule, including all practices. e) Performance at All-Star evaluations (to be held mid-june, 2016). Final player selections will be made by the All-Star manager and coaches based on the above listed criteria. All- Star practices begin on/about June 15 and are typically conducted 5-6 days a week until the District Tournaments begin in early July. Manager / Coach selection: The All-Star manager for each division is selected by the Board of Directors near the conclusion of the regular season. The manager selects one or two assistant coaches who must also be approved by the Board of Directors. NOTE: In the past there have been questions regarding fielding separate (from the All-Stars) tournament teams. The ALL Board wants everyone to understand these teams (if formed) have nothing to do with ALL; they may be formed, organized, coached, and funded by anyone wanting to do so, with players from any (or a mix of) organizations. Our league insurance, equipment, policies, etc. does not cover/support these separate tournament teams. Consistent with the league s goal of fielding the best, most competitive combination of players and staff to represent the League, ALL does not support players selected as ALL All-Stars to participate on tournament teams ON/AFTER the date that All-Star selections are made (approximately June 15, 2016). The Board does, however, clearly recognize the potential benefit of improving individual skill levels of ALL players who choose to play on tournament teams throughout the regular season. However, as stated previously, the Board encourages attendance at all league games/practices for ALL players, and fully supports ALL regular season coaches in their decisions to determine playing time based on games/practices attended.